Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Colm Burke spoke about consultants' pay and Sinn Féin's policy on that. He questioned how we can recruit consultants. He also referred to attachments of earnings and the Fines (Payment and Recovery) Bill.Under that legislation, which will come into force on 11 January 2016, moneys may be deducted from salaries and social welfare payments instead of sending people to prison for non-payment of fines.

Senator Leyden welcomed the deal with nurses while warning it may cause problems in the future in other areas and outlining the need for reform of the emergency department sector.

Senator Craughwell referred to the RTE programme last week which investigated corrupt practices by public representatives. I agree with the Senator that the vast majority of councillors are decent, hard-working people concerned with helping their communities. The actions of certain individuals, as revealed on the programme, are regrettable.

Senator Barrett referred to the revelation that a large number of motoring warrants are not executed and called for a debate on road safety. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has outlined a number of measures relating to road safety, including new provisions concerning drug driving, which he proposes to bring to the Houses in January. We will debate all the issues at that time.

Senator Keane again raised the situation of Ibrahim Halawa. I understand Mr. Seán Kelly, MEP, with the support of all Irish MEPs, has tabled a motion at the European Parliament calling for Ibrahim's release from prison in Egypt.

Senator Walsh commented on views expressed by the Master of the High Court, a man who has opinions on many issues. In respect of the law on bankruptcy, this Government has already reduced the discharge period from seven years to three years. The Bankruptcy (Amendment) Bill, which is currently making its way through the Dáil, will further reduce it to one year. The Senator also referred yet again to his time as a local authority member. I do not know how things operate at all in New Ross without him. He might have to consider going back there.