Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note the Senator's points in regard to Sinn Féin and these were points that were also made by Senators Keane, Moran and Heffernan. It is a very valid point that Sinn Féin members should give the names of the people they dealt with in their kangaroo courts, especially in regard to child abuse and sexual abuse. They should be forced to answer those questions, as has been outlined by a number of Members here today.
Senator Bacik also raised the issue of Sinn Féin and child protection. She also lauded Trinity College on its five-year strategic plan.
Senator O'Donnell made very salient points in regard to Irish Water, having made similar points yesterday. As I stated, the Minister, Deputy Kelly, will be here on 5 November, when we can question him in regard to Irish Water.
Senators Barrett and Norris joined in the tributes to Ben Bradlee, former editor of the Washington Post. Senator Barrett also spoke in regard to Permanent TSB and the fact it failed the ECB test. I am sure we will hear more on that matter in the coming days.
Senator Colm Burke raised the matter of a letter from the HSE regarding agency doctors and the problem with the retention of doctors in this country. The Minister for Health will be in the House on 4 November to deal with statements on the health service. I am sure we will have a number of Members addressing points to the Minister during that debate.
Senator Power has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, namely, "That No. 58, motion 9, be taken before No. 1." She has tabled that amendment regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Ireland has always had the Middle East peace process and the attainment of a negotiated two-state solution as one of the central objectives of its foreign policy. In this context, it has always been our view that formal recognition of a Palestinian state should form part of a comprehensive peace agreement. The need for urgent progress in resuming substantive peace talks and advancing the realisation of a two-state solution was one of the principal messages of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and others who attended the Gaza reconstruction conference in Cairo on 12 October. I, therefore, accept Senator Averil Power's amendment that the motion be taken without debate today, as a great number of Senators across the House have given it their clear support. Last week the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade was called away to attend the recommencement of talks on Northern Ireland and was unable to give us the scheduled update he had so kindly promised to give following the recall of the House during the summer to discuss the situation in Gaza. I inform the House that the statements have been rescheduled for 26 November and know that the Minister will be interested in hearing the views of Members on the motion.

Senator David Norris also referred to the position of Sweden. Despite reports, it has not yet recognised a Palestinian state. The new Swedish Government has merely announced its intention to do so and it is expected that Sweden will move to do so by the end of the year. We will be happy to hear its views when it has decided how it intends to proceed with the formal act of recognition.

Senators Denis Landy and James Heffernan mentioned the lack of coverage by RTE of national games and county finals, in particular. As the Cathaoirleach mentioned, it is a matter for RTE, but perhaps it might be raised with the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications.

Senator David Cullinane mentioned that negotiations on a technological university for the south east had stalled. That is not my information. My understanding is that the institutes in Waterford and Carlow have held ongoing negotiations which have advanced considerably. As mentioned, the Government is fully committed to having a university in the south east. If the Senator is suggesting officials or others are stalling the process, I can assure him they will not succeed. It is Government policy that the criteria will be met and that we will have a technological university in the south east. I am delighted to hear the Senator state all institutes should and must meet the criteria before a technological university can be put in place.