Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Ó Céidigh is the author of a very fine report from the Seanad Public Consultation Committee which was chaired ably by the Leas-Chathaoirleach. It is a very important report and I intend to have the Minister come before the House in the coming weeks to discuss it.

Senators Coghlan and Ó Céidigh raised the issue of aviation. The Copenhagen Economics report has today been given to the relevant Minister, Deputy Ross. The report was commissioned by a number of airports and sponsored by the Limerick Chamber of Commerce. There is an issue about the dominance of Dublin Airport in the aviation market. I will be happy to have the Minister come to the House toi discuss the matter.

Senators Lombard and Conway-Walsh raised the issue of targeted agricultural modernisation schemes, TAMS. The point Senator Lombard made about the impact of Storm Lorenzo on the cancellation of appointments is one to which I hope the Department will give consideration. I hope existing applicants' interviews will be rescheduled and the scheme can be kept open.

Senator Conway-Walsh also raised the issue of family resource centres. We are all aware of and appreciate the significant work being done in such centres. The Senator is well aware that this year the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, increased by €1.5 million the allocation of funding for family resource centres. The €18 million given by the Government this year is the largest allocation in a decade and will allow for an increase in core funding of 5% and the employment of 17 additional family support workers. It will also allow for the investment in young people and families. As we all know, the earlier one invests, the better the results in all outcomes. I am not familiar with the case in Erris raised by the Senator but, if she tables a Commencement matter, she may receive a more expeditious reply. It is important that we support and continue to build on and communicate the importance of family resource centres. The work they do in all parts of the country is incredible.

I have not read the article about the North-South interconnector to which Senator Gallagher referred, but I will be happy for the Minister responsible to come to the House to discuss the issue. As the Senator knows, it is an important project.

Senator Mulherin raised the issue of permanent contracts being awarded to 12 nurses. As it is predominantly a HSE matter, I do not have the answer. The Senator might receive a quicker reply if she were to table a Commencement matter, but it is extraordinary that the HSE has not yet allocated permanent contracts. They must be expedited.

I am not familiar with the issue of the Naval Service being refused permission to attend the PDFORRA conference, as mentioned by Senator Craughwell. He also mentioned the matter of the misappropriation of special needs education resources in some cases. I am aware that there are over 50 cases of alleged misuse of teaching and other resources being investigated by the Department. The inappropriate use, or misuse, of special needs education resources is something none of us will stand over. The investigation is ongoing and I am sure that when it is concluded, the Minister, Deputy McHugh, can come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Paddy Burke paid tribute to RTÉ for its programme to mark the memory of Brendan Grace, "Thank You for the Memories", and the work the programme has done with the Forget-Me-Not choir in highlighting the devastating effect dementia has and also the joy and support surrounding people affected by it. I pay tribute to all those involved in the programme and the late Brendan Grace for his generosity before his death. I thank everybody for being involved in the programme.

The Cathaoirleach answered the issue raised by Senator Paddy Burke about flags and different paraphernalia. On my own behalf and I am sure that of the House, I join the Senator in congratulating Commissioner Hogan, first, on his reappointment and his robust and sterling performance in the European Parliament this week. We wish him well in his new, onerous position. As the Senator said, there is no better man to lead the European Commission's trade department.

I concur with Senator Ó Domhnaill that it is regrettable that RTÉ has not carried live coverage of the World Athletics Championships. I remember when Eamon Coughlan won the 5,000 m championship and racing past another athlete. It was a graphic image on our television screens. Equally, I commend and congratulate Brendan Boyce who has been well trained by Rob Heffernan in Cork. I am not sure what the reason for RTÉ's decision was for not covering the World Athletics Championship live.

I do not have the information sought on foreshore licences in County Donegal. I am not trying to give Senator Ó Domhnaill a short answer, but perhaps a Commencement matter might be a more appropriate means to deal with the matter. There are issues with foreshore licences that need to be addressed, not just in County Donegal because I am also aware of a number.