Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality has been requested to invite the Secretary General of the Department to appear before it and that he has acceded to that request. That meeting will not take place this week, but I believe it will take place in the near future. This is to be welcomed. It is important and correct that he be called before the committee.

I note Senator Ivana Bacik's points on workers' rights and the right to collective bargaining. I am sure we will have legislation to deal with that issue in the near future.

Senator O'Donnell welcomed members of Monaghan Men's Shed, who certainly have an able advocate in the Senator.

I will accept Senator Barrett's amendment to the Order of Business, namely that the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) (Amendment) Bill 2014 be taken before No. 1. I understand it will be discussed tomorrow. I note his points on the Green Paper on energy policy, published yesterday, and particularly those on the cost of industrial electricity having increased by over 80% since 2007. It is imperative that the country remain competitive, so this is one area that will have to be examined. Perhaps we can have a debate on the Green Paper in the next month.

Senator Kelly referred to the rental accommodation scheme and the perceived anomaly in that system. As the Cathaoirleach has mentioned, perhaps the Senator can obtain all the information he desires if he raises the matter on the Adjournment.

I note the points of Senator Zappone on community education, GSOC and the need to improve the requirements of the latter for examining the Garda Síochána. I am sure we will be discussing GSOC in the House in the very near future.

Senator Naughton referred to the direction of the DPP regarding people in custody and their right to a solicitor, if requested. This is a very valid point and I will certainly seek clarification from the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Senator Walsh referred to the Guerin report and also to medical cards. Quite a number of Members have made points about discretionary medical cards. We will certainly try to have the Minister for Health in the House to discuss medical cards. As has been pointed out, the health committee is to visit the centre dispensing medical cards. I am sure the committee's report will be forthcoming soon.

Senator Brennan referred to payments and grants to regional museums from the regional museums fund. Obviously, the museums in County Louth have benefited, and I am sure many others throughout the country have benefited also. The Senator referred to the Giro d'Italia. Certainly there will be many tourism benefits arising from the race in the years ahead. It was a pity about the rain in that we were not able to show off the country in the best possible way.

Senator Cullinane referred to tendering for bus routes. He stated he had raised this on the Adjournment previously. I am not so sure about his point that Waterford city has one of the most lucrative bus routes in the country. He should probably reconsider this. I can advise him that I have not been invited to any meeting in Waterford on the matter in the coming week.

Senator Coghlan referred to the Guerin report and the lessons that were not learned from the Morris report. I am sure we can discuss that matter when we are debating the issue.

Senators Mary Ann O'Brien, Moloney and White referred to medical cards. I have addressed this matter. Senator White welcomed the appointment of the new Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, whom I am sure we all wish well in her post.

Senator Michael Mullins clarified the position on Portiuncula Hospital and the appointment of two additional obstetricians there.

Senator Healy Eames called for a debate on the Guerin report and raised other points also.

Senator Burke pointed out the cost of drugs and said it had been reduced significantly for the taxpayer by the Government since it came into office.

I have dealt with all the matters that I could here. Obviously, there were some points that I could not pick up on because of all the noise in the House.