Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As Senators Horkan and McDowell said, we need a debate on the future use of money and how banks can play a role in the provision of ATMs in many parts of the country but also in the way they can work with local communities around the use of money. I would be happy to have that debate in the coming weeks.

Senator Horkan asked for a debate on the ESRI and I would be happy to have that debate, probably after Easter.

Senator McDowell referred to a Fáilte Ireland spokesperson saying that we need a mega hotel in Dublin for conferences. I have not seen the report. His remarks are correct. We need a clear debate on future urban living. I support him in that and we will have the debate in the coming weeks.

Senator Conway-Walsh raised the issue of the vote of European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development on the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP. As she will be aware, the previous two CAP reforms moved money away from large farm payments to smaller ones. That benefited more people. It is about supporting family farmers, as we have been doing.

Senators Norris and McFadden spoke about the expansion of neonatal screening. We all received an email this morning, and if Members have not read it, they should. It is a very emotional email written by a parent in distress looking for a change. Those of us involved in politics could not fail to be moved by the email and the need for change. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House. I suggest to Senators Norris and McFadden that raising it as a Commencement matter may get an answer quicker.

Senator Swanick raised the issue of the Irish Coast Guard and the blue light. I do not have the information on that, but his points are very relevant and we need to debate it.Senator Marshall's point about the Sea-Fisheries Bill is to be welcomed, as are his engagement and the point he made around joint discussion. A future discussion forum is an eminently sensible suggestion because it is about avoiding contention. I also commend him on his initiative next week and on building bridges in this House.

Senators Paddy Burke, Mulherin, Feighan and Coghlan raised the issue of Irish Rail. The good news is that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, is in the House for a debate on transport tomorrow and Members can have a debate with him on that subject. The Minister will be well able to engage with people on all issues relating to rail. We need to look at the model of delivery of rail services.