Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It says little for the Senator's research in that regard. On the matter on which he called for a debate, the Minister for Finance dealt comprehensively with it in the debate on the Adjournment matter tabled by Senator Lorraine Higgins last week or the week before.

On the matters raised by Senator John Kelly, I refer him to my earlier reply to Senator John Crown, namely, that private health insurance issues should be addressed during the Second Stage debate on the Health (Amendment) Bill 2013. I hope the Senator and others who have raised the issue will contribute to that debate later today. I look forward to hearing their contributions.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh referred to SUSI and the appeals system. I agree that there have been difficulties in this area and that given all student grant applications have now been processed, appeals should at this stage be being dealt with in less than 30 days. There should be no further delays in that regard. I also agree with the Senator that unemployed teachers should be given first preference in filling supervisory posts for examinations. I will ask the Minister for Education and Skills to come to the House to address these issues.

Senator Deirdre Clune spoke about the agreement to commence the EU-US trade talks, an important issue that is being driven by the Irish Presidency. One of the aims of the Irish Presidency was to get the talks going. Senator Sean D. Barrett has referred on a number of occasions in the House to the benefits that will accrue to Ireland and Europe should agreement be reached.

Senator Deirdre Clune also referred to the Pensions Board report. I will raise with the Minister for Social Protection the possibility of her coming to the House for a debate on the subject.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan lauded job creation at Foynes, which is to be welcomed. I will make inquiries about the LNG terminal and the prospect of further jobs being created in that regard. I understand the Minister is addressing a major European conference on oil and gas exploration today. I will request that he to come to the House to update us on the matter. Alternatively, the Senator can table the matter for discussion on the Adjournment.

I join Senator Marie Moloney in expressing the sympathy of the House following the brutal murder of a mother and her daughter in County Kerry on a recent date. It was a dreadful tragedy.

On teacher training and the teaching of science, the Senator hit the nail on the head. The Minister for Education and Skills will be in the House on Thursday to deal with the Further Education and Training Bill 2013, at which time the Senator can reiterate the points made by her this afternoon.

Senator Sean D. Barrett spoke about the reports on the issues of tax transparency and base erosion.

Again, we will try to get the Minister for Finance into the House to debate this issue. It is an issue which Senator Barrett has raised before and we have had other Ministers to the House to discuss it. I am sure the Minister will be quite willing to debate the matter again.

Senator Comiskey asked about the feasibility study for the opening of the old Leitrim railway line while Senator Conway inquired about the re-opening of the old west Clare railway. Should these go ahead, they would be of tremendous benefit to tourism in the areas. We are overdue a debate on tourism in the House. The Minister has indicated he is willing to come to the House for such a debate, as soon as he has a spot in his diary.

Senator White raised the abolition of town councils. This matter will be dealt with when the relevant legislation is brought to the House.

Senator Burke praised the creation of 200 extra jobs in Cork by EMC and outlined the need for connections between industry and education facilities. The director of innovation in Enterprise Ireland recently addressed this matter when he raised the question of linkage between Waterford Institute of Technology and local industries with graduates setting up spin-off companies as well. I concur with Senator Burke that there is a need for a greater connection between industry and educational facilities, particularly institutes of technology.

Senator Burke also pointed out that €176 million has been spent on agency staff in the health service and the importance of the Haddington Road agreement in that context.

Regarding Senator Mullen’s concerns about the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill, I have outlined on several occasions that we will have ample time to debate the Bill in this House. I understand it will be introduced here in early July. I am sure we will have a reasonable and dignified debate on this matter at the time.

Senator Noone raised the importance of reading the small print when it comes to private health insurance. Again, this matter can be addressed when we are debating the Health (Amendment) Bill 2013.

Local authority rate valuations caused consternation for small retailers in Waterford city and county when the new rates came out. It is of paramount importance that retailers have an opportunity to appeal a valuation. There are quite a number of information meetings going on in Waterford this week on the subject. It has caused shock to a number of small retailers, in particular. Second Stage of the Valuation Bill was taken in the House some months ago but Committee Stage will not be taken until after the summer recess.

I agree with Senator Noone on the below-cost selling of alcohol. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, has promised to discuss the alcohol strategy in the House after it is launched in the coming weeks.

Senator O’Keeffe welcomed the US First Lady, Ms Obama, and the US President, Mr. Obama, to the country. Of course, she never misses the opportunity of mentioning former Senator, William Butler Yeats, by raising Yeats Day last week. I noted her points about its links with Japan. Cultural tourism is very important for the country also.

Senator Mullins joined Senator Darragh O'Brien in calling for a debate on Syria. I also note the points he made about the difficulties with private insurance.

I think Senator Paul Coghlan clarified the situation regarding NAMA. I will not comment further on it as it would be inadvisable for me to get involved in an argument between Senator Coghlan and his colleague from County Kerry.

I believe the matter of a free vote, which was raised by Senator Healy Eames, will be discussed at her party's parliamentary party meeting tomorrow. She will have ample time to discuss it at that forum.