Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Labhair an Seanadóir Ó Murchú agus Seanadóirí eile mar gheall ar an straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge. Tá an Rialtas i bhfábhar na straitéise. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil don Coimisinéir Teanga as a chuid oibre. I assure the House that the Government is totally in favour of implementing the 20 year strategy for the Irish language. I understand the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, will appear before the committee to discuss the straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge on 6 March. He will be in attendance in the House shortly after that, around the time of Seachtain na Gaeigle, to discuss the matter then.

Senator Hayden raised the issue of children's rights and children's welfare and pointed out the anomaly which exists with rent supplement. Perhaps we can have a discussion with the Minister, Deputy Burton, on that matter in early course.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of the Louise O'Keeffe case which has been discussed in the House in the past few days. I am sure the Government will make a very comprehensive response to that judgment but, as I pointed out, during the past two days the protection of children is a priority for this Government and it will continue and remain so. I join the other Senators who welcomed the launch of the Child and Family Agency today.

Senator Conway raised the issue of the marking of the commemoration of the death of Brian Boru and the Battle of Clontarf and of an invitation for a meeting of this House in Dromoland Castle to mark the event. We will examine that but the Committee on Procedure and Privileges has examined previously the possibility of the Seanad having meetings in other areas and the cost may be prohibitive but we will look at that.

Senators Averil Power and Jim Walsh referred to an RTE settlement with the Iona Institute, but there are differences of opinion between the Senators. I suggest to Senator Averil Power that, in order to get the information she requires, she might consider tabling an Adjournment matter in order that the Minister can answer the question she posed this morning.

Senator Feargal Quinn referred to the delays in bringing forward legislation after passing Second Stage in this House. The Bill dealing with smoking in cars when children are present is an example. I agree with the Senator and cannot understand the reasons for the delays. As I mentioned last night, there must be a rethink by Government agencies. There is a rush of legislation towards the end of each term and little or nothing at the beginning of a term. Departments and Government agencies must look at the issue. It is not acceptable that there are such delays after legislation has been passed on Second Stage and promises are made that it will be implemented soon afterwards.

Senator Michael D'Arcy referred to the question raised by Senator Marie Moloney yesterday about the hospitality sector and alleged profiteering, including by the drinks sector and hotels. It is regrettable if it is the case that hotels are raising prices by 200% or 300% when there are rugby matches or concerts. It is not a good reflection on the country. The sector should have a rethink because, having had some good years, it will have some poorer ones if it continues to do what was alleged by Senator Michael D'Arcy this morning and Senator Marie Moloney yesterday.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson complimented the Taoiseach on meeting the people from Ballymurphy. We will know the outcome of the meeting later.

Senator Cáit Keane referred to allergies, particularly peanut allergies, and the sad case of the death of a young girl in Dublin over Christmas. There is a need to raise public awareness of the issue. I will ask the Minister to come to the House for a debate on the issue and others of a similar nature.

Senators Ned O'Sullivan and Paschal Mooney raised a matter I have already dealt with. To repond to Senator Jim Walsh, no Senator in the House stands over the type of comments to which he alluded.