Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a matter that will have to be examined. I can assure the Senator I do not propose to have a debate on seagulls in the House.

Senator Hayden referred to the adoption Bill and welcomed it. She called for a pre-budget debate, which I will try to arrange with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, seeing that he has suggested this.

Senator Hayden also called for a debate on the adequacy of the rent supplement and how it is administered. I will contact the Minister for Social Protection to determine whether she will come to the House to discuss this.

Senator Cullinane referred to the Low Pay Commission and welcomed its proposals on the minimum wage. He lauded IKEA for its decision to pay a living wage and welcomed that. The Government is committed to taking people on low pay out of the tax net. It has taken hundreds of thousands out the tax net. It has also made a commitment on the universal social charge. That is the policy of the Government and it will continue with this through its next budget.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan referred to sports tourism and the work of golfing academies and clubs around the country in encouraging young people to play golf. Senator Mooney referred to child care costs. This is something to which the Government is certainly committed, along with realising all the benefits of high quality child care through targeted investment in the coming years. Increasing the affordability, quality and accessibility of child care can play a critical role in realising a number of Government priorities. These include better educational outcomes for children, as well as those with special needs, supporting parents in rearing their children while balancing work and family life, and reducing poverty among children and families. I welcome Senator Mooney's comments in that regard and we all await measures to assist people with child care in the coming months.

Senator Landy welcomed the transport initiative which the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, announced last week. The initiative includes community improvement schemes for roads, which will be welcomed by local authorities.

Senator Craughwell referred to a matter in the courts. That is a matter for the Courts Service and the Garda Síochána to deal with. I do not propose to take any role in it. It is known and, as he mentioned, it was in the newspapers. I am sure it has been brought to the attention of the Minister, but ultimately it is a matter for the Courts Service and the Garda Síochána to deal with.

Senator Mullins mentioned services for people with disabilities and the need to restore the full respite grant. The Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will have many requests - as we have had on the Order of Business this morning - for increased financial resources. They will obviously be considered in the budgetary process.

Senator Heffernan spoke against universal payments and said that all payments should be made on a needs basis. I am sure that many would share his views in that regard. He also said that the gasification plant was agreed without consultation. I think it is extraordinary that any major project would be done without consultation. I find it strange that consultation would not have taken place in that regard.

Like Senator Mullins, Senator Moran sought a debate on disability services and supports. She lauded the efforts of those who will be attending the Special Olympics. We wish everybody well in that respect. The Special Olympics that were held in Dublin probably constituted one of the greatest sporting events ever held in this country. Senator Moran was also very parochial about Dundalk F.C. and we all wish the team well in the coming week.

As regards the matter raised by Senator Healy Eames, Senator Keane brought it to my attention before the Order of Business. I will make representations on the matter to the Minister for Education and Skills. The necessity for two teachers in island schools is a valid situation, but I do not propose to accept the amendment to the effect that No. 18 be taken before No. 1. I can assure the Senators, however, that I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister.

Senator Colm Burke called for the relief of PRSI for three years for new, small companies employing fewer than ten people. That has been recommended by Dublin Chamber of Commerce and I am sure the Minister for Finance will also consider it when he is framing the budget.

Senator Ó Domhnaill mentioned one-teacher schools which I have alluded to already. Senator Brennan mentioned Paul Dunne emulating Bobby Jones's 1927 achievement as the last amateur golfer to lead in the final round of the British Open.

Senator White said that unemployment is a key issue and it certainly is. As she rightly pointed out, youth unemployment is still a major problem. While the Government has got unemployment down from more than 15% to 9%, it is acutely aware of the problems that still exist, and jobs will continue to be a priority. Senator White also lauded the work of Crimestoppers and called for a debate on crime in the next term. I am sure she also welcomes the additional Garda recruits that have come from Templemore in recent months. This will continue for the rest of the year.