Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Barrett raised the closure of the M50 due to an accident and we wish the lady who was seriously injured a speedy recovery. I agree with the Senator - the Minister has also said it - that there is a need to review the response policies in such incidents. This is a point that has been raised by other Senators.

I note Senator Barrett's point about the arrogance of the ECB and the contempt that it has shown to MEPs and the suggestion that agencies such as it are recruiting agents for euroscepticism.I could not agree with him more.

Senator O'Keeffe raised the issue of rents and housing. As I mentioned earlier, this can be discussed during the residential tenancies Bill next week. She also raised the Action Plan for Jobs and we will try to have the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, in the House to discuss it. There have been positive job indicators over the past number of days, especially in Cork with 1,000 jobs announced as well as 300 jobs in Dublin. As Senator O'Keeffe rightly pointed out, the Action Plan for Jobs is now focused on the regions. Up to 70% of all jobs created last year were outside of Dublin, a point missed by many people.

Senator Mooney raised the issue of free-to-air viewing, as well as RTE's policy of giving English Premier League results before those of our national games and how, in many instances, it excludes women's sports. There was no excuse for excluding the recent women's provincial football results. I agree with him on the need for the equality of coverage by the national broadcaster.