Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Aideen Hayden asked when legislation would be introduced to protect people in difficulty with mortgages from sub-prime lenders that had had their loan books sold. I will inquire of the Minister when it is intended to introduce such legislation.

Senator Michael Mullins mentioned the Government report on entrepreneurship and called for a debate on the issue with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. I will try to have the Minister come to the House in early course for such a debate.

Senators Jim Walsh and John Crown mentioned pension policy and reform and called on the Minister to come to the House to address the issue. Senator Jim Walsh also mentioned the issue of health insurance. I know that we will not have the Minister for Social Protection in the House today as my office has already been in contact with her, but we will try to get her to debate the issue of pension reform. Obviously, I am unable, therefore, to accept the proposed amendment to the Order of Business.

Senator John Kelly said there was a need for a debate on the HSE, the PCRS and Irish Water to discuss how they dealt with the public and address the issues raised by him. It would be a wide-ranging debate which possibly would come under the title of public service reform. I will mention the matter to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Senator Thomas Byrne mentioned Irish Water and asked that we pull the plug on the organisation. I do not think that would solve the problem of the need for investment in infrastructure in areas where there are boil water notices and water of poor quality. We will have the Minister in the House on 5 November to discuss the matter.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan called for a debate on the future of the textile industry. I will raise the matter with the relevant Minister.

Senators Paul Bradford and Paschal Mooney made measured comments when expressing their views on a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. They said there was a need for a balanced debate. I hope that when we have the Minister in the House there will be balance when discussing the matter.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill mentioned the health service. I can tell him that we will have the Minister for Health in the House on 4 November.

I think I have covered all of the comments made.