Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will come to the Senator. He was mentioned in dispatches all along.

Senator Moran outlined research done by Dundalk Institute of Technology on active and ageing practices. All involved are to be congratulated.

Senator Quinn referred to VAT on defibrillators, a point I will make to the Minister for Finance. Some six or seven hours have been allocated to Committee Stage of the Seanad Bill. We should be able to complete Committee Stage within that time, which is much more than the 40 minutes allocated in the other House. We will see how we get on with the debate. We will have another bite of the cherry on Report Stage.

I acknowledge that JobsPlus was part of a suggestion which Senator Kelly made in the House. It is one of the many good ideas which have come from the House and have been introduced by the Government.

Senator Mullen contrasted the work of Exit International and the hospice movement. The question of hospice care was raised by Senator Crown who referred to a lack of beds. The Government is addressing the needs of the hospice movement. I suggest he reads the reply given by the Minister to Senator Burke's Adjournment matter last week. He asked about hospice beds and care in the country and received a comprehensive reply.

Senator Brennan referred to the success of the short stay visa waiver programme. The initiative has proved to be quite successful and I am sure it will continue.

Senator Walsh referred to ethics in corporate governance and the statement by the Chief Justice. The corrupt practices by directors of any company should be condemned. We will have a further debate on the question of ethics in corporate governance over the coming weeks.

Senator Crown referred to hospice beds, which I have addressed, and the pressures from the tobacco industry. We all know how powerful it is. The pressure it exerts on Members of the European Parliament was outlined by MEPs. I do not know whether we can legally introduce the measures mentioned by Senator Crown.

It should certainly be investigated.

Senator Healy Eames spoke of tolerance, respect and dignity, which is what we expect from all debates in the House, and I hope that will continue up to the summer recess and way beyond it when we speak on legislation or any other matter. She also mentioned resources for children with Down's syndrome and I will certainly bring that matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn.