Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have addressed that matter as best I can. Hopefully when the economy improves sufficiently more resources can be given to that area and also several other areas. Members have asked questions about a myriad of other areas. We simply do not have the money to fund everything that everybody wants. The hand is out from many areas with genuine needs but we are unable to provide the money we would like to provide. This Government is acting in a fair manner and doing the best it can in order to manage this country, a country which was bankrupt and was managed very poorly over a long number of years.

Senator Landy and other Senators asked about Coillte. The Government has decided that now is not the appropriate time to proceed with the sale of Coillte harvesting rights. The current focus must be on the restructuring of Coillte overseen by NewERA and the relevant stakeholder Departments. It was also decided that a robust analysis be carried out to evaluate how to give effect to the beneficial merger of Coillte with Bord na Móna to create a streamlined and refocused commercial State company operating in the bio-energy and forestry sectors as committed to in the programme for Government. It was further decided that the Government will consider all options to maximise the value from Coillte when the restructuring is complete in 18 months' time. This decision has been welcomed by all Members present. I am sure the restructuring will result in a better and stronger Coillte and Bord na Móna and possibly an amalgamation of both.

Senator Barrett spoke about the proposed restrictions on the information provided on infant formula milk tins. It is a ludicrous situation and like Senator Barrett, I would be worried whether it is a result of the Irish success in providing one third of the world's infant milk formula that these restrictions are being imposed. We should liaise with our MEPs and the Ministers on this very important matter for the Irish economy. I note the Senator's comments and those of Senator Coghlan about the pension reserve fund. I am sure those recommendations and suggestions will be taken up by the Government.

Senator Mooney asked for a debate on the joint committee report on the sponsorship of alcohol. I understand it will be a number of weeks before that report will be published and we will have a debate on that matter at that time.

Senator Kelly and Senator Landy asked about school transport. I will raise the matter with the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon. I suggest this topic could be addressed as an Adjournment matter next week for further clarification.

I agree with Senator Kelly and I have mentioned it before that there is an independent appeals process in the Department of Social Protection. It is not acceptable for anyone to have to wait over a year for a decision on a disability benefit and other benefits. One could blame civil and public servants for delays in the past but there is now an independent appeals process which obviously needs a bit of a shake-up in order to ensure appeals are decided more speedily. The Minister for Social Protection was in the House yesterday and I hope those points were raised with her. She will be in the House next week. There is ample opportunity for Members to make those points to Ministers when they are in the House.

Senators O'Brien and Quinn asked about the Public Health (Availability of Defibrillators) Bill. I compliment Senator Quinn on bringing forward this Private Members' Bill. It has been accepted by the Government. It is an example of how this House can operate meaningfully. I presume the Bill will proceed to Committee Stage when the Minister can deal with amendments.

I note the points raised by Senator Healy Eames about tracker mortgages. Senator Mullen raised the same question. The Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill will be in the House today. I urge Members to make their points during the discussion of the Bill this afternoon.

Senator Crown raised the matter of the for-profit private health insurance companies. He has raised the matter with the Minister. I agree with him with regard to the number of obstetricians. I believe quite a number of positions have been advertised and it is hoped these will be filled before the end of this year.

Senator Noone referred to the European People's Party conference which will have more than 2,000 delegates in attendance and will be held next year in Dublin. It will certainly be a boost for tourism. I am sure any such conference will be welcomed by all Members. As soon as the alcohol strategy is decided, the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, has agreed to come to the House for a debate.

Senator Cullinane raised the matter of the Waterford Crystal workers and the EU Court of Justice ruling. This matter has been discussed previously on the Order of Business. Compensation will have to be given to the workers as a result of that ruling. I hope this will be done as soon as possible. I regret the Ministers could not agree to a meeting without prejudice with the representatives of the workers. The amount of compensation will be decided by the High Court. I hope payment will be expedited. These workers were treated very shabbily in the matter of their pensions. They had worked for 30 and 40 years and more in the company and they were left with little or nothing. The sooner the situation can be rectified the better. I urge the Ministers to liaise with the representatives, irrespective of what will be decided in the High Court.

Senator Brennan outlined the 22 energy-efficient projects which were announced by the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, yesterday. He also outlined the savings that could accrue from the use of such energy-efficient programmes. We will try to arrange a debate with the Minister on that matter.

Senator White and Senator Landy spoke about the Alzheimer's society. We all recognise the excellent work of the society nationwide. They asked for a national strategy which I agree is necessary.

I am sure the Minister will act on that as a matter or urgency. I wish Senator White well in her request for a nomination to contest the next general election.