Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

If the Senator looks at what the Minister said, he might agree with me and look back on it.

Senator Brennan called for a debate on sentencing. I have asked the Minister for Justice and Equality on a number of occasions to come in to the House to address that matter, and I am sure he will do so soon.

Senator Landy spoke in regard to the increase in employment and the reduction in unemployment from 16% to 12%. Again, I am sure Senator Landy will make the points he raised in regard to the catering industry with the Minister, Deputy Bruton, when he is here, and with the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, tomorrow.

Senator Barrett raised the possibility that the Government could be taking over Ulster Bank. To the best of my knowledge, the Government is trying to free itself from bank ownership at this stage so I would not believe anything the Senator would read in the newspaper in that regard.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to the great strides made by the Minister for Finance in guiding the economy and freeing us from the bailout. That point was also raised by Senator Hayden.

Senator Cullinane raised the issue of the EirGrid proposals and gave his opinion that the commission set up to examine the proposals is not independent. That is Senator Cullinane's opinion and I will not comment any further on it.

Senator Hayden spoke about getting back our economic sovereignty. In regard to the business of the House, I made the points she has raised here today.

Senator O'Sullivan raised the situation in Ukraine. He also referred to Cheltenham, in particular the question of the doping of horses and the point raised by the trainer, Willie Mullins. I understand the Turf Club has made a strong statement that there are very stringent regulations in regard to the doping of horses. However, I believe the trainer was highlighting the fact there are people who are out there to destroy the industry and there is a need for vigilance, as there always has been, in regard to horses, especially fancied ones. I hope Senator O'Sullivan backs a few good winners in Cheltenham.

Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of the sale of State assets and their utilisation. He can raise that point with the Minister for Finance when he is here.

Senators Healy Eames and Jim D'Arcy called for a further debate on junior certificate reform. We had a debate on that very issue in the autumn and, to the best of my knowledge, Senator Healy Eames did not partake in that debate. We will try to get the Minister to come in and address the very same debate that took place in the autumn.

Senator Kelly referred to jobs in the catering sector and outlined the many myths that relate to the loss of benefits. I agree with him that there is a need to inform people of their rights in this regard, as there are many myths about benefits that are not true.

Senator Feargal Quinn raised the need for restaurants to be prepared in case customers with peanut allergies suffer a reaction. He also raised the issue of carbon monoxide poisoning. I will bring both matters to the attention of the relevant Ministers.

Senator Michael Mullins outlined welcome improvements in Ireland's performance in innovation and human resources.

Senator MacSharry raised the plight of farm families and referred to beef prices. The farming sector is in good hands thanks to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney. The Minister gave a robust defence of his policies on farming only a couple of weeks ago. On Senator MacSharry's comments on water charges for farm families, I do not deal in speculation. Clearly, Senators on the other side must grasp at straws from time to time.

Senator Gilroy referred to the Cork Film Centre and arts policy. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, was before the House to discuss a different issue last week. We will invite him to come into the House again to discuss arts policy. The specific issue related to the Cork Film Centre should be addressed through an Adjournment matter. I addressed the points raised by Senator Crown.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan referred to the decision by the National University of Ireland, Galway, to award extra points to students who are involved in high performance sport. He also noted the problem of obesity and the need for lifestyle changes and more physical education in schools. All of us will agree with the sentiments expressed by the Senator.

Senator Noone referred to the cross-party group on the misuse of alcohol and the need to implement the recommendations of the alcohol strategy. I have invited the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, to come to the House. It is only a matter of scheduling a time at this stage and I will do so when the Minister of State finds a gap in his diary. I also note the point made by Senator Noone on tourism figures and the welcome increase in the number of Chinese visitors.