Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State, Deputy White, and his officials are working on a framework policy to deal with the issues surrounding the alcohol problems so evident in our society. However, there is a vast amount to do on other issues in the Department. The Minister of State said he would come to the House and give us an update on his work in the next two weeks or so. I hope to have the debate then.

Senator Wilson commented on mobile telephone coverage and the difficulties in his area of the country. This ties in with the question of broadband and the fact that Senator Ó Domhnaill has mentioned that no consultation with providers was carried out by the Minister. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister and try to get a response from him.

Senator Mullins commented on the positive and optimistic outlook for growth and recovery in the economy offered by several economists. He called for a debate on the Action Plan for Jobs and access to credit for businesses. I have asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, to come to the House. He indicated that he would be available on the third week in February but I now understand he is no longer available at that time. We will have to revert to him to ascertain when he can come in to deal with this important issue.

Senator Crown raised the issue of a medical practitioner receiving a threatening letter from a public relations company.