Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Bacik spoke about Seanad reform and the expansion of the University seats to all third-level institutions. This is a matter that has been raised by several other Senators. As Leader of the House, I have no indication of when this Bill will be before us. I certainly have no indication that, as reported in the newspapers, it may be here before Christmas. I have no indication whatsoever in that regard. As I hear news on it, I will certainly inform the House.

Senators van Turnhout and Daly raised the issue of smoking in cars in which there are children. I wrote to the Minister for Health last week on that matter asking for a progress report. I indicated that it was said to me that there was some legal problem with one aspect of the Protection of Children's Health from Tobacco Smoke Bill 2012, and I asked the Minister to clarify that and let me know when the Bill would be taken. After 18 months or whatever - the Bill came before us in 2012 - it is most unacceptable that this short Bill could not have been dealt with and completed in the Seanad by now.