Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Darragh O'Brien asked about the health service plan. The Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, received the draft service plan from the HSE on Monday, 25 November. The Minister has 21 days in which to review the plan and to either approve it or to issue a direction to amend the plan. The Minister is reviewing the service plan which he can approve or seek to be amended by 16 December. In reply to Senator O'Brien, I am afraid we will not be in a position to discuss the service plan in the House, based on that time schedule.

Senator Bacik welcomed the measures for bankruptcy reform and she called for an urgent debate on white collar crime. She asked that the authority for the regulation of charities be established as soon as possible. This matter has been raised by a number of Senators today. The Minister is committed to the establishment of a charities regulatory authority under the terms of the 2009 Act. Subject to the necessary preparatory work being completed, it is intended that the authority will be formally established in mid-2014. In advancing this process, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, intends in the near future to invite expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced persons who wish to be considered for membership of this authority. It is moving on but it is taking longer than the Minister initially anticipated but it will be in place next year. Senator Mac Conghail also raised the issue of the need for the maintenance of trust and confidence in the charities and not-for-profit sector.

Senator Norris and other Senators have spoken about the need for a cold weather shelter. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. I hope the Minister of State will come to the House to debate the issue of homelessness.

Senators D'Arcy, Healy Eames and Moran and others, asked for a debate on the PISA report which covers 65 nations. The Irish situation has improved significantly since the previous report. I will bring the matter about Dr. Scott which was raised by Senator D'Arcy to the attention of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

Senators Leyden, Keane and others, as well as all Members, wish to congratulate Father Pádraig from the SMA missions on his award. Senator Kelly raised the matter of insurance for young drivers. I am sure the Minister would welcome any advice and suggestions on that matter.

Senator Barrett extended sympathies to the Scottish First Minister on the dreadful helicopter accident in Glasgow at the weekend.

I am sure that we would all like to extend our sympathies to the families bereaved by that dreadful accident.

I will arrange a debate with the Minister regarding the report on sea ports. It needs to be debated and I am sure that the Minister would be willing to attend.

Senator Keane congratulated the Rev. Pat Storey, the first woman bishop in the Anglican church, and highlighted the need for more drop-in centres. We can address that matter with the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, when she attends the House.

Senators Ó Clochartaigh, Mullins and Burke referred to top-up payments in sections 38 and 39 agencies. A considerable number of the section 38 agencies have been found to be in breach of Government policy. The Minister met the director general of the HSE yesterday to receive an update on unsanctioned payments to management in organisations receiving funding under section 38 of the Health Act 2004. The Minister has requested urgent action to ensure that every agency is fully compliant with Government pay policy. A team of senior HSE managers is following up with individual agencies. The HSE will take whatever action is necessary to deliver full compliance and ensure that any governance deficits identified are comprehensively and immediately rectified. Meetings have been arranged with every agency concerned. Arising from this process, those found not to be compliant will be called in by the director general to meet him before Christmas. Such meetings will commence next week.

Senator Landy discussed Saorview and called for a briefing for communities that will be affected. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte. I am sure that the Senator will do likewise.

Senator MacSharry referred to the need for an inquest in respect of a deceased lady. I suggest that this matter would be best dealt with through an Adjournment matter but I will bring it to the attention of-----