Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator MacSharry raised a question in respect of the national children's hospital and Senator Clune made some valid points in that regard. The decision to build the national children's hospital at St James's Hospital has been made in the best interests of children with clinical considerations being of paramount importance as well. The building of the hospital is a Government priority and capital funding has been set aside for its delivery. No effort will be spared in expediting its completion. The Minister for Health has restructured the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board to enable it to focus on a single core function, the building of the new hospital. In identifying the site, the Government carefully considered the report of the Dolphin group as well as detailed supplementary information on costs, time and planning, which was sought subsequently from those members of the group with the relevant technical expertise. The decision was made in the best interests of children with clinical considerations being of paramount importance. Co-location and ultimately tri-location with a maternity hospital on the St James's Hospital campus will support the provision of excellence in clinical care that our children deserve.

The new children's hospital is a key commitment in the programme for Government and the largest project within the current capital plan. The Government regards the building of the hospital as a priority and no effort will be spared in expediting its completion. If it is necessary to bring the Minister for Health to the House to reiterate what I have stated, I will certainly ask him. It is a good news story. It is long before time that we had a commitment to build a children's hospital and money has been set aside for it. The thing is to proceed now at the best possible time to build this hospital and that is what everyone wants. Certainly, I will ask the Minister to come to the House. However, as Senator Bacik said, it would be unreasonable to ask the Minister to come today since he has several commitments.

Senator Bacik also raised the matter of the Irish human rights and equality commission Bill. I will find out for the Senator when that will be introduced to the House and I will notify her.

Senator Norris raised a procedural item in respect of No. 1. As the Cathaoirleach pointed out, that matter is being referred to committee and, if requested, we will certainly allow a debate on it when it comes back from committee.

Senators Wilson, Mullins, Hayden and others referred to local authority houses and the fact that 3,500 local authority houses are vacant, which is an absolute disgrace. Funding has been provided for the renovation of local authority houses. However, a considerable number still need significant renovation. The Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, was in the House only last month to discuss the residential tenancies Bill. We will certainly ask her to come to the House again to address that problem.

Senator Wilson and other Senators referred to the summer works scheme and the minor works grant scheme announced by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn. Over €28 million is now being made available to provide once-off minor works grants to primary schools. This grant will be paid to primary schools in the coming weeks and will enable them to undertake small-scale repair works without the need to interact with the Department. All schools will welcome that. A total of €40 million has been allocated for the purposes of the summer works scheme for schools in 2014. The scheme will be open to primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme which have permanent recognition and which are in non-rented accommodation. This funding will allow schools to carry out small and medium-scale building works such as gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof and windows upgrades and structural improvements. These works can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of schools. This will be welcomed by everyone involved in the education sector.

Senator Hayden referred to the turnaround for vacant local authority houses and called for a debate on the future of social housing. I will ask the Minister State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to come to the House on that matter.

Senator Quinn referred to food waste and made some valid points in that regard. It is something that should be considered by everyone involved, including consumers and retailers. It is disgraceful that we have so much food waste when we have so many people hungry in the world.

I have outlined the situation with regard to the schools minor works scheme, a matter raised by Senator Mullins. I note his points in respect of tenants in local authority houses who leave houses in a deplorable condition. He reiterated the point that Senator Wilson made, that is to say, penalties should be in place for those people.

Senator Daly referred to a child abuse case dating from 2007 and called for accountability within the HSE. We all agree that there should be accountability in every aspect of the State and certainly within the HSE in that instance. Senator Daly raised a question regarding the exemption of certain people from tax on lump sums. It is probably a matter we can discuss under the Finance (No. 2) Bill and the Bill before this House yesterday, which the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, took. We will take Committee Stage of that Bill next week and it may be appropriate for Senator Daly to put those questions to the Minister at that point.

Senator O'Keeffe referred to the proposals to create 44,000 jobs in the information technology sector and pointed out that next week is science week. I have invited the Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Sherlock, to the House next week to debate the question of science week, something Senator Quinn has asked for previously, and the Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, will be in the House to discuss the matter next week. Senator O'Keeffe also scored a last-minute goal in congratulating Sligo Rovers.