Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

He is in Turkey. This is the reply that I received from his office.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan referred to positive ageing week and the points for life initiative, which he initiated. We are all glad that the pilot programme is starting today. It is another positive initiative that commenced in this House but went unnoticed.

Senator Quinn outlined other initiatives that have been taken in this House. The health committee has rightly received excellent publicity for a decision taken yesterday on the question of organ donation, yet that decision was taken in this House five years ago. There was little or no coverage of it. This shows how slowly the wheels can grind at times. When initiatives are not reported by newspapers, it is difficult for people to understand what is happening in this House.

Senator O'Sullivan asked about a grant for dealing with animals in distress. The issue could possibly be raised as an Adjournment motion. Like Senators Noone and Senator O'Sullivan's fellow Kerry Senator, he also raised the question of the Listowel Races. They say that all politics is local, and it certainly is in this regard. It is unfortunate that there will be a clash between group 1 races at Leopardstown and the Curragh and the Listowel Races, a long-established meeting that is of paramount importance to the economies of the region and the town. I have endeavoured to arrange for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, to attend to House to debate CAP reform and Horse Racing Ireland.

I will renew my calls to him to come to the House to address those matters.

Senator Landy spoke about the plight of carers and in this regard and mentioned the €20 charge for blood tests, prescription charges and so on. These are matters which, as stated by Senator Landy, may be addressed in the budget and on which the Carers Association has made submissions to the various Ministers. I am sure they will be taken on board.

I have already addressed the issue raised by Senator Wilson in relation to the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills, Deputy Cannon. Senator Conway raised the issue of his being unable to book the AV Room for a meeting with the Deaf Society of Ireland. As stated by the Cathaoirleach, the Committee on Procedure and Privileges will be convened today to discuss the matter.

Senator Cullinane called for a debate on workers' rights. As rightly pointed out by the Senator, a number of Bills on the matter will be coming before the House. However, I will try, if possible, to arrange for a debate on workers' rights prior to their coming before the House. I agree we had a very good exchange with David Begg last week.

Senator Hayden spoke about the contribution of Senators to legislation. It is important to again state that the role of this House is not to block legislation but to improve and enhance it. During my time as a Member of this House, practically every piece of legislation that has come before it has been improved and enhanced by Members of the House from all sides. On the request to invite the Minister for Finance to attend the House for pre-budget discussions, I can assure Senators that it is not for the want of asking that this has not happened. I will continue to ask but the budget is practically upon us.

Senator MacSharry is a member of the Oireachtas commission. He told the House that it has never stated that the operation of the Seanad costs €20 million. He also called for the intervention of the Minister for Health in relation to the dispute involving junior doctors. I am sure the Labour Relations Commission or other parties will intervene on that matter before next Tuesday.

Senator Noone spoke about the issue of parking spaces for taxis. We can discuss this issue with the Minister but it is primarily a matter for local authorities. Senator Quinn also raised the issue of presumed consent in relation to organ donation, which I have already addressed. He also spoke about the food provenance Bill which he introduced. Similar provisions are currently being put in place in France. On the Senator's question in regard to reform of the Seanad, this matter will have to be considered next week if the "No" campaign wins. This matter was also raised by Senator Healy Eames.

Senator Moloney spoke about the review of joint labour committees in the context of protection of low paid workers and about errors made by the Department of Social Protection, an issue also raised by Senator Kelly. While this should not be happening, it is happening. If the individual cases cannot be addressed by way of an Adjournment motion I am sure they can be discussed in the context of the social welfare Bill, which will probably come before the House before the end of this month.

Senator Ó Domhnaill raised an issue in relation to Sinn Féin. I do not propose to get into an argument between Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin. However, it is not so long ago that Sinn Féin did not recognise the courts or institutions of this State. I am sure it would by very happy to see one of the institutions go. That is its policy. As regards the vacation of seats, it is a matter for each Senator to decide following the referendum whether or not to do so.

Senator Burke raised the issue of youth unemployment and European funding for same. We have already had a couple of debates on youth unemployment. However, we cannot have enough of them. It is an important issue. I will try to arrange for a further debate during this session.

I note Senator Healy Eames's comments in regard to the Seanad abolition referendum. While I agree with much of what the Senator said, I do not propose to get into personalities outside or inside the House.

Senator Harte referred to former Senators of this House who used their position to further many causes, and rightly so, and are now condemning the House. However, that is their prerogative. They can change their minds if they wish. On the Constitutional Convention, I am sure we will have a discussion on the voting rights of Northern Ireland citizens in presidential elections. I note Senator Harte's point in regard to Donegal and Derry and whether Irish citizens in Donegal should also have a vote in Derry elections.

Senator Ó Murchú made some strong points in relation to the Seanad abolition campaign. As I said, it is difficult for people to know of the good work that goes on this House when it has not for decades been covered by the media. With the exception of a former journalist with the The Irish Times, Jimmy Walsh, the media has forgotten this House. It is no wonder then that people are not aware of the good work being done here.

I have already addressed the issues of the Listowel Races and the CPP meeting as raised by Senator Paul Coghlan. Senator Gilroy also spoke of the closing of the AV rooms to NGOs. I note the points made by the Comptroller and Auditor General in this regard in terms of accountability and transparency.

Senator Moran raised a number of issues, including the delays for de factoapplications. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality. The Senator also commented on a court case, on which I do not propose to comment at this point.

Senator Mullins called for a debate on tolling policy and the measures introduced by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, in relation to HGVs. I will endeavour to have the Minister come to the House for an overall debate on transport, including tolling policy.

Senator Kelly raised the issue of social welfare overpayments. The specific issue raised can be dealt with by way of an Adjournment motion. As I stated earlier, I am sure these matters will be addressed in the social welfare Bill when it comes before the House at the end of this month.