Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Bacik and other Members welcomed the fact that there will be a referendum on marriage equality in 2015. Many Members, including Senator Norris, have welcomed this announcement. People also mentioned the role of the Catholic Church in the referendum. As Senator Norris said, the Church has every right to outline its stance on that matter. Senator Mullen also called for a fair, free and respectful debate, which is the wish of everybody when this referendum is put to the people. Senators Norris and Paul Coghlan spoke about the memorial to Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty who was certainly a great Irishman.

Senator Conway mentioned his concerns regarding extracting water from Lough Derg and the dangers for tourism. We will have a debate. We had a debate on the Bill establishing Irish Water but we could have another debate on water infrastructure. I will try to arrange this debate with the relevant Minister.

Senator O'Donovan called for a debate on job creation and sustainable jobs in the regions, which was called for yesterday. I hope the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will come to the House before the Christmas recess to discuss the good news of the 34,000 extra jobs created last year. I am sure there is much good news on the jobs front but I agree that the issue of jobs for the regions needs to be discussed further.

Senator Kelly spoke about the Fr. Niall Molloy case. I compliment Senators Kelly and Whelan on repeatedly raising this issue in this House. This House has played a very prominent role in highlighting this issue with great thanks due to Senators Kelly and Whelan in particular.

Senators Kelly, MacSharry and Comiskey raised the question of the transporting of round bales of hay and the restrictions in place. Perhaps we can get the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to come to the House to outline his reasons for those restrictions.

Senators Ó Clochartaigh, Keane and Mullins spoke about the election of the new mayor of Boston, Martin Walsh. We all welcome and congratulate him on his election. The fact that his parents were from Connemara and that he has a great grasp of the Irish language is to be welcomed. I am sure we will all congratulate him on his wonderful elevation to the post of mayor of Boston.

Senators Ó Clochartaigh and Brennan expressed their concerns about the teaching of Irish in schools. Senator Clune spoke about the teaching of mathematics in schools. I am sure the Minister for Education and Skills will come to the House to discuss the inspector's reports with us in due course. Senator Clune also spoke about online security and the survey being launched today. The Minister for Education and Skills has been quite willing to come to the House to discuss these issues and I am sure he will continue to do so.

Senator MacSharry referred to the letters from the CEOs of the four Dublin hospitals and the national children's hospital. My information is that the project is certainly not on hold but is full steam ahead. I will certainly call for an update on the matter from the Minister for Health.

Senator Byrne spoke about the Ombudsman and the Information Commissioner. We did not have a debate on it yesterday but if it had been requested that it be debated in the House, I would certainly have acceded to it yesterday. Senator Byrne asked whether it was addressed by the relevant committee and it was confirmed that it was.