Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Byrne proposed an amendment to the Order of Business regarding the code of conduct on mortgage arrears. As the Deputy Leader mentioned, we will have ample time to discuss the code in the context of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill, which will be before the House this afternoon. I am sure that it will also be discussed when the Oireachtas inquiries Bill will be before the House.

Senator Bacik referred to the JobsPlus plan, which was announced in Waterford yesterday. It is an excellent plan to tackle long-term unemployment, as it cuts out the red tape and gives €10,000 to each employer who takes on for one or two years people who are on the live register. The Government is responding. Senator Wilson outlined the success of JobBridge, but also pointed out anomalies. There will be anomalies in every scheme, but JobsPlus is a result of listening to people like Senator Kelly, heeding debates such as the Seanad's on the jobs action plan and responding to the needs of employers and everyone else.

I am sure it will succeed. It has been welcomed by employers and people who are unemployed. It is certainly a new step on the road to tackling the scourge of long-term unemployment which we face.

Senator David Norris complimented Pope Francis on highlighting human rights issues and the plight of immigrants. He raised the question of the duties of ambassadors and whether they can interfere with internal politicals. He also raised the question of the Nobel Peace Prize for President Obama. I do not think a majority of Members of the House would support the Senator on that matter.

Senator Aideen Hayden praised the Ombudsman, Ms Emily O'Reilly, on her report on the plight of asylum seekers in direct provision. Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh made exactly the same point. I will try to arrange for the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, to come to the House to debate that matter when we come back in September.

Senator Denis O'Donovan raised the question of rural transport. We certainly recognise the excellent work being done in west Cork, as outlined by him. However, it is not working well in other parts of the country. The matter was also raised by Senator Marie Moloney. I will invite the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Alan Kelly, to the House to address the matter and give us an outline of his proposals but I do not think we can arrange it today.

Senator Sean Barrett spoke about the incorporation of the Orange Order march in Rossnowlagh into the Gathering and said that it could only advance the peace process, with which I am sure we would all agree. He said members of the Northern Ireland Assembly favoured the retention of the Seanad as it is a forum for Northern Ireland representatives. We will take those points on board, which I am sure will be made during the Committee Stage debate on the Bill.

Senator Marie Moloney raised the question of JobsPlus and rural transport, which I addressed. Along with Senator Mary Moran, she raised the question of symphysiotomy, which Senator Moran has raised on numerous occasions in the House. They called for the publication of the Walsh report. I will find out when that report will be published. I was told it was imminent but that was a number of weeks ago, so I will find out the exact position for the Senators.

Senator Kathryn Reilly spoke about pre-budget discussions in this House. The Minster for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, will give an outline on the budgetary process, a briefing on the budgetary proposals and will accept suggestions at the Oireachtas joint committee on Wednesday next. There will be a significant debate on that issue at the joint committee. The troika is still with us unfortunately but the Government is working full steam ahead to get back our economic sovereignty. Hopefully, in the next year or so, we will have our economic sovereignty back and we will not have to have meetings with the troika.

Senator Michael Mullins called for a debate on the jobs action plan with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, for which I will ask. He also raised the question of the safety measures outlined for the fishing industry.

I announced a number of weeks ago that the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, and the Minister, Deputy Coveney, would make a statement in that regard. The safety measures as outlined by the Ministers will be welcomed by all involved in the fishing industry. It is to be hoped it will lead to greater safety throughout the industry.

Senator Daly referred to organ transplants. I am seeking an update on that, for which Senator Quinn asked last week. I understand the contracts Bill will complete all Stages in the other House. I propose that we debate it before the summer recess. It will probably come before the House for discussion during the last week of the sitting, on 22 or 23 July.