Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Naughton inquired about the Forestry Bill which is currently on Report Stage in the other House. It is expected to come before this House in early October. I note also the Senator's points regarding the importance of education about diabetes and perhaps we could invite the Minister to the House to discuss that matter.

Senator Cullinane raised the issue of water charges. We had a long and comprehensive debate on the Water Services Bill and I am sure many of the points he raised came up during that debate. Senator Hayden referred to the PRTB rent index and the need for rent certainty for tenants. I agree with the point she made and will ask the Minister to come into the House to discuss the matter. I understand that the Government will make an announcement on a comprehensive housing policy in the near future.

Senator Mullins raised the issue of so-called petrol stretching, which involves the mixing of kerosene with petrol. There is a need to curb this new activity which is causing problems for many motorists. I agree with the Senator that a system of inspection is necessary. I will try to ascertain from the Minister what efforts are being made to curb this despicable activity. Senator Barrett referred to the recent OECD report and the importance of defending our 12.5% corporation tax rate. He also stressed the importance of Ireland fully co-operating with the OECD in combatting tax fraud and I believe all Members would agree with those sentiments. Senator Barrett also welcomed the appointment of the new American ambassador to Ireland.

Senator Whelan called for the Minister for Health to publish alleged reports from the HSE and to outline Government policy in that regard. Senator Leyden referred to Roscommon County Hospital. I assure the Senator that all he needs to do is contact the consultants there who will tell him about the many additional facilities which have been put in place since this Government took office. Patient safety is of paramount importance at all times and Roscommon County Hospital is a much safer place than it was three years ago. I can assure the Senator of that.

Senator Paul Coghlan outlined Government policy on water charges and referred to the success of various economic policies. Senator Crowne complimented cancer care research which was conducted in Ireland on radiation oncology and referred to the fact that a paper will be delivered at a plenary session in San Francisco. It is a wonderful achievement and highlights the success of cancer researchers in Ireland, who deserve our compliments. The Senator also highlighted the need for more specialists in the obstetrics field. I am aware that the Government is currently trying to fill a number of posts at the moment. I assure the Senator that Government policy on universal health insurance has not changed.

Senator Conway and others called for a debate on the forthcoming commemorations with the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Humphreys. I note that we have two Ministers called Humphreys, both of whom are dealing with commemorations. The Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection, Deputy Kevin Humphreys was in this House yesterday and said that he will also be dealing with the forthcoming commemorations. I will invite the Minister or the Minister of State to the House to discuss the decade of commemorations and the 1916 commemorations in particular. It is important that we would have such a discussion. The former Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan was in the House not too long ago to discuss the same subject. We had a comprehensive debate with him at that time but I agree with Senators who argue that we should have a discussion with either the new Minister or the Minister of State.

Senator O'Sullivan also referred to the commemoration of 1916 and the fact that we can celebrate both 1916 and John Redmond's achievements on Home Rule. Senator Gilroy raised the issue of the JobBridge scheme and its success to date. He also spoke about the importance of the scheme and the need to combat any undermining of it. I agree with him on that point and will try to raise the matter with the Minister.

Senator Quinn asked about the Food Provenance Bill. As he rightly pointed out, the EU measures that were envisaged were not dealt with in the last session of the European Parliament. I agree that there is a need to expedite matters in that regard, perhaps by way of the Bill proposed by the Senator. The issue needs to be advanced either at home or at EU level.

Senator Jim D'Arcy spoke about the Education and Training Boards, ETBs, and asked that the Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation be invited to the House to give a progress report on them and I will issue such an invitation. I note Senator D'Arcy's wise words regarding the importance of expediting matters in Northern Ireland. He asked that the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade be invited to the House to update us on developments there.

Senator Ó Murchú also referred to the plans for commemorating 1916. Respect for all traditions on this island has been paramount in this House at all times. We have done our best to ensure that respect is shown to all traditions here.

Senator Brennan spoke about the major boost to tourism arising from sporting events including the US colleges football games, the securing of the Curtis Cup and the amateur ladies' and men's championships proposed for Carton House. He referred to the need to further progress sporting events to provide an additional boost to tourism in the country.

Finally, Senator Healy Eames spoke about the 150th anniversary of the birth of William Butler Yeats next year. I am glad that the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ring, delivered good news to Senators Healy Eames and O'Keeffe yesterday. I wish the Yeats 2015 steering group and its Chairperson, Senator O'Keeffe, well in their efforts for the celebrations next year.