Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the question of the Private Member's Bill, we will certainly have a debate on that. The Bill is very worthy and Members on this side of the House will be giving serious consideration to supporting it. The Senator also had a query on the closing date for nominations for the next Seanad election. The process is set down in law and happens by way of ministerial order. I doubt that the Minister will agree with the sentiments expressed by Senator Craughwell.

Senator Moloney called for the provision of more step-down facilities and also referred to the shortage of nurses, which I addressed in my opening remarks. Senator Quinn spoke about motorists using their headlights during daylight hours as a road safety measure, a practice that is commonplace in Europe. I understand that a comprehensive review of road safety measures is currently underway and I expect that a requirement to use one's headlights in the daytime will be introduced in the very near future.

Senator Jim D'Arcy welcomed the new agreement reached in Northern Ireland and the setting up of the task force to combat crime in Border areas, a matter which was also raised by Senators Walsh and Coghlan on several occasions in the past. I agree with Senator D'Arcy that the measures that have been taken to combat diesel laundering are beginning to bear fruit. We are not seeing as much dumping of sludge in County Louth, in particular, as we saw in the past. I welcome the fact that these measures are bearing fruit and hopefully the task force on Border crime will rid that part of our country of the lawlessness which has reigned there in recent years.

Senator Mooney also referred to road safety measures and pointed out that 65 people killed on our roads this year were not wearing seat belts, a damning statistic. I agree with the Senator that a campaign should be run again to highlight the fact that people are taking their lives in their hands by not wearing seat belts. That message should go out from this House and from the Road Safety Authority.

Senator Burke raised the issue of unhealthy food products in vending machines in hospitals, a matter which is under the Government's control. He argued that this should be considered by the Minister for Health and I am sure it will be. Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of wastewater treatment plants. I have already made the point that significant progress has been made by Irish Water in this area and that plans made by local authorities are now being actioned.

Senator Walsh expressed his regret that legacy issues were not dealt with in the agreement in Northern Ireland, a point that was also made by other Members last week. He also called for a debate on freedom of speech. Senator Healy Eames spoke about the radicalisation of youth and called for greater responsibility within the media. She also asked for a debate with the Minister for Education and Skills on religious teaching in schools. I will endeavour to have the Minister come to the House to address that issue. Finally, Senator O'Sullivan asked about teaching posts and I will try to get the exact figures for him.

I cannot accept the proposed amendment to the Order of Business but I will endeavour to have the Minister come to the House as soon as possible.