Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Although I normally would do so, there seems to be very little appetite for amendments to the Bill and that is why I ordered Committee and Remaining Stages for today. It is the Senator's prerogative to object to the Order of Business and to vote against the section in the Bill he mentioned. Senators Bacik, Walsh and Norris referred to euthanasia and the possibility of having a debate on it in the House. I will consider this and discuss it with the Minister to see if there are any plans in that regard. We may be able to debate it. Senator Bacik called for a debate on education and planning for the demographic changes. I am sure the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, would be willing to come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Norris raised the issue of a proposed hostel for homeless people, which he has previously raised. He suggested that Dublin 1 has more than its fair share of such facilities and that Dublin City Council and everybody involved should have a very transparent process, which he suggested is not the case. I agree with the Senator that if such a hostel is being planned, it should be open for everybody to see what the situation is. It is probably a matter for Dublin City Council. There should be transparency in such issues.

Senator Comiskey asked for clarification from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, on land matters and the new booklet which has been issued. I am sure it will be welcomed by the farming community. Senator Leyden raised proposed changes by An Post. I agree with him that it is totally unacceptable that letters which have insufficient stamps could be dumped. It is a matter for the Oireachtas joint committee at which, I am sure, it will be debated at length. Senator Colm Burke raised the house building programme and mentioned that it has taken up to six weeks for him to get an appointment to meet a Cork City Council housing officer. It is appalling that local representatives, irrespective of their party, would be treated in such an unacceptable manner. The Senator should take it up with the Minister, if he has not already done so.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the Hands Up for the Children campaign and I agree we should support it in every way possible. Regarding the barriers to emigrants returning home, for many people, the main problem is our high rate of tax.