Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mooney raised the issue of Seanad reform, which we will be discussing after the Order of Business. Today's debate will give us an opportunity to make preliminary observations on the report. I am sure that we will have further debates before any Bill is introduced. I look forward to the debate.

Senator Mooney and others referred to the issue of English language schools. Last week I asked the Minister for Education and Skills to come to the House to make a statement on the matter and I hope she will accede to that request next week. I agree with the Senators that the issues arising pose a threat to our international reputation in this area. There is a need for greater regulation. These schools are worth €800 million to the economy. It would be useful, therefore, to have the Minister outline her intentions for their future.

A number of Senators raised the issue of social housing. The 1,700 houses to be constructed over the next three years will be new units. As has been rightly pointed out, they are only a drop in the ocean but the intention is to provide 35,000 units over the next five years. Local authorities will be also dealing with boarded up units and they have been asked to come forward with shovel ready proposals for which money can be allocated. In my own local authorities in Waterford city and county, grant aid amounting to more than €6 million has been provided for housing construction, with eight houses to be build in Ballybeg, six in Larchville, 20 in Ballinroad and eight in Portlaw. This is a way for local authorities to progress shovel-ready projects because the money will be forthcoming for them.We have gone back to a situation where local authorities can buy homes from the private sector. There are many ways to address our housing crisis. The Government is doing everything possible to address this.

Senator Bacik also spoke about boarded-up housing and the NAMA units that will come on stream. She also mentioned the rescue of more than 6,000 migrants in the Mediterranean over the weekend. Other Senators mentioned it too. It is a very serious problem. It is all right rescuing the people but when they arrive on the shore, what happens? It is an all-EU project. The EU will have to come up with proposals and solutions because it cannot be left to the Italians, the Maltese and others to deal with this problem.

Senator Norris spoke about the debate on “The Late Late Show” about marriage equality. I note his points on that and on the Edith Wilkins foundation, which is doing such good work in Nepal. I will certainly bring that matter to the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Senator Comiskey welcomed the beef genomics scheme announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney. It will certainly improve the quality of our breeding herd and will be of great benefit to many in the farming community.

Senator O’Donovan called for a debate on the fishing industry. We had a debate on that subject a couple of months ago but we will ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to come in to address it again.

Senator O’Donovan and others spoke about rent allowance being inadequate. There is a question about whether raising the allowances will result in rents being raised too. Will it be a vicious circle?

The Government will announce proposals on mortgage arrears, which Senator Hayden addressed, in the next couple of weeks. I have been in contact with the Minister for Finance. When those announcements are made, he will be willing to come to the House to discuss the proposals. Senator Hayden also asked that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Kelly, come in to speak about mortgage arrears and housing. That request was tabled several weeks ago. I hope the Minister will accede to the request and come to the House to debate that matter.

Senator Barrett spoke about Aer Lingus. No decision has been made. The Government will decide, based on the best advice and evaluation available. The Tánaiste made that very clear this morning.

Senator Keane spoke about housing and about the English language schools, which I have dealt with.

Senator Quinn spoke about defibrillators and called for an update from the Minister for Health. I will ask the Minister for an update. As he rightly pointed out, there was a report which mentioned the cost and it would be very difficult to provide one in every place mentioned, but there has to be middle ground.

Senator Quinn and other Senators welcomed the positioning of the LE Eithnein the Mediterranean and called for an all-Union solution to this tragic problem.

Senators Brennan and Jim D’Arcy spoke about Ireland's Ancient East. They are right to highlight the omission of Louth. It can and will be rectified. I think Monasterboice is mentioned but Senator D’Arcy gave us an historical masterpiece on the Táin Bó Cúailnge. He was certainly not speaking bull.