Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with the Members who spoke earlier. We were all disgusted by what happened in Athlone over the weekend. The judge and the Garda have asked that nothing be said that could prejudice any case but our thoughts are with the children and the families involved.

Senator O'Brien also raised the question of discretionary medical cards.

I will invite a Minister to come in to the House and respond to his comments and those of other Members.

On the referendum campaign, Senator Darragh O'Brien and many other Members have spoken about the personal nature of the attack on two Members of this House. When I played football I always played the ball rather than the man. The fact that the press release which, I think, came from Fine Gael head office, questioned the voting record of two named Members in addition to Fianna Fáil Senators is despicable and unacceptable. Many Fine Gael Members in this House certainly do not stand over it. I apologise to the two Members - even though I had nothing whatsoever to do with the matter - on behalf of the Members in this House. They are two of the most distinguished Members of the House. I hope that they will accept our apologies.

Senator Bacik called for a debate on the reports of the Constitutional Convention. We will try to arrange that as soon as we can. Her call for a debate on climate change and global warming is even more important given the report that came out last week.

Senator Barrett reminded us of thejournal.iepoll and the importance of the Seanad to people in Northern Ireland . He also mentioned some of the messages that he had received in that regard.

Senator Barrett also raised an important and serious issue that other Members alluded to as well, which is the fact that a Member of the other House is reported to have said that he was offered a bribe in the Senate in 2009. We had a similar situation in this House not so long ago. I told that Member at the time - which is what I say to the Member of the other House - that if they were offered a bribe that is a most serious matter that should be reported to the Garda. I would hope that the Member in question has already reported the matter, given that the incident was perceived to have happened in 2009. I note Senator's Wilson's comments on the matter. He was the Government Whip at the time, so I understand how he feels when such allegations are made. I hope that the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon will bring the matter to the attention to the Garda, which is what I asked Senator Landy to do when he previously made similar comments in newspapers.

Senator D'Arcy mentioned the ASTI's rejection of the Haddington Road agreement. I respect his considered observations on the matter. Senators MacSharry and Burke referred to the clinical indemnity scheme and junior doctors. I hope that the issue with junior doctors can be resolved before next Tuesday when it is understood that the junior doctors will be taking industrial action. Such action is certainly not in the interests of any patients or people seeking medical assistance. I hope that the Labour Relations Commission or some such body will use its good offices in that regard.

However, the Labour Relations Commission appears to be busy dealing with many other matters.

Senators Whelan, Mullen and Kelly referred to turnouts for referenda and the loophole in respect of motor taxation. On the latter, I am aware that people had many months to comply with regard to what was being asked of them. There usually is a last minute rush but I will ask the Minister if, even at this late stage, the deadline might be extended.

Senator Norris made some telling remarks in respect of the Seanad referendum campaign. As usual, he was very eloquent in the context of the words he used. It is a matter for the Cathaoirleach to deal with the invitation extended to him by the Senator.

Senators Cullinane and Mullins referred to the lack of action on the part of the HSE that has been highlighted by the Ombudsman for Children. There is no doubt that the protection of children is of paramount importance. The matters to which reference was made and the flaws which remain in the system must be addressed.

Senator Cullinane also inquired with regard to the business the House will be taking today. We will be dealing with the 15 amendments tabled in respect of Committee Stage of a Bill. I can only ask Ministers to come before the House, I cannot command them to do so. I have asked several Ministers to come before us in order that they might deal with a number of items but I have not received very positive results, particularly in the past couple of weeks. I will certainly continue to try to bring Ministers before the House to make statements on various issues which Members raise.

Senator Ó Murchú referred to the Constitutional Convention and the possibility of members of the diaspora being allowed to vote. He also referred to issues relating to the referendum campaign on the Seanad. This matter was addressed by many Members, including Senators O'Sullivan and Mullins, particularly in the context of the cost involved.

Senator Brennan commented on the introduction of electronic tagging in respect of convicted criminals. I will try to establish what is the position of the Minister for Justice and Equality on that matter and report back to the Senator.

Senator Wilson requested that the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills, Deputy Cannon, come before the House and use his right to privilege in order to name the person involved in a particular matter. We tried to contact the Minister of State's offices and I understand he is attending a meeting of OECD Education Ministers in Istanbul at present. As a result and unfortunately, there is no question of the Minister of State coming before us today.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to Fine Gael's referendum campaign positions and offered advice to our party's director of elections.

With the exception of the few people from Cork who are present, I am sure we would all join Senator Conway in congratulating the Banner county on a wonderful victory at the weekend. I extend congratulations to Davy Fitzgerald, who is an excellent manager and who served Waterford well during his time there. Congratulations should also go to the Cork team. It takes two teams to make a good game and the members of the Cork team were excellent ambassadors for their county.