Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Darragh O'Brien referred to the rush of legislation in the last couple of weeks and I agree totally with him. We will have to have a better approach to legislation. As he mentioned, we were waiting for a number of weeks in the early part of this session when we had little or no legislation. It is something the Government will have to look at into the future.

On legislation, I mentioned that we will probably have changes. It is advisable that Members be aware we will more than likely be here on Friday to deal with some items that we may not get to in time.

In regard to property tax and a vote in Fingal, I presume it is in the context of the Estimates that such measures would be taken. I agree with the Senator that the Minister should publish the regulations and I am sure we will do so in early course.

Senator Bacik and other Senators referred to the situation in the Middle East and called for a ceasefire there, as did our new Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. I am sure we would all hope to see peace and reconciliation in that troubled part of the world.

Senator Bacik spoke also in regard to human rights and the hearings involving the Government. Other Members also complimented the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on her position. I will try to find out for Senator Walsh the information he sought in regard to an official or representative on a particular subject.

Senator Bacik also complimented Mary Robinson on being appointed as UN Special Envoy on Climate Change. It is a great honour for the former President and former Senator and I am sure we all wish her well.

Senator O'Donnell raised the issue of whistleblowers legislation and the charter coming into place, and I take her points in that regard. She also referred to Quality and Qualifications Ireland and the charging of €5,000 in fees. I am not sure whether it was Senator O'Donnell who raised this matter previously, although it probably was. I would agree with her in this regard. I suggest this matter should be raised on the Adjournment.

Senator Barrett, among others, wished all the new Ministers well. He also commended the outgoing Ministers on their excellent work over the past three years and the service they gave to this country at a time when we badly needed it. I join with Senator Barrett and the other Senators in commending those Ministers in particular and, naturally, wishing the new Ministers well. Senator Barrett also welcomed the fact the 12th of July celebrations went off in a peaceful manner.

Senator Sheahan asked that we would explore options in regard to utilising the rail network for overnight freight in particular. I would agree totally. In the past, Irish Rail had many freight trains running at night. I remember working in Waterford port when freight trains were coming from Ballina, Belfast, Limerick and elsewhere all through the night but Irish Rail has practically abandoned the carrying of freight, in particular container freight. I agree with the Senator that this option should be explored, particularly in the context of his point in regard to regulations that are coming in for drivers.

Senator O'Donovan asked that we would come back in September to look at the whole medical card situation again. I am sure we will do that with the new Minister. Senator Comiskey referred to Irish Rural Link and rural transport, a matter also raised by Senator Ó Clochartaigh.

Senator van Turnhout raised the issue of the terms of reference on the mother and baby homes. I understand statements are scheduled for the other House on Thursday following an update to Cabinet today on the issue. I will certainly speak to the Minister, Deputy Reilly, about securing a debate with him on this matter early in the autumn session.

Senator van Turnhout also called for a debate on how we fund the national federation networks. I would agree we should have a debate. We have many organisations representing some groups and whether they should all be funded or not is a question we should debate. If there are quite a number of these networks representing a particular group, should we fund them all or should we fund one or two of them? It is a question that should certainly be considered.

Senator Noone called for a debate on the issue of a directly elected mayor for Dublin and said the issue should be revisited by the Minister. I am sure the Minister, when he gets his feet under the desk for a while, will return to this matter.

Senator Quinn spoke in regard to the benefit of the second Chamber. We had that debate and I agree with him in this regard. He also called for a progress report on the insolvency service legislation, as did Senator Hayden and others. The Act will only have been in place for one year in September and I believe it would be good after a year to have a review and to amend the legislation, if necessary.

Senator Colm Burke called for clarification of the situation regarding a draft contract and the difference between a draft contract and a real contract. With regard to the report of the health committee, we will certainly try to have that report debated in this House. As part of the reform of this House, we have many excellent reports from various committees of the House which I believe should be debated. We should also have the committee Chairmen in the House to listen and in order for us to comment on these reports. I hope that will be part of the reforms of the House.

I do not propose to accept Senator Leyden's amendment to the Order of Business regarding the statutory instrument. I note his points on the Middle East.

Senator Hayden also called for a debate on the insolvency service. Senator Ó Clochartaigh called for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, to come to the House to speak on the management of rural transport and to debate the issue of taxis and rogue taxi drivers. I presume the enforcement agencies should police that area, and I find it unacceptable that rogue drivers can operate and that the laws are not enforced. I agree with the Senator on that and am sure it is an issue we can ask the Minister to deal with at a later stage.

Senator Keane commended the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on her performance at the UN. In regard to the new directives reported in the press regarding restrictions on Garda drivers, I believe that what has been suggested is ludicrous. If gardaí chasing a criminal must stop at traffic lights, this will allow the criminal get away. I am not sure this is the situation but, if it is, it seems ludicrous. I am sure the Minister will take a look at that.

Senators Mullen, Daly and Byrne proposed amendments to the Order of Business in regard to introducing particular Bills, Nos. 19, 20 and 21 on the Order Paper. I have no objection to these amendments to the Order of Business. I would like to commend Members who put forward Private Members' Bills, but I would also like to ask Members whose items on the Order Paper are dead to remove them from it.

Senator Mullins spoke about leveraging assets of State agencies, particularly in regard to the health area. I am sure this is something the new Minister will consider. Senator Wilson congratulated the new Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Senator Heather Humphreys, who is from his constituency. I am sure she will accept his advice in regard to Deputy Reilly. He called for a review of education and training boards. This is a matter I will raise with the new Minister for Education and Skills.

Senator Conway called for another new Minister to come to the House - the Minister with responsibility for tourism - and mentioned the importance of festivals and of opening our homes and hearts to visitors. I agree with him that this is what Ireland is supposed to be about. He also commended businessman Michael O'Leary.

Senator Byrne spoke about his Bill, which relates to guidelines for wind farms. The former Minister, Phil Hogan, was here last week and dealt with that issue. However, it is the prerogative of the Member to raise his Private Members' Bill as he wishes. I wish him well in that regard.

Senator Walsh raised the issue of human rights. I already referred to the official representative on human rights. I will try to find out what the situation is in that regard, and in regard to NAMA. We expect two Bills before us this week relating to these issues and I am sure the Senator can make his points during those debates.

Senator O'Sullivan spoke about our new Commissioner and the importance of wearing the green jersey and supporting him in seeking the best possible position. We should be uniting on this, as we have always done in the past. I commend Senator O'Sullivan on his proposal and agree with him.