Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Hayden welcomed the provision of additional cold weather beds. Indeed, over 700 housing allocations have already been made this year to assist people who were in emergency housing. The Senator complimented the Dublin Region Homeless Executive on its efforts and I think we would all join her in that regard. She made the important point that any homeless person who wants a bed will have one.

I note the point made by Senator Healy Eames about local authority funding and the whole local authority area. This has been the subject of several debates in this House.

Senator Conway referred to the need for extra resources at the maternity hospital in Limerick. He mentioned that significant resources have been put in place there already. The Senator, like other people, wants more. I am sure they will get more, but it is not going to happen overnight.

Senator Paul Coghlan raised the question of debt investors or vulture funds. I am sure the points made by the Senator can be reiterated during the Private Members' debate on the National Mortgage and Housing Corporation Bill 2015, in the name of Senator Barrett, which will be discussed this evening.

Senator Wilson mentioned Bank of Ireland and praised Senator Quinn on his proposed legislation, which I have not seen, regarding the establishment of an honours system. I am sure we will have a good debate on that in the House.

In speaking about the banks, Senator Mullins complimented and praised the credit unions and called for a wider service. As Senator Mooney said, they have billions of euro on deposit. They want to get into the mortgage lending area as well.

Senator Mooney suggested that significant side effects are associated with certain vaccines and made some comments on the Minister. I do not intend to get into any personal remarks that may have passed between Senator Mooney and the Minister when this issue was raised as a Commencement motion. I am sure the Senator got a good reply. I note his points and his belief that this is a matter that will not go away. It is obvious that a problem exists. There is no question about that. Young girls, in particular, are experiencing side effects. I cannot definitively say whether this is happening as a result of the administration of this vaccine. However, there is no question in my mind that there is a case that should be examined.