Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Moran reiterated the sentiments expressed by Senator Jim D'Arcy on the murder of Garda Tony Golden. She commended the people of Blackrock and Haggardstown, who acted as a community last week.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh called for a debate on the Northern Ireland reports, including the Garda report. He also called for a further debate on the working group report on direct provision. We will try to facilitate that. As he knows, we had a number of debates in the House on direct provision. Senators Mooney and Brennan referred to the debates at the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications and Mr. Kieran Mulvey's presence there today. They are right in saying that the Irish Amateur Boxing Association, IABA, has serious questions to answer. The IABA showed complete disrespect to the Minister and the taxpayer. Whatever about funding the IABA, it is important that the high-performance unit should be funded properly and that our boxers should receive the financial support they need to continue their good work in bringing such success to the country. Perhaps the high-performance unit should be divorced from the IABA.

Senator Noone spoke on the proposed abolition of 1 cent and 2 cent coins, a development which has been welcomed by many people. The Senator also commended Laya Healthcare on its Super Troopers programme, which, as she outlined, is bringing about many benefits.

Senator Bradford referred to Northern Ireland. He is 100% correct in stating that we have moved a long way in respect of Northern Ireland. We have come a long way from the time when we would come into the House and hear about bombings and killings which had taken place. As he indicated, the reports relating to the army council and other matters are significant. However, to many people, they are not surprising. Even while discussing these problems, there is a need to move on and try to facilitate talks that will ensure the Executive is up and running properly in Northern Ireland. To jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war and we must ensure that will continue to happen.

Senator Conway spoke on mediation awareness week and highlighted the positive benefits of mediation.

Senator Healy Eames referred to a number of matters about which she is concerned. I have addressed the issue of crime and the legislation which will be coming before the House. We will try to facilitate a debate on housing with the Minister . I understand there will be further announcements within the next couple of weeks and perhaps we can invite the Minister to come before the House at that stage. Senator Healy Eames might table a Commencement matter on the specific item she mentioned in the context of health. Regarding what the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, has done, there will be an extra 400 beds in the system before the end of this year, which is a very positive step in the health service.