Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps that is something we can discuss at a later stage. Senators van Turnhout, Colm Burke and others spoke about the issue of female genital mutilation and the reopening of the clinic. That will be welcomed by everybody.

Senators van Turnhout, Naughton, Leyden, Keane and Mullins spoke about the abduction of children in Nigeria. This appalling event is not getting the international coverage it deserves. I agree that swift action is required by the Nigerian Government and pressure should be applied by all countries in that regard. I would welcome an all-party motion on the matter that might be discussed next week, and I hope such a motion is forthcoming. This side of the House would certainly be agreeable to raising the matter with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade at the appropriate time next week. I hope something will also be done in the meantime.

Senator van Turnhout also spoke about child beauty pageants. The view of this House on the matter is clear and unequivocal but the Dáil's view a matter for that House to decide.

Senator Barrett raised the issue of Setanta Insurance. I agree completely with his remarks in that regard. The lack of regulation is once again an issue in the context of insurance companies. I have been approached by a number of people in recent weeks regarding claims they had made and payments they were expecting. They do not know where they stand at present. If the Central Bank knew about the issue since last November, why did it not take action then? Policies were being sold as recently as the week before this company went into liquidation. Some sort of recourse must be offered to people who are in that situation. The Government of Malta, where the company was regulated, should not get off scot free in that regard. I will raise the issue with the Minister for Finance, who has also commented on it.

I also share Senator Barrett's concerns about Mr. Trichet, which no doubt will be discussed in the banking inquiry. Senator Mary Ann O'Brien asked about the make up of the banking inquiry. On behalf of the House, I made representations, as requested, to involve Senators in the inquiry and it has been decided that the Government will have one Senator and the Opposition will have one Senator. It is to be welcomed that the House is recognised when it comes to forming a committee of such importance.

Senators Kelly, Henry, Mullins and Paul Coghlan raised the issue of discretionary medical cards, which I referred to earlier. Senators Ó Murchú and White called for a debate on Northern Ireland. I have asked the Taoiseach to deal with this matter. As Senator Ó Murchú noted, this House has had balanced and reasonable debates on Northern Ireland and I have no reason to believe any other debate we might have would not be conducted in a similar manner. This House has always been to the fore in promoting peace and reconciliation, and we should continue in that role. One of the amendments to Standing Orders that the Government has proposed to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges is that Ministers who attend North-South ministerial meetings would report to this House in order that we can debate the issues arising. Senator D'Arcy referred to this issue in the context of transport matters. I expect this proposal will be accepted by the committee and the House and it should be welcomed by all Members.

I have addressed the question raised by Senator Cullinane regarding water charges. Senator Leyden referred to the decision of the Egyptian judiciary to hand down death sentences to more than 500 people. This is a most regrettable decision and perhaps the Senator can raise it on the Adjournment. Senator Mary Ann O'Brien welcomed the decisions by the Minister for Justice and Equality on charity regulation and the appointment of a new board. This is something which Senators have sought for quite some time. I compliment the Minister on making those appointments.

Senator Higgins spoke about the culture of banking, including Ulster Bank in particular, and called for a debate on sanctions against banks. I wish the Senator, along with Senators Clune, Byrne and Mullen, well in their quest for election to the European Parliament. It is a hard campaign and I wish each of them well.

Senator White referred to the views of Boston College on the tapes. I am sure that issue will be raised during our debate on Northern Ireland. Senator Ó Clochartaigh referred to the Minister for Justice and Equality and the comments he made on several occasions. The Minister will be introducing the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2013, which people have spoken about for the last ten years, and other reforming legislation in the coming months.

In regard to direct provision, yesterday we had an excellent exchange of views between the Seanad Public Consultation Committee and representatives of human rights organisations. I thank Members who attended that meeting and contributed to the debate. The report of the committee will be published shortly. I thank Senator Zappone in particular for her excellent work in preparing for the meeting and compiling the report. Direct provision was one of the issues raise, and rightly so, but it was also noted that fewer than 4,000 people are currently in direct provision, compared with 8,000 when this Government entered office. It is to be welcomed that the delays in processing applications for asylum have been significantly reduced.