Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----between now and budget time. There will be plenty of such speculation. Senator MacSharry also asked for a debate on the progress of the banks on mortgage arrears. He welcomed the fact that Permanent TSB is moving in the right direction at least. We hope that all the other banks will follow. I agree with him that the House should debate that matter in September or October.

Senator Susan O'Keeffe welcomed the statement from the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, on pornography on the Internet. This matter was raised by Senator Mary Ann O'Brien yesterday and hopefully the Minister will attend in the autumn to discuss safeguards on the Internet. Senator Susan O'Keeffe also welcomed the birth of the royal baby on which she congratulated Kate and William.

Senator David Norris proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 11 be taken before No. 1." I accept that amendment to the Order of Business.

Senator Norris and several other Senators have raised a very important matter about allegations of bribery and corruption and that a Member of this House was offered money to miss a particular vote last week. I view that matter as being very serious. I hope that the Senator involved - Senator Landy - has already reported this matter to the Garda Síochána. It is of such importance to this House and to the Houses of the Oireachtas that any such inducement by any person should be dealt with by the Garda Síochána, the relevant authority. I hope this matter, if not already reported, will be reported immediately by Senator Landy.

We welcome Senator Naughton on the occasion of her maiden speech. We hope she will have a very good stay here. I am sure her contribution to this House will be excellent.

Senator Daly asked for a debate about the Irish diaspora overseas. Senator Conway spoke about the undocumented Irish in the United States. The Tánaiste visited the US recently and he lobbied politicians on this matter. It is hoped his efforts will prove fruitful. I note Senator Conway's points about budget submissions.

Senator Sean D. Barrett welcomed the Young Fine Gael decision to have freedom to canvass on whichever side they wish on the referendum for the abolition of the Seanad. It seems the vote was tied and they decided to give that freedom. Senator Burke raised the same issue about the ESRI report as Senator Keane raised yesterday. Senator Cullinane raised the matter of the Waterford Crystal workers which he has raised on a number of occasions on the Order of Business. In my view the workers should be paid 50% at least, up front and immediately. However, the Government takes its advice from the Attorney General which is that the court case must take precedence. While we may not agree with that decision, the Government must adhere to it. I hope that matter will be concluded in a timely manner and that it will not drag on. Many of these workers are waiting up to ten or 15 years for pension entitlements. It is neither fair nor just.

Senator Paul Coghlan asked for a debate on mortgage-holders in distress to be held early in the new term. Senators Keane, Quinn and Noone, referred to the importance of a good breakfast for schoolchildren. I note Senator Quinn's reference to the excellent debate on the Food Provenance Bill. It is proven that a good breakfast results in good outcomes for schoolchildren. The public consultation committee debated nutrition and healthy lifestyles. We will have a debate in September on that report.

Senator Healy Eames referred to an article in The Irish Times and which Senator Wilson also raised. Of course, abortion is not the only option for women in crisis pregnancies. I am sure that matter will be debated at length in the future.

Senator Mullins asked for a debate on jobs. Senator Noone raised the matter of the robbery of valuable paintings from Killtullagh church. We all call for a safe return of those paintings. Senator Ó Domhnaill asked for a debate on waiting lists. I am not quite sure to which waiting lists he refers. If he provides me with the details I can find out the situation for him.

Senator Terry Brennan referred to Dunleer railway station. He might take the Cathaoirleach's advice and submit that matter for debate on the Adjournment.

Senator Aideen Hayden spoke about the number of Bord Gáis customers who are in arrears, which is a matter for concern. She also welcomed the initiative by the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, on the retrofitting of local authority housing. These are issues we will discuss in the future.

Senator Tom Sheahan acknowledged that there would most likely be significant opposition to his call for a tax amnesty. The Senator has brought the matter to the attention of the Minister for Finance and it will be interesting to hear what the latter has to say.

Senator Marie Moloney referred to the tragic drowning deaths in recent days and conveyed her condolences to the families involved. She also joined with Senator Mary Moran and others in recent weeks in calling for a debate on the report on symphysiotomy. I will try to accommodate that debate in the next session.

I wish to clarify the Order of Business for today. Instead of referring to Report Stage of Nos. 1, 3 and 4, I should have indicated that Report and Final Stages will be taken in each case.