Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator might let me reply. He has had his say. I will come to him in a second.

Senator Bacik raised a number of items, including the unveiling of a bust of Václav Havel in Leinster House this afternoon.

Senator Daly spoke about the papal encyclical on climate change and the Pope's comments on the matter this morning. I prefer not to reply to the points made by Senators on the Order of Business if they are not present when I am responding because they have not stayed in the Chamber. I will disregard that policy on this occasion to remind Senator Daly that the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015 is on Committee Stage in the other House. As soon as that has finished, we will have a comprehensive debate on it here. Many Members, including the Deputy Leader, have sought such a debate on several occasions so that we can deal with the climate change issue.

The tourism and travel statistics referred to by Senator Mullins certainly make for positive reading. This sector is a vital cog in the wheel of economic recovery. The Senator called for a further debate on tourism with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe. We will try to facilitate that.

I note Senator Quinn's points about air traffic controllers. We hear about strikes practically every summer, for whatever reason. It is an inconvenience to the airlines themselves and to the passengers. As the Senator pointed out, the airlines are not responsible.

I also note Senator Quinn's points in relation to the proposed British referendum on the EU. I am sure that will be the subject of the conversations between the Taoiseach and the Prime Minister which are taking place today.

I do not know what I can say in response to Senator Quinn's assertion that the Greek Prime Minister's wife intends to leave him if the Greek Government accepts certain terms. I think that is a matter for the Prime Minister. I am sure we all hope some resolution can be found in that matter.

Senators Hayden and Craughwell and others commended the former President, Mary McAleese, on her letter regarding a deeply upsetting article in The New York Timesabout students on J1 visas. I agree that Irish-Americans should consider their attitude towards The New York Timesas a result of this scurrilous article, which has rightly been condemned by the Government and by former President McAleese.

Senators Hayden and Moloney spoke about the private rented sector and rent caps. They called on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to take action immediately to provide certainty for tenants. The Minister had indicated that he would be bringing this matter to the Cabinet. I am sure that will happen soon. I hope he will come to this House as soon as that is done to explain the position in this regard.

Senator Leyden spoke about the Russborough House issue, which was raised yesterday by a number of Senators. I gave a reply on that occasion and I can do so again today. It is worth noting that the foundation did not consult the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in advance of deciding to sell nine paintings from the Beit collection. The Minister was informed after the decision was taken and after an export licence was granted by the National Gallery. This is a devolved function to the National Gallery.