Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

If the application is as good as others coming before the Minister, I am sure it can receive funding.

The Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar, will be present in the House for Private Members' business. Senator David Cullinane asked for an overall debate on health and we will have that debate today. It was arranged before he even knew about it. The Minister is looking forward to being here for two hours for a robust debate.

Senators Ivana Bacik, David Norris and John Gilroy have welcomed the fact that bond yields are now at 1%, compared to 16% at one stage. This is of great benefit to the country and its economy. Senator Bacik asked when the Children and Family Relationships Bill will come before this House. While it has commenced and has reached Second Stage in the Dáil, I am not aware when it will be finish its passage there. I understand the Second Stage debate will take place this week with Committee Stage planned for next week and Report Stage scheduled for the following week in the other House. However, I have given assurances to the Minister that as soon as it is completed in the other House, Members will commence the debate on the Bill in this House. At this stage, it appears as though Members may get to deal with Second Stage on 12 March. It is hoped this can be done but it all depends on the other House and how it proceeds with the Bill. Senator Bacik also raised a question on child care provision and Members can have a debate on that issue when the report to which the Senator referred is published.

Senator Norris also referred to bond yields and I certainly welcome the Senator's support for the re-election of the present Government. As is his right, the Senator has been highly critical of the Government on many issues but I believe he realises - as I hope many other people will - that the Government has delivered for the country and is providing stable government. Let me not state his good wishes were just for the Government, as he also wished Fianna Fáil well and that it would return with many more seats. I do not wish to misquote Senator Norris in any way.

Senators Naughton and Comiskey spoke on the difficulties some farmers have with the development of greenways. As has been mentioned, consultation is the key in this regard and the Minister is well aware of the position. I am sure this issue can be resolved through consultation.

Senator Mooney raised the question of bus services to rural areas and Senator Cullinane also spoke on that issue. I am glad the Senator mentioned it will be discussed by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications, where I am sure there will be a fruitful debate. As the Senator is aware, Bus Éireann operates three types of services, namely, the provincial city services, the rural stage carriage services and the intercity services. Bus Éireann will receive public service obligation funding of €32 million in 2015 under a contract with the National Transport Authority. Bus Éireann receives no State funding for the commercial expressway intercity services and the company must also fund the purchase of buses for such expressway services.

There has been strong public concern expressed locally about the likely impact of reduced services in some locations and many representations have been made by Oireachtas Members and local representatives. At a community meeting held in Castlecomer last night, Bus Éireann agreed to postpone the changes to its licensed route 7 services until the summer. There is some movement on this issue and I am sure this also can be resolved through consultation.

Senator Mooney also raised the issue of the expansion of broadband services. It is of paramount importance to small businesses in rural areas in particular that broadband is up to speed. Members had a debate on 23 January with the Minister, Deputy White, in the House in which 12 Senators took part. Consequently, it probably is a little too soon to have a further debate on it but I will monitor the issue and keep it under observation.

As I noted, Senator Gilroy outlined the importance of low interest rates for the economy with stability being the key for the markets. Senators Craughwell and Kelly raised the proposed reduction in firefighter levels. Health and safety issues undoubtedly should be the primary consideration when dealing with this matter. I hope sense will prevail and that consultation will take place before any strike action takes place. "Talk-talk" is very important in these issues and I hope the relevant parties will get together and reach some agreement on that important issue-----