Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On Senator Brennan's point, the Government has reopened Templemore. Many more gardaí have come on stream and more will be coming on stream. The deployment of gardaí is an operational matter for the Commissioner. I suggest to the Senator that the chief superintendent make a case to the Commissioner. I am sure the allocation of resources will be very fair on the part of the Commissioner.

Senator Hildegarde Naughton referred to proposed flood defences in Galway and the work proposed for the OPW. I compliment the OPW on the works it has carried out in many parts of the country on flood defences. I am thinking of areas such as Clonmel, Waterford and Kilkenny where the OPW has done an outstanding job. It should be complimented on it.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan referred to his Points for Life initiative and outlined the successful seminar for teachers that was held yesterday. We will certainly offer any help we can to the Senator in this regard. It is a wonderful initiative that should be promoted in schools throughout the country.

Senator David Cullinane referred to technological universities and called for a debate on them. With regard to the specific matter of Waterford and Carlow institutes of technology, we are awaiting the report of Mr. Michael Kelly. As he mentioned, many of the delays were due to internal politics in the system. I hope we are making progress. The Government mooted that it would investigate the possibility of a university for the south east, and it included this in its programme for Government. We have seen action on it. That is a far cry from having letters from former taoisigh days before elections were called, and that was the end of it where universities were concerned. We are making progress and I would like to see a lot more on this matter. I hope there will be a development soon.

Senator Denis Landy referred to the implementation of a clinical programme for asthma. There is certainly a need for further action on that. The step of free GP care for the under-sixes will assist with this matter.

Senator Mooney referred to the Palestinian village Susiya and to the need for balance in outlining the Israeli position. We had a Commencement Debate matter on that this morning. It is important that there be balance in all our discussions.

On the Greek crisis, I will try to have the Minister here next week. It is an evolving set of circumstances. Ireland supports the objective of having a sustainable and mutually beneficial agreement acceptable to all concerned that would return Greece to growth within the eurozone. We want to Greece stay in the eurozone, that is the Government's position. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, is currently attending a euro group meeting and the Taoiseach will be attending a special meeting of the European Council. We will wait to see what proposals are discussed at the meetings and, if possible, I will try to arrange a briefing for the House next week. However, we have a very busy schedule and will be sitting all week.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to the new marker to combat fuel smuggling. This is to be welcomed. We have seen an all-agency approach to the creation of this new marker. I agree with the Senator that there is a need for a task force to deal with diesel laundering and for all agencies to be involved. Senator Heffernan suggested that the Provisional IRA is still actively involved in this area.

With regard to the road infrastructure between Cork and Limerick, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, would welcome any proposals that Senator Heffernan has. I am sure that if the Senator wrote to the Minister he would take on board his points and discuss them with him. We had a Commencement debate on the matter a month or so ago, as the Cathaoirleach mentioned, but I am sure the Minister will listen to the Senator's proposals. I agree with the Senator on the Cork–Limerick road. There are many blackspots, just as there are blackspots on the road between Waterford and Limerick, which is one of the very poorest roads.

Senator Martin Conway referred to the aviation industry and the creation of 100 jobs in leasing. They are to be welcomed.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill referred to the undocumented Irish in the USA and to the possibility of their availing of a visa waiver scheme. As the Senator mentioned, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Flanagan, has been actively involved, as has the Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan. I am sure they will continue to be actively involved in this area and I will bring the matter to their attention.

Senator Kelly referred to wind farms and the need for An Bord Pleanála to take greater cognisance of people's concerns rather than the concerns of swans and so on, as he mentioned. He urged the Minister to come forward with the new guidelines and implement them as soon as possible. We will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister. Senator Byrne spoke about an Eirgrid project in his constituency and urged people to make submissions to An Bord Pleanála which I am sure they will do. I have addressed Senator Brennan's issue on burglaries and the allocation of gardaí.