Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The matter was debated in detail by the committee for 40 minutes.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to reducing the deposit requirement relating to first-time buyers to 10%. We hope to have proposals on that matter in the near future. Obviously, a requirement of 20% is very prohibitive for young people who are trying to purchase their first homes.

Senators Walsh and Mullen referred to the statutory obligation on RTE to ensure balanced reporting and debate. Again, I suggest that it would be more appropriate to raise this matter with the relevant joint committee before which representatives from the station regularly appear. I am sure the committee could examine the matter in detail. I agree with the sentiments expressed by Senator Walsh in respect of Mr. Seamus Mallon. I am sure his party's representative on the Committee of Procedure and Privileges will raise that matter with it.

Senator O'Sullivan referred to the fact that the title of mayor is not being used by certain municipal authorities. Obviously, that matter was dealt with when the House debated the local government legislation. However, perhaps we might revisit it.

Senator Quinn requested a debate on Palestine, Israel and the general situation in the Middle East. As indicated yesterday, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, will come before the House on 26 November and we will be able to engage in a comprehensive debate with him on the matter to which the Senator refers at that time. The Senator also referred to the long delay in respect of the Construction Contracts Bill. I understand that the Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Nash, is dealing that issue. It is to be hoped that matters will be expedited and that the Bill will be enacted very soon. I note the points the Senator made in respect of moving to central European time, a matter he has raised on numerous occasions.

Senator Mullen requested a debate on energy matters. I will certainly try to make arrangements for such a debate.

I take this opportunity to point out that the debates Members have requested with the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, his Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Heather Humphreys, and the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, will be facilitated in the coming weeks.