Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We debated the nature of the banking inquiry here with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, on Tuesday evening. Senator Conway praised Senator Norris's appearance on Today FM, which I hear was a very powerful performance. He also commented on the Fine Gael posters and on the integrity of politics as a profession. I agree with his sentiments. I have dealt with that. Senator Healy Eames raised a specific very tragic case in Galway. As the Cathaoirleach has said, it is probably more appropriate as an Adjournment debate matter if Senator Healy Eames can give me details to write to the Minister for Health to support her point.

Senator O'Keeffe raised the issue of the Fine Gael posters and congratulated the winners of the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, who are from Kinsale. We share her congratulations. It was a great achievement and brilliant to see those young girls winning at European level. Senator O'Keeffe also asked for a debate on the impact climate change will have on agriculture in the context of Met Éireann research showing, rather depressingly, that our winters will get wetter even if our summers are getting warmer. We can certainly ask for that debate.

Senator Mooney spoke again about the VAT rate, which I have spoken about. Senator Noone welcomed the increased number of restaurants awarded Michelin stars, which is very good news. There is increasing understanding internationally of the importance of high standards in restaurants and food generally in a country in terms of tourism and attracting visitors. A huge number of people go to destination restaurants in very out-of-the-way places. I am thinking of places in the Basque country and Catalonia in Spain where there has been a huge surge of tourism interest because of the number of restaurants which have done very well and become very well-known internationally. That is very important. Senator Mooney also raised the issue of the VAT rate and the alcohol action strategy, which I have dealt with.

Senator Wilson spoke directly to Senator Paul Coghlan about the Fine Gael posters. I have already responded to that. Senator Wilson also called for a debate on banking with the Minister for Finance in the context of the Anglo Irish Bank tapes. My colleague, Senator Hayden, has sought a debate on banking on a number of occasions and we can continue to press for that. Senator Jim D'Arcy raised the issue of cigarette smuggling, which has been examined by the justice committee. It might be worth having a focused debate on the loss of revenue, which is the specific issue the Senator raised, and the health implications due to cheap cigarettes flooding the market.

Senator MacSharry called for a debate on the Central Bank with the Minister for Finance, which we can seek. Senator MacSharry also raised the issue of media monopoly. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, has been here to discuss that issue but we can ask him to come in again. Senator Power asked me to contact the Tánaiste to ask him to raise at the Council of Europe the very serious concerns about the new, draconian homophobic laws in Russia. I have raised that publicly and with the Tánaiste, and I will write to him and seek an update. I thank the Senator for increasing the pressure. The Irish Government is raising this issue, as are many other countries in the Council of Europe. It is a matter of real concern and has a very serious impact, particularly on young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, LGBT, people in Russia.