Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure Senator O'Brien that I have made a request to the Minister to come into the House to discuss nursing and maternity services in Irish hospitals. I hope the Minister will accede to that request in early course.On that matter, yesterday Senator Bacik raised the question of maternity services, as did other Senators. I have made that request to the Minister for Health.

Senators Bacik and Paul Coghlan spoke about the Heritage Council briefing. I attended it this morning. It is an excellent briefing by everybody involved. One would not know the amount of work people in the council do. It is well worth a visit by Members who have not yet attended it.

Senator Bacik also spoke about the report of the Irish Penal Reform Trust on youth crime. I have requested that the Minister for Justice and Equality come in to deal with several items Members have requested debates on. The Minister has brought in quite an amount of legislation over the past couple of months and will be here again today with the Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011, a substantial Bill, which Senators O’Donovan and Paul Coghlan mentioned. It is imperative that this Bill gets the scrutiny it deserves and is enacted as soon as possible.

Senator O’Donovan and others spoke about the persecution of Christians worldwide. I do not like to duplicate the work of committees. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade is discussing that matter today. I will discuss it with the Minister, Deputy Charlie Flanagan.

Senator Hayden welcomed the report of the National Economic and Social Council on landlords and all that was mentioned in the newspapers today. She also mentioned that mortgage arrears and other matters will be discussed at Cabinet today. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has said that when the Government proposals are announced, he will come to the House to discuss those matters with us.

Senator Burke spoke about health matters and the Hanly report, especially the need for more consultants. That report was published in 2003 and there was very little response to that matter until 2011.

Senator Moloney spoke about the dangers of social media and attacks on individuals by people who will not give their own names. They are nothing but cowards, spewing out vile and dreadful abuse. It is absolutely unacceptable. Senator Higgins is producing a Bill to deal with some of those matters. Some of the stuff put out on social media is absolutely disgraceful, not alone social media but anonymous people attacking people in public life, sporting life and many other areas. Something has to be done to deal with these cowards. On Friday last, I received a phone call in my own home from water protesters and the vile abuse spewed out on the phone to me was absolutely disgraceful. Those people should be dealt with.

Senator Naughton spoke about national volunteer week, wishing Volunteer Ireland every success. This country has been blessed with many volunteers in all areas. Long may that continue.

Senator Keane spoke about the recall of cars that may have defective airbags. Everyone will take note of that. It will be publicised.

I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business as tabled.