Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Members opposite should listen to it more often.

Senator O’Donovan made points on medical cards and boarded-up social housing. A new scheme is already in place for local authorities with €20 million allocated for such social housing units to be repaired for much-needed rehousing of people.

Senator Mullins and Noone raised the issue of personal attacks on social media against our colleague Senator Higgins. Such attacks are deplorable on any individual.

Senator O’Donnell asked if the Government would listen more to what Senators have to say. I regret the subsequent attack from Senator Cullinane about her voting record as an Independent.

While I would prefer if Senator O'Donnell would vote with this side of the House on all occasions, she is an independent person and votes according to her conscience, as I am sure she will always do.

Senator Crown raised the Garda whistleblowers and, as the Cathaoirleach said, it is a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and the Senator's representative. The two people in question have already appeared before the Committee of Public Accounts.

Senator Paul Coghlan raised the progress of NAMA in many areas in the interests of the taxpayer. I agree with Senator Cullinane that this Government has been given a clear message by the public, to which it will respond positively. Positivity is not, and never has been, in the vocabulary of Sinn Féin. It thrives on the misery of others and hopes that people would be like that. We will respond positively to what the people are asking us to do. We have two more years and, much to the disappointment of the other side of the House, we will deliver over the next two years.

I mentioned Senator Noone's points when I responded to Senator Cullinane and she also mentioned social media. Senator Bradford raised the housing crisis debate and said the response should not be developer-led. I agree with him on this and I have commented on the availability of Ministers. Senator Kelly spoke on a disconnect between the Government and the people. For a minute or two I thought he was Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, MEP's election agent, but I note his points.