Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator O'Brien proposed an amendment to the Order of Business which I agree to take without debate. He also raised the issue of replacement medals and I will certainly take up the matter with the Minister for Defence. It has not been the practice that medals are replaced, but I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Minister. Senator O'Brien also called for a debate on policing and Garda resources and I will certainly try to arrange that with the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, early in the new session. As he rightly pointed out, more and more recruits are coming onstream and more divisions throughout the country are getting extra gardaí. We are coming from a base of approximately 12,000 which is very low. I hope the strength of the Garda will return to where it was a number of years ago.

Senators Bacik and Mullins spoke about the suicide bomb attack in Turkey and the threat posed by ISIS and other terrorist groups and called for a debate in the new session. Senator Bacik also welcomed the Government agreement that the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade will accept 600 migrants. It will be welcomed by all right-thinking people in the country. She also welcomed the Bill on victims' rights. Senators Bacik, Landy and other Senators referred to the minimum wage. I am sure we will hear more about this when it comes to the budget in October.

Senator Barrett welcomed the national economic dialogue and stressed the importance of family income supplement, which is not mentioned on many occasions. He also welcomed the renewal of diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba. On this matter, Senator Leyden outlined the difficulties surrounding the appointment of the Cuban ambassador to the United States.

Senator Brennan raised the unprovoked attack on a tourist. Such attacks certainly send the wrong message to potential tourists. We are seen as a welcoming country but unfortunately incidents such as this happen. They are not too frequent and let us hope we can eliminate them totally.

Senator Leyden spoke about where the Seanad will sit. As the Cathaoirleach mentioned, it is a matter for the OPW. It has been discussed by the CPP, and when we have deliberated on it we will report back to the full House. I have no intention, and I do not believe there will be any intention, of going to Farmleigh. The last thing people want is a flood of cars, be they State cars or others, going up to Farmleigh. They did not welcome it in the past and they will not welcome it now.

Senators Cullinane and Mulcahy raised the issue which Senators Mullins and Moran raised yesterday regarding support for people with disabilities and assisting the most deserving and in need. We would all like to see this addressed in the budget. Senator Mulcahy spoke from personal knowledge, as did Senator Moran yesterday, and we all appreciate where they are coming from.

Senator Burke spoke about the role of access officers in local authorities. I do not understand the case he spoke about. It is absolutely disgraceful that such a person would wait seven years to have a house upgraded. Local authorities have been given quite an amount of finance to attend to these issues. I am not aware of the full circumstances of the case, but I cannot understand a seven year wait for such work to be carried out. It is totally incomprehensible.

Senator O'Donovan highlighted the need for water safety over the summer and asked Irish Water Safety to redouble its efforts. I am aware it does an excellent job. I know many people involved and I am sure they will do everything possible. We as public representatives along with Senator O'Donovan should highlight the fact that people should take great care when going into the water. Senator O'Donovan agreed with the Taoiseach that the Government should fill out its full term and I agree with him. I believe it is what will happen.