Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----but we should have a comprehensive debate on Northern Ireland as well as the Smithwick report. I will try to facilitate those debates in the House.

Senator O'Keeffe raised the issue of tax and VAT receipts and the fact that it is a positive signal that the economy is gradually recovering. That is welcome. She also referred to the Who Cares? report and said the settlement figures should be made available.

I agree totally with her in that regard.

Senators Norris and Wilson highlighted the case of Dónal de Róiste. An all-party motion on this matter was accepted by everyone some years ago. I will make inquiries to the Minister about the current status of that motion. My personal opinion is that it should be reactivated.

Senator Landy welcomed the measures that have been taken by the Minister, Deputy Burton, to assist temporary workers. I agree that they are to be welcomed.

Senator Barrett welcomed the measured response of the Minister of Justice in Northern Ireland, David Ford, to the report of the Smithwick tribunal. I note Senator Barrett's points regarding the 1992 EU health insurance directive. I will find out from the Minister for Health what the situation is with regard to seeking a further derogation in this respect. I will revert to the Senator at that point.

Senator Ó Domhnaill spoke about the waiting list for orthodontic treatment. We will have a debate on the health service plan as soon as it is available. I am sure the Senator's points can be raised when the Minister is in the House on that occasion.

Senator Conway welcomed the decision by Aer Lingus's regional division to bring 100,000 extra passengers to Ireland through Shannon Airport. He spoke about the benefits of this decision for tourism in the mid-west and the rest of the country.

I remind Senator O'Sullivan that we will debate the horse and greyhound racing fund after the Order of Business. I note his points about the possible dangers of wind farms for the horse racing industry. If the Senator does not get an opportunity to raise that issue during the debate on the horse and greyhound racing fund, I am sure he will get another opportunity to bring his concerns to the attention of the Minister in the near future.

Senator Ó Murchú joined those calling for a debate on Northern Ireland and suggested that this House might have a role in some type of peace and reconciliation commission. I think it would probably be beyond our remit. We should certainly try to do anything we can to assist those who are helping families to achieve closure.

Senator Crown said that the State should be able to make a greater input in hospitals that make top-up payments under section 38 of the Charities Act 2009 and charities that make such payments under section 39 of that Act. I note his points and I will bring them to the attention of the Minister.