Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the issue of the return of two Roma children to their families last night. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, gave a comprehensive reply in this House yesterday when we were discussing the Private Members' motion. It is important to establish whether lessons can be learned from these events. The Minister has asked for a full report into the circumstances of how these children were taken into care. As Senator O'Brien noted, it is very important to acknowledge that the Garda, together with the HSE, which plays a very important part in child care, has certain powers under section 12 of the Child Care Act to take children to a safe place. The law is very clear - when there is reasonable ground and a reasonable risk the authorities can intervene, which is what happened. I have no doubt that the Garda acted in good faith in the two cases in question. As it turned out, the concerns were unfounded but it is very important for us to establish whether lessons can be learned from these events. I am sure that the Ministers for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Fitzgerald, and Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, will establish what the exact situation was and what actions need to be taken to prevent any further events such as these.

Senator O'Brien also spoke about private health insurance, outlining that 577,000 people will be affected by increases as a result of decreased tax relief. I answered comprehensively on this matter yesterday. In view of the €500 million it will cost for a year for these reliefs, "gold-plated" may not have been the best-advised word to use during the budget speech. I will certainly ask a Minister to attend the Chamber to discuss the situation with us but it is very unlikely that the Minister for Finance could do so this afternoon and for that reason I cannot accept the amendment to the Order of Business as proposed.

Senators Bacik and Mooney spoke about the surveillance of EU citizens by the United States. I am sure we will take up this matter with the Tánaiste, who is due to attend the House after the Order of Business.

Senators Barrett, Noone and Wilson spoke about our having a more responsible and sensible relationship with drinking and alcohol, and about the measures to be outlined today. I am sure we will have a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy White, on these issues.

Senator Keane mentioned dyspraxia in children and I will try to arrange a debate on this issue with the Minister. I suggest that the Senator submit an Adjournment matter in order to get the details she requires.

Senators O'Donovan and Ó Clochartaigh called for a debate on the fishing industry. I agree with their points. The Minister attended and although some 13 people sought a debate on agriculture in recent weeks yesterday only eight people offered to contribute. The Minister responded in advance of the allocated time. When Members ask for debates on different issues - I refer to all sides of the House and am not looking at-----