Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Ó Murchú referred to this evening's Private Members' business and his Bill on the 1926 census. I cannot at this stage predict the Government's position on the Bill but I am sure we will hear it this evening. I commend the Senator for bringing the Bill before the House.

Senator Harte called for a debate on enterprise and employment. I have asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to come to the House but I have not yet agreed a date with him. I will continue to press him for a debate on jobs and job creation.

Senator Cullinane made a number of points regarding medical cards for the over-70s. Couples with an income of more than €900 per week will lose their medical cards. Senator Gilroy rightly drew our attention to the amount that young jobseekers receive in Ireland. The rate in the North, where Sinn Féin is in power, is €67. Senator Cullinane should put that into perspective and start considering what his party is doing in government in the North. He tends to forget these figures when it is convenient to do so.

Senator Henry spoke about the ongoing difficulties that publicans face and called for a debate with the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy White, on the below cost sale of alcohol. I will try to arrange a debate with the Minister of State, who has indicated that he will come into the House.

Senator Byrne spoke about the budget and the question of social housing. It is the intention to build or refurbish 500 houses for social housing next year. More are needed but we have to start somewhere. Senator Hayden referred to the construction sector and called for the scheme for principle private residences to be extended to houses that are rented. I am sure that point will be made when we debate the issue further. Senator White spoke about the budget and job creation. I have outlined some of the measures that were announced in that regard.

Senator Colm Burke spoke about the health budget and expressed concern about the amount of money being paid to agencies outside the HSE. Certain CEOs are being paid incomes in excess of €300,000 from the health budget. The Senator intends to raise this issue with the Joint Committee on Health and Children. More than €3 billion out of the overall health budget of €13.2 billion is being spent on areas outside the HSE. These areas should come under the same scrutiny as the HSE. I ask Senator Colm Burke to revert to us with the outcome of the joint committee's deliberations on the matter.

Senator Gilroy reminded Opposition Members of their promises and the cuts they introduced to social welfare.