Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We had a debate in the House on 20 February with the Minister for State responsible, Deputy Ciarán Cannon. If necessary, we can arrange a further debate on the matter.

Senator Michael Mullins called for a debate on the situation in Syria, including human rights issues. I have asked the Tánaiste to come to the House to update us on the issue. The Senator also called on the Government to maintain the 9% VAT rate for restaurants. It has certainly been a progressive and productive tax measure and I am sure the case will be made to the Minister for Finance by many organisations before the next budget is announced in October.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh spoke about the Traveller Pride Week celebrations in Galway. Celebrations were held the length and breadth of the country. I will see whether we can organise a debate on multiculturalism, as requested by the Senator. On turf cutting, my understanding is that the law is very clear, but if it needs to be clarified, I will certainly ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs to do so. The Minister has done so much to resolve the issues involved in the past 12 months.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames also spoke about the report on the restructuring of third level education. When the report is published, we will certainly arrange a debate on it.

All I can say to Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill is that the appointment of a Minister of State is a matter for the Taoiseach.

Senator Catherine Noone asked for a debate on the report of the steering group on alcohol and the cost to the community of alcohol abuse. The Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, attended the House previously to discuss this matter. However, I will ask him to come again to discuss the report of the steering group.

Senator Paschal Mooney raised the matter of competitiveness and referred to the report on the post office network. We may be able to arrange a debate on the issue when we find a suitable Minister.