Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Kelly spoke about wind turbines and submissions that had to be in by 21 February. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, to come into the House to discuss that matter. I will try to find out if she is willing to do so. Senator Mooney spoke about the IDA's regional policy on jobs. As he stated, the companies will eventually decide, but I agree with him that there should be a greater regional balance if possible. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is certainly overdue a visit to the House to discuss the question of jobs. I have asked him and I hope he will come to us soon.

Senator Noone also spoke about law and order, highlighting the theft of smartphones in Dublin and elsewhere. I will ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform to come in and discuss that matter. Senator O'Sullivan raised the issue of the use of the poor box for donations in courts.

He referred to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar. As he will be in the House immediately after the Order of Business, that would be a good time to make those points. On the issue of public transport, I agree with the Senator that there is a greater need for joined-up thinking in terms of connections between trains, buses and so on. He could avail of the opportunity during the debate on the Bill to raise those points with the Minister.

In reply to Senator Michael Mulllins, I think I have indicated that we will have a debate on foreign affairs especially in relation to Syria, Southern Sudan and the Central African Republic next week.

Senator Marie Moloney raised the issue of the local property tax and the deduction from social welfare payments, including the widow's contributory pension. I suggest the Senator table an Adjournment motion in that regard to get a direct answer from the Minister on that point.

Senator Martin Conway mentioned the crimes against the elderly and the need for a strategy for support of the elderly, a community alert scheme in the context of the installation of panic button alarms in the homes of the elderly, and more funding. The Senator called for a greater role for the Garda reserve in this matter. I will certainly bring those matters to the attention of the Minister.

Senator Lorraine Higgins raised the scrutiny of a recent report from NAMA. I think a debate on such a report would be more relevant to the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and should be examined by it.

I thought Senator Fidelma Healy Eames was going to burst into song - be not afraid and come follow me.