Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator asked when we are likely to take the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill. We are not quite sure what is happening in the other House. It might be finished today. While I will keep the House advised, at this point I believe we will have the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill tomorrow after the Order of Business and we will see what the position is regarding the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill. I give notice to the House that I intend sitting Monday to Friday next week because of the amount of legislation before us and the amount of time we are taking to deal with legislation, which needs proper scrutiny.

Senators Bacik and White, and others spoke about the Parental Leave Bill, on which we had a very good debate. I welcome that the Government has accepted the Bill and the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, confirmed that the Government will bring forward proposals in that regard.

Senator Barrett spoke about the appointment of Mr. Haass as US peace envoy in Northern Ireland. I note his points in that regard and also the point raised yesterday about the Narrow Water bridge the tender for which came in at twice the estimate, which is incredible. Many questions need to be asked in that regard. It is a very worthy project that has been championed by many people including Members of this House.

It is a very worthy project that has been championed by many people, including Members of this House. We would all hope that the project will be commenced but its cost will have to be considered now also.

Senator O'Neill called for a debate on sentencing, parole and bail. I believe proposals in that regard will be coming from the Minister for Justice and Equality, but we will arrange to have a debate in this House when those proposals are brought forward.

Regarding the penalties following inspections by agricultural inspectors, I will ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to come into the House to deal with that matter.

Senator O'Donovan, Senator Ó Domhnaill and others called for a debate on rural Ireland. I will ask the Minister to come into the House. The Government has acted in appointing Pat Spillane as chairman of a committee to deal with rural Ireland and we can ask for a progress report in that regard. On the withdrawal of the bus route, I suggest the most appropriate way to deal with that matter is to raise it on the Adjournment.