Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Darragh O'Brien and Norris referred to the Houses of the Oireachtas (Appointments to Certain Offices) Bill 2014. The Bill went through all Stages in a short period in the other House. If this House feels that we should break up the Bill, taking Second Stage today and Committee and Report Stages on another day, I will facilitate that wish. I will amend the Order of Business to the effect that we will take only Second Stage of the Bill today and Committee and Report Stages on another day, if that is the wish of the House.

Irish Water was mentioned by several Members. As much as 46% of the cost has been collected to date. For the same period - the first three months - after the introduction of the household charge, 43.8% of the total was collected. There is nothing new in those figures. I think the money will increase significantly as the months go on.

I do not propose to accept the proposal by Senator O'Brien that Private Members' motion No. 20 be taken before No. 1. I have made inquiries about the availability of the Minister for Health. He is unavailable this week. His schedule is almost a hundred percent full for the next few days, so its impossible this week. I will try to get him in next week. We will relay the information that Members gave to the House this morning.

Senator Bacik mentioned the report from Migrant Rights Centre Ireland which was to be discussed at the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. She sought a debate on the matter in the future. She also sought a debate on education and school patronage. In the past we have had a couple of debates on school patronage in the House, so we will see whether another debate is necessary in the coming few months.

Senator Colm Burke mentioned the employment of consultants and the need for greater infrastructure, particularly in some areas in Cork. He mentioned that 1.8 million people had attended accident and emergency units in 2014, while almost 3.2 million people attended outpatient departments. Certainly, there is a need to acknowledge the workload of everybody involved in the health service, and we compliment them on their work.

Senator Ó Murchú and several other Senators mentioned the families of victims of the Ballymurphy massacre, who have called for an independent panel to be set up. I can assure Senator Ó Murchú and all of the other Senators who raised this that the Irish Government will continue to press the British Government on this and several other matters, and also for the release of the relevant files. There is no doubt that a grave injustice was done and continues to be done due to the lack of an independent panel. The Government will continue to press as strongly as possible for an independent panel to be set up. I can assure Senators that the other matters raised on previous occasions will be addressed.

Senator Hayden mentioned third level grants, housing and student accommodation on campuses. She sought a debate on the matter. I will ask the Minister for Education and Skills to come here to debate the matter during the autumn session.

Senator Cullinane addressed the issue of Irish Water. There is a need for fairness in the system. He mentioned that grants were being given to people who had not paid. I do not think that has happened and I do not think it will happen.Senator Mullins outlined the need for investment in water infrastructure. The people of Roscommon are certainly appreciative of the fact that the boil water notices which had been with them for many years are a thing of the past now that good clean water is available to them.

Senator Mullins also welcomed the publication of the heads of the victims of crime Bill. That is to be welcomed. Members have raised the matter in this House previously.

Senator O'Donovan suggested that in light of the deaths of a number of people in our waters, the Seanad Public Consultation Committee should engage in public consultation on the issue of water safety. We will have a debate with the Minister, Deputy Coveney, on the committee's most recent report, which relates to farm safety, later today. Irish Water Safety certainly does a great job. If we can help to highlight the issue by having it considered at the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, we will consider that.

Senator Landy rightly highlighted the plight of people who are deaf and blind. As he mentioned, this matter was addressed by the Joint Committee on Health and Children earlier this year. We will relay his concerns regarding this matter to the Minister.

Senator Craughwell suggested that water meters are installed for no purpose. I assure him that the water meters that have been installed have detected leaks of millions of gallons of water in many parts of the country.