Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator Paul Coghlan also supported him in his comments. It is unacceptable that we would be waiting ten minutes, or 11 minutes this morning, to start the business of the House because not enough Senators are present at the start of the business. When the bell rings, Senators should be coming to the Chamber for the Order of Business - there is no doubt about that.

Senator Cummins did bring proposals to the CPP to try to change the start time of the Order of Business to reflect the Dáil start time of 12 noon. This would facilitate Members who are often engaged in committee business, which is scheduled around the Dáil sittings. Those changes were agreed in principle at the CPP but a further CPP meeting needs to take place to agree to implement the change. That may facilitate attendance by more Members. I agree with Senator O'Brien that it is up to all group leaders or Whips to raise this with our own groups in order to ensure Members are in the House in a timely manner. We have a rota in operation in our own group but it is still difficult to get Members to come at 10.30 a.m., or at 2.30 p.m. on a Tuesday.

Senator O'Brien also asked about home help gratuities and the issue of the payment of gratuities owed. If he could e-mail me the details, I will be happy to write directly to the Minister. I know the Senator has written to the new Minister about this issue and has had no response. The Minister, Deputy Varadkar, is in the House the week after next on the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill but he is also due in the House on 4 November for a general debate on health care. That is probably the more appropriate date to raise the matter with him.

The Senator also raised the issue of Fampyra, the drug for MS patients, which he has raised on a number of previous occasions. I believe all of us would agree it is a huge concern that a drug which appears to have greatly improved quality of life for many people is now on hold, effectively. I am told the HSE received a revised application from Biogen Idec for the drug on Friday, 25 July, and that application is currently being assessed in line with agreed procedures. Although I am aware Senator O'Brien has been given that answer before, as of 1 October, that is the most up-to-date information I have. Again, if the Senator can send me the details, I will certainly write to the Minister. It is an issue that can be raised with him on 4 November if it has not already been raised. Senator Conway also raised this matter on the Adjournment earlier this week.

Senator Paul Coghlan welcomed the boost for social housing being provided by investment from the European Investment Bank. I believe all of us would agree that is hugely welcome given the housing crisis at present. As Senator Coghlan noted, this is the first time the bank will invest in a programme like this in Ireland, so it is hugely significant and should, when it comes on stream, help to ease the housing crisis .

Senator Zappone called for a debate on the new model of ministerial appointments announced by the Minister, Deputy Howlin, earlier this week, which has received Cabinet approval. I understand the Minister, Deputy Howlin, is going to provide a more detailed proposal in a memorandum to Government next month. We might usefully have him in this House after that on public reforms generally. In fact, I had asked on this issue myself and I know the Leader's office had already, following my request, sought a debate with the Minister, Deputy Howlin, on a revised system of appointments. I am told we hope to secure that debate for November so all the questions can be answered then.

I thank Senator Zappone for putting on record various points about remuneration. I understand very many State boards have no remuneration at all for membership and many people serve on State boards in an entirely voluntary capacity, which also needs to be acknowledged. Of course, semi-States are in a different position. It is a good idea to try to lay out all of that in detail. Senator Zappone also asked about Committee Stage of the Seanad reform Bill and I can certainly make inquiries as to when that is likely to come before us.

I believe we all agree with Senator Barrett that stress tests on the Irish banks should be brought to a speedy conclusion. Senator Barrett also reminded us about the issue of infill in Dublin Bay. We could have a debate on that at some point or it could be tabled as a matter on the Adjournment.

Senator Hayden welcomed the announcement of the European Investment Bank funding. She noted the housing crisis and the increase in waiting lists, particularly in Dublin city council areas, and that the ESRI and the Nevin Institute have today asked for greater investment in social housing. I know Senator Hayden has been seeking a debate on this for some time. She has specifically asked for a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Coffey, on the private rental sector. I will certainly seek that debate and I suggest the Senator might also communicate directly with the Ministers, Deputies Howlin and Noonan, on her proposals for changes in the budget on measures to reduce homelessness through, for example, controlling rent increases and examining housing supplement payments.

Senator Quinn raised a very interesting and creative idea about the use of the postal service to ensure greater supports for elderly people living alone, and I believe we would all like to hear more about that. He also raised the issue of defibrillators and the life-saving help they have provided.

Senator Mullins welcomed the investment by the European Investment Bank. He also asked for a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, on community health care organisations and the restructuring of the health care. The Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, is in the House on 12 November to deal with another aspect of her brief, which is suicide and mental health funding. We can ask her to come in on another date to deal with the issue of community health care reorganisations.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh called for a debate on the nursing profession in light of the very worrying recent increase of €50 in the fee, which has been raised with us by nurses and nursing students. I would be very happy to try to facilitate that debate. It might be part of a broader debate or, if we cannot get a specific debate on it, it is something the Senator can raise with the Minister of State, Deputy Varadkar, when he is in the House on 4 November.

As we know, there have been huge changes to the nursing profession in terms of the professionalisation of nursing. We have an excellent school of nursing in Trinity College, if I can give a small plug to that-----