Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mulcahy and at least ten Members commented about a press release issued by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation today in respect of the Seanad. I have not seen the press release and have not heard any comments. What I will say is that if the Minister is linking the savings to people with disabilities and saying that the savings could and should be diverted, it is despicable to link savings or bring people with disabilities into this debate in such a way. It has been spelled out by quite a number of Members during the comprehensive debates we had on Second Stage and Committee Stage. We have spent over 24 hours dealing with the Bill so far. The point was made that according to the Accounting Officer in the Houses of the Oireachtas, the cost of Senators' salaries and expenses is €8.8 million. If people want to bring in other areas of expenditure, they are quite willing to do so but it is on the record that the cost is €8.8 million. That is clear for anybody to see. If people wish to bring in other areas of expenditure such as light, heating and staff members like ushers, they are extraneous to the cost of the Seanad as far as I am concerned. There will be opportunities on Report Stage on Wednesday to make that point as it was raised with the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, when he came to the House last week.

We will have a similar occasion to deal with that matter on Report Stage on Wednesday evening.

Senator Terry Leyden is correct in saying the referendum Bill has not yet passed this House and certainly it is premature to raise the issue of appointing a director of elections. However, that is a matter for the party to appoint whom it sees fit to appoint as director of elections and when it does it.

Senators Marie Moloney and Paul Coghlan advised the House of the horrific death of Mr. James Gleeson in a dreadful accident in Killarney at the weekend. Both paid tribute to the Garda and the emergency services for their work and expressed their condolences to Mr. Gleeson's family as, I am sure, the House would wish to do also.

Senator Martin Conway raised the issue of water safety classes in schools. This is a good point which was made by Senator Feargal Quinn in the House last week.

Senator David Cullinane and Senator O'Brien mentioned newspaper headings suggesting there will be cuts to services for the disabled. This morning on "Morning Ireland", the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, outlined that this is totally incorrect, that a review is taking place, and the headline paints the wrong picture of what the Department is doing. There is a need to reassure people who are very vulnerable and under pressure that this is not what the Government intends doing. It has been spelled out by the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, in her interview on "Morning Ireland" this morning. To come in and make further allegations in that regard is not acceptable.

Senator John Whelan raised the matter of a supply of quality water for the Dublin area in particular. I will invite the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, to come to the House early in the next term to discuss the matter.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien welcomed the charities regulator. That matter was raised on the Order of Business last week and was welcomed by all.

Senators Terry Brennan and John Whelan raised the issue of the Bill which seeks to abolish the Seanad.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson welcomed the fact that Garda recruitment will recommence next year. We all welcome that. He also raised the issue of the Leader programme. I will certainly ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, to come to the House but that matter was raised last week and I gave an indication that there is a need for those who operate the Leader programme in many counties to get their act in order, in respect of applications made and the non-allocation of funds and that such funds have not been relocated to other counties. It is only right that the money would be spent nationally.

Senator Feargal Quinn proposed an amendment to the Order of Business which I do not propose to accept. I note his points in regard to Northern Ireland that the current problems are confined to one area. Thankfully, it is nothing like what we have seen in the past and, I hope that will be the case for many years to come.

Senators John Kelly and Michael Mullins raised the issue of the Fr. Niall Molloy case and the need for the Minister to publish the report and the need for closure for the families. I will ascertain the status of the report and if, and when, it is to be published in early course.

Senator Ó Murchú raised the matter of the Seanad abolition Bill. We have had 24 hours of debate on that Bill to date and the points he made can be raised on Wednesday on Report Stage. Senator Mullins asked about renewing an invitation to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and I have no problem with doing that.

Senator Healy Eames raised the matter of the order of speakers. That is a matter that was decided by the group meeting and is a matter for the group rather than anybody else.

Senator Moran asked about the mental capacity Bill. I understand the new Bill was brought to Cabinet last week and is due to be published in a matter of weeks. Senator Burke raised the issue of banks being obliged to deal with authorised legal advisers. I will bring that matter to the attention of the Minister for Finance.

Senator Noone suggested the use of the value added tax system as an innovative way of stimulating the economy. I will raise that matter with the Minister for Finance.