Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator O'Brien and quite a number of other Members spoke about the ban on corporal punishment, calling for a debate. We will certainly try to arrange such a debate with the Minister.

While Aer Lingus and the issue of corporal punishment were the main issues raised here this morning, other issues have also been raised. Senator Burke welcomed the good results that have been published on parts of the health service. It is right and fitting that these results are published and that the good news stories within the health services are also highlighted.

Senator Craughwell spoke about a case of motor neurone disease, which specific item could perhaps be tabled for a Commencement debate. Senator Hayden spoke on the country-specific recommendations and called for a response from the Government. We will certainly try to arrange that. Senators Heffernan and O'Brien spoke about gasification, or incineration, in the context of a proposed project in Senator Heffernan's constituency. With that specific item in mind, a Commencement debate would probably suffice for the Senators to get the answers they require. In respect of the overall topic of environmental pollution, I will certainly try to arrange that the Minister come in for a debate.

Senator Coghlan spoke about the growth in tourism in view of the tremendous 13% increase in the first four months of the year. This can only be good for the economy, and highlights the role of the Government's economic strategy in respect of tourism, which has been very successful.

Senator Ó Murchú raised the question of the sale of the national airline. The Aer Lingus brand will be retained, and that is a very important part of the deal. Senator Landy spoke about the public consultation committee, whose report was published and launched yesterday by the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I will arrange a debate with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on that very important report. Senator Landy also raised the need for a review of the Putting People First document on local government. He also proposed tabling the issue for a Commencement debate, and I support him in that request. The Senator also welcomed the measures that the Government and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, have put in place in respect of gift vouchers. These are long overdue.

Senator Mullen has previously raised the question of GP services in rural Ireland, and rightly so. He might table a matter for a Commencement debate on this issue. I have requests in a number of areas concerning the health service, for which I am trying to get the Minister in. Senator Mullins spoke on industrial action being taken by staff in the psychiatric hospital in Galway; again, perhaps a Commencement debate should be tabled on that issue.

Senator Coghlan commented on the Aer Lingus deal, to which I have already alluded, and Senator Kelly spoke about the Private Rented Tenancies Board and the possibility of a need for further legislation to give it more teeth. This has been raised on several occasions in this House and elsewhere, and I will ask for the Minister to come in to address that matter in early course.