Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am available for mediation.

Senators Darragh O'Brien, James Heffernan and Martin Conway, among others, spoke about the passing of Christine Buckley. She was a remarkable and courageous lady and I express my condolences and those of the House to her family.

On legislation being introduced in this House, as I have said on numerous occasions, I can only play the cards that have been dealt to me. Legislation is very slow in coming to this and the other House, as can be seen if one looks at what is being discussed in it. I will relay Members' concerns and have already relayed mine about the flow of legislation. When it eventually comes - l do not see it coming before the end of this term - I have no intention of rushing it through the House for any reason, unless it is emergency legislation. The system is not working. I mentioned some weeks ago that there was a need for a whole-of-government approach. Departments are pushing their legislation, as are the parliamentary draftspersons, and I am aware that the Taoiseach raised the matter at the Cabinet recently. It is a source of concern and a matter that must be addressed. As I mentioned, the Taoiseach is also concerned by the lack of legislation. Senator Aideen Hayden mentioned the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. Senator Feargal Quinn and the Cathaoirleach have mentioned that the committee will not meet to discuss these matters until 26 March, but a number of proposals have been made. I submitted the Government's proposals last week to the office of the Cathaoirleach and we will discuss the matter on 26 March.

Senators David Norris, Michael Mullins and others raised the issue of the fluoridation of water and the fact that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, intended to set up an expert panel on fluoridation. Senator David Norris has pointed out that the matter was discussed in the House some time ago.