Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Thomas Byrne referred to the statements on the schedule and the lack of legislation. This is the first week we have seen statements on each of the three sitting days. In the preceding nine sitting weeks, we dealt with legislation every week and debated the various Stages of some 13 items of legislation this term. Two new items of legislation will commence on Second Stage next week and there will be more legislation before the House before we rise for the Christmas recess. I reject the Senator's assertion that there is no progress on the Government's legislative agenda. An ambitious and reforming agenda has been pursued since the Government took office in 2011.

This will continue to the completion of its term of office. I should point out that all of the debates scheduled for this week were repeatedly requested by Members on all sides of the House. It is just a coincidence that they are occurring together this week.

I note and agree with Senator Byrne's points about the fair deal scheme. Members of the Dáil are due to have a debate on the matter during Private Members' business this week. Finance has been approved for over 500 people per month for the fair deal scheme, but the figures are greater than 500. That is the problem. There is a need for more funding for the fair deal. An extra sum of €25 million has been provided, but there will be a need for much more. The Minister is well aware of the situation and I hope the matter will be addressed in early course because it is undoubtedly causing problems for many families throughout the country.

Senator Bacik and many other Members expressed their sympathy to the family of the late Professor Brian Farrell. He was an excellent broadcaster and academic, and we heard some very nice stories about him. People involved in public life and in politics would have seen Brian Farrell as an excellent person, broadcaster and academic. He gave wonderful service to everything in which he was involved, both as an academic and as a broadcaster. I express my sincere sympathy, and that of the House, to his family.

Senator Bacik called for a debate on the dementia strategy. It is the intention of the Government to publish the strategy prior to the Christmas recess, so I will try to arrange a debate on that matter when the strategy is outlined.

Senator Bacik also raised the new policing authority. I understand the Bill is to go to the justice committee. Perhaps we could debate the heads of that Bill as well. However, we will debate it on Second Stage in early course.

Senators Mary Ann O'Brien, van Turnhout, Conway and others referred to the decision of UPC to block access to child abuse material. That is welcome, although obviously there is a great deal more work to be done in that regard.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien also withdrew her comments regarding corruption and brown envelopes which she mentioned with regard to the bridge in Kilkenny. I agree with her about the planning process. There should be much greater consultation about items such as this. It is provided for under the planning process and I hope that consultation will take place with all interested parties.

Senator Barrett raised the issue of postcodes and the need for further consultation, which will now take place. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Alex White, has addressed the matter. Senator Barrett also mentioned a procurement issue which must be addressed.

Senator Naughton referred to the decrease in unemployment. It is welcome that the unemployment figure has fallen so much over a period of many months. Jobs remain the first priority of this Government and that will continue to be the case.

Senator Power proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 14 be taken before No. 1. I will accede to her request in that regard. It is a matter that must be addressed and she spoke very well on the issue this afternoon.

Senator Moran referred to Remembrance Day and recalled the work of former Deputy Paddy Harte on the Island of Ireland Peace Park. Mr. Harte was joined in his work by Glenn Barr at that time. It was a humbling experience for me to visit the peace park and its graves some weeks ago as a member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. We should never forget the sacrifices of Irish people who fought for the freedom of small nations. Many of them also believed they were fighting for home rule in Ireland. An article in the Irish Independent today noted that in 1966, during the 50th anniversary commemorations of 1916, the then Taoiseach, Seán Lemass, stated that he would not question the motives of Irish people who fought in the First World War.
Senators Moran and Eamonn Coghlan raised the issue of aggravated burglaries and called for every assistance to be given to the Garda. The Senators also requested a debate on law and order.
Senator Norris correctly described the First World War as a horrendous mistake. Practically all wars are horrendous mistakes. The Senator also referred to farmers and the beef crisis, an issue also raised by a number of other Senators. There is no question that farmers must be given a fair price for their produce. I hope tomorrow's meeting of the beef forum will find an amicable solution to the problem. For some time, farmers have been accepting prices for certain types of animal that are not comparable to those secured by their counterparts in the United Kingdom. I hope a resolution will be found among all the relevant parties tomorrow. Speaking on the same issue, Senator O'Keeffe stated that farmers are paying for the mistakes of the factories and made a valid point about the horsemeat scandal and other scandals.
Senator Reilly called for a debate on the regulation of Internet content. I will try to facilitate such a debate. Senator Comiskey raised the beef crisis and problems in farming.
A number of Senators, including Senators Leyden and Quinn, extended sympathy to the family of the late Joe Walsh, a former Member of the House. I will try to facilitate, in early course, an opportunity to discuss the life of Mr. Walsh, who was an excellent politician and public representative. He did much for his constituency and country, especially in preventing an epidemic of foot and mouth disease.
Senator Hayden called for debates on mortgage lending and deficiencies in cancer services, an issue to which Senator Crown also referred.
Senators Craughwell and Ó Clochartaigh referred to drinking water in Tralee and the greater Galway area, respectively. We also heard about the continued use of lead pipes and other problems with water services infrastructure. The Senators' comments highlight again the need to put in place proper infrastructure to ensure people have proper drinking water at all times. This is one of the Government's priorities and one for which I hope a solution will be found. In the next eight to ten days, the Government will announce a policy that will help establish an investment structure to fix the country's broken water infrastructure.

Senator Paul Coughlan mentioned the statements on suicide and mental health due to take place after the Order of Business. He also mentioned the importance of the Credit Review Office and its report. The statistic that some 58% of the appeals on loan applications were upheld is high. It is important, therefore, that the report be noted by everyone involved.
Senator Feargal Quinn referred to the beef crisis and paid tribute to the late Professor Brian Farrell and Joe Walsh.
Senator John Gilroy mentioned a sporting matter. I will have a conversation with him after the match on Friday.
Senator David Cullinane asked about the criteria to be met by technological universities and referred to the need for clarity on the part of the Department and the Higher Education Authority. I agree with him in that regard. The Government is in the process of drafting a technological universities Bill which is expected to be published early next year with a view to being progressed through the Oireachtas in the first session of 2015. Therefore, there will be ample opportunity to discuss the matter at that time.
Senator Terry Brennan referred to the remembrance of victims of road traffic accidents. It is a shocking statistic that 23,600 people have been killed on the roads since records began in 1959. It highlights the need for all of us to take more care on the roads, especially in the run-up to Christmas.
Senator Fidelma Healy Eames supported the adoption Bill. I understand the Bill will be introduced by Senator Averil Power next Wednesday. Senator Fidelma Healy Eames also made a number of points about the beef crisis.
Senator Michael Mullins again highlighted the futility of war. We all agree with him.
Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of the quality of water.
Senator Eamonn Coghlan referred to the bail laws, a matter which was raised last week. I will certainly ask the relevant Minister to come to the House for a debate on the matter. The numbers of burglaries and other crimes committed by people on bail are shocking. It is an issue that will have to be addressed by the Government.
Senator Paul Bradford raised agricultural matters and mentioned the possibility that the newly appointed Irish Commissioner, Mr. Phil Hogan, might have to intervene. He also noted the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, remembering all those who had died while seeking their freedom. I note the Senator's comments on those who supported states that advocated support for maintaining the status quoat the time.
Senator John Crown mentioned the discrepancies in cancer treatment and called for a debate on the reform of the health system. The Minister for Health was in the House last week, but I will certainly try to have come here again. The case of the person mentioned is shocking. It is an issue that will have to be addressed. Perhaps it might be tabled for discussion as an Adjournment matter and addressed in that manner.