Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the question of alcohol and substance abuse, including drugs in particular. I note his points concerning the new synthetic drugs. I would emphasise, as he did, that cannabis is certainly not safe. Those advocating the legalisation of cannabis should see some of the people who have been affected by their addiction to cannabis and the dangerous synthetic drugs that are currently on the streets. I will endeavour to have the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, attend the House as soon as possible for a discussion on that matter.

Senator Bacik and others referred to the migrants who were drowned in the Mediterranean. This is a dreadful tragedy and there is a need for a unified, EU-wide approach. We saw some of that yesterday, and one hopes EU leaders will get together on Thursday to address this major humanitarian issue. Sharing responsibilities is an important part of that. Senator Daly mentioned having it discussed at the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, but that is a matter for that committee. I am sure it will be addressed there by the Minister, but I will also try to get the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to attend this House to provide us with an update on the matter.

Senators Barrett, Ó Murchú and others raised the forthcoming retirement of Donncha Ó Dúlaing who has had a notable career in broadcasting. As Senator Ó Murchú said, his connections with people abroad was an important part of his programme. I am sure we all wish him well. Senator Barrett alluded to the fact that the broadcasting charge is not to go ahead at this time. Senator Imelda Henry welcomed the proposed visit of Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla. She also noted the possibility that the couple might visit Sligo, including Mullaghmore, the scene many years ago of the dreadful murder of Lord Mountbatten, his grandson, Lady Brabourne and young Paul Maxwell. When people recall that dreadful tragedy, Lord Mountbatten is the only victim mentioned. It should not be forgotten that three others were callously killed on that day. I am sure all Senators will welcome the visit of Prince Charles and his wife following the successful visit of the Queen and the President's successful visit to the United Kingdom.

Senator Mark Daly proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that non-Government motion No. 15 be taken before No. 1. The motion deals with the issue of PRSI and benefits for councillors. Senator Gerard P. Craughwell raised a similar issue in the Commencement debate last week and the matter has been commented on by many Senators on this side of the House and Senator Diarmuid Wilson and others on the Opposition side. I will respond to the point made by Senator Diarmuid Wilson. I have no problem in accepting the motion which should be passed unanimously. I, therefore, accept Senator Mark Daly's proposal that non-Government motion 15 be taken without debate before No. 1.

Senator Michael Mullins and his cousin, Senator Rónán Mullen, called for a debate on banking charges for small businesses. As Senator Michael Mullins noted, credit unions are helping many small businesses. I take Senator Feargal Quinn's point that competition is key in the banking sector. More competition is the only thing that will stir the banks into taking action on charges.

Senator Feargal Quinn also called for a debate on the environment and referred to the good news today on the cleanliness of the country's beaches. He also spoke about the work done by local people, who take pride in their beaches and communities, including through Tidy Towns committees. Voluntary effort is delivering very good results in this regard. I also take on board the Senator's point about the poisoning of birds of prey which are protected species. These are dreadful acts.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to the gorse fires in Killarney National Park and the serious devastation caused. As he noted, the emergency services are overstretched. He also expressed concern for native red deer. I note the points he made about sika deer.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú called for an update on the new postal code system. Senator Sean D. Barrett has raised this matter on several occasions and it has been debated at length by the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications. I note the point made by Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú about the codes not being in sequence and will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Alex White. I will try to have the Minister come before the House to provide an update, but, as I stated, the matter has been comprehensively debated by the joint committee.

Senator Colm Burke mentioned the crisis in the Mediterranean Sea, to which I alluded, and stressed that we all had to play our part in finding a solution to this human tragedy. He also noted that junior doctors in some hospitals did not have access to the Internet or library facilities.I suggest the Senator might raise that matter as a Commencement debate and get the answer from the Minister.

Senator Cullinane raised the question of Bus Éireann. I gave a very comprehensive reply last week on this matter. I think it was the longest reply I have given on any issue. The NTA has determined the tendering for about 10% of the market presents little if any risk to Dublin Bus or Bus Éireann's overall operations while giving the opportunity to test market pricing, offer opportunities to improve efficiency and customer service, as well as the possibility, subject to the outcome of the competition of bringing new operators into the market and enabling benchmarking. I refer Senator Cullinane to the comprehensive reply I gave to those matters as raised by other Senators last week.

Senator Craughwell asked about the Newbridge house fires. He asked quite a number of questions which, if he sends them to the Minister, I am sure the Minister will respond to. If not, perhaps he would consider it as a Commencement debate.

Senator Byrne proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 14 on the Order Paper be taken before No. 1." I am generous but not as generous as that. I do not propose to accept that amendment.

Senator Mullen raised an issue related to the Garda Síochána. The representative association is entitled to represent its members as it sees fit. The representative association is similar to a trade union-----