Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad that the week's break did people so much good. They are coming back here invigorated by the few days they had off, judging by the Order of Business to date.

Senators O'Brien, Coghlan, Byrne and Conway referred to the IBRC motion.The Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, will be in the House tomorrow evening from 9 p.m. until 11 p.m. to debate the motion. I am sure Members will welcome that.

Senator Darragh O'Brien spoke about Aer Lingus pensions. He made valid points in this regard during the debate we arranged with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport at Senators' request.

Senator Bacik welcome the establishment of a commission of investigation into IBRC and called for a debate on media merger guidelines. The latter point was also raised by Senators Bradford and Conway. I understand the matter was discussed by the Cabinet and I will attempt to arrange a debate on it with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Senator Bacik also referred to an Amnesty International report which calls for the repeal of the eighth amendment of the Constitution. Senators Norris, Mooney, Ó Murchú and Quinn also referred to the report, some agreeing with it while others were totally opposed to it.

Senator Zappone referred to the UN committee on economic, social and human rights and called for a debate with the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Sherlock. I will bring the matter to the Minister of State's attention and try to arrange a debate in the House at a later stage.

Senator Barrett referred to the Taoiseach's visit to Kingsmill. I understand the Taoiseach is doing his best to address the request from relatives in this regard. The Senator also congratulated the new vice-chancellor of Oxford University, Louise Richardson, who comes from Tramore, County Waterford. She will be the first woman vice-chancellor for Oxford University in 700 years. She studied in Ursuline Convent in Waterford and in Trinity College Dublin. I am delighted to say that the Ursuline sisters live behind my house, which is located in Ursuline Court.

Senators Naughten and Mullins spoke about the problems arising in the emergency department in Galway University Hospital. I suggest that the Senators might table a Commencement matter to debate the issue with the Minister for Health, who personally attended the House to take three Commencement matters today. He comprehensively addressed the issues raised with him.