Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On the specific question of retrospectivity, I understand the guidelines are effective from 31 October 2014, the date the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 was signed into law. It is under that Act that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has the power to determine whether a proposed media merger would be in the public interest. I am happy to seek a debate on the matter in the light of recent events.

Senator Michael Mullins also called for a debate on inheritance tax. I will endeavour to arrange such a debate. The Senator also welcomed the commencement, from 1 July, of the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Act 2015. The Minister's announcement on the commencement of the Act is welcome. The Senator outlined the purpose of the legislation. That the survivors of the Magdalen institutions, in particular, are to be adequately provided for is hugely welcome. As the Senator said, this is a legacy issue. This is the first Government to deal with what has been a long-standing injustice for the women concerned.

Senator John Crown spoke about the skyrocketing increase in the incidence of malignant melanoma. As stated by him, it is a source of huge concern. I am sure everybody welcomes the new treatments being trialled which show some positive advances. I liked the three specific proposals made by the Senator. Perhaps we might put together a cross-party motion on positive steps that could be taken to deal with this issue, to include a tax on cigarette packages, a tax on sunbeds and the removal of VAT on sun protection products. I recently had to purchase sun protection creams for children. It costs a minimum of €10 to buy a small bottle which does not last very long in providing protection for a child exposed to the sun every day while on a sun holiday. The aforementioned proposals represent practical and useful measures. We should consider how we might advance them.

Senator Denis Landy referred to angel workshops and the issue of divine intervention. I agree with him that it is a serious matter if people are being exploited. It raises issues not only on the tax side but also on the trade description side. There are a number of options we could examine in terms of regulation to ensure there is no exploitation. I will discuss with the Senator how we might approach the issue.