Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Colm Burke and Walsh referred to the powers of local authorities with regard to commercial rates, etc. The Local Government Bill will come to the House before Christmas and that will provide an adequate forum for every Member to comment on those issues. Senators Mullen and Walsh spoke to an amendment to the Order of Business facilitating debate on credit unions in Ireland. I suggest the issues raised by Senator Mullen could be raised in an Adjournment motion and he could get the answers to the questions. It could also be raised in Private Members' time as I have no intention of amending the Order of Business to address the subject this afternoon.

Senator Mullins spoke of the ambulance service and response times in the west of Ireland. I suggest that the Senator puts the issue in an Adjournment motion to get all the facts and figures relating to it. Senators Bradford, Conway and Healy Eames sought a debate on health insurance and universal payments. It would be a wide-ranging debate but I will bring it to the attention of the relevant Minister and invite him to the Seanad to discuss the matter. Senator Conway also spoke about combatting the black economy, and I note his points in that regard. Senator Noone spoke about the alcohol strategy, and I hope to have more news on that tomorrow.