Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----and they do not understand the issue, unfortunately. I think the comprehensive reply I have given clarifies the situation. However, I will take on board what Senator Moloney asked for last week. I have asked the Minister to come to the House for a debate on it. He was not available this week. I had provisionally arranged for him to come this evening but he cannot be here. I hope we can arrange a debate at an early date.

I will bring the issue of the Fampyra drug to the attention of the Minister. I gave several comprehensive reports on that matter on previous occasions but we will follow it up.

Senators Hayden, Mullins, Keane, Coghlan and Cullinane asked about the Central Bank report and the banks' treatment of people in mortgage arrears. That treatment is not acceptable and there is a need for the Central Bank to use the powers available to it to take these banks to task.I remind the other side of the House that the Government has removed the bank veto. The Central Bank needs to take its responsibility very seriously and take action against the banks who are not playing ball on mortgage arrears.

Senator Hayden and Senator Paul Coghlan congratulated former Senator, Eugene Regan, on his appointment to the European Court of Justice. Former Senator Regan was an excellent Member of this House for a number of years and I congratulate him on his appointment. I am sure he will make an excellent judge in the European court.

Senator van Turnhout referred to the retirement of Catherine Day, a senior Irish civil servant in the EU. I note the points she will bring to the attention of the CPP in terms of inviting Catherine Day to address the House. It would be an excellent opportunity for the House to have her inform us on all the things that go on in the EU at senior civil service level. The report on direct provision will be going to Cabinet on Tuesday next and I will try to arrange a debate with the Minister after that. As Senator van Turnhout mentioned, we have debated the issue in this House on a number of occasions.

Senator Mullins referred to the Central Bank report, to which I have already alluded. He also welcomed the new healthy workplace initiative introduced by the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar.

Senator Moran raised the plight of one-parent families. She mentioned a specific case which could be dealt with by means of a Commencement matter. I accept the amendment proposed to the Order of Business to the effect that No. 11 would be taken before No. 1.

Senator Keane also spoke about the Central Bank, an issue I have addressed. Senator Bradford raised the care of the elderly and the recent report by Alone. He called for a debate on the matter. I will try to arrange it with the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch.

Senator Colm Burke raised the expenditure of €1 billion on the fair deal scheme, which is a significant sum. He also spoke about the need to address the delay in people trying to get on the nursing board register. He referred also to housing funding and anomalies in the system. If he tables the issue as a Commencement debate matter I am sure the Minister of State, Deputy Coffey, or the Minister, Deputy Kelly, will come to the House to address the matter. I think I have addressed the majority, if not all, the issues Members raised.