Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note Senator Bacik's points on the banking inquiry and the criminal justice process. Senator van Turnhout and a number of other Members - I believe Senators Keane and Noone also raised the point - spoke on the subject of beauty pageants for children, which must be noted. The European Union directive in respect of child abuse and related matters will be debated in the Chamber later today and I compliment Senator van Turnhout on the excellent report she has prepared. It would be helpful for everyone involved to have to hand a copy of Senator van Turnhout's report in this regard. I note Senator Barrett's points regarding the Seanad referendum. In particular, I note the points made to the Minister yesterday on consulting with people in the classroom and I hope the Minister will take up the points made during the aforementioned debate.

Senator Keane spoke on defibrillators and the development of a new app on locations for defibrillators. I join with the Senator in congratulating Helping Hearts on this excellent initiative. Senator Ó Murchú made reference to the banking inquiry and as I have indicated, Members will have a debate on No. 2 next week. Like him, however, I hope there will not be any grandstanding or posturing on a banking inquiry and that such activity will not be tolerated. Senator Hayden spoke on the lack of progress with regard to the mortgage-to-rent scheme and the low take-up of split mortgages. The insolvency arrangements report mentioned by the Senator will be published soon and I will try to get the Minister for Finance to come in to discuss that report on its publication.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the delays in respect of the official languages Bill and the reason it is not being introduced in the autumn session. He also inquired as to the status of the promised immigration, residence and protection Bill. While I will find out the reason for the delays in respect of both Bills for the Senators, I point out the Government has published 30 legislative items on the A list alone for the autumn session. This is a highly significant volume of legislation for the session and it is very important that one gets the correct legislation and that it is proper before it comes before either of the Houses. However, I will find out the status of the two Bills mentioned.

Senator Comiskey raised the issue of off-road taxation of vehicles. Members debated the Bill on that matter several months ago. There is always a last-minute rush with regard to people getting their taxation in order. I am unsure whether there is a plan to extend the deadline on these vehicles but I certainly will take up the matter with the Minister. Again, I note Senator Mooney's comments on the banking inquiry and Members will have a debate on that legislation next week. Senator Harte referred to fees for the personal insolvency service and again, I suggest the Senator might table an Adjournment motion on the subject to get the reasons from the Minister. Senator Brennan mentioned the ESB and defined benefit pensions.

There have been many problems with defined benefit pensions. Many people have commented on the problems of the Waterford Crystal workers' scheme where people who had paid into it for 30 and 40 years found they could get only about 20% of their pension. That will be rectified. The workers won their case in the European courts and the courts must now decide the actual percentage they will receive. I hope they will get their benefits sooner rather than later, some percentage of them even before going to court. As to the ESB situation, I am not sure whether the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, is the Minister concerned - it may be the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton. I will get the details from the Senator after the Order of Business.

I noted Senator Coghlan's points on the banking inquiry to the effect that we must not prejudice cases that may come before the courts.

Senator Noone spoke about the marketing campaign of the tobacco industry; we all know the strength of that lobby. She made relevant points about having plain packaging on tobacco products. There was an excellent debate in the Chamber yesterday on the Seanad Public Consultation Committee's report and I hope the Government will take on board the action plan that committee has set out in its report. I was glad the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, commented very favourably on the report and that he indicated action would be taken on several of the recommendations made by the Seanad committee.

Senator Mullins and others spoke about mental health services and the Vision for Change programme. I agree with the Senator that the HSE should have greater consultation with communities before it implements any actions in that regard. I also noted Senator Michael D'Arcy's comments on mental health services in Wexford, which have improved significantly. However, there is a need for further debate. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has been very helpful, and has attended the House on many occasions. I am sure she will come to the House again to discuss the question of progress on A Vision for Change and I will try to arrange that debate.

Senator Jim D'Arcy made a number of points on counselling services for Members and the SOSAD Foundation set up in Dundalk. He asked people to support the See the Light walk, which is also for a very good cause. The Senator also mentioned the reduced VAT rate of 9% which the hospitality sector enjoys and the creation of more than 9,000 jobs. It will be very difficult for the Minister for Finance to decide whether this rate will remain in the budget. The cost to the taxpayer of reducing that VAT rate to 9% is more than €300 million annually so obviously the Minister must weigh up the benefits and see whether the rate can be retained.