Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Hayden also raised the issue of homelessness and housing supply.

Senator Quinn inquired of the eligibility rules for third level grants and the residency requirements that a student must have lived three out of five years in an EU member state. I have come across this problem myself, only to meet a stone wall in trying to solve it. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills.

Senator Colm Burke raised cosmetic surgery regulations. The Minister had said the Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill would be in before Christmas but it is not likely to be in before the summer. That is the latest information I have from a legislative meeting I attended. Hopefully that can be expedited. If not we may have to proceed with the Senator's Bill. Senator Wilson raised the shortage of GPs and other health matters, which we can deal with when we have the Minister in with us.

Senator Moran welcomed the appointment of Mrs. Justice Yvonne Murphy to deal with the ongoing matter of symphysiotomy. We all hope this can reach a satisfactory conclusion for all concerned as speedily as possible. The fact that Mrs. Justice Murphy has to report back within six weeks will help to progress the matter, which should have been progressed before now.

Senator Conway spoke on the Bord Gáis sale which is not going ahead because the Government has not received a proper bid. We will hear much more about that in the coming weeks. Senators Conway and Ó Domhnaill spoke on fishing quotas. This is the time of year for negotiations and the Minister was rightly praised last year by all concerned in the fishing industry for his efforts on the deal which was required and which he secured. He built his case based on scientific evidence. I am sure he will do the same this year and has the support of all sides of the House in those negotiations.