Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister indicated that he would publish it as a Seanad Bill.

The betting (amendment) Bill will be further down the road, well into next year. More than likely, it will be taken before the summer recess. I agree with the Senator's sentiments. While debating the greyhound and horse racing fund yesterday, the House addressed the importance of putting the betting Bill in place. The majority of betting is done online rather than on-course. I sympathise with independent bookmakers, who are suffering more than most.

Regarding the health service plan, I will inquire of the Minister about the amount spent on legal fees. The House recently addressed a number of cases in which the HSE did not accept liability where it should have. Those cases cost a large amount. I will try to get the information for the Senator.

Senator Hayden referred to the report in Forbes magazine, as did several other Senators. Ireland has been voted the best place to do business. This is encouraging for the country and its prospects of an economic upturn. It is all about confidence, and this vote will certainly help.

In terms of the future of the pharma sector, I agree that the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, should attend the House to discuss the Action Plan for Jobs, as requested by a number of Senators. I hope to arrange such a debate for early in the new session

I will tell the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, that the House has agreed on an emergency debate on homelessness before Christmas, but it will depend on her availability during the coming weeks. I will try to arrange that debate.

Senator Barrett referred to the naming of the new Naval Service ship. I am sure that the Minister will welcome all proposals. The Senator has a name in mind.

I am sure the Minister will examine all the possible names for the ship.

The rise in bus fares and the decrease in the number of passengers using public transport were referred to, as well as the need for a competitive tendering process. The Minister for transport, Deputy Varadkar, has started that process for a number of designated routes which he announced recently. There is obviously a need for an increase in such routes. I am sure the Minister will be willing to attend the House early in the new year to discuss that matter.

Senator Clune referred to the standard unemployment rate which is down to 12.5%. There is no question but that this is positive progress, although a lot more remains to be done. I cannot understand why Sinn Féin Members seem to be disappointed when the figures go down, although I know they thrive on people's misery most of the time.