Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Conway also spoke about the Seanad campaign. Senator Walsh called for a debate in the House on the Middle East, which has also been called for by others within the past two days. I will endeavour to have the Tánaiste attend to discuss the matter, Syria in particular. Such a debate in this House is long overdue although the issue has been debated at the foreign affairs committee.

Senators Walsh and Healy Eames called for a debate on political reform. The local government Bill will be introduced in the coming weeks and could be a platform for such a debate. I put Members on notice about the introduction of that Bill.

Senator Noone rightly pointed out that it was the initiative of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, to bring down the VAT rate of 13.5% to 9% for the hospitality sector. There is a charge to the Exchequer of €350 million for the reduction so that must be found elsewhere.