Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The other matters raised by Senator Darragh O'Brien will be addressed today by the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, which is chaired by Deputy Ciarán Lynch.

In regard to the pyrite remediation board, Senator Darragh O'Brien welcomed the fact Members had the opportunity to meet Mr. Carroll and others. He urged people to submit their applications as soon as possible, with which we would all agree.

Senator Bacik referred to yesterday's debate on community courts. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, is very supportive of them and I hope we will see action in early course. Senators Bacik and Hayden referred to the Constitutional Convention's findings on housing and homelessness. As I said previously, Mr. Tom Arnold will come to the House to discuss the final report of the Constitutional Convention but in the meantime, as Senator Hayden asked, I will invite the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, back to the House to address this point. She was here not so long ago for a debate on homelessness. There was also a call for the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, to come to the House to debate rent supplement.

Senator Norris raised the issue of hospital services and I note his point about the study on nurses. The point he raised about people who do not attend appointments is one I have raised on several occasions with the Minister for Health. There should be a national campaign to advise people that they should turn up. Admittedly situations can arise, such as those Senator Hayden mentioned, where there are some problems with administration in the hospital, but 27,000 people did not turn up to St. Vincent's Hospital in 2012, which meant that 27,000 who did not get an appointment could have had one. That should be highlighted on a national basis. Many hospitals give a second appointment, and if people do not turn up for that one they are put at the bottom of the list, but they should probably be removed from it. If there is a change of address, the GP or the patient should notify the hospital and the consultants. That is what is happening in some instances, but something will have to be done because we will never get rid of waiting lists if people do not turn up for appointments.

I also note Senator Norris's point on SIPTU. I admire and pay tribute to the people on the north side of Dublin, which the Senator normally does, and rightly so.

Senator Colm Burke referred to the amalgamation of schools in Cork city, which the Cathaoirleach said was possibly a matter for the Adjournment debate. The Senator mentioned that there had been no consultation with parents and boards of management, but I thought that day had gone. I find it extraordinary that there is amalgamation of schools without any consultation with parents and boards of management but, as the Cathaoirleach mentioned, it could be a matter for the Adjournment debate.

A number of Senators raised the issue of GPs and called for the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, to intervene. I presume that is because the GPs are in Buswells Hotel from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

Some Members have already gone there and are making the case in the House. The Minister of State, Deputy White, is available for negotiations with the GPs.

Senator Denis O'Donovan called for a debate on fisheries. I have asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, to come to the House to discuss the matter and I will renew those representations. With regard to the call for some mechanism to activate the fish assist scheme, I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton. Senator Paul Coghlan and Senator Marc MacSharry referred to the IBRC loan book, which I have commented on. Senator Keane advised people to beware of purchasing tickets on the Internet for concerts, referring specifically to the Garth Brooks concert. People should be advised of this in respect of scams on the Internet.

Senator Cullinane referred to the post office network, a matter raised yesterday. I gave a comprehensive reply on it and it was also the subject of an Adjournment debate yesterday evening during which the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, gave a comprehensive report on the issue. Yesterday I mentioned that over the past three years we have had 17 closures of post offices while in the previous three years 197 post offices were closed. The Senator should look at what was mentioned yesterday in the House and on the Adjournment debate.

Senator Healy Eames raised a point but is not present in the Chamber for the reply. In the Adjournment debate she has requested for this evening, she will receive a reply.

Senator Ó Domhnaill referred to the Omagh support and self-help group, which had a comprehensive meeting with the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Taoiseach, as requested.

Senator Pat O'Neill referred to the road user levy in Northern Ireland. It was first raised by Senator Terry Brennan and in an Adjournment debate by Senator Ó Domhnaill and others. I take his point that there are severe implications for the Irish Road Haulage Association and people who operate trucks doing business in Northern Ireland. The charges are excessive and the exemption of seven miles, which has been agreed, does not go any part of the way.