Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Michael Mullins raised the issue of the €68 million allocation for new social housing announced by the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O’Sullivan. This is to be welcomed, in addition to the €15 million allocated for the refurbishment of local authority houses that are boarded up.

Senators Michael Comiskey and Denis O’Donovan raised the issue of a Dutch super trawler fishing in Irish waters. I agree that the conservation organisations are correct in outlining their concerns in this regard. Such ships should be banned from our waters, if at all possible. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney.

Senator Aideen Hayden noted the write-off by AIB of €150,000 in one mortgage arrears case and that there were anomalies in the code of conduct that should be reviewed. I will bring this matter to the attention of the Minister for Finance.

Senator Michael Comiskey asked about moneys being made available to repair storm damage to farms in his area. Senator Hildegarde Naughton also raised the issue of insurance cover and storm damage, a matter also raised on the Adjournment by Senator Deirdre Clune. It is a valid point for businesses and properties damaged by storms and floods.

Senator Terry Leyden raised the issue of the appointment of the US ambassador to Ireland. It is regrettable that an ambassador has not been put in place to date, but that is a matter for the US President, Mr. Obama, to address. I hope it will be addressed in early course.

Senator Sheahan raised the issue of people seeking work in the construction sector and some anomaly that exists. I will bring that matter to the Minister's attention. Senators Bradford and Colm Burke addressed the question of the cross-border health care directive. Senator Colm Burke says the directive has not yet been transposed into Irish law and that there is a treatment abroad fund. I will bring the matter to the Minister's attention, as requested by Senator Bradford. Senator Bradford also acknowledged the work of Mr. Flannery in building up Rehab and providing much-needed services in that organisation.

Senator Mullins raised the instructions issued to Ministers regarding travel. It is very prudent that such instructions be issued to Ministers when travelling abroad. Senator O'Sullivan raised a matter that was mentioned by Senator Leyden yesterday - the Trichet letter and its location - and said it should be published and made available in the public domain.