Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note Senator Landy's points regarding the Waterford Institute of Technology, a matter which was also raised by Senator Cullinane.

Senator O'Sullivan raised the matter of the public participation networks and the barring of further former public representatives. I will raise that matter with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Kelly.

Senator Noone made a point regarding the Central Bank's mortgage proposals, a matter which was raised by a number of Members yesterday and previously. Senator Craughwell has also called for a debate on those proposals. He also called for a debate on the private rental market, which Senator Hayden has raised on a number of occasions. I am arranging for the Minister to come into the House for a debate on that matter.

Senator Kelly referred to the scale of infrastructural problems in the water network and pointed out that Fianna Fáil signed up to a deal, dating back to 2012, which would have seen the introduction of a €400 flat charge.

Senator Walsh recognised the fact that the Government is listening to people.

I note his points on the Revenue Commissioners and his view that the payment method should be tailored to meet people's needs. I certainly agree with him in that regard. He also called for a debate on the ability to become a home owner.

Senator Brennan referred to the electronic tagging of criminals and called for a debate on this. Perhaps he might raise this on the Adjournment and obtain an answer. If not, we will try to have the Minister in the House to debate the matter.

Senator Rónán Mullen alluded to his Adjournment motion last week on a new teaching method for autistic children. If the Department was not aware of the method, I am sure it became aware of it after the Senator having raised it. The Minister will certainly bring the information back to the Department of Education and Skills. This is what occurs when a matter is raised on the Adjournment in the House.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill called for the disbanding of Irish Water. We all agree there is a great need to repair the antiquated infrastructure that currently exists. With regard to the privatisation of water supplies, there is no party in either House that wishes to privatise the water infrastructure. Perhaps we will have some news on that today.