Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator O'Donovan raised the issue of farmers on long-term farm assist payments and the red tape involved in securing payment and medical cards. I will certainly take the matter up with the Minister for Social Protection.

Senator Kelly raised the issue of the ambulance service and the need for firemen to get the necessary training to respond to accidents as well. We had a discussion on the health service and the ambulance service but we will endeavour to have a further debate on that matter.

Senator Norris questioned the necessity for Members to fob in and also outlined the plight of street children in the Philippines. As has been pointed out, the Pope was denied the opportunity to meet these children, which was most regrettable. Luke wrote that Jesus said, "Suffer little children to come unto me". Certainly, as has been pointed out by Fr. Cullen, who did such tremendous work in the Philippines, the children there were denied that.

Senator Colm Burke spoke against any move by the Government to sell its 25.1% share in Aer Lingus, which was mentioned by a number of Senators. His views were supported by Senator Conway in a later comment. Senator Burke also raised the question of the delay in providing housing adaptation grants in local authority houses. I agree with him. The medical officer has to come in and examine it and there are quite a number of delays where local authorities are concerned whereas those in private houses can get it done much more quickly and have their grants allocated to them. It is a problem. It is something that can be raised in the context of the debate on housing which we will have next week.

Senator Cullinane stated he objected last week to the taking without debate of the motion for the setting up of and for the terms of reference of a commission of inquiry into the findings of the Guerin report into Garda malpractice in the Cavan-Monaghan area. He left the House after that, he was not here for my response, there was no other objection to the matter at that time by any other Member in the House, and the Senator did not propose an amendment to the Order of Business. That was last week's business and I do not propose to go back over it.

Senator Whelan raised the issue of the bail laws. I agree totally with him. The level of crime committed by those who are out on bail is alarming. I will ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to have a debate on that matter. I note the Senator's points on the takeover panel and the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications, which Senator Barrett raised as well.

Senator O'Sullivan raised the 1916 commemorations and the role of the Army.

We have 9,019 people in the Defence Forces, with 7,270 in the Army, 755 in the Air Corps and 994 in the Naval Service. There are ample numbers of people in the Defence Forces to be involved in any celebrations, wherever they are.

Senators Mullins and Naughton spoke about the €294 million allocation to local and regional roads. This is very important for local authorities throughout the length and breadth of the country. I note the points made by the Galway Senators about the bridge at Lough Atalia and the amount of money allocated for that. Senator Craughwell mentioned the 271 beds for the homeless that have been provided and are now being fully used. He also spoke of the plight of tenants in buy-to-let properties that have been taken over by banks. That issue can be discussed in the context of the Labour Private Members' motion next week.

Senator Landy raised the issue of Bus Éireann's removal of a service from Carrick-on-Suir to Dublin. I will certainly liaise with the Senator about this but it is a matter for Bus Éireann and I am sure it will respond on it. Senator MacSharry raised the matter of salaries for new Garda recruits and I note his points in that regard. Senator Noone spoke about home ownership and making renting a home more attractive. We will have the housing debate next week. Senator Mooney discussed the stand-off between Russia, the EU and the US, as well as the need for a diplomatic solution to the issue. I note his points on the Greek opposition to sanctions, which puts another spanner in the works. I will ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to come to the House and have a debate on what is a serious issue, as the Senator indicated.

Senator Naughton also spoke about the working abroad expo which has run in the RDS for a number of years. It is encouraging that Irish companies are targeting Australia to recruit people and bring them back to this country. It is something to be welcomed by everybody. Senator Byrne mentioned last week's business. I have pointed out the position to Senator Cullinane. I had no correspondence from the Deputy in the other House who was mentioned.