Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Our health care professionals are doing an excellent job. The successes in the treatment of cancer should be shouted out loud because people are fearful. Treatment has a tremendous success rate.

Senator O'Donnell discussed the people's forum and Irish Water. As she rightly pointed out, section 7 of the Water Services Act 2014 provides it as a function of the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, to establish that forum. The Department has met the CER to progress the forum's establishment.

The Department is preparing regulations to set out details of the forum and the Minister will be providing the draft regulations to the Oireachtas joint committee for comment before finalising the composition and membership of the forum. I hope that answers that question.

Senators Brennan and Mullen raised the national broadcaster and the lack of accountability in RTE on how the licence fee is spent, and also the question of the large salaries some presenters receive of which the public will not be made aware for at least three years. There is a question of accountability in that regard and I will bring that matter to the attention of the Minister.

Senator Craughwell raised Seanad reform proposals. That committee has met on several occasions and will continue to meet. I have spoken to the Chairman of that committee. When the report is complete, I will invite the Chairman to come in here and debate it with the Members of this House. That will provide an opportunity for each and every Member to go through it, as it deserves. I am sure it will be a comprehensive report. I am thankful that the Chairman is willing to come into the House, if invited, to discuss that report with us.

Senator Mooney stated that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs is holding back €1 million in lottery funding. I will certainly inquire what the position is in that regard. It is strange that €1 million of such a budget would be held back and I am not quite sure what the reason is for that.

Senator Healy Eames mentioned that she has written to the Minister regarding the accident and emergency department in Galway. I am sure the Minister will reply to her in that regard. Seeing that she has written to the Minister, there is nothing I can do to assist. I am sure that he will give her the necessary reply.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised Seachtain na Gaeilge. As in previous years, we will try to arrange some debates in the Irish language. The Senator also called for a debate on the EU Maritime and Fisheries Fund. I will ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, to come in and see if we can have a debate on that before proposals are sent to Europe.