Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will arrange a debate with the Minister or his Minister of State, Deputy Dara Murphy.

Senator Bacik asked for a debate with the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs as well and I will try to arrange a debate.

Senators Kelly and Bacik raised the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012. It has been held up on Report Stage in the other House. I understand amendments are being drafted to bring the Bill to a conclusion but I will inquire from the Minister for Justice and Equality when it is likely Report Stage will be completed in the Dáil. I am sure the amendments will then be referred back to this House.

Senator Naughton referred to the success of the Action Plan for Jobs and the creation of 50 additional jobs in Galway. On the same theme, Senator Brennan mentioned the success of SalesSense International Limited, which will provide 100 new jobs in Dundalk. These positive announcements are good and I hope they will be made on a daily basis this year.

Senator Reilly raised the issue of surveillance of communications between countries. She tabled an Adjournment debate on that last year. Perhaps she could seek an update through a Commencement debate on what is happening in that regard.

Senator Whelan commented on the availability of the Soliris drug to patients. It costs €450,000 annually per patient but it is essential. Senator Burke along with the Senator Whelan raised the issue of the cost of drugs and asked for the Minister for Health to come to the House to discuss what mechanisms he intends to put in place to reduce prices. I will invite him to do so.

Senator O'Donnell raised the issue of the lottery regulator and she pointed out that, on 9 October last, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced that Mr. Liam Sloyan had accepted the appointment as the first regulator of the national lottery, a position provided for in the National Lottery Act 2013 following an open recruitment process administered by the Public Appointments Service. Mr. Sloyan took up his appointment on 17 November. The functions of the regulator, a matter also raised by Senator Wilson, include ensuring the national lottery is run with due propriety, the interests of the participants in the lottery are protected, the long-term sustainability of the lottery is safeguarded; and revenues allocated to good causes should be as high as possible. I wish him well with his task.

With regard to the people's forum in respect of Irish Water, I gave a comprehensive reply on that matter yesterday. Section 7 of the Water Services Act 2014 provides that it is a function of the Commission for Energy Regulation to establish the forum. Departmental officials met CER officials to progress the establishment of the forum and the Department is preparing regulations to set out details of the forum. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government will provide the draft regulations to the JOC for comment before finalising the composition the membership of that forum.

The Minister will be providing the draft regulations to the joint Oireachtas committee for comment before finalising the composition of the forum's membership. I hope I have answered the question.

Senator Burke discussed the need to develop courses specifically for care of the elderly. I noted his points on training for nurses overseas.

Senator Wilson raised points about the lotto as well as Dr. Travers and his recommendations on the junior certificate. In the past week or so, there have been long negotiations between the unions and the Department. I hope that this matter will be solved in early course.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh referred to the future of the greyhound industry. The Minister of State, Deputy Tom Hayes, attended the House last year on that matter, but if we need to hold a further debate on it, by all means we will try to arrange for one. Regarding the issue of emigration, which was also mentioned yesterday, it is good to see that companies are going to Australia to recruit Irish people to come back to Ireland. This should be encouraged so that other companies would do likewise. Unemployment has decreased to 10.5%, which is the lowest it has been in a long time. I hope that it will fall to 9% in the next few years. Obviously, 10.5% is still too high. Under the Action Plan for Jobs, the Government is doing everything possible to create new jobs for our people in the country and to attract those who emigrated in recent years.

Senator Bradford raised the issue of voting rights for people abroad. The Seanad reform group is also considering it. We will try to arrange for a debate with the Minister.

Senator Mulcahy asked about child care facilities, a matter that Senator Keane raised last week. He mentioned staff pay and educational requirements. I will ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Reilly, to update the House on the issue.

Senator Mullen called for a debate on debt and mortgages. We will try to arrange such a debate in early course.

Senator Jim D'Arcy discussed diesel laundering and the contamination of waterways. He referred to the cows coming home, but they might not do so if they drink water that has been contaminated by criminals, many of whom are former or current so-called republicans. The importation of cigarettes and so on is causing major damage to the economy, given the loss of revenue. These matters must be addressed and I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Harris, to update the House on mechanisms to combat diesel laundering. Contamination from sludge is causing local authorities deep concern and additional costs. Due to an omertà, people are intimidated and will not give evidence against those responsible. It must be combated.

Senator Noone raised the issue of obesity, calorie counts on menus and better food choices. She mentioned legislation that will be introduced next year. We will have an opportunity to debate it comprehensively then.

Senator Mullins referred to the recruitment of 200 local authority staff to expedite the house building programme. The Minister will attend the House next week to debate a Labour Party Private Members' motion on social housing and private rented accommodation. He will update us on those matters.