Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mullins also spoke on Electric Ireland's reduction in its unit price, which is very welcome, and called for a debate with the Minister for Health on the Healthy Ireland survey. I read those findings with great interest and agree it would be useful to have a debate on them, which would follow on from the work of our public consultation committee on lifestyle factors in cancer. There was some very good news in the survey, as the Senator stated, in terms of smoking and obesity levels but not so good news on a general lack of physical activity, exercise, healthy eating and, in particular, alcohol consumption. We might tease out those issues in a debate. I will ask the Minister to come in to the House for that debate.

Senator Mullen spoke on the fair deal scheme as an inhibitor in terms of farm assets and the IFA proposal. I am sure the Senator has already brought that matter to the attention of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, as has, I am sure, the IFA in the context of pre-budget deliberations. There will be an opportunity for colleagues to debate the budget in our statements on the budget on Tuesday. We had pre-budget statements already.

Senator Conway spoke on the sports capital grants also and the important benefits they will provide to so many clubs and on job creation and the shortage of trained chefs, which I know is a huge problem. Any friends of mine involved in the restaurant and café sector are well aware of this shortage, which is a huge problem for the hospitality sector. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, along with the Minister of State, Deputy Damien English, announced new apprenticeship schemes in July. Colleagues will be aware that 25 new schemes are being established including specific schemes to deal with those shortages in the hospitality and catering industry. The matter is being addressed.

Finally, Senator Burke also mentioned the fair deal scheme and the IFA's position, which I have already addressed, and which I am sure Senator Burke has already raised with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan.