Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mooney referred to the fact that we will be taking Committee Stage and Report Stage of the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill today. There is very little remaining to be debated on Committee Stage. I discussed this matter with the Senator's party's leader in the Seanad and he was quite amenable to having a break between Committee and Report Stages. If a problem arises, we will certainly try to rectify it and take Report Stage at another time. As matters stand, the arrangements I announced earlier remain in place.

The vast majority of Members referred to the refusal of the ECB to attend the banking inquiry. This is regrettable and, in my view, completely unacceptable. An appearance by representatives of the ECB at the inquiry is essential. As Senator Hayden indicated, the Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Honohan, will give evidence to the inquiry. Professor Honohan was involved with the ECB at the time of the bank guarantee. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, indicated in very strong terms earlier this morning that the ECB should send representatives to appear before the inquiry. The Chairman of the inquiry has indicated that he will be writing again to Mr. Draghi asking him to reconsider his position. I am sure the Government will be making strong representations in order to have Mr. Draghi attend the inquiry. Senator Keane suggested that there might be ways for Irish MEPs to obtain answers from Mr. Draghi. I do not believe anything would be as appropriate as his appearing before the inquiry in order to answer questions posed by its members.

Senator Mooney and others referred to the Northern Ireland talks. The Government is fully engaged with those talks, in which both the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Charles Flanagan, have been involved. The parties in Northern Ireland have serious responsibilities which they must face up to. Those parties must also knuckle down when it comes to solving the impasse. I assure the House that the Government is fully engaged with the Northern Ireland talks process and that this will continue to be the case.

Senator Bacik referred to the massacre of children in Pakistan. It is absolutely appalling that those children were killed in such a manner. What happened yesterday highlights the need to tackle terrorism worldwide. The Senator also referred to funding for Childline. The Government is involved in negotiations with the organisation and it is to be hoped that the matter can be rectified in early course.

Senator Quinn lauded the President on his successful visit to China. I agree with him that the visit was successful and I hope that great benefits will accrue to both countries as a result of it. The President was accompanied on his visit by a number of Ministers, including the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan. The Senator also welcomed the proposed development of business opportunities for the postal service. It is extremely important that post offices nationwide should remain open and viable.

Senator Naughton encouraged more donors - those who might donate bone marrow, etc. - to come forward.

Senator O'Donovan also referred to the ECB. The word "extradition" may be too strong to use in respect of Mr. Draghi. However, I agree with the general sentiments expressed by the Senator to the effect that Mr. Draghi should come before the banking inquiry.

Senator Landy welcomed the granting of planning permission for the new greenway between Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel and the tourism benefits to which this development will give rise. The Senator claimed that Sean Kelly is a Tipperary man but I assure him that Mr. Kelly is a good Waterford man from Carrickbeg. Mr. Kelly comes from a place on the right side of the river and he is very proud of that fact. We can certainly arrange time for a debate on tourism, particularly in the context of the strategy for the south east, in the new year.

Senator Reilly moved an amendment to the Order of Business - which I do not propose to accept - to the effect that the No. 58, motion 10, which relates to a referendum on reducing the voting age to 16, be taken today. The date for the referendum has not been set but the Government is committed to holding it.

Senators Mullins and Paul Coghlan referred to the refusal of representatives of the European Central Bank to co-operate with the banking inquiry. They also congratulated the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, on his success in the negotiations on fisheries. I understand these were very tough negotiations and what the EU was proposing was absolutely crazy. We now have an increase in prawn catches and a benefit in regard to whitefish, cod and haddock. The outcome of the negotiations has been welcomed in general by all involved in fisheries. Senator Mullins also referred to the plight of an Irish citizen who is being held in an Egyptian prison. The Government has appealed to the Egyptian authorities on this case and I am sure that appeal will be renewed into the future.

Senator Craughwell referred to the forthcoming debate on the Water Services Bill 2014. I assure him the legislation will not be rushed through the House in any way. We will give as much time as necessary tomorrow to complete Second Stage and we will have all day and night on Friday for Committee Stage. Several Members on the other side of the House have asked why we are not taking Committee and Report Stages on Friday. There is a difference of opinion on this. However, we will have ample time again on Monday to deal with Report Stage. We will give the same attention to this Bill as we give to all legislation that comes before us. I assure Members the debate will not be rushed in any way and no guillotine will be applied in this House.