Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the Minister's reply about the issue of Rehab lotteries. The Deputy Leader responded comprehensively on that matter. I would not presume to speak for the Minister for Justice and Equality on the matter.

On the request for a debate on sport and sport funding, I have asked the Minister to come to the House and I am hopeful we will have a debate on that issue in the next couple of weeks. Senator Bacik raised the EU review of climate change targets. Our policy on targets has not changed. We can discuss the matter when the EU report is available.

Senator Quinn and many other Members asked for a debate on the charities sector and the need for an urgent appointment of a charities regulator. We had a Private Members' business debate which was proposed by the Labour Party. As Senator O'Donnell said, Senator Mary Ann O'Brien tabled a Private Members' motion on the charities sector and she produced a paper on the issue. I will ask the Minister to come to the House to debate that issue with us again in view of recent events. We try to avoid duplication in debate subjects but I agree there should be a debate on the issue now.

Senator Quinn also asked for a debate on the public service reform plan. I note his points on the motor tax discs and the change in the UK.

Senators Clune, Mullins and O'Donnell referred to the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn's proposals on an apprenticeship model. These proposals are welcome. Perhaps the Minister might be willing to discuss them in the House.

Senator Clune discussed the importance of energy competitiveness. She outlined how the European Commission was carrying out a report on this matter this week. The House could debate it when we view the report.

Senator Leyden referred to the delay in appointing a US ambassador to Ireland. I am sure that the Government has discussed this matter with the US Government.

Senator Hayden called for a debate on the banking sector. I have asked the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, to attend the House. I do not believe that he will do so in February, but I have asked him for that debate a number of times and will continue doing so. I also noted the Senator's points on fuel poverty and the need for energy efficient homes. In this regard, the Government has made significant grants available in recent years.

Senator Mullen referred to storm damage. We will debate that issue tomorrow, when he will be able to make the points that he raised. He also mentioned issues that were addressed comprehensively by the Deputy Leader last Thursday. He needs to be present when those debates are taken.

Senator Burke discussed funding for section 39 organisations. I agree that this is an important issue, as the money given to sections 38 and 39 organisation accounts for a significant portion of the HSE's budget. Transparency is necessary.

Senator Cullinane proposed an amendment to the Order of Business regarding Irish Water. We held an 18-hour debate on Irish Water. The matter has been addressed comprehensively by the Committee of Public Accounts and the Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht. I was asked to provide an update on those committees. The Minister has agreed to attend the House. Unfortunately, however, I cannot allocate further time, as the Minister will not be available.

Senator Higgins referred to the practices of a charity that deals with addiction issues and the need for greater regulation in that regard. Perhaps this matter could be raised on the Adjournment so that she might receive a comprehensive reply from the Minister.

Senators Bradford, Paul Coghlan and Mullins referred to the banking inquiry and the establishment of a special committee. I agree with their comments and will engage with the Government to try to ensure that Members of this House will be included. Quite a number of Senators would have the ability to sit and act properly on the inquiry.

Senator Conway mentioned the charity sector, which I addressed.

Senator Crown called for an amendment to the Order of Business. I cannot accept it, as today's agenda has been set. His amendment related to the Irish Emergency Medicine Trainees Association, IEMTA, and its statement on the emergency services. I note the Senator's points on discretionary medical cards, which have also been made by a number of Senators in recent months.

Senator Reilly raised the issue of the youth guarantee, which will be published next week. I had hoped that the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, would attend the House prior to its publication, but she instead stated that she would attend immediately following its publication. I hope to have her attend in the first week in February.

Senator Healy Eames referred to mortgage arrears and other issues of concern in that regard. I will reply to her when she returns to the Chamber. We have held a number of debates on mortgage arrears and will hold some more.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh discussed the use of Shannon Airport by military personnel and called for a debate on neutrality. I will ask the relevant Minister, but that is approximately the 12th issue on which we are asking the same Minister to attend. We will take them in order.

Senator O'Donnell raised the issue of the charity sector and the document that was published by Senator Mary Ann O'Brien and debated in the House. I note Senator O'Donnell's point on the youth guarantee. We will debate it with the Minister in the first week of February.

I do not propose to accept either amendment to the Order of Business.