Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Naughton and Comiskey welcomed the increased funding for festival and events programmes announced yesterday by the Minister of State, Deputy Ring. It is very positive news for tourism here.

Senator Cullinane also welcome the announcement about Waterford Crystal, on which I have already commented. The Senator, along with Senator Ó Clochartaigh, also spoke about the people of Detroit. Detroit has a poor record in managing its own affairs. I am not sure what the people travelling to Ireland from Detroit intend to do.

Senator Noone raised the issue of obesity and the need for mandatory calorie labelling. Like Senator Coghlan, I would stay away from the Indian takeaways. There is a need for all of us to choose healthy options, which we do not do on many occasions.

I would like to correct a point made by Senator Leyden. The working group does include the former Senator Joe O'Toole. Senator Paul Coghlan also referred to the report on media merger guidelines and asked about the possibility of a debate on that report in this House. I will try to arrange that debate.

Senator Zappone spoke about the recent results of the marriage equality polls. I will get back to the Senator with an update on the date for the referendum and when the Bill will come before this House.

Senator Colm Burke proposed an amendment to the Order of Business in relation to the publication of his Bill. I have no problem accepting that amendment to the Order of Business. Senators Burke and Mullins also spoke about the HIQA report on the ambulance service and the appointment to that service of people who do not have the necessary skills for the job. I am glad to hear that the Joint Committee on Health and Children will revisit that important matter in early January.

Senator Quinn spoke about the English-teaching colleges and the issue of Q mark registration, and undertook to forward to me details on that matter, which I will pass on to the Minister. I note the Senator's points in regard to the abolition of 1 cent and 2 cent coins, which was first mooted in Wexford. It is a good idea.

I will pass on Senator Quinn's proposal regarding a pilot scheme for defibrillators in a particular town to the Minister. We will see how that works out.

Senators Comiskey and Mooney raised the issue of the withdrawal of mammography services from Sligo General Hospital. There is no question but that this is a vital issue for the north west. Best practice is of paramount importance in the treatment of cancer. I have asked the Minister for Health to come to the House for a debate on the matter but he is unavailable today as he is scheduled to deal with a number of items in the Dáil and has a number of other appointments. The Senators might consider raising the matter by way of an Adjournment motion, which could probably be taken tomorrow.

Senator Keane complimented the Tallaght students on their commentary on positivity and negativity in the media. Senator Mullen raised the issue of the broadcasting charge, which was to replace the television licence fee. I will try to ascertain the current Government position on that matter for the Senator.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of the profits of companies operating direct provision centres, articles on which we have all read in the newspapers.

I can assure him that the Government will act in unison in regard to direct provision centres. I will find out how the matter is progressing, as he requested.

Senator Wilson highlighted the need for donations for worldwide research on motor neurone disease. I agree with his comments and I am sure we would all like to be associated with them.

Senator Healy Eames called for a debate on tax reform. We had a debate on the Finance Bill and will have debates on Committee and Report Stages of the Bill. That will be the place for her to put her points regarding tax reform and proposals. I am sure she took part in the debate last week and will do so in the coming week.

I covered Senator Bradford's comments on Seanad reform.