Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are dramatic changes occurring in the postal service and revenue in An Post has fallen as mail volumes have dropped. In contrast, the business being done across post office counters has increased in recent years. An Post and the postmasters have worked closely together to win new business for the network. Banking services, bill payments and foreign exchange are just a few of the post office counter services that are growing. I assure the House that if we need a further debate on the issue then we will arrange one. This House debated the report from the Oireachtas joint committee on 4 July last year.

Senator Moran called for a debate on mental health services, particularly services for 16 to 18 year-olds. We have already had four debates on mental health services. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Lynch, has always been very helpful and has made herself available for the debates. I shall ask her again to come in here to address the matter that Senator Moran raised.

I note the points made by Senator Barrett on the fact that over 700 people were tested for drink driving over the weekend in various areas, and only two people were found to have a positive result. That highlights the fact that the message has got across that people should not drink and drive.

Senator Mullins mentioned driving licences and the RSA. He outlined the fact that driving licences are being processed within 12 days or less.

Senator Moloney called for a debate on long-term illness cards. I hope to have the Minister for Health in here soon to discuss the health service plan and many other areas of health.

Senator Wilson congratulated the new president of the GAA, Mr. Aogán Ó Fearghail, who is from Cavan. It is good that we will again see a Cavan man with his hands on the Sam Maguire Cup. It is a long time since that has happened. We congratulate Mr. Ó Fearghaill who is a cousin of the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes. That is another string to his bow.

Senator Brennan mentioned the Rugby World Cup working group that will be chaired by Hugo MacNeil. We commend the group on its forthcoming work. It would be wonderful if Ireland could host a Rugby World Cup.

Senator Healy Eames mentioned mortgage arrears and other points in that regard. I can advise here that the Minister for Finance shall attend here to debate the economy, economic growth and job creation next Tuesday, 4 March.

Senator Norris referred to inland waterways and the Naomh Eanna. This is an appropriate time to raise the issue because tomorrow we will debate inland waterways for over an hour with the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan, at the request of a number of Members. There will be an opportunity for the Senator to raise the question of the Naomh Eanna during the debate.

I also noted the point made on bullying by the Senator. Bullying in any form is reprehensible.

Senator Conway mentioned problems with the Dublin Airport Authority's pensions and I noted his points in that regard. He also asked that staff transferred from enterprise boards to local authorities would retain the same conditions. I shall bring the matter to the attention of the Minister.

Senator Quinn, when we spoke about post offices, mentioned the need to keep the main streets in towns alive. That is a very important issue throughout the length and breadth of the country and is possibly something that we should debate.

Senator Paul Coghlan tabled a Private Members' motion on car parking charges for out-of-town centres, but we probably should have an overall debate on the issue.

I note Senator Noone's point about the inflated price of holidays abroad by travel agencies during school holidays. It is a matter that has been raised on a number of occasions.

Senator Bradford called for a debate on the situation in Ukraine. I will ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to come in here to give an update on that serious issue. I also note the Senator's points on the shortage of housing in Dublin and the fact that there are so many vacant houses elsewhere, and that we could have a debate about rural regeneration in that context.

Senator Clune called for the recent report by Mr. O'Sullivan presented to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to be debated in the House. I will try to make arrangements for that. It is an important issue which should be addressed and I will ask the relevant Minister to come into the House to debate that report.

Finally, Senator Eamonn Coghlan raised fitness and well-being and his visit to the Cooley Peninsula. He sought a debate on the new Sport Ireland set-up with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, and the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn. I will try to facilitate those debates.