Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators O’Brien and Mooney asked about lone parents. That matter was discussed at length in the House when the Minister was present dealing with the Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013. There was a long debate on it in the House.

Senator Bacik and several other Senators referred to on-the-spot fines and planning for cyclists. There is no doubt that local authorities have made great strides in providing facilities for cyclists but there is obviously a lot more to be done in that regard in local authority areas throughout the country. I note the points made by several Senators and I will ask the relevant Minister of State, Deputy Kelly, to discuss the matter with us in September.

I do not propose to accept Senator Mullen's amendment to the Order of Business. The changes have been made in line with a reshuffle of spokespersons. It is not upsetting the balance in any way. Those occupying positions on the Government side are not being replaced by anyone other than Members on the Government side.

Senator D'Arcy referred to cycle lanes and on-the-spot fines. As I stated, I will ask Minister of State Deputy Kelly to address the House on that matter.

Senator Byrne referred to the practice of putting mortgages into trusts, as mentioned in a newspaper today. He referred to secrecy and fees and implied the public should be made aware of what is occurring. I agree there is a need for public awareness and for legislative change in regard to trust law, as has been spoken about for quite some time. It is long overdue.

Senator O'Keeffe requested a further debate on suicide awareness. I will consider this when we return in the autumn.

Senator Barrett mentioned the submissions that have been made on structural reform of the banking system. I note his support for the 12.5% corporation tax rate.

Another important matter was addressed by Senator Colm Burke, which is the amount of claims against the Irish hospital system. That issue was raised previously with the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, when he was in the House, and with the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White. It is something that will have to be kept on the agenda in the coming months.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh called for a debate on the Irish language media. As regards the action plan for jobs, as Senator Mullins said, 75 jobs were announced yesterday, 15 of which are in Kinvara. I am sure that Senator Ó Clochartaigh welcomes those job announcements. It is positive news and I am sure he is a very positive person in addressing matters in this House.

As regards Senator Keane's point, the Criminal Justice Act 1990 provides for a 40-year minimum sentence, which replaced capital punishment.

Senator O'Donovan referred to social welfare appeals, which are dealt with by an independent appeals body. I appreciate what the Senator said and I agree with him that we have unacceptable delays in the system. If he tables an Adjournment matter, he could get an update on the question of social welfare appeals.

As regards the point raised by Senator Norris, when that Bill is put on the Order Paper on Monday, I will have no problem in accepting that it be published.