Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Marc MacSharry raised the question of a newspaper report, the truth of which I cannot verify. Personally, I believe it is wrong that anybody on a salary of €164,000 should get additional funding, irrespective of what it is, from the State. I have asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, to come to the House to address the matter but he is not available today. I will certainly pursue the matter with him.

Senator O'Keeffe make some comments regarding the medical card situation, which is being examined by the Department and the Ministers involved. I hope it will be addressed in the near future. Senator O'Keeffe also welcomed the allocation of funds by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan, for many national projects. She also lauded the Yeats 2015 project, which is supporting many creative projects in Sligo and the west of Ireland.

Senator Quinn commented on the possibility of people reclaiming their pension additional voluntary contributions. He asked how many had availed of the scheme. I will certainly put it to the Minister for Finance and try to get back to the Senator. Senator Quinn also asked about the possibility of increasing AVCs from 30% to 100%. That is a budgetary matter and will be addressed, if it is to be addressed, in the budget. I will make inquiries with the Minister.

Senator Keane remarked on the plight of the Turkish miners. Our hearts go out to all their families. I hope more people will be saved in the ongoing efforts.

Reference was made to the report on binge drinking and the fact that Ireland is the second in the world on this regard. It is a shocking statistic that Ireland is second in the world where binge drinking is concerned. No wonder we witness such shocking violence after pubs close in the evenings and no wonder accident and emergency departments are full at weekends and during the day. Most of this is fuelled by alcohol. It is certainly a matter requiring ongoing debate. I will try to have the Minister come to the House and address the matter. The abuse of alcohol is a national problem and a serious problem that will have to be addressed. Several measures are in place and the Government has taken further steps but we need to know about them and we need support for those efforts from everyone involved.

Senator Walsh referred to the report on maternity services. There is a national examination of maternity services under way and several reports will feed into that. However, nothing has been decided and this point has been relayed by the HSE and the Minister. I am unsure who else needs to clarify that these reports will feed into the examination of maternity services, which are needed. Senator Walsh also commented on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and the need for closure for the victims' families. I agree totally with him in that regard. The Government has made representations to the British Government on the matter. The reports are available for everyone to see. It is clear from the reports that the committee felt there was collusion in those bombings.

Senator Moran commented on the funding announced yesterday for Special Olympics Ireland and the fact that it will now be based in Abbotstown. That is a welcome development and the Minister should be commended on it. Senator Moran also adverted to Time to Talk Day which is tomorrow highlighting mental health issues, which is important as well.

Senator Mooney remarked on the review of the rural social scheme. A further debate on rural Ireland and rural economic development is overdue. Perhaps we could have that debate in conjunction with the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas, CEDRA, report. I will ask the relevant Minister to come to the House to debate the matter.