Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Either the House or I should be able to address that issue.

Senator Brennan referred to hospice services and volunteers who transport people to appointments. Those volunteers do wonderful work and it should be appreciated. The Senator called for concessions to be made in respect of car parking charges in hospitals. I do not know who has responsibility in this regard. It is probably a matter for the hospitals themselves. I agree with the Senator that hospitals should re-examine the position. Concessions should be made in respect of those volunteers who transport people to hospital appointments.

Senators Daly and Crown referred to cancer survival rates, a matter which was the subject of a report in a Sunday newspaper. I note Senator Crown's comments in that regard and his acknowledgement that cancer treatments have improved and that the number of consultants has increased. There is, however, a need for this issue to be reviewed on a continual basis, particularly in the context of the comments made in the newspaper report in question. That report did not make for pleasant reading.

Senators Daly and Walsh referred to the "Panorama" programme on the activities of some elements within the British forces in the past. What was shown in that programme was reprehensible, as was the murder and maiming of people on all sides. That which was detailed in the programme was dreadful. I note Senator Walsh's comments on collusion between the British Army and loyalist paramilitaries in the zone to which he referred. The Government has exerted pressure in respect of this matter. There is a need for the British Government to provide the necessary information in order to give the families of the victims some closure in respect of the dreadful activities which took place at that point in our history.

Senator Mullins referred to the situation relating to the ESB and the unions. The threatened dispute is unnecessary, particularly as, according to the Pensions Board, the ESB pension scheme is fully funded up to 2018.

A couple of hundred million euro was injected in the company and its pension fund a couple of years ago. A funding plan must be agreed to restore the ESB to financial health. The House will debate the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill when the Order of Business concludes. Every second pension fund is in trouble. The pensions and jobs of workers in the ESB are not under threat and pay cuts are not required. I hope that, arising from the meeting between management and unions later this week, this unnecessary action will not proceed. A strike would have devastating consequences for businesses, schools, primary health centres and everyone else. I appeal for calm and common sense to prevail. Senator Sean D. Barrett has also noted that while the country is moving in the right direction on jobs, it still has a considerable way to go in that regard.

Senator Paul Coghlan welcomed the decision of the European Investment Bank to endorse a proposal to provide a low interest loan for the construction of the Luas cross-city line. This is a major project and the EIB's decision is welcome.

Senator Marc MacSharry referred to the Health Service Executive's service plan and the waste of resources in the health service. I could not agree more with him. The case he has highlighted is appalling and should not have arisen. Such practices lack all common sense. I cannot agree to the amendment to the Order of Business to discuss a specific issue. The Senator may seek to have the matter discussed on the Adjournment. I hope the House will have an opportunity to debate the HSE service plan once it has been approved by the Government. The HSE has submitted its proposals for the Minister to examine.

Senator Catherine Noone also welcomed the success of the Government's initiatives on job creation.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames called for a debate on changes to the junior certificate syllabus. I will ask the Minister to come before the House, although the matter was debated previously. Continuous assessment has been encouraged by many educational practitioners.