Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will not get into it this morning. Senator Bradford spoke about welfare dependancy and the Social Welfare Bill. I have already indicated when that Bill is likely to come before us.

Senator Mullins called for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to come to the House. The Minister will come into the House for a debate next Wednesday. The Senator also called for a debate with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on the marketing of tourism and measures such as the air travel tax. I will ask the Minister to come to the House. I remind Members that our economic sovereignty will be restored on 15 December. That is something all Irish people will welcome.

Senator Conway spoke about the tobacco industry. He had hoped that the price of tobacco would increase by more than 10 cent but the Government is also taking steps on the plain packaging of cigarettes and other measures to address the concerns he raised. Senators Conway and Noone referred to measures aimed at supporting the tourism and construction sectors. Senator Wilson spoke about the bereavement grand and the prescription charge, which has increased from €1.50 to €2.50. I understand, however, that a cap of €21 applies to multiple prescriptions. The bereavement grant is being removed but an exceptional means payment is still available.