Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

However, Senator Bacik mentioned the Startup Gathering and the Action Plan for Jobs and called for a debate. We will have a debate on Horizon 2020 on Thursday. Senator Norris and other Senators were in agreement about citizens' rights and data protection in terms of today's decision by the European Court of Justice. I am sure we will hear a lot more on that matter and that when the time is appropriate, we can debate it in the House.

Senator Mullins and others joined with Senator Bacik in condemning the bombing of the hospital in Afghanistan. It was a dreadful incident in which so many people were killed. There is definitely a need for an inquiry in that regard.

Senator Barrett congratulated William Campbell, the Nobel Prize winner. I am sure we all wish to compliment Professor Campbell on his wonderful award. The Senator also noted the trans-Pacific trade agreement and the issues involved in that regard. Perhaps we will have time at a later date to discuss the matter, especially in regard to the European and US trade agreement, which has been mooted also.

Senators Mac Conghail and Jim D'Arcy mentioned the sad passing of Brian Friel. The Senators paid fitting tributes to a man who was certainly a giant of theatre and a wonderful playwright. I would like to extend my condolences and those of the House to his wife, family and his extended family in the arts community in Ireland and abroad. It is customary to pay tribute to former Senators at a later stage and we will try to arrange for same.

Senator Brennan welcomed the new biometric passport that has been announced. He also complimented the Naval Service on its work in the Mediterranean. Senator Mooney notified the House about the four Israeli children that were murdered and he outlined the need for a two-state solution in the Middle East. Certainly, both Senator Mooney and all Members of the House condemn all violence on all sides in this dispute.

Senator Moloney complimented the Minister of State, Deputy Gerald Nash, on his work in his Department. She also made a point about the closure of a women's refuge. Perhaps she might table the issue as a Commencement matter. Senator Norris referred to the arrest of a 12-year old child for the murder of an eight-year old child in the US. He again outlined the futility of the gun laws which exist in the United States of America. It is incomprehensible to people in other countries that such laws should exist.

Senators Mullins and Walsh mentioned Ibrahim Halawa and the ninth postponement of his trial. They agree that this is an appalling position for an Irish citizen to find himself in. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is doing everything possible to secure the release of Ibrahim Halawa. Let us hope he will be released sooner rather than later and that he can be returned to his family.

Senator Cullinane welcomed the suspension of strike action which brought postal services to a standstill in recent days. He also wished the negotiations well. I am sure the Minister is on top of his brief in this regard. Senator Kelly rejected the amalgamation of electoral areas in Roscommon and Westmeath. I am sure we will have an opportunity to discuss the matter when there is legislation in that regard. Senator Walsh mentioned NAMA, which has been debated extensively in committee. I do not think this House should duplicate the efforts of the committee. The Senator also chose a number of issues on which he hopes that the next election will be fought on.Senator Moran talked about promoting Positive Mental Health Week, which is laudable as it is a very important subject. She also welcomed the employment strategy for people with disabilities, which was announced last week. In respect of her question about Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, perhaps she could put the matter down for a Commencement debate. It could then be discussed and she could get the relevant information from the Minister.

Senator Mullen spoke about Alzheimer's disease and dementia. I agree with the Senator that care in the home is the most important thing we have in this area and I note his points. Senator D'Arcy paid tribute to Brian Friel on his work and Senator Craughwell wondered why the National Monuments Service did not intervene in regard to the archaeological site in the midlands. Perhaps he could also put down the matter for a Commencement debate so that he could ask the Minister himself.

Senator Higgins said a driving disqualification should be mandatory for a burglar who uses a car and called for more effective laws in this regard. The Minister has indicated that she will be bringing a burglaries Bill before both Houses in early course. I am sure those points can be made at that time.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the plight of psychiatric nurses and services in Galway-Roscommon. Again a Commencement debate might be appropriate.