Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----but when it is, we will arrange to have a debate in the House. I also note her points on Ukraine and the request for a debate on the matter.

Senators Barrett and Wilson called for a debate on Northern Ireland and I will request the Taoiseach to come here for that. Senator Coghlan commented on Senator Quinn's Bill. Senators O'Donovan and Wilson spoke about post offices and rural Ireland. As I stated yesterday and the day before, the Minister in question attended the Seanad for an Adjournment matter and he gave a very comprehensive report on the issue. It is not the intention of the Government to close post offices. When I mentioned that in the first place I indicated that the Government does not close post offices, but I was heckled from the other side. Seventeen post offices were closed in the past three years but 197 were closed in the three years before that under the previous Administration. The figures speak for themselves in that regard.

Senator Mullins spoke about expenses for people on jury duty and we will bring that matter to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality. Perhaps the Senator could consider it as an Adjournment matter. I am sure we will have a very good discussion on next week's Private Members' motion, which is put forward by Senator van Turnhout. Senators van Turnhout and Crown commented on the Bill regarding smoking in cars where children are present, and there are a number of items of correspondence from the Department on the matter to both Senators. It has been indicated that the Bill will be taken in early April and I intend to put it on the agenda for 2 April. It is appalling that there has been such a delay with the Bill but I am unsure about who or what held it up. I assure the Senators it will be on the agenda for 2 April.