Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator White spoke at length on water fluoridation in Ireland and the benefits which have accrued to people as a result of it. As has been stated, we have had a number of debates in the House on that matter previously. I take on board everything that Senator White has mentioned.

Senator Bacik spoke about the clarity and certainty that now exists on water charges and inquired when Committee Stage of the Employment Equality (Amendment) Bill would be resumed. I will try to ascertain the position.

Senators Barrett, Quinn and Mooney spoke about post codes and the need for a cost-benefit analysis and I am sure that matter will be scrutinised vigorously in the joint Oireachtas committee as it should be. Senator Barrett also highlighted the need for Irish Water to reduce costs and overheads and that point has been recognised by all concerned.

Senator Coghlan spoke on Women's Aid and we had a minute's silence. Senators MacSharry and Cullinane enquired as to when we will have a debate on water charges. That will take place on Tuesday, 25 November. I note the Senator's point about the Private Residential Tenancies Board and the difficulties there. In respect of County Roscommon, people will have good, clear drinking water after 12 years or more with boil-water notices. That is to be welcomed and is what we need in all parts of the country

Senator Quinn spoke on the Bill he had proposed in regard to PPS numbers. I thank the Senator for withdrawing that Bill, No. 26 on the Order Paper, and I urge Members who may have motions and Bills that are out of date to withdraw them from the Order Paper. It will help everybody concerned if there is no backlog.

Senator Kelly spoke on fair and reasonable charges for water. I note his points in that regard. Senator Cullinane said that people are not fools where water is concerned and I fully agree with him. People are certainly not fools and will not be bought by silly policies from any party.

Senators Naughton and Crown spoke on maternal mortality rates and Senator Crown mentioned the need for more obstetricians in some regions. He called for a debate on that matter and I will certainly raise it with the Minister for Health.

Senator Leyden, on a point which was raised yesterday and Tuesday, condemned the murders of rabbis and other innocent people in Jerusalem. That was commented on by a number of people in the last days on the Order of Business. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Flanagan, will be in the Seanad on Thursday, 27 November to participate in a debate on the Middle East and give us an update on what is happening there.

Senator Mullins also welcomed the package on water and raised the question of privatising water supplies. That is off the agenda, going by the proposals. It will require a plebiscite if any Government contemplates changing the legislation.

Senator Heffernan addressed the installation of water meters. It has been discovered that in 22 houses, 1 million litres of water a day were being lost. That is enough water to supply the town of Gorey for a day. It was discovered when the meters were put in and that is the reason it is necessary to have them. We need to ascertain where these leaks are occurring. Some people have said that installing meters is a waste of time but that is not the case.

Senator Burke spoke on the achievements of Government in job creation and the economy and alluded to the dreadful situation whereby a hotel in Cork was forced to cancel a Fine Gael function that the Taoiseach was going to attend this evening because of security concerns and threats. This has been mentioned by Senators Ó Domhnaill and Mooney and others. It is a dreadful step. Democracy is certainly a fragile flower which we should cherish. Threats to democrats elected by the people are to be condemned by all.