Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The acting leader of the Opposition, Senator MacSharry, raised a number of points including the overcharging by the IBRC, which is the subject of a court case in the United States. I presume the Minister for Finance will make a statement on that at the appropriate time. Senator MacSharry also raised the question of the ESRI report, as did other Senators, and the €2.5 billion adjustment. The European Commission has given preliminary approval of the Government's proposal to seek a budgetary consolidation of less than €3.1 billion originally sought by the troika. It said that the €2.5 billion adjustment "provides a sound basis for taking forward the necessary fiscal consolidation in Ireland" and paving the way for a successful exit from the bailout programme.

That is welcome news from the European Commission.

A number of Senators raised the issue of discretionary medical cards. I will certainly raise the question of the medical panel, mentioned by Senator Marc MacSharry, and try to get an update on it. As pointed out by Senator Colm Burke, 260,000 extra medical cards have been issued in the past two years. While some people have lost their medical cards, a significant number have received them.

Senator Ivana Bacik spoke about the direct provision system. I have asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, to come to the House next week to have a debate on it. I am awaiting his response to this request.

With regard to the call for an update on the question of universal health insurance, the Government made a commitment that it would be delivered within two terms, but, as Senator Ivana Bacik stated, significant progress has been made to date. Therefore, it would be appropriate to receive an update.

Senators Ned O'Sullivan, Denis Landy, Cáit Keane and others spoke about the local government Bill. I understand it is due to be published shortly and that it will go before the Dáil first. Therefore, it will be some time before we have an opportunity to debate it in the House. I am sure the points raised by the Senators will be debated and discussed when we debate the Bill.

Senator Michael Comiskey asked about the status of fodder payments and disadvantaged area payments. I will certainly find out from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what the position is in that regard. Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill called for a fast-tracking of payments to farmers. I believe they are ahead of schedule this year and hope the payments will be made, as has been suggested, on Friday next to the farmers involved.

Senator Lorraine Higgins and others mentioned the speculation on VAT reductions for the construction industry. I would prefer to wait for the budget to be announced to see whether the speculation is true. I am sure we can have a debate on the issue when the budget is announced by the Minister for Finance.

Senator Mary M. White asked about Russian adoptions, a matter also raised by Senator Feargal Quinn and others. As Senator Mary White stated, I have been actively involved with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on the issue, on which the Minister has been proactive. This week she will meet a senior member of the Russian Government to try to solve this unfortunate problem which affects families in Ireland. The Senator also mentioned amending the 2010 Adoption Act. I hope this will not be necessary and that the discussions with the Minister's Russian counterpart will solve the problem. The Minister is very concerned about the issue and will do everything possible to solve the problem for the families involved.

Senator Catherine Noone spoke about the importance of projecting a positive image of the country, a point made by Mr. Peter Sutherland this morning. Senator Paul Coghlan suggested we invite Mr. Sutherland to address the Seanad. We will certainly consider this proposal.

Senator Denis Landy spoke about GAA results and the difficulties he was having with RTE in that regard. I do not know whether my intervention will do anything to solve the problem, but I will certainly assist in any way I possibly can.

Senator Cáit Keane called for a debate on postcodes. We will try to get the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, to come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson spoke about the local government Bill. I assure him that no legislation will be rushed through the House. We will give all legislation ample time, with the exception of emergency legislation which may come before the House from time to time. The Senator also welcomed the proposals to resolve the Priory Hall issue. We all welcome these proposals and hope the matter will reach a speedy conclusion.

Senator Colm Burke spoke about medical cards, the reduction of the VAT rate and the need for incentives for the building industry. Senator Jim Walsh spoke about the ESRI report. The unemployment rate has reduced from 14.8% to 13%. As the Senator rightly pointed out, as did Senator Michael Mullins, 34,000 additional net jobs have been created in the past 12 months. It is to be hoped the stimulus proposals and suggestions to be made in the budget will increase this number in the coming years.

Senator Michael Mullins also called for a debate on the growing levels of addiction. I will certainly try to bring the Minister for Health to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames spoke about the report of the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland on child abuse. I will certainly communicate with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, in particular, and perhaps we might have a debate on the report if we can get the Minister to come to the House.