Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the absence of the Leader, I will do my best. I am sure the Members will be understanding in that regard.

Senator Daly referred to Garda equipment, the bail laws, gangs roaming the country and whether people should be tagged electronically or otherwise.The Senator would like a debate on the matter and I would be very happy to take it up with the Leader. It is appropriate for us to have a debate on the matter.

Senator Hayden responded to Senator Daly on the bail laws. That is under consideration, as she knows. She referred to the new site Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council found for the bereaved relatives of those people who suffered terribly in that appalling tragic fire in Carrickmines. She dealt with the question of rent certainty and seeks a debate on that, with which I would also agree. If she wants a debate on Traveller accommodation also, I am sure we can put it on the list. These are matters that, as we know, are being dealt with by the Government at present.

Senator Barrett spoke about the acute housing shortage, his Bill and the increasing number of people who will need housing subsidy. I have no objection to that being taken and to proceed further. He referred to Baggot Street Hospital. I am sure the Minister is taking on board what he has said.

Senator Mullins spoke about the housing crisis and the material received this morning from the Irish League of Credit Unions. That is certainly worthy of debate and we can also deal with that matter. It is setting out to be very helpful. The 500 modular units announced yesterday are very welcome. They will not fill the gap totally, but it is a first step. The Senator welcomed the Government building and refurbishment programme.

Senator Ó Murchú spoke about the persecution of Christians, the thousands being exterminated, the ethnic cleansing that is taking place, the UN not taking appropriate action and the fact that there is no outcry. It needs immediate focus. I agree totally that it is a very serious matter and is worthy of debate. It is a total affront to democracy. It is an absolutely shocking situation. Coming up with a joint motion is an excellent idea.

Senator Quinn highlighted that our organ transplant rate is only 13% whereas other countries range from 20% to 36%. We do not have enough transplant co-ordinators. Of course, it is worthy of consideration and the matter can be put on the list for debate. I will take that up with the Leader. The Senator spoke about boating in Dublin Bay and the jobs that would be involved. Anything that we can do to encourage that would be meritorious.

Senator O'Keeffe would like a debate on the detailed plan for a new technological university for the west and north west. We are seeking so many debates we will be very crowded. Again, I will take that up with the Leader's office. She said that there will be a technological university Bill in the near future. In advance of that she would like a debate on what would be best for the IT sector and what the ITs have to offer. Again, I will discuss that with the Leader.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh spoke about Traveller sites and a dedicated Traveller agency. He suggested their ethnicity should be recognised and I agree totally. Again, he is seeking a debate.

Senator Leyden referred to yesterday's passing of the Children First Bill. He acknowledged the acceptance by the Minister, Deputy Reilly, of Senator van Turnhout's amendment which was unanimously agreed, cherishing all the children equally, particularly people with special needs. He hopes it will be expedited through the other House. Again, we will have a word with the Minister regarding that.

Senator Crown outlined very detailed health service considerations, including an 11,000% increase in the number of people on waiting lists. He outlined a situation in St. Vincent's Hospital, with which he is very familiar naturally, which is jam-packed with trolleys. We were exporting doctors and now we are importing them. It is a huge festering problem. There is an urgent need to tackle these issues. I have no doubt he is right. He also proposed an amendment to the Order of Business that we take No. 51, the Seanad Electoral Reform Bill 2013, before No. 2. As I understand it, there is a Government implementation body and I am afraid I will not be able to accept the amendment.

Senator Ó Domhnaill supported Senator Crown and agreed with Senator Ó Murchú about the persecution of Christians. He referred to the Carrickmines situation and the ten lives lost. He called for a national discussion on the Traveller situation. He is right; I agree with him.

Senator Craughwell spoke about the technological universities raised by Senator O'Keeffe. He also spoke about the coach, Billy Walsh, going to the United States. He expressed praise for the comments in this House by Senator Eamonn Coghlan on the IABA. I agree with him on that.

Senator Walsh agreed with Senator Leyden on the removal of the defence of reasonable chastisement of children from the Statute Book following the passage of yesterday's Bill. I have no doubt that what he said about the videos of abortion methods would be absolutely horrific. I have not seen them, but I have no doubt that he is correct in that. He mentioned the address of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Theresa Villiers, to the House of Commons. He is obviously right. These people are not republicans. They are looking after themselves financially and are mé féiners more than anything else. I do not think there is any argument on that.

Senator Mooney spoke about crime and burglaries in particular. He asked me to pursue a debate on justice and I certainly will do so. He talked about the resources for the Garda and questioned the Government's commitment given that only five of the newly-appointed gardaí will be deployed in Sligo and Leitrim and they will be based in Sligo. He welcomed the high-speed vehicles and all the additional resources. Again, we know there are budgetary constraints.

Senator Bradford supported the call regarding the Seanad reform Bill.

Senator Wilson echoed what Senator Daly said about criminals on our streets. He suggested that people on bail should be tagged. There is a constitutional matter about freedom of-----