Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators O'Brien, Barrett, Craughwell and Burke spoke about the ambulance services and the HIQA report. We can certainly try to have a debate in this House on this issue. There was a very comprehensive debate on this subject in the joint Oireachtas committee yesterday and we do not want duplication, to have it going on both in the committee and the House. However, the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar, has agreed that he will come in for statements on the health service plan, as has been requested, in early January, so there may be a possibility of discussing that matter with him and encompassing it in that debate.

Senator Bacik raised a number of items, especially welcoming the decision by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and the Government on the "hooded men" case. That was also referred to by Senators Leyden, Mullins and Ó Murchú. It was also raised yesterday, when Senator Daly castigated the Government for not taking action. I am sure he will be in next week to welcome the Government's stance on it.

Senator Barrett also spoke about the National Ambulance Service, which I have referred to.

Senator Naughton spoke about the teachers' dispute, calling for Dr. Pauric Travers to reconvene talks at the earliest opportunity. We all hope that talks are reconvened, before Christmas if possible, in order to solve this dispute. It is in nobody's interest to have disputes like this and the only way they can be solved is through negotiation. I hope Dr. Travers reconvenes those talks as a matter of urgency and that all sides of the dispute respond favourably.

Senators O'Donovan and Bradford spoke about the difficulties that may accrue in the milk sector next year. Teagasc and the farming organisations are looking for an increase in the intervention price. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, will be in the House next week to speak on sustainability and I have asked him also to address the crisis that may occur in the milk sector, so hopefully we will have the opportunity to discuss that with him next week.

Senator Kelly discussed difficulties with the carer's allowance. He might table a motion on the Adjournment on that matter and get a specific answer.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh spoke about the rural development programme. As he stated, we had a debate only two weeks ago on the CEDRA report, but he is calling for a further debate on the rural development programme. We will try to get the Minister in on that matter.

Senator Comiskey also discussed the concerns of Teagasc, to which I have referred.

Senators Mullins and Ó Domhnaill called for a debate on Irish Aid and the recent OECD report complimenting Ireland on its support of many worthwhile projects. Obviously there is a difference of opinion between the two Senators on this issue, but I agree that we should have a debate on Irish Aid soon. We will probably have it in the new year.

Senator Byrne welcomed the announcement of new jobs in the Gaeltacht area of County Meath. This news is to be welcomed by all Members.

Senator Paul Coghlan welcomed the Exchequer returns. He also welcomed the proposal from NAMA in respect of the redevelopment of the Boland's Mill site. The Senator also complimented Dublin City Council on the work it does for homeless people.

Senator Quinn stressed the importance of competitiveness in the economy. I note that figures released this morning show that the unemployment rate has fallen to 10.7%, which is another very good indicator for the economy.