Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach can only sack Ministers. He is not in a position to sack anyone else. I am sure we will engage in a debate on the report when it is published.

Senator Ivana Bacik referred to the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and its support for the Government's efforts in Europe. She also welcomed the fact that the unemployment rate has dropped to 10%. The level of unemployment has fallen for 40 consecutive months.

The Senator also requested a debate on policing and welcomed the announcement that 250 additional Garda recruits would be taken on in the coming months. Several other Senators also alluded to this matter. The announcement means that the total number of new Garda recruits in the past 12 months now stands at 550, which is certainly a step in the right direction. I agree with the Senator that on many occasions we have all been quick to condemn the Garda for engaging in certain practices. We should applaud the force for the excellent policing practices for which it has been commended, particularly in the past week or so. Senator Jillian van Turnhout spoke about specialised mental health services and called for repeal of the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871, which I agree is archaic and Victorian. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, will be in the House from 4 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 29 April and a debate will take place on that occasion.

Senator Hildegarde Naughton spoke about the new Garda recruits. She also noted that the recovering economy was allowing us to provide many more opportunities, services and jobs. These are the benefits of a recovering economy.

Senator Marc MacSharry called for a debate on public service pay. We will have that debate. The Low Pay Commission is being set up to ensure people will be treated favourably. I agree totally with the Senator in respect of those in the squeezed middle, which is why the Minister for Finance made alterations in the last budget to help them. He will continue to do so in the budget to be announced next October.

Senator Denis Landy spoke about the local authority housing programme. Many Members have alluded to the significant grants provided for various local authorities which are to be welcomed by all. The sum of €1.5 billion is sizable and would provide for the provision of up to 800 houses in my local authority area. It will be welcomed by everyone on a housing list.

Senator Paschal Mooney spoke about the whistleblower's allegations. The Taoiseach wrote to Deputy Mick Wallace asking for details of what he had said, but he did not reply to him.