Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are providing more services than ever before, and I have no doubt that the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar, is more than happy to debate the challenges facing him in his Department. He will not be in a position to do that today, but I call for him to come to the House in the coming weeks as a matter of urgency to have a debate on the major challenges facing the health service.

I speak for everyone in the House and people throughout Ireland when I express sympathy to the family of the much-loved broadcaster Derek Davis, who passed away at the young age of 67 years. He was a highly professional broadcaster, a lovely gentleman and hugely popular with his audience. We all know how popular "Live at Three", the programme he co-hosted with Thelma Mansfield, was with older people in our communities. He presented many other programmes on radio and television. He will be greatly missed. Derek Davis loved the outdoors. I was privileged to hear a recent interview with him on RTE television a few weeks ago. We remember him with great affection and extend our sympathy to the family.

I congratulate the IRFU on winning the bid to host the women's Rugby World Cup in 2017. It is a huge opportunity to promote women's sport and raise the profile of women's rugby. It is a fitting recognition of the success of our ladies' rugby team in recent years and is a big opportunity to showcase the wonderful hosts we can be of major international events. It will strengthen our bid to secure the holding of the men's Rugby World Cup in 2023. I wish the IRFU success in hosting this event in Dublin and Belfast.

I welcome the new measures announced by the Government on mortgage arrears. The Government is acutely conscious of the impact of debt on families and is determined to see it resolved. Yesterday's package, which should help to bring some relief to those struggling with mortgage debt, builds on the steps already taken. It will increase the supports available to people and help increase the numbers availing of them. The major reform of the insolvency framework is the fact that the courts are being given the power to approve insolvency deals rejected by banks, where appropriate. The message we want to get to everyone is that the help they need is there. People who do not engage are putting their homes at serious risk of repossession. Everyone should avail of the new opportunities to address the issue of mortgage arrears.