Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien, raised the question of health insurance and an anomaly in the policy held by a particular gentleman. Obviously, there is a contract between both parties, and that is something that should be addressed. I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Minister. I understand the Senator will be forwarding details on the matter.

Senator Bacik raised the anticipated publication of the adoption (information and tracing) Bill. As the Senator will be aware, a similar Bill was put to the House by Senators Power and van Turnhout not too long ago. Senators will all welcome the publication of this Bill. Hopefully, we can have that Bill dealt with in both Houses of the Oireachtas in the next session.

Senator Bacik also raised the gender equality review of third level institutions and welcomed the fact that it will be chaired by Máire Geoghegan-Quinn. The Senator also called for a bike-to-school scheme to be initiated by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Donohoe, to improve children's health. I am sure the Minister will look kindly on such a proposal.

Senator Zappone raised the National Economic Dialogue. Obviously, invitations came from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Minister, Deputy Howlin. It was a pre-budget effort. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, said he is seeking pre-budget submissions and mentioned at the dialogue that committees did not submit proposals to him last year. I will write to him immediately to come to the House to have a debate early in the new session. Let us see whether he will come here to debate the pre-budget issues. I will certainly put it up to him in that regard.

On Seanad reform, I have no further information other than the fact that the Taoiseach has decided to set up an implementation body with a view to putting forward a Bill. There is a draft Bill from the Seanad reform group. I do not know whether it will be a Government Bill but I understand the Taoiseach is setting up an implementation body on the reforms that have been proposed.

Senators Barrett and Ó Clochartaigh urged that NAMA attend the meeting of the Northern Ireland committee on finance. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, to determine whether any influence can be exerted. It is not a matter in which I can have any role.

Senator Barrett and others welcomed the fact that a Cabinet meeting will be held in Lissadell House, which was the home of Countess Markievicz. Senator Mooney has outlined that she was the first lady Cabinet Minister in the world. It has been welcomed in general that Cabinet meetings could be held outside the Houses of the Oireachtas, where appropriate. I note Senator Bradford's point on that matter.

Senator Barrett and several others lauded the efforts of Paul Dunne and Pádraig Harrington, our golfers. Senator Coghlan mentioned golf tourism, which is very important. Our golfers have been punching above their weight in their efforts over recent years and are doing a tremendous job. We wish them well today and in the future.

Senator Conway urged that we proceed without delay on e-conveyancing. I will bring this matter to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Senator O'Donovan mentioned seagulls. I do not believe it is a flight of fantasy and I note that the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has got in on the act as well in regard to seagulls. It is an important issue if seagulls are stealing the food from children and damaging animals. I heard on the radio earlier that a lady in the Botanic Gardens had her telephone taken by a seagull.