Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not looking at any particular side of the House but at all sides. Fifteen people asked for a debate but there were only eight contributors when the Minister came to the House. However, I take on board what Senator O'Donovan said about the fishing industry.

We will arrange a debate on that matter with the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney. However, in view of the fact that he was in the House only yesterday, that debate will not take place in the next number of weeks.

Senator Paul Coghlan advertised to quite a significant degree Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty memorial week, which is due to be held in Killarney.

Senator Feargal Quinn raised the very serious issue of the availability of defibrillators and inquired about the status of the relevant legislation. I will check the position with the relevant Minister and report back to the Senator. Certainly, the tragic case highlighted by him underlines the need for defibrillators to be provided on trains. I am sure this matter will - it certainly should be - addressed by Irish Rail.

Senator Michael Mullins and others referred to the death of young Niall Donohue, an excellent hurler, in tragic circumstances. Our hearts go out to all members of his family.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh requested a debate on the direct provision system. I accept that the answers provided by the Minister may not have suited the Senator. However, the Minister provided one of the most comprehensive replies ever given in the House. Perhaps he did not give the answers people wanted to hear, but he certainly engaged with Members during what was a comprehensive debate. I am sure it will not be the final debate on the issue. I note the Senator's points on the Roma people and his call for a debate on the issue.

Senator Catherine Noone outlined the European Union's proposal for a digital minimum tax and indicated her concerns in respect of it. That is a matter the House might, perhaps, debate at a later date.

Senator Martin Conway indicated that Ryanair had announced eight new routes into Shannon Airport, which is excellent news for the surrounding region. Since the announcement of the abolition of the travel tax, Ryanair has certainly honoured the commitment it previously gave in this regard.

Senator Paul Bradford requested that the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, come before the House to debate issues which I addressed earlier. When all the facts have been established, I will certainly try to ensure the Minister will come before us to address the points raised.

Senator John Kelly referred to the case of Fr. Niall Molloy. I will ask the relevant Minister what is the current status of the report on that matter.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill referred to the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2013 which the House will spend three days debating. Agreement has been reached with the leaders of the various groups to the effect that Second Stage will take place on the first day and that there will be comprehensive debates on Committee and Report Stages on the following two days. I do not believe there will be any need to guillotine the debate on the Bill. If Senators on all sides adopt a reasonable approach, we will be able to complete our consideration of the Bill within the three days allocated.

I note the points made by Senator Michael D'Arcy on unfinished housing estates and the possibly unnecessary restrictions in the budget allocation. I agree that this is the time to act in that regard. I will try to obtain further clarification for the Senator.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson called for a debate on security in Border areas. He also referred to the plans of the Department of Education and Skills for the former Army barracks in Cavan. I will certainly correspond with the Minister for Education and Skills to discover the position on Department's plans.