Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Colm Burke told us the health service is not in chaos, that certain issues remain to be solved but much progress has been made in that area. Senator Barrett raised the issue of mortgages and the Central Bank and called for a debate with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan. We will try to arrange that early in the new year.

Senator Kelly raised the issue of the delays in funding for the fair deal scheme. I note an additional €25 million was provided for the scheme but I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister again.

Senator Michael Mullins raised the question of oil prices and the need for them to be reduced even further at the pumps. In my city, it is down to 127 cent or 128 cent for diesel. If it is that way in Waterford, there is no reason it should not be that way throughout the country. Neither am I saying that we in Waterford have the lowest prices. Obviously, taxation makes up a large amount of the price of a litre of petrol.

I already addressed Senator Bradford's issue. On Northern Ireland, which is something Senator White raised as well, and the request that we try to get the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, to the House to have a debate on the breakdown in talks in Northern Ireland, I will certainly try to get the Minister in this week if at all possible.

Senator Quinn also called for a debate on young people's access to pornographic images on the Internet. The Minister is about to publish the sexual offences Bill and that will be covered in that Bill. We will have ample time to debate that important issue at that stage.

In response to Senator Craughwell, I have asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Kelly, to come to the House for a debate on the property situation and rent controls. As the Senator will be aware, the Minister is busy on other issues at present but I will continue to ask him. I note Senator Craughwell will propose an amendment to the Order of Business tomorrow. I have continued to try to do something about it. It is proving difficult to get the Minister to come to the House on the issue when he is dealing with other matters in the other House.

Senator O'Donovan called for a debate on the persecution of Christians worldwide. We will certainly try to hold a debate on that. On fishing quotas, the Minister has said he is unhappy with the proposals that are before him currently.

I note Senator O'Donovan's point that he must remain steadfast and I am sure we all wish him well in the negotiations.

I agree totally with Senator Byrne that parliamentary democracy is paramount and we will do everything to ensure parliamentary democracy will work in this House.

Senator Conway spoke about farm consultation on farm safety and the closing date for submissions on 9 January next year. We are very thankful that Senator Conway has agreed to act as rapporteur on this issue.