Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Gilroy and Mullins referred to mental health services. In that regard, the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, has attended the House to hear statements and Private Members' motions on numerous occasions. Her commitment to this issue is, without doubt, there for all to see. She has always expressed a willingness to come before the House, and I will ask her to come here and discuss this very serious issue again.

Senators van Turnhout, Mullins, D'Arcy and Moran referred to MMS, a debatable treatment for children with autism. Senator van Turnhout suggested that it is a hoax treatment which puts the lives of children at risk. I am delighted that she has raised the matter with the Minister for Health, and I support her comments.

Senator Coghlan and all Senators from Kerry supported its football teams and congratulated them on their wonderful victories. Senator Mooney congratulated Donegal on its part in the finals. Senator Coghlan also expressed the need to be vigilant where e-mails are concerned, especially those regarding the Revenue Commissioners.

Senator Quinn referred to the graduate entry system for medicine and the cost of courses and loans, and called for an amendment to the Finance Act to allow the interest on such loans to be tax-deductible. Other Senators also raised this issue.

Senator Mullins referred to mental health services. As I said, I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, to come before the House as soon as possible.

I replied to questions on water charges last week. As I said, we discussed the Bill for days and everybody had an opportunity to speak at length. In regard to housing and homelessness, I have asked the Minister, Deputy Kelly, to come before the House and he has indicated that will happen towards the third week in October.

Senator Ó Murchú highlighted the childhood cancer campaign and commended it on its excellent work, and referred to the need for all of us to support the campaign.

Senator D'Arcy referred to petrol stretching and suggested that diesel laundering had not stopped in County Louth. He highlighted the dumping of sludge over the weekend and called for the Minister of State, Deputy Harris, to come before the House to give an update on the matter, something I will ask him to do.

Senators Barrett, Burke and others complimented the students of Kinsale Community School on their success at the World Science Fair in California. It was an excellent achievement for the students, the school, their parents and the country. We all commend them on their efforts. Senator Barrett also highlighted the difficulties in the wind farm sector and called for the Minister of State, Deputy White, to come before the House for a debate on the matter. I will ask him for such a debate.

Senator Mary Moran, among others, mentioned the success of the Special Olympics athletes and Dundalk FC. She also outlined her concerns about soccer hooliganism. We would all like to be associated with the success of the Special Olympics athletes who did Ireland proud.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames mentioned the beef crisis. As she knows, the demand for beef in European markets has never been lower, with consumption across the European Union having declined by 5% since 2010, largely connected with the economic climate. In addition, Irish beef prices were at an historically high level last year when the average price was up 5% on the 2012 peak. Obviously, therefore, prices were significantly higher. As a consequence, the current drop in prices is being keenly felt by farmers. While the Government is clearly restricted in what it can do in terms of becoming involved in the issue of commercial pricing, a number of actions have been taken to support farmers during this difficult period. As the Senator may be aware, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine announced details of an investment package worth up to €40 million in 2014 aimed at sustaining critical mass in the suckler cow herd. In that regard, there is €23 million for the beef genomics scheme, €10 million for the beef data programme, €5 million for the beef technology adoption programme and €2 million in residual payments under the suckler cow welfare scheme. A number of other actions have been taken by the Minister who will keep the matter under constant review. We should support him in the actions he has taken in this regard. If necessary, further action will be taken.

Senator Colm Burke mentioned medical graduates. He also referred to the point made by Senator Feargal Quinn and supported the calls made for expenditure to be allowable against tax.

Senator Terry Brennan lauded the success of our sports people, especially the Special Olympics team. On the sporting theme, Senator Ned O'Sullivan mentioned the Listowel races and rightly said holiday meetings were the backbone of the sport. It was questionable to allow the prestigious meetings held at Leopardstown and the Curragh which clashed with the other fixtures. It is a matter Horse Racing Ireland should examine in the future.

The Senator also mentioned the situation with holidays for gardaí. As the Cathaoirleach pointed out, that is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

Senator Paul Bradford mentioned the fact that Ireland would host at least two or three games during the 2020 UEFA finals. I compliment everybody involved, including the FAI, the Government, chambers of commerce and all those associated with the bid. It was wonderful to win. Eight cities were chosen and it is great that Ireland's capital city is among them.

Senator Paul Bradford also called for a debate on the future of the League of Ireland and the provision of greater resources. It is sad to see League of Ireland teams playing in front of 400 or 500 people. There is a need to develop the game at local level. As the Senator said, it will be a long time before we will see between 20,000 and 25,000 people attending League of Ireland games, as witnessed in the 1970s, in particular.

Senator Paschal Mooney mentioned the Irish students in San Francisco and the bad image given to Ireland. I understand the landlady mentioned - I heard it on the radio on my way to Dublin - that 14 students might have been involved. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has come out very strongly on the issue.

These people must be held responsible. They are doing dreadful damage to the image of Ireland in America, Australia and other areas. They must be held accountable for their actions, and I hope, as the Senator said, that they are named and shamed, because they do nothing for the image of the country or their educational institutions.