Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator MacSharry raised the question of the respite grant and mobility allowance. As Senator Cullinane stated, we had a very comprehensive debate on the respite grant after last year's budget process, so I do not wish to get into it again. I note his points on the bank loans and perhaps the Senator could submit an Adjournment motion on that issue and get the relevant answers from the Minister.

Senators Bacik, Hayden and Keane raised the issue of domestic violence and the need to ratify the convention on violence against women. I will bring that to the attention of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Deputy Shatter. Senator Bacik and others called for a debate on both the report of the Law Reform Commission and prisons.

Senators Mullen, Walsh, Ó Domhnaill and others raised the protection of life during pregnancy Bill, which will be coming into the House next month. I have assured the House that ample and sufficient time will be afforded for all Members to take part in that debate.

Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of the new school building fund, and it is to be welcomed by everybody to see so many new schools commencing. Also to be welcomed is the replacement of prefabs, which is long overdue. The amount of money wasted over the decades on prefabs was a disgrace and it is good to see that being tackled. On remedial works, there is a scheme in place for schools to apply for small work schemes, and I suggest Senator Colm Burke contact the school he mentioned to apply under that scheme. We will have a debate with the Minister in the House tomorrow on the hospital groupings and the maternity hospitals.

Senator White raised the issue of carers' week. We all acknowledge the great work done by carers. Senators White and Leyden raised the issue of the appointment of a former civil servant. There were some probably ageist comments from Senator Leyden on the matter. The salary for the person appointed is €172,000, but all his pensions from the public service are frozen and he will not be receiving any of those pensions while in that position. The man is as qualified as, if not better qualified than, any other person in the country to take that job.

Senator Landy raised the review of the voluntary code of regulation in housing. We will have the Housing (Amendment) Bill coming into the House in the next week or two and that should be the time for Senator Landy to raise that point with the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. It is a very relevant point.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of the G8 summit.

Whatever about ordering the business of this House I have no input into ordering the business of the G8 summit, therefore I cannot organise that for Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh.

Senator Martin Conway welcomed United Airlines five additional flights from Shannon to Chicago which should boost tourism in that area. Senator Sean D. Barrett raised the issue of teachers not being trained properly especially in the area of science and mathematics. This is a very serious matter that will have to be addressed. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills who, I am sure, is well aware of it and will take action in that regard.

Senator Catherine Noone raised the matter of reducing the cost of business. We had a debate on that matter previously but I have invited the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, to come to the House for a debate on the overall issue in the near future.

Senator Jim Walsh raised the matter of the Public Accounts Committee. As the Cathaoirleach has mentioned, that is a Dáil committee so I have no intention of commenting on it in this House.

Senator Pat O'Neill called for a debate on the Law Reform Commission report on sentencing. I will endeavour to arrange that debate with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill raised the issue of wind turbines. We have had many debates on the issue. As Senator Cáit Keane has mentioned, a European conference is taking place in Ireland on 21 June and I hope Members who are interested in that subject will attend and give their views on the matter.

Senator Terry Brennan raised a matter we dealt with yesterday when he welcomed the G8 summit to Fermanagh. It is a showpiece for our country and it presents a great opportunity to promote the tourism product, not alone for that area but the whole country.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson raised the matter of the education and training boards. A smooth process to enable them start up in September is what we all want and I am sure the Minister will ensure that happens. The Senator also called for a debate on youth services.

Senator Paul Coghlan welcomed the announcement of the building of a new facility in respect of the hospital in Kenmare. He acknowledged the contribution of Mr. Michael Connor-Scarteen and his son on behalf of the people of Kenmare.

Senator Fiach Mac Conghail called for a debate on the future of broadcasting. I will invite the Minister to come to the House for a debate on that issue.

Senator David Cullinane called for a progress report on the national carers' strategy. I agree we should have such a debate and I will try to arrange for it with the relevant Minister.

Senator John Kelly raised the matter of the European conference on wind energy and the examination papers, an issue to which I responded comprehensively on the Order of Business yesterday.

Senator Katherine Zappone raised the issue of the social welfare appeals system. I acknowledge there is great pressure on the appeals system. The delays experienced by applicants are unacceptable. In some cases people are waiting up to a year. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister to see whether we can have a debate on that issue again.