Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator O'Donovan, the Acting Leader of the Opposition, inquired about the Legal Services Regulation Bill. I understand the legislation went to committee on 12 February. As the Senator is aware, it is a lengthy Bill and it will take some time to dispose of it in committee. Report Stage must also be taken in the Dáil before it is introduced in the Seanad. As such, it will be some time before it comes before the House.

A number of Senators raised the issue of mortgage arrears and referred to a Bill introduced in the other House last evening. As Senator O'Donovan stated, the Government agreed in principle to expedite legislation. However, the wheels of government grind slowly where legislation is concerned. I will raise with the Minister the concerns expressed by Senators with a view to expediting the legislation. I will also inquire on behalf of Senator O'Donovan about the position regarding rural water services and the water services Bill.

Senator Bacik and other Senators raised the issue of Ukraine, on which I provided a comprehensive report yesterday. I have invited the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to come before the Seanad, even though he addressed the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade on this matter yesterday. Senator Bacik also raised a report published yesterday by the National Women's Council. I agreed to ask the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, to come to the House for a discussion of the report.

Senator Feargal Quinn referred to the dearth of legislation before the Seanad. It is regrettable there is so little legislation before us. We have recourse to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, which I hope will hold a lengthy meeting next week. The Government has made proposals to change the procedures of the Houses. Senator Quinn also referred to the possibility of the Seanad examining the European work programme. There is no European legislation as such, although there are EU directives. We could certainly move on the issue of the European work programme as soon as possible. I presume a Minister would have to be present if we were to perform that role.

I note the strong points made by Senator Hayden on the issue of mortgage holders.

Senator Mooney referred to the hospitality sector, an issue that was also raised by Senator Paul Coghlan. It is important the sector remains competitive. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, or the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, to come to the House to outline tourism policy. We have been highly successful in this area, with tourist numbers increasing in the past year or two.

Senator Barrett expressed concern that the United States has still not appointed an ambassador. I hope the matter will be addressed in the next week or two, perhaps on St. Patrick's Day. I also note the Senator's comment on the ESB building on Fitzwilliam Street, a matter which was also raised by Senator Norris yesterday.

Senator Landy called for a review of the current position regarding driving licences to assess the possibility of using post offices for driving licence renewals. I will bring the matter to the attention of the relevant Minister.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh referred to the impact of troika economics on Ireland and the rest of Europe and called for a debate on same.

Senator Mullins raised the issue of alcohol and substance abuse. The all-party group on alcohol abuse met yesterday and Senator Noone provided a report to the House on the Order of Business yesterday. I agree a debate is needed because alcohol abuse is a scourge on which action must be taken. The Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, has been asked to come to the House to debate the issue.

I note the points made by Senator Leyden on the current position in Ukraine. I am sure he will raise at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges the possibility of inviting the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to address the House.

On the Irish language, which was raised by Senator Jim Walsh, the Government is committed to the promotion and use of the Irish language. The Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, will come to the House on Wednesday next to discuss the 20 year strategy for the language.

I do not propose to accept Senator MacSharry's amendment.