Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Daly spoke about child abuse. He raised this matter last week and I think I gave a very comprehensive reply to the points raised last week. I do not wish to expand on the points he made. I read about the priest in Florida who was a whistleblower. He suffered as a result of it through actions by his church, which was absolutely crazy. An elderly nun who assisted him in reporting the allegations of child abuse was also ostracised. That is a matter for another jurisdiction, but I think I dealt comprehensively with the Senator's comments last week on the matter.

Senator Bacik welcomed the green light for two weeks' paternity leave and called for a debate on it and the cost of child care. I doubt if we will get around to it in this term. I am sure whoever will be in this place afterwards will arrange such a debate. The Senator also welcomed the Minister's clarification regarding physiotherapist and physical therapist, which has been welcomed by all.Senator Norris spoke about the EU Court of Auditors and the fact that the Irish representative there had to stand aside. It is regrettable that there would be no representation from Ireland on this body when dealing with the issue referred to. The Senator also expressed his views strongly against the new regulations on the size of one-bedroom apartments. That has been debated at length and I am sure will continue to be so debated in the coming months.

Senator Cahill raised a very important matter in regard to the IRA, informers and all that went on and the fact that Sinn Féin should clarify its position on this matter. She rightly pointed out that victims are always at the bottom of the pile, which is most regrettable. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Senator Mooney raised spam and e-mails regarding Irish Water. I got one myself. I agree with him that this is a despicable practice. He said that banks - Senator Mullins mentioned Revenue - do not contact their customers in that way. Customers should be aware of that and not be conned. People must be very wary about what they receive in their e-mails.

Senator Mullins also referred to a recent horrific murder and called on the public to co-operate fully with the Garda. That is something we would all endorse. Senator Quinn raised the issue of organ donations and presumed consent, which we debated in this House. I note his point in regard to a young boy who received his transplant. It was wonderful to see how well he looked and how young and vibrant he was after the treatment. I am sure we all wish him well. It is a matter that will not go away. Differences were expressed in this House from some sides on whether presumed consent was the right approach to take. Personally, I think it is, but there is a difference of opinion. Some action should be taken by the Government one way or the other on the matter.

Senator Cullinane raised the issue of difficulties in the construction sector and the fact that some subcontractors are not paying proper rates. Workers must get a fair rate of pay. Any exploitation of workers should be condemned.

Senator Keane spoke about the ban on small plastic bottles in San Francisco. She suggested we should adopt a similar approach to curb plastic pollution and to protect the environment. She called for a debate in this House. I doubt if we will have time to debate the matter in this Seanad, but I am sure it is a matter that will be raised and debated in the new Seanad.

In response to Senator Craughwell's inquiry, I mentioned the time available for the debate. Provision has been made for 25 speakers to contribute and that will probably be the maximum offering to speak on the matter.

Senator Bradford raised the issue of town councils and recent comments by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the matter. The issue was also raised by Senator Ó Domhnaill. To go back on the decisions that have been made would take much debate in terms of which councils should come back and which should not if the decisions were to be reversed. I am sure it is a matter that will be discussed by the new Members of the Oireachtas, whoever they may be.

Senator Ó Domhnaill also called for a debate on Brexit and the economic implications of same.This has been debated at the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly and several other fora. I agree with the Senator that it is of paramount importance for this country if Britain decides to leave the EU and it will have severe implications. However, as I said before regarding time, I doubt we will have an opportunity to discuss it in the coming week or two.