Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Darragh O'Brien referred to motion No. 1 and I agree that when it returns from the committee we should have a debate on that issue.

As regards the health service plan, last Friday was the closing date for submissions to be made to the Minister. I understand that the Minister gave the HSE a further ten days to report back to him, so we will await that.

I will update the House on progress on that matter.

With regard to the ECB rate cut and the Minister's view on it, I will inquire whether the Minister proposes to make a statement on the matter. As pointed out by Deputy O'Brien, it is not the Minister's intention to micromanage the banks. However, I agree that his view on the matter should be sought.

I agree with Senators Bacik and Michael Mullins that the State visit to Britain by the President, Michael D. Higgins, is to be welcomed. It is important in the context of relations between both countries, which have regularised and improved in recent years. This visit will I am sure, given the Queen's visit to Ireland, be welcomed by all. Senator Bacik also called for a debate on white collar and cyber crime. While we had a debate on this issue recently, I will try to arrange a further debate.

Senator Norris welcomed China's apparent dismantling of the forced labour camps and commented on climate change and the freak weather conditions in recent times in the US, the Philippines and Sardinia. He also called for a debate on the bailout exit. I will try to arrange that debate. I hope that Senator Norris's forecast of gloom for the US economy does not transpire for everybody's sake.

Senator Conway raised the issue of presumed consent for organ donations and Mr. Joe Brolly's documentary in this regard. He also called for clarification of the Government's position on this issue and, like Senator Mark Daly, asked about progress on the human tissue Bill. I will ascertain from the Minister when that Bill will come before the House.

Senators O'Sullivan and Healy Eames raised the issue of the number of unwanted animals roaming our countryside and, in many cases, the cost of disposal of these animals. Senator O'Sullivan mentioned that approximately 24,000 animals were destroyed last year. I am sure the Minister, Deputy Coveney, is well aware of the situation but I will bring the matter to his attention.

Senator Mary-Ann O'Brien raised the issue of child pornography and online abuse and the steps being taken in the UK in this regard. She also asked that the stance of the Irish Government be obtained. I am sure we will follow in the footsteps of the UK in this regard and I hope that this will be done sooner rather than later.

Senators Moloney, Wilson and Noone spoke of Ireland's application to host the rugby world cup. It would be excellent in tourism and sports terms if our world cup bid was successful.

Senator Moloney also referred to problems with the helpline in regard to payment of the property tax and stated that in some cases callers are waiting up to 20 minutes for their calls to be answered. I hope that as indicated by Senator Moloney she will table the matter for discussion on the Adjournment.

Senator Cullinane raised the issue of the dispute at Kilmore Quay fisheries in regard to restrictive quotas. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, has welcomed the commencement of crucial international negotiations on mackerel quotas in the North East Atlantic. These negotiations are being hosted by Ireland in the National Seafood Centre in Clonakilty, which is in Senator O'Donovan's constituency. Senator O'Donovan has also raised this issue in the House on several occasions. As mackerel is the single most important stock of fish for the Irish fleet and the value of the international mackerel industry is estimated to be €1 billion annually to the parties, we need to secure agreement at international level on the management arrangements of this stock and all quotas.

I take on board Senator Cullinane's comments.

Senator Naughton complimented Salerno secondary school in Galway on an EU project and also the Waterford Comhairle na nÓg, representatives of which appeared before a committee of the House to discuss cyberbullying.

Senator Daly spoke about legislation on banning smoking in cars. I understand the Department of Health is seeking legal advice on one outstanding issue on the Bill. I agree that progress has been less than satisfactory. I will urge the Department to make progress on the Bill as a matter of urgency. The Minister came to the House and said he fully supported the legislation. I cannot understand why advice on one issue is still outstanding after such a length of time. I will certainly bring the matter to the Minister's attention. I have spoken about the human tissue Bill and I will get an update on that matter for the Senator.

Senator Hayden spoke about ghost estates the number of which has reduced from 1,800 to 1,300, which indicates that progress has been made. She also sought a report on the balance of levies raised and in the possession of local authorities. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to come to the House to address that matter and also another angle on that matter raised by Senator O'Donnell regarding the accountability of engineers, architects, legal professionals and others who signed off on many of these houses. When the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, is in the House, I hope those matters will be addressed. I fully agree with Senator O'Donnell's sentiments.

In response to Senators Healy Eames and Coghlan, the Bill before us this week is the Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013, not the Companies Bill. This is a small specific Bill to which a number of amendments have been tabled. The Companies Bill will come to us in the new year. It may be introduced as a Seanad Bill to the best of my knowledge. I am sure there will be significant briefings on the other Bill, which is the large Bill to which the Senator was alluding as opposed to this Bill. I ask the Senator to withdraw her amendment to the Order of Business because I believe there was a slight mix-up between the two Bills.