Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----but it can join Sinn Féin in having the same policies in this respect.

On the CFRAM study, I would worry if people were not given sufficient time and notice in the public consultation process, a point made by Senator Darragh O'Brien. I will raise the matter with the appropriate Minister, but the Senator will have the opportunity to raise it with the Minister next week.

Like the Cathaoirleach, Senator Ivana Bacik congratulated Mr. Peter Finnegan on being appointed to his new position. I join in the congratulations.Senator Bacik outlined that unemployment is down to 8.8%. It is extraordinary that we have such figures. When this Government came into office unemployment was in excess of 15%. While it is down to 8.8%, there is still quite an amount of work to be done. It is still the No. 1 priority of the Government to reward people who are in work and get more people back in employment.

I note also Senator Bacik's comments on the upper age limit for entry into the Garda, which is 35 and which she suggested should be examined. I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Minister. Senator Bacik also raised the question of ending war crimes in Syria, with which we would all agree. We would commend all the humanitarian workers involved in that area.

Senators O'Brien, Whelan, D'Arcy, Heffernan, O'Donnell and Power - I hope I did not miss anybody - spoke about the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, and called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Kelly. All of the Senators have raised very important issues in respect of public health and questions regarding the plant in Portlaoise and so on. I have a note from the Department stating:

The role of the Minister and his Department is to provide a comprehensive environmental legislative framework through which the relevant authorities can operate effectively.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent public body established in July 1993 under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992. It should be noted that the Minister is precluded under section 79(3) of the Act from exercising "any power or control in relation to the performance-----