Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Leyden spoke about Iran and the need to reopen the embassy in Tehran. A deputation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade went to Iran in recent weeks, but I note the Senator's comments and will bring them to the attention of the Tánaiste.

Senator Moran spoke about the collaboration between Dundalk IT and Dundalk FC. These developments are to be welcomed. I note her points about the Central Remedial Clinic, commending the Committee of Public Accounts, which obviously has much more investigation to carry out. The Senator also encouraged people to support charities, as the donations have declined significantly since this situation arose.

Senator Barrett made some points about Irish Water. I am sure he will make those points to the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dowd, when we have that debate on Irish Water tomorrow. Senator D'Arcy spoke about the right to guardianship for unmarried fathers. The family relationships and children Bill is on the A list of legislation, which indicates that it will be dealt with fairly soon. However, I know the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013 had its Second Stage reading in the Dáil and is awaiting Committee Stage, so it will take some time before that Bill reaches the House.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh and Senator Mullins raised a decision of the courts. The courts are entirely independent in the execution of their functions. It would be inappropriate for me to make any comment on the decision of the court in this instance. I can say that the person to whom the Senators referred was convicted at Ennis District Court last month of endangering lives by entering the runway at Shannon Airport in late 2012. She was sentenced to three months in prison, which was suspended for two years on condition that she enter into a bond of good behaviour. Having failed to enter the bond, the sentence was activated by the court and the person was committed to Limerick Prison to serve that sentence.