Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Mullins and Paul Coghlan and others welcomed the re-opening of the beef market in Japan. It will prove to have great potential for our country, including the farmers mentioned by Senator MacSharry. We are hopeful that markets to China will be re-opened in early course. That would be of benefit to our food sector.

Senator Quinn referred to digital post boxes and the payments by electronic means to businesses in Denmark. We intend to roll out the same. The situation should improve. The amount of time that it takes Government agencies to pay suppliers is a significant improvement on what it was even six months ago. The majority of payments are made within 15 days.

Senator Burke called for full transparency in respect of section 38 organisations and the CEOs of charities, some of whom are paid more than €200,000. There should be transparency.

Senator Bradford referred to the local government Bill and I understand that we will be taking Second Stage of that legislation on 13 December. That is the date set down at the moment, unless it is further delayed in the other House. We will allow ample time for that debate. The Minister hopes to have the Bill finished by Christmas but I am in the hands of the House as to how we should deal with that matter. At this point, Second Stage is tentatively set for 13 December.

Senators Conway and Moran referred to the UN International Day of People with Disabilities and inquired when Ireland will ratify the relevant UN convention. I will seek an answer on that matter and revert to the Senators in due course.

Senator Healy Eames referred to the need for early intervention in Project Maths. She also welcomed the Cabinet approval today for the recruitment of 390 extra special needs assistants. I will try to arrange for a debate with the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, on the issues that were raised by a number of Senators.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to the report of the Smithwick tribunal, publication of which, I understand, is imminent. When we have the report, I am sure we will have a debate on it.

Senator Jim D'Arcy mentioned the HSE not accepting liability in a number of cases where it was clearly culpable and I share his concerns in that regard. Hardship has been caused for so many families, some of whom we heard about only last week. They have suffered great hardship through the actions of the HSE. We all hope the executive would own up and accept liability far earlier than has been the case in the instances cited by Senator D'Arcy.