Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no licence to operate these machines in betting shops and the Revenue Commissioners should take immediate action to ensure they are removed. It is a major problem and I hope the Minister for Finance will tax online betting in the budget because it is long overdue. I have raised it for over four or five years.

Senator Keane raised the closure of the crèche in Tallaght Hospital, which will be dealt with as an Adjournment debate matter today. Senator Brennan raised the issue of tobacco control and the recognition by the World Health Organization of the efforts of the Minister for Health in this regard. The Senator also raised the proposed strike in Aer Lingus and the damage it would cause to tourism and the economy, and urged all parties to engage with the Labour Relations Commission. We would all agree with that suggestion.

Senator Walsh raised the issue of maternity services and people being removed from the register of electors, which I have dealt with. Senator Moloney reminded us that the closing date for submissions for the framework for suicide prevention is 6 June. Senator Mullins clarified the matter of maternity services, welcomed the agreement with the IMO and called for a debate on peacekeeping abroad, which we can arrange. Senator O'Keeffe joined Senator Mullins in raising road safety with the bank holiday coming, urged people to be more careful and mentioned the national slow down day. It is important that we all be very careful on the roads this weekend. Senator O'Keeffe also commented on the review of maternity services, and I share her concerns on that issue.

Senator Colm Burke raised the lack of the employment of consultants in medical services between 2003 and 2009 when the country was awash with money. That is a fact. The Senator also called for a debate on developing and enhancing youth services. We will ask the new Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Charles Flanagan, to come here for a debate, which is long overdue. We have not had a debate on youth services for some time.

Senator Barrett raised the European election results. I congratulate former Senator Clune, who has been elected to the European Parliament, and wish her well for the future. I also congratulate the other candidates from the Seanad who contested the European elections, who acquitted themselves very well. Senator Moran complimented the athletes and volunteers of the Limerick Special Olympics. Special Olympics Ireland is a wonderful organisation and shows us volunteerism at its best. It is regrettable that RTE would not have live coverage of the events. I support the Senator's call for live coverage of this wonderful event.