Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Landy and many others welcomed the extra 2.5 hours for children with Down's syndrome. It is a step in the right direction, as many stated. It is a first step and it is to be hoped the hours will be increased.

Senator Landy also welcomed the agreement at Cabinet on the situation of Waterford Crystal workers. As he correctly pointed out, it has been an anxious six-year wait for them in Waterford and the south east for the €180 million pension package agreed by the Cabinet and introduced by the Minister, Deputy Burton. A key part of the package will see lump sum payments based on time served with the company, as opposed to being linked to the Waterford Crystal staff and factory pension scheme. This increases the lump sum costs by €4 million to €45 million. Workers will get €1,200 per year in pensionable company service on top of their pensions.

As was signalled, there will also be provision for the next-of-kin of deceased workers who were originally denied entitlements when the firm and its pension fund became insolvent. The total cost of the package will be funded through the Department of Social Protection. The deal was hammered out after talks began in December between the trade union Unite, Government officials and the consultants Mercer, under the Labour Relations Commission chairman, Kieran Mulvey. The settlement will bring long overdue peace of mind to the workers and their families. It is to be hoped that the payments will begin in very early course.

Senators Landy, Bradford and Wilson referred to town councils. As Senator Bradford pointed out, it was stated in a reply to him a couple of weeks ago that there are no plans in place to restore town councils at this stage, but there was a possibility that a review could be initiated. We will have to wait.

Senators van Turnhout and Mary Ann O'Brien referred to Diageo stepping down from the Stop Out-of-Control Drinking campaign, something which was welcomed by quite a number of Members. They also highlighted that there should be no role for drinks companies in public health matters and schools.

Senator Naughton welcomed the recent job announcements from Apple and IDT in Galway, but also pointed out the skills deficit in some areas and the need to address that. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Bruton, and it is to be hoped he can address it. I also welcome the 50 Sun Life jobs announced in my city today, which will be welcomed by everybody in Waterford.

Senator Norris raised the question of Commencement debates and the changes we have initiated. They have been working quite well but I see his point. We needed 12 for a quorum, which reduced to six after a short period. Twenty-three people spoke. People are coming in at the end of debates when they are practically over, and they drag on. We will have to examine the situation. We had Commencement debates and the Order of Business changed to allow people to be present for the Order of Business. People contribute but do not remain in the Chamber. A number of people who raise matters on the Order of Business do not have the courtesy to wait for a reply. We have to look at ourselves when we talk about Seanad reform and the system within the House. Senator Norris also referred to Waterford Crystal workers and made comparisons with Aer Lingus. They are two very different matters.

Senator Burke referred to waiting list backlogs and the need to recruit social workers. He said a timeline should be put in place.I agree with him and will endeavour to have the Minister come to the House to address that matter.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson raised the matter of town councils which I have addressed. There is no doubt the workload of county councillors has increased significantly since the abolition of the town councils.