Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Hayden referred to homelessness. I hope we will have the relevant Minister in the House on this subject. With regard to repossessions, there was a call for a review of the insolvency services. I will raise this with the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Our friend and colleague Senator Jimmy Harte is very seriously ill. I spoke to his wife and passed on the good wishes of all in the House. We certainly wish him a speedy recovery.

Senator Mullins called for a debate on the strategic plan for Irish peatlands that was outlined by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan.

I will ask the Minister to come into the House to discuss that issue.

In response to Senator Jim Walsh and others who asked for a debate on Irish Water, we will have one. I note Senator Jim Walsh's comments on the issue of law and order also. I have heard it commented that no legislation or greater amount of gardaí could have prevented some of the murders that, unfortunately, took place in the past few weeks.

Senator Cáit Keane raised the issue of coastal protection. I have mentioned the problems in that regard and we will have a debate on it next week.

Senator Sean D. Barrett mentioned the merger of the Railway Procurement Agency and the NRA. I hope to have the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, speak to us on that issue.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh referred to the report on fisheries. I have mentioned that we hope to have the Minister here to discuss that item specifically. Also, I will try to find out the current status of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2010.

In response to Senator Colm Burke on the issue of surrogacy, I understand there will be a Bill which is on the A list to deal with this matter. I will ask the Minister to introduce it as a Seanad Bill in order that we can deal with the matter before the other House. I understand the legislation will be brought forward soon.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames raised the issue of Oireachtas reform. As I said, this House, in particular in dealing with the Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013, debated the issue of Uisce Éireann comprehensively. A total of 18 hours was allowed for discussions on the issue.

Senators Jim D'Arcy and Diarmuid Wilson referred to the announcement made by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, and the concerns of teachers which should be addressed. I agree with them and will certainly invite the Minister to come here to discuss the reform of the junior cycle programme, as requested.

Senator Feargal Quinn spoke about a possible rail dispute and his Critical Utilities (Security of Supply) Bill 2013. I hope there will not be a rail dispute which would be very damaging to the country. I am sure all of the industrial machinery of the State will be put in place to prevent any such dispute.

I think I have covered most of the items raised by Members.