Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

However, I assure Members that I certainly will bring the matter to the attention of the relevant Ministers to ensure that legislation, if necessary, is put in place and to ascertain whether such situations can be rectified for the future.

Senator Bacik also raised the issue of concession holders at Clerys and that certainly is another important matter because moneys were held in trust by Clerys for the concession holders and obviously there was a contract between them in that regard. However, while I am sure that matter will be played out between the legal advisers and the liquidator, it also must be addressed. Senator Bacik and other Senators also welcomed the introduction of the free GP care for under-sixes. We welcome the fact that so many GPs have signed up to the scheme. I hope that by the end of the year all GPs will have signed up to it.

Senator Norris also raised Clerys, stating correctly that it was an iconic building in the heart of the city and calling for Gordon Brothers to honour its moral, if not legal, commitments in this regard.

Senators Naughton and Quinn raised the fact that yesterday was world elder abuse awareness day. It is imperative that we all do everything possible to protect the elderly at all times. I note the point Senator Quinn made in commending Age Action and Ulster Bank for their efforts also.

Senators Ó Murchú, Leyden, Paul Coghlan and Heffernan and others raised the RTE programme, "Collusion". It was an excellent programme, but it was a replay of the Barron report. I sat on the sub-committee on the Barron report for one or two of the modules, especially the one on this Glenanne gang, and we took testimony from the Reaveys, the survivor of the Miami Showband and so many others. It was heart-wrenching to listen to the witnesses and the testimony that was given during those submissions at that time. Nothing in that programme was new to me because it was all part of that module, which was outlined in the Barron report. After that, the previous Government and this Government made many representations to the British Government to release the papers involved, and we call on them to do so again today. This House would also call on the British Government to release those papers. In my mind, I have no doubt of the collusion that was involved at that time between loyalist paramilitaries and members of the British services. Likewise, in relation to the murder of Mr. Pat Finucane, while an apology has been made, the Government will continue to press for a public inquiry into his death. I also commend RTE on the programme but, as I said, the vast majority, if not all of it, was contained in the Barron report.

Senator Landy raised the Clerys issues also and the fact that Clerys is still selling gift vouchers. It is despicable that this has not been addressed. They were quick in closing the doors and letting staff go, but how this loophole, where gift vouchers were still being sold, was not cut off immediately is dreadful.

Senator Barrett raised the issue of the trustees of the Beit collection. I can say specifically that the foundation did not consult the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht in advance of taking this decision. The Minister was informed after the decision was taken and after the export licence was granted by the National Gallery - this is a devolved function to the gallery. The sale of the paintings was, therefore, presented to the Minister as a fait accompli. The Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys, has expressed her concern about art of such high quality leaving the country. She will meet the chair of the Alfred Beit Foundation this evening to discuss the situation. Hopefully, as a result, we will have more answers in relation to the proposed sale of these wonderful paintings. Senator Pat O'Neill mentioned planning issues and the need for uniformity in all local authorities. A planning Bill will come before the House before the end of the session when I hope these matters can be addressed. I agree there is a need for greater information for all local authorities in this regard. The Boundary Commission is an independent body. I do not think Waterford will be looking for any hurlers from Kilkenny, as I think we have good hurlers ourselves.

Senator Marie Moloney raised the issue of the Rape Crisis Network and emphasised that its funding should be protected. There is no doubt the network does excellent work. I agree that if cuts have been made, the network should be looked at again and its funding protected.

Senator David Cullinane raised the issue of the Clerys workers. I have addressed that issue. Certainly legislation to address that issue needs to be put in place. Senator Catherine Noone also raised the issue of Clerys. She also mentioned the removal of the one and two cent coins, a matter raised some time ago by Senator Feargal Quinn. I think it is welcomed. Senator Quinn made a very important point in terms of rounding up and rounding down and it is no loss to the consumer overall.

Senator Michael Mullins paid tribute to the consular crisis centre in Berkeley. He referred also to new low in regard to the business practices in Clerys. Senator Gerard Craughwell and others paid tribute to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on its efforts to date.

Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell referred to the Beit collection. I agree with her comments. I have addressed that matter and I hope to have a reply from the Minister after the deliberations with the chairman of the Beit collection.

Senator Mary Moran raised the matter of the HIQA reports, particularly in relation to St. Mary's, Drumcar. It is excellent that HIQA is highlighting bad practices. These are practices that were swept under the carpet year after and year. Even though it is dreadful news, it is refreshing that these bad practices are being highlighted by HIQA. The Senator also asked about the education (welfare) (amendment) Bill 2015. I do not have any notice about the Bill and I think it has not been seconded. Perhaps the Senator would raise that matter again tomorrow when I will have no objecting to accepting that Bill.

Senator Paul Bradford said all illegal and terrorist activities in Northern Ireland must be condemned. I agree with the Senator. He complimented Senators Susan O'Keeffe and Fidelma Healy Eames on their efforts in Yeats 2015 and the work they are doing in their communities in that regard.

Senator Colm Burke welcomed the fact that a number of GPs have signed up for the free GP care scheme for children aged under six years and the need to resource GPs properly.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames raised the issue of the Clerys workers. I think I have assured the Senator that the Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Gerald Nash, and the Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection, Deputy Kevin Humphreys, and their senior Ministers are actively involved in assisting the Clerys workers, as I outlined earlier.

I will certainly bring the matters in regard to stress-related issues to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills. Senator Brennan also spoke on a number of items that were being discussed earlier, particularly regarding Pat Finucane. It is the Government's policy to continue to press the British Government for a full public inquiry into this matter.

Senator Heffernan spoke about the loyalist death squads and the need for full disclosure. I think we would all agree with that.

Senator Conway discussed issues relating to Clerys and the sale of assets to venture capitalists.