Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Noone spoke on the attitudes of Dublin people regarding directly-elected mayors. I also note Senator Keane's remarks to the effect that a Dublin forum has been set up involving all four local authorities. I look forward to its report and to debating that matter. However, it is interesting that it appears as though the vast majority of Dublin people would like to have a directly-elected mayor.

Senator Darragh O'Brien spoke to compliment his colleague, Senator White. The Senator also sought the date on which the House would return and for the information of Members, the Seanad will return on 18 September. Senator Gilroy raised matters relating to ethics and the Standards in Public Office Commission, as did Senator O'Keeffe. That matter should be referred and Senator O'Keeffe also sought a debate on the role of lobbyists. Perhaps this can be arranged in the context of the Standards in Public Office Commission annual report. Senator Barrett and many other Senators wished the Secretary General of the Houses of the Oireachtas Service, Kieran Coughlan, well. He has given tremendous service to the Houses of the Oireachtas and to the Irish people and I am sure all Members will join me in wishing him well in his retirement.

Senator Conway and others raised the issue of third level grants and Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, and the fact the system has been streamlined. All Members hope the problems everyone witnessed in this regard over the past year will have been sorted out by the time people again apply for grants.

Senator Cullinane raised the Protected Disclosures Bill and I will try to find out when it will be debated in the House, that is, whether it will be in the autumn session or whatever. Senator Hayden spoke on property prices and the Central Statistics Office, CSO, report, as well as calling for a debate on mortgage repossessions and the banking system when Members return. I certainly will try to arrange such a debate.

Senator Norris moved an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 18, the Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 2013, be taken. I acceded to the request on Monday to have that Bill published but I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business that the matter be dealt with today. The Bill is very similar to that which Senator Colm Burke had accepted on Second Stage but I reiterate I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business.

Senator Colm Burke also spoke in respect of the Private Members' Bill. May I compliment Members from both sides of the House who have gone to the effort of introducing Private Members' Bills to the House on a wide range of subjects? It is not easy to prepare such a Bill and regardless of whether they are accepted, I compliment all Members who have gone to the trouble of proposing such Bills in the House. I also compliment Senator Quinn on having the Construction Contracts Bill finally concluded yesterday.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien clarified the source of her remarks on Monday. We have issued an invitation to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, to come in to debate that subject of the use and control of the Internet.

Senator O'Keeffe spoke of the Yeats Summer School debate on the role of the Seanad and its future. I wish the organisers of that event every success also. I am sure Senator O'Keeffe is there among the organisers. Anytime that Yeats is mentioned, Senator O'Keeffe's name is mentioned as well at this stage.