Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Hayden commended the chairman of the banking inquiry for his stewardship to date and called for a debate on the economy. I believe it will be November or December before we can resume a debate on the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill.

Senator Leyden and several other Senators complimented the Naval Service, the gardaí, the Customs Service and all the international agencies involved in the massive drugs seizure off Mizen Head. I join in the compliments to all involved.

Senator Mullins also spoke about the crime linked to drugs, the devastation drugs cause to many communities throughout the country and the need for a more targeted approach in combatting the drugs problem we have.

Senator Barrett spoke about the budget submissions calling for more spending in many areas. There have been many budget submissions but Senator Barrett, like many others, expressed the need for balance and prudence in the framing of any budget.

Senator Mac Conghail complimented the Government on the consultation on the national cultural policy and called for a broad debate on the arts and national cultural institutions. I have asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to come to the House to have such a debate and she is certainly willing to have that debate. Hopefully, we will have her in soon.

Senator Quinn spoke about the HIQA report on defibrillators and called for a debate on that matter. I will ask the Minister for Health to come in for a debate on that matter.

Senators Jim D'Arcy and Diarmuid Wilson raised the question of diesel sludge being dumped in County Louth and other Border counties and asked for the Minister to come in to discuss the matter with us. Senator Wilson rightly pointed out that gangsters are involved in this practice and referred to the intimidation that is taking place. It is taxpayers who are picking up the tab. The supporters of these criminals should realise that it is ordinary people - their own neighbours - who are suffering as a result of this despicable practice.

Senator Wilson asked for the Minister for Education and Skills to come in for a discussion on the progress of the education and training boards. I asked the Minister to come in and I am sure she will accede to that request in due course.

Senator Crown spoke about the persecution of people for religious beliefs in several countries. Iran was mentioned. He spoke about inviting people to the House so that we might have a debate on that matter. Inviting people in would probably be a matter that would be more appropriate for the relevant committee but I will certainly examine it.

Senator Mooney spoke about the use of PPS numbers in respect of Irish Water. The Data Protection Commissioner has examined the level of personal detail Irish Water proposes to seek from householders in the application form. Irish Water will be liaising with the Department of Social Protection to verify that the PPS information provided is correct to ensure that customers are entitled to any allowances being provided. This is necessary for Irish Water to account properly for the allowances that are to be funded by the Exchequer. This will also ensure that there is transparency in the use of public funds. Irish Water is a specified body under section 20 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2014 and is therefore permitted to request PPS numbers to authenticate the identity of a person being provided with an allowance. Irish Water will treat applicants' personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Acts of 1988 and 2003. Irish Water has confirmed to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government that its data protection notice is fully compliant with data protection requirements and that it is in regular contact with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner to ensure that this is the case. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Senator.

Senator Mooney also encouraged the link-ups between post offices and credit unions which have been suggested. I will not comment on stuffing boards before Governments go out of office because I might have to say too much in that regard.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan spoke about the many positive indicators for the economy. I will not repeat what he mentioned in that regard.

I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business.