Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Acting Leader of the Opposition, Senator Mooney, raised the question of the horsemeat scandal, which was raised by Senator O'Donovan in recent days. I note his points. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is addressing the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine on CAP negotiations. I hope the Minister will attend the House early when we return to discuss agriculture, during which debate the particular matter of the horsemeat issue can be discussed. I note the Senator's question on the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications, which is discussing road maintenance. I will seek to have the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, address the problem and provide the House with his opinions.

Senators Bacik, Moran and Norris spoke about the publication of the Gender Recognition Bill, which I understand will be coming before the House in the autumn. There will be a comprehensive debate and we will all have ample time to discuss it. Senators Moran and Bacik also welcomed the publication of the Assisted Decision-making (Capacity) Bill, which is very comprehensive. I am sure it will be discussed and debated at length in the House in the autumn. Senator Bacik and others spoke about the Magdalen laundries, which matter was also raised on the Order of Business yesterday. I stated then that there is no legal responsibility on the religious institutions. Certainly, they have a moral responsibility and I call on them to make a significant financial contribution.

Senator Barrett and others congratulated Nelson Mandela on his 95th birthday. I am sure we all join in wishing that wonderful man a happy birthday and wish him well. Senator Barrett referred also to the recent report on banking and I note his points. He also referred to the change in the basis on which we tax heavy goods vehicles in particular. I will raise that matter. It was addressed with the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy O'Dowd, and I will ask him what the up-to-date position is.

Senators Coghlan and Hayden referred to MABS withdrawing from the pilot scheme. MABS has released a press release which states:

MABS, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, was surprised at media reports of their withdrawal from the Central Bank initiative on support to distressed borrowers with multiple debts. MABS was very pleased to submit a proposal to fulfil this role of Third Party Service Provider and to present  a proposal  to the panel of lenders, convened and facilitated by the Central Bank. As indicated in its submission and elaborated on at the meeting with the panel, MABS felt that the initiative was an important one for borrowers and one which was attractive to MABS on the basis that it provided an opportunity to further expand on the work MABS currently does with all creditors, and in particular with IBF members, and to further develop relationships with credit unions.  Further it is to the mutual benefit of all parties, and most importantly to the benefit of distressed borrowers. MABS were willing to accept the associated terms and conditions as presented however, on further engagement with panel members, it became apparent that the proposed approach was not acceptable to certain lenders. Based on its proven track record of delivering for both lenders and borrowers for over 20 years, MABS believes it could add value to this important initiative, delivering positive outcomes for borrower and lender alike. MABS proposal, as originally outlined, still stands.

I concur with Senators Coghlan and Hayden that we will have to have a very hard look at this situation if lenders and bankers are dictating things. It will have to be addressed. Senator Hayden also called for a debate on banking. Certainly, I will ask the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, to come to the House for a debate on that topic. We have had a number of debates on banking, but I agree that we should continue to discuss the subject.

Senator Keane referred to the opinion of the Limerick coroner on the recording of suicide in reports. It is something we will raise with the Minister for Justice and Equality to see if it can happen. I note Senator Moran's remarks on the offensive comments which were made by a Member in the House yesterday.

Senator Mullins spoke about the Government's priority of job creation and called for an innovative budget to include measures which will help to create jobs, particularly in the construction sector. I agree with him. The measures which will be taken will assist. While we are creating 2,000 jobs per month currently, it is very important that we provide jobs in the development of infrastructure, including schools, which would put people who were involved in the construction industry back to work.

Finally, Senator Kelly called for a debate on rural Ireland, with particular reference to broadband. I have asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, to come to the House and am waiting for a date to be nominated for him to attend to discuss that matter.