Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We might consider that at the next committee meeting on the public consultation schedule.

The Betting (Amendment) Bill is on the A list and will be republished this term. As I explained previously, it was published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine last year but has since been moved to the Department of Finance with the original Department's input.

Senators Bacik, Hayden, O'Keeffe and others referred to the gruesome and brutal murder witnessed by many people in Woolwich. I will express the House's sympathies to all concerned.

Senators Bacik and Brennan complimented everyone involved in the Croke Park II negotiations at the Labour Relations Commission, LRC. We should join in complimenting those involved. I hope for a good conclusion in early course.

Senators Barrett and Michael D'Arcy complimented Ms Talbot, the new CEO of Glanbia. I will express our good wishes to her.

Senators Sheahan and Mullins discussed pre-budget submissions. We will arrange a debate on the matter. Senator Sheahan referred to the provision of grant aid for refitting derelict houses. He suggested that the work would pay for itself. This idea is worth considering. I hope that the Minister will attend the House to listen to Senators' suggestions for the budget.

Senator Daly called for the Tánaiste to update the House on the issue of the undocumented Irish. I will seek to arrange an update on that issue.

Senators Landy, Kelly, Whelan, Ó Domhnaill and others raised the issue of home help services.

Our aim should be that our elderly people can live in confidence, security and dignity. Home help services provide that in a cost-effective way and prevent elderly people from having to go into nursing homes. There seems to be a difference of opinion as to what moneys were allocated and what was spent on additional hours. I will try to find out the up-to-date position from the Minister. I understand from Senator Landy that a number of Members in the other House have tabled questions but there has been a variance in the answers that issued. I will try to discover what the situation is and will report back to the House.

Senator Norris referred to the human trafficking Bill, and I have no problem with the point he made. Committee and Remaining Stages of the Bill remain and only six amendments are tabled. I am willing to leave it at that and not schedule Report Stage, if that is the wish of the House, and will amend the Order of Business in that regard. The reason I had tabled Report Stage was that so few amendments were scheduled but now we will only take Committee Stage.

I also note the Senator's points on human rights and the violation of those rights in many areas, such as the killing of people in drone attacks. That is another item to consider. A number of Senators have asked for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to attend the House. Perhaps we can have an overall debate on foreign affairs and human rights with him. Senator Mullins mentioned Syria, an issue that needs to be debated in the House.

Senator Noone raised the issue of obesity and I note her points. A healthy living report was published only some weeks ago and the Seanad also had its own public consultation report. The House could debate both reports when the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, is willing to attend. I will endeavour to arrange that.

Senator Cullinane mentioned Apple and the taxation issue. I explained the situation yesterday. In respect of the testimony given by Apple executives to the US Senate committee, the Taoiseach is on record as stating:

I disagree with the comment made in the US Senate yesterday. Ireland's Corporate Tax rate is 12.5%. It has been that way for a period. The World Bank sets its effective rate at 11.8% and that applies across the spectrum. There are no differences in any areas or sector for Ireland. We do not do special deals in regard to that Corporate Tax Rate.

I am prepared to accept the full bona fides of the Taoiseach in his statement on that matter.

Senator D'Arcy also raised the issue of tax avoidance. The best way to combat such tax arrangements and avoidances is for countries to work together at EU and OECD level to implement international rules in this regard. Ireland fully supports such efforts and is an active participant in the OECD project on base erosion and profit shifting. The Government is fully involved in the stemming of tax avoidance in this country and in Europe and we are working with our European partners in that regard.

Senator Hayden called for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, to attend the House and clarify the issue of the alleged mistreatment of children in crèches. I will seek an update from the Minister on that matter.

Senator O'Keeffe mentioned the intermediate care vehicle strategy and I will ask about the up-to-date position in that regard. I also note the Senator's points on hospital groupings.

There was reference to the cost of drugs for young people vis-à-visthe cost for elderly people. We had a lengthy debate yesterday on the cost of drugs and we can raise this with the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, who attended and who is dealing with that matter. I will check the status of the coroners Bill for Senator Gilroy and will return to him.

Senator Quinn raised the issue of foreign affairs and trade. The Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Enterprise, Deputy Richard Bruton, has attended many trade missions even though these are not officially classified under his Department's remit. The area of trade missions is covered in many ways, however, by the Minister's Department. When the Tánaiste attends the House he can give an outline of his brief as it relates to trade.

I believe I have addressed Senator Mullins's points on Syria and pre-budget suggestions.