Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Mullins and Comiskey referred to farm advisory service planners and the difficulty which has arisen regarding Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, GMIT, and qualification requirements. I was delighted to hear from Senator Comiskey that a meeting took place with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine earlier today and that the latter is going to try to resolve this issue.

Senator Leyden referred to the teachers' strike. It has been agreed by all sides that the Minister has come a long way in the negotiations. This House has called for those negotiations to continue. The Minister is open to further negotiation. However, both unions are going to have to come some way as well in the context of the negotiations. It is in no one's interests to have children out of school and teachers on strike. I hope there will be fruitful negotiations in early course in order to try to resolve this problem.

Senator Hayden called for a debate on the priorities for addressing poverty. I note her comments in respect of quantitative easing. I am sure the House will debate that matter in early course.

Senator Comiskey referred to the reopening of the US markets to Irish beef exports. This development is already giving rise to positive results for farmers.

Senators Quinn and Mullins referred to a Private Members' Bill, the Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas) Bill 2014, which relates to parliamentary representation and conscience. I am sure that if this legislation is passed by the Dáil, the Seanad will have ample opportunity to discuss it. Alternatively, similar legislation might be introduced here at some point and that would allow us to debate the matters to which the Bill in question relates.