Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Barrett referred to the utilisation of disused railway lines as walkways. He also referred to the legislation introduced by the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd, in the Lower House. Establishing walkways is a wonderful way to utilise disused railway lines. They are not only being used as walkways. In my constituency, for example, the Waterford and Suir Valley Railway - on which steam trains run - has been mentioned in many tourism documentaries on the BBC and other television stations. The railway lines in question should be utilised for the benefit of the public. I note Senator Brennan's comments regarding the fact that in conjunction with the Cooley-Omeath waterway, a walkway is being put in place between Carlingford and Omeath. The Senator highlighted the co-operation of the nearby landowners, which is extremely important in the context of the develop of walkways throughout the country.

Senators Conway and O'Sullivan referred to the teaching of history. I listened to some of the debate which took place at yesterday's meeting of the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection. The history teachers present made some excellent presentations on the matter. It would be regrettable if the teaching of history were to decline in any way. If necessary, we will try to facilitate a debate on the matter in this House. First, however, we will wait to see what progress is made on foot of yesterday's submissions from those who teach history and who put forward an excellent case at the joint committee's meeting.

The Construction Contracts Bill at last passed Committee State in the Lower House yesterday evening. I assure Senator Quinn that as soon as Report Stage is completed, we will be facilitating the passage of the Bill through this House.

In note the points made by Senator Quinn in respect of penalty points for foreign drivers and those from north of the Border. I will communicate his views to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Senator Mooney referred to the maintenance of roads. That matter was the subject of discussion at yesterday's meeting of the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications. I heard part of that discussion. Significant additional funding has been provided in recent weeks. Regardless of the amount of funding provided, there will always be a demand for more. However, I take on board the Senator's point regarding the need to maintain our roads, particular secondary routes.

Senator Michael D'Arcy referred to sharp practice on the part of the banks in the context of their not meeting their responsibilities. I suggest that the Senator make those points to the Minister next week in the context of the debate on the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill.

Senator MacSharry referred to the Haddington Road agreement. We engaged in a detailed debate on that matter not so long ago. However, I share the Senator's concern with regard to the extravagant salaries of certain senior staff in the HSE.

Senator Mullins raised issue of the respite grant, which we debated comprehensively last year with regard to the budget. I note also his points regarding the mobility allowance and the motorised transport schemes. The debate on Second Stage of the Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will be taken in the House this afternoon and that might be an opportunity for the Senator to discuss those items.

Senator Crown raised the 50th anniversary of the visit of President Kennedy to the country. There are many celebrations planned next week for Wexford, New Ross and Dunganstown in which I am sure many people will want to share. The Senator also noted the 53rd anniversary of the speech the then Senator Kennedy made to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association.

I note the Senator's points on the boycott of the Taoiseach by the Cardinal in Boston and some other groups, which was regrettable. Donations to Members of this House and others is a matter for the Standards in Public Office Commission, which I am sure will be investigated if any problems arise in that regard, but I thank Senator Crown for his comments on that matter.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the question of recent racist attacks in social media in particular. I agree that they must be condemned. It is a very serious matter which the Minister for Justice and Equality has already condemned. If necessary we can have a debate in the House. We will see if the Minister can be made available to attend the House. The State cannot tolerate such racist attacks, be they on social media or whatever media.

I note Senator O'Sullivan's points on the Bill that will come before the House in July. I hope that we will have a respectful debate and that people will respect each other's opinions. Senators on all sides of the House have very different opinions on this issue but I hope we will have a dignified and respectful debate when that Bill comes before the House.