Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator MacSharry raised the closure of Garda stations, particularly Easky Garda station in County Sligo, and the fact that the OPW sold that Garda station for €60,000. The Senator complained that these Garda stations should be available for community use. I believe it was the intention that if communities showed an interest, serious consideration would be given to community use. I do not know what happened in the case of that particular Garda station.

Senator MacSharry moved an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 81, motion 15, be taken before No. 1. The motion relates to cystic fibrosis, a matter raised by a number of Senators. The facts of the matter are that this drug has not yet been approved by the HSE for usage and the Minister is on record as saying that if the drug is approved for usage, he will go to Government to seek more funding for it. That is what the Minister would say if he was here. The Minister is on record as saying that and there is no need to bring him in here today. I do not propose to accede to the amendment to the Order of Business. I assure Senator MacSharry that the Minister, as soon as the drug is approved, will make the funding available.

Senator Hayden welcomed the additional €8 million for local authorities regarding the clean-up after the flooding. All local authorities in the various areas will appreciate that funding. The Senator also raised unfinished housing estates, a matter which was addressed on many occasions in this House. It is welcome that the number of unfinished housing estates has been reduced by 75%. Tremendous progress has been made in that regard and, hopefully, we will see an end to them completely within the coming year.Senators Hayden and Barrett referred to inequality of access to third level education. Senator Barrett stated that the inequality starts when children are four years of age or so. I am sure that we will discuss this matter with the Minister for Education and Skills early in the new year.

Senator Hayden outlined the need for further student accommodation, particularly in Dublin, given its exorbitant cost currently. She had a lot to say this morning, because she also referred to the commemorative stamp for Francis Ledwidge, which was also mentioned by Senators Mooney and Byrne. It is to be welcomed. Like Senator Mooney, I had the pleasure of visiting Francis Ledwidge's grave last year when the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, BIPA, visited a number of war graves.

Senator van Turnhout welcomed the appointment of Dr. Geoffrey Shannon to the District Court. On the question of judges, Senator Paul Coghlan welcomed Mr. Justice Peter Kelly's appointment as President of the High Court. We wish both judges well. Senator van Turnhout also discussed the special helpline for homeless children, expressing the hope that we will not need it next year. That would be the hope of every Senator.

Senators Norris and Healy Eames discussed the sexual offences Bill. It will not be before the House again this year. We had Committee Stage last week but did not finish it. There was no prospect of finishing Committee and Report Stages by the end of the session, but we hope that it will be passed by the Houses early in the new year.

Among other Senators, Senator Norris commented on an article in yesterday's Irish Independent. There were some glaring errors and it certainly was not factual. One error that stood out was the statement that 54 Members of the Seanad would continue to be elected by Deputies, Senators and local councillors. Any child entering the House would know that 43 Senators are elected in that way, not 54.