Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Keane spoke about early childhood education. She rightly said that the Government had made some progress, but there is a need for further progress in that area.

Senator Craughwell referred to workers and unemployment. I note his points in that regard. While I welcome the reduction in the unemployment figures, I acknowledge that there is a need for further work to be done in that area. I agree with the Senator on that.

Senator Kelly raised the issue of medical cards and difficulties with the PCRS. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar. We have seen good progress but we will have difficulties with individual applications from time to time.

Senator Walsh warned of the dangers of excess alcohol and alcohol abuse, and spoke about the link between sport and alcohol. That is something that has been debated and commented upon in the House over the years, and I believe it will be commented and acted upon by any new Government that comes into being.

I note Senator Walsh's points about foster care. I am afraid that in the short period of time we have left, having had a number of debates on housing generally over the last number of months, I cannot accede to the Senator's request to amend the Order of Business in that regard.

Senator Conway spoke about further education and the need for every assistance to be given to young people, in particular, who are trying to access education.I thoroughly agree with him in that regard. The Senator also referred to the need for further consideration in respect of CERT, which was an excellent organisation. There may be a need to put in place something similar to it in order to increase the number of apprenticeships, particularly in the hospitality and catering sectors.

Senator Colm Burke outlined that there are now almost 2 million people at work. However, we have an ageing population and there is a need for more people to be in work to pay for all of the facilities and resources that will be necessary in future. He also outlined the plight of junior doctors, which he has raised in the House on several occasions.

Senator O'Donovan spoke about deaths on our roads, of which there have been many in recent months. He discussed the need for high-visibility vests for cyclists and pedestrians and I agree with him. I remember Senator Sheahan from Kerry outlining similar circumstances not so long ago. He also stated that there is a need for such vests for pedestrians in particular. Many people walk lonely dark roads. For their own safety, in the interests of road safety and for the benefit of drivers, people should wear high-visibility vests in such circumstances. I agree with the Senator in this regard.

I do not propose to accept the amendments to the Order of Business.