Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Darragh O'Brien referred to the gambling control Bill. We will await the Minister's comments on same.We were initially told that the Bill would be introduced last year, but I now understand that it will not be published before the summer. I agree with the Senator that it was initially intended that the Betting (Amendment) Bill and the gambling control Bill would be run fairly closely together. Unfortunately, however, that is not the case. We will await the Minister's pronouncement on that matter when dealing with the Betting (Amendment) Bill later today. As regards the education (admission to schools) Bill, I will try to ascertain the current situation and will revert to the Senator.

Senators Bacik, O'Donovan and Byrne extended good wishes to the prison officers who were seriously injured yesterday by a very dangerous person. As we know, that person had been convicted of many offences in the UK. I agree with Senator O'Donovan that a thorough investigation should take place. My understanding is that it is a current ongoing Garda operation and, consequently, it would not be appropriate for the Minister to attend the House to discuss the matter at this stage. What occurred yesterday highlights for us the work of the Prison Service which goes unnoticed by many people. Prison staff do tremendous work which is very dangerous. We should be grateful to these men and women who work in difficult circumstances.

I agree that quite a number of questions need to be answered in this regard, including why it was decided that no armed guard would accompany this dangerous man. Such questions will form part of the ongoing Garda investigation. It is to be hoped this man will be apprehended in the coming weeks. He has many sentences yet to serve in the UK, as he also escaped from a prison there. That highlights the danger this man poses. I agree that, if possible, those sentences should be served in the other jurisdiction.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to proposed tax measures to encourage the use of zoned and serviced land and derelict sites. As he pointed out, there is a public consultation on this issue for the next 12 weeks. He also mentioned the living cities initiative, which was discussed in the Finance Bill. At that time, the Minister said he had expected that initiative to be in place by February. They were awaiting the go-ahead from Europe for that incentive and I hope that is still the situation. The initiative would be of tremendous benefit to Dublin and other cities in the scheme.

Senator Hayden welcomed the €300 million from the European Investment Bank and the Housing Finance Agency to the voluntary housing sector. This area needed such an injection of cash which will go towards building 2,000 extra homes. It is good news for all concerned in the sector. Senator Bradford also raised the housing question. I have invited the Minister of State, Deputy Coffey, to attend the House to discuss the housing strategy. I hope that will happen in the next couple of weeks.

Senators Mooney and Noone referred to the perceived support of the tobacco industry by IBEC and the American Chamber of Commerce. It is Government policy that plain packaging will come into play. The Government is intent not to bow to pressure from the American Chamber of Commerce, IBEC or anybody else. As was pointed out yesterday, this House voted unanimously for the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco products. We will have legal threats from that sector, but the Government intends to proceed as planned.

Senators Mooney and Cullinane also raised the question of child care workers. There is definitely a need for greater investment in this sector. As I said yesterday, quite a number of professionals have spent three or four years in college, yet the payscales are very low for such qualified people. I am sure that is one of the areas the low pay commission will be investigating. We might be able to get the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Reilly, to attend the House for a debate on the child care sector. I think many Members would appreciate having such a discussion.

Senator Naughton referred to increased funding for the National Ambulance Service, particularly in the west. That will be welcomed by everyone in rural areas. In addition, Senator Naughton, along with Senator Mullins, sought support for small rural schools, an issue that has been raised in this House on many occasions. I am glad the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, has listened to those concerns and has acted upon suggestions made by many Senators and Members of the other House.

Senator Bradford raised the question of rural and regional affairs. The Minister of State, Deputy Ann Phelan, has attended the House for a debate on the CEDRA report, so perhaps we can invite her back for a debate on rural and regional affairs. There are many good news stories which need to be told, so I will invite the Minister of State back again.

Senator Noone mentioned regulations on what are called charity muggers. The regulation of all such activities is necessary and will be welcomed by all concerned.

Senator Darragh O'Brien mentioned the education (admission to schools) Bill, the drafting of which is well advanced. A further item for inclusion in the Bill was recently prepared for Cabinet approval. The Bill will be published by the end of the summer.