Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business tabled by Senator Marc MacSharry. Senator Bacik and several other speakers called for a debate on Judge Cooke's report on the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. I will try to arrange a debate. The Government fully accepts the findings and conclusions of the report and the Minister has indicated it will inform legislative changes relating to GSOC.

Senator Sean Barrett referred to improvements in the State examination in mathematics. The Seanad played a role in this in the sense that we debated the issue following last year's examinations. We are all pleased the mistakes of the past have not been repeated.

Senators Tom Sheahan and Terry Brennan referred to the procurement process and the need to cater for small operators. As soon as a Minister of State has been appointed to the Department of Finance, we will invite him or her to the House to discuss the issue of procurement.

Senator Denis O'Donovan called for the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to discuss law and order. I am sure the Minister will be willing to accede to his request. Her decision to conduct a full review of her Department should be welcomed by all Senators, as we welcomed the decision to recommence recruitment to the Garda Síochána. While I will ask the Minister to come to the House for a debate, I expect she will wait until the review of her Department has been completed.

Senator Aideen Hayden raised the national rent index produced by the Private Residential Tenancies Board and Economic and Social Research Institute and called for a debate on rent control. The House debated rent supplement last week. I have asked the Minister of State with responsibility for housing, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to come to the House on numerous occasions and I realise she is very busy. I will continue to request that she come before us for a debate on rent control and housing matters.

I thank Senator David Cullinane for his advice.

Senator Cáit Keane referred to the shortage of office space in certain parts of Dublin and called for a fair supply of office space around the city. While I agree with her on the need for a fair supply, substantial office space is available in the regions for those who wish to establish businesses. People should be encouraged to establish businesses in the regions to provide much-needed employment.

Senator Mary Moran raised the issue of symphysiotomy and called for the publication of the Walsh report. Closure is needed in this matter and I do not know the reason the report has not yet been published. As the Senator noted, we received word many months ago that publication was imminent. I also commend Senator Moran on her successful efforts to secure additional television coverage of the Special Olympics, although I note this wonderful event will not be covered live.

Senator Mary White raised the case of Bausch & Lomb. I join her, as I am sure all Senators will, in wishing trade unions and management at the company well in their negotiations.

Senators Michael Mullins, Trevor Ó Clochartaigh and Colm Burke also raised the Cooke report, while Senator Noone referred to obesity, an issue she has raised on a number of occasions, and the need for regulation in a certain area. Senator Colm Burke also raised the issue of the taxation of costs in the High Court and urged the Minister to appoint a third Taxing Master to end the long delays in this area. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister, although I am sure the Senator has already done also.

I will find out what is the position regarding pyrite for Senator Feargal Quinn. As Senators will be aware, the problem has raised its head again in Drogheda. I will check whether the building regulations apply in the case the Senator raises. I hope they do. The concept of paying doctors for patients whom they keep healthy is a good, albeit one which may not work.

Senator Terry Brennan raised the issue of procurement, which I addressed.