Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also wish to express my sincere sympathy to the mother, Margaret, brothers and sisters and immediate families of Paul, Kenny and Shane Bolger on this extremely tragic occasion. Passage East, Cheekpoint and Dunmore East are closely-knit fishing communities. There is no doubt that what happened has caused great shock and sadness in those villages and among fishing families nationally. On behalf of the House, I express our deep condolences to all involved on their terrible loss.

Senators O'Donovan and Cullinane raised the issue of the fishing industry. I will certainly seek to discover what is the up-to-date position in respect of the personal and vessel location beacons to which Senator Cullinane referred. In the context of the points raised by Senator O'Donovan, a number of weeks ago I indicated that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, will be coming before the House in July to engage in a debate on the fishing industry. That debate, which has been planned for a number of weeks, will certainly proceed.

Senator Darragh O'Brien made a very constructive suggestion with regard to the number of schemes relating to debt forgiveness, etc., of which people may now avail. He also referred to the recent pilot scheme launched by the Central Bank. I will certainly investigate the possibility of proceeding in the way the Senator suggested. The House is due to deal with the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill next week, which will afford Senators the opportunity to express and expound upon their opinions on the pilot scheme. If the matter is not covered sufficiently during that debate, then I will certainly try to facilitate the worthy suggestion made by Deputy Darragh O'Brien.

Senators Bacik and MacSharry welcomed the fact that Yeats Day is being held in Sligo today. The purpose of the day is to celebrate the life and work of the late Senator W. B. Yeats. I am sure the celebration of that great man will constitute a wonderful occasion.

Senator Bacik and others alluded to the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill. Senator Healy Eames inquired as to when the Bill will be brought before the House. I understand that this will possibly happen in the second week in July. It will definitely be here as soon as the Lower House has concluded its deliberations on it. I note Senator Bacik's request but following the debate on the Bill, it will be some time before we debate the subject again in the House.