Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sorry. If it is not the responsibility of the Minister, there is very little that can be done about it. I was not aware of that.

Senator Hayden, Senator Harte and others raised the undocumented Irish in the United States. It is an indication of the importance of the issue that the Tánaiste is going to the United States to talk with people in the Republican Party, and others, to push for a solution to the problem of the undocumented Irish. All of us wish him well in his endeavours in the United States on that matter.

Senator Hayden also called for a debate on the Health Service Executive crèche inspection reports. I am sure that would come into the debate on the Sixth Report of the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection called for by Senator van Turnhout. We will certainly raise that matter with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald. It is hoped that we can have a debate on that in early course, if possible before the summer recess.

Senator Norris raised the matter of the Constitutional Convention. We will ask the chairman to come into the House and give us a progress report on that matter if he sees fit to do so.

Senator Burke raised a question he has raised on numerous occasions, namely, junior doctors. I am sure he will repeat those points in the health committee when it is reconvened and I would hope a detailed response will be given to the Senator at that meeting.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the question of sovereign debt. In that regard I have the utmost confidence in the Minister, Deputy Noonan, in securing another significant deal in the coming months.

The matter of discretionary medical cards for cancer patients, which has been reported in the newspapers, was raised by a number of Senators. To withdraw discretionary medical cards would be a dreadful step, especially as over 2.1 million people, or 48% of the population, will have a medical card by the end of 2013.

Senator O'Keeffe called for an update on the Grid West project and a progress report on the broadband plan. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, to come into the House after the recess to give us an update on that.

Senator Walsh raised job creation measures. There is much more work to be done in that regard but people might consider that 2,000 jobs per month are being generated. It is a success story, especially as we lost 250,000 jobs in the private sector in the three years prior to this Government taking office. It has started. It is beginning to turn, and let us hope that progress will continue into the future.

Senator Whelan welcomed the Minister for Justice and Equality's announcement of his intention to appoint an independent charities regulator, pointing out that on several occasions in this House Members sought the Minister to appoint such a charities regulator. The House can take a bow in that regard.

Senator Crown raised the question of discretionary medical cards but he also raised the conduct of individual Members' in the House. The majority of Members conduct themselves in an exemplary manner in the House and the Cathaoirleach and the Leas-Chathaoirleach ensure that the decorum in this House is upheld at all times.

On the issue raised by Senator Quinn, we send our condolences to the families of the two people who died by drowning recently. The question of water safety and the need for caution in that regard was raised by the Leas-Chathaoirleach only yesterday. I note Senator Mooney's comments about Irish Water Safety and the excellent work it does throughout the length and breadth of the country in having swimming lessons and so on at this time of the year. It is to be complimented in that regard.

I note also Senator Quinn's point regarding transition year students. Senator Quinn has come up with so many good suggestions we might get him to set the curriculum for transition year.

Senator Mullins called for a progress report on Leader funding. We will ask the Minister, Deputy Hogan, to come into the House in that regard. Regarding moneys not being used, the Minister has diverted funds from Leader areas that have not spent the money allocated to them to people who have passed projects, and he is to be complimented in that regard. I will ask for an update from the Minister.

Senator Daly called for a debate on SI 325. That could be raised on the Adjournment when the Minister can come into the House to respond. The leader of the Opposition raised a question about the ambulance service yesterday in Senator Daly's absence, which was addressed. Postal codes probably will help in regard to the problem of ambulances and other emergency services going to the wrong address. I hope that will be one of the major benefits of the introduction of postal codes.