Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That additional work is being carried out without additional resources and additional allowances for councillors. That issue should be taken into consideration. If it was any other walk of life there would be uproar in respect of the increased workload for councillors. It is practically a full-time job at present. I note the Senator's points in respect of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee and thank him for his presence. Like some other Members, he was in attendance for the entire session. Senator Paul Coghlan also asked a question in respect of that issue. We would hope to have the report published within a number of weeks and to have the Minister come in for a debate on its contents and recommendations.

Senator Marie Moloney mentioned the community and voluntary support scheme and the 23 organisations excluded last year. I suggest she table that issue for a Commencement debate with a view to getting answers from the relevant Minister.

Yesterday, Senator James Heffernan raised the matter of rural post offices and the letter that issued to a customer from the Department of Social Protection. I have secured a debate, as requested by the Senator, for Thursday, 2 April 2015, immediately following the Order of Business, where we can discuss the letter that issued in respect of paying people's pensions into banks and so on. The Senator also raised the issue of ash dieback disease. We had a debate on the issue about two years ago but I will investigate the possibility of having another debate on that matter. The Senator welcomed the PolskaÉire festival which was held on Sunday last and was a great success. I think solidarity will be suspended on Sunday next when we play Poland in the European Cup game.

Senator Pat O'Neill and other Senators mentioned Henry Shefflin's retirement. Being from Mullinavat, which is close to my own city, he was certainly a thorn in our side for many years. We all wish him well in his retirement. He is a wonderful sportsman.

Senator O'Neill expressed concern at the price of petrol and diesel and asked that the issue be examined by consumer affairs and that the Minister be invited here to discuss the matter. I will try to arrange that debate.

Senator Paul Bradford raised the issue of town councils and local government structures. I am sure we will have further debates on that issue.

Senator Mary Moran highlighted the Hope Foundation's campaign on gender equality, called SHE IS. It is to be recommended.

Senator David Cullinane raised the matter of Irish Water and Bord Gáis. That matter was raised by Senator Gerard P. Craughwell yesterday and responded to. On the issue of whether the Government has the confidence and support of the majority of citizens in the State, that issue will be decided by the people of the State next year in a general election, a State which the party of which the Senator is a member refused to recognise for many years until recently.

Senator Paul Coghlan raised the issue of farm safety. I have outlined when that report will come before the House.

Senators Mary Ann O'Brien and Catherine Noone raised the matter of vending machines and the whole question of overweight and obesity. I hope Members will not take up Senator O'Brien's suggestion of a sugar fix before the Order of Business; they are bad enough already. I take the point in respect of vending machines.

Senator John Kelly raised the issue of rural post offices. As I have said, the letter from the Department of Social Protection will be dealt with on 2 April 2015.

Senator Rónán Mullen raised the issue of balance during the referendum campaign. I can assure him there will be fairness and balance in this House and that is all I can answer for.

Senator Michael Mullins highlighted the variable mortgage rates being charged by Irish banks and the excessive charges at the expense of the consumer. I will endeavour to have the Minister for Finance come to the House to address that matter and the whole area of banking. A debate on that matter is overdue.

Senator Thomas Byrne mentioned the cuts to Leader funding. I accept there have been cuts to Leader funding but increased funding has been provided for the LEOs throughout the length and breadth of the country and much more money will be coming through local authorities.

Senator Catherine Noone raised the ESRI report and the good news on employment and the economy.

Senator Mark Daly raised the issue of medical cards, and called for a debate on the HIQA report which he said is being suppressed by the HSE. The latter matter was raised by Senator Whelan yesterday to which I gave a comprehensive reply.