Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Michael Mullins welcomed the provisions in overseas aid and the additional funding that will be made available for the sports capital programme.

Senator Ó Murchú raised the issue of the 1916 commemoration and the volunteer, Thomas Kent. He mentioned that there is progress on that issue. One hopes that progress will continue.

Senator Gilroy said that with the Government, there will be no more boom or bust policies like were advocated by the other side of the House.

Senator Mullen mentioned aspects of the tax individualisation policy which is continuing. On the Ebola crisis, I mentioned yesterday that the Joint Committee on Health and Children will meet at 9.30 a.m. tomorrow. That is open to all Members of the House and we should try to avoid duplication at all times. The committee is open to Members to contribute to it. It is the appropriate forum because there is only one item on the agenda of the committee and it will be discussed from 9.30 to whatever time tomorrow. If there are other questions to be asked, we will try to facilitate it, but I do not like duplication in the House.

Senator Naughton welcomed the incentives for farmers and the agricultural sector in the budget which were significant and have been welcomed by all the farming organisations. I also note her comments on Garda recruitment.

Senator White extended compliments to the Minister on the extension of BreastCheck to women aged between 64 and 69. That has been universally welcomed.

Senator Noone raised the One Young World Summit, with 1,500 delegates in Dublin this weekend. It is important we would attract conferences such as this because of their importance to the tourism sector and the economy as a whole.

I assure Senator Ó Domhnaill that Irish Water will not be privatised, but we can discuss those comments during the debate.

Senator Colm Burke raised the importance of the retention of staff in the medical sector and outlined that there are 250 vacant consultant posts. He welcomed the budget tax provision to attract consultants.

Senator O'Sullivan called it an election budget and yet many of his colleagues call on us to spend more. I do not know where he will go in that regard. His other comments and those of Senator Walsh related to commemorations of 1916. As I stated, it is hoped we will have the Minister in the House in the middle of November on that matter.

I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business as tabled by Senator Cullinane.