Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Members for their contributions. Senators Dooley and Conway raised again the situation at University Hospital Limerick. As the Leader indicated yesterday, it is hoped to try to have a debate on this issue. There is a question as to why it is that Limerick is always in the news, unlike any other hospital in the country. I look at what we have been able to do in Waterford and Wexford, where we do not seem to have the same problems. The Leader is looking to try to facilitate the debate.

Senator Dooley also raised the need for a discussion on the question of eating disorders. This has been an issue on which the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, has been quite strong and we can look to facilitate a debate on it.

Senator Ahearn raised questions about the historic town of Clonmel and the development of the town centre. He made a particularly strong case for the library. I have absolutely no doubt the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, cannot wait to get her hands on the scissors to officially open the library in Clonmel.

Senator Clonan could be very busy every weekend having declared his carpentry skills in his contribution. It is very fair that the House should be fully accessible. I acknowledge it is not only an issue for those who use wheelchairs. I have seen people with mobility difficulties tripping on the steps. As the Cathaoirleach has indicated, it should be raised with the commission. It should be a relatively easy fix.

Senator McGreehan also raised the question of a debate on disability in terms of the UN convention. We could have a debate on disability issues more generally in the House. I will undertake to raise this to see whether we can have such a debate.

Senator Hoey raised very serious concerns about problems in the pig industry. There are certainly problems in the pig industry but it is unfair to describe the industry as a whole as an abomination. There are many very responsible pig farmers who are equally disgusted by poor practice in their industry. Certainly the points Senator Hoey made on poor practice are legitimate.

Senator Warfield proposed taking No. 12 and this was seconded by Senator Boylan. This is with regard to the naming of the national children's hospital after Kathleen Lynn. There is cross-party consensus. As Senator Boylan said, we have passed motions on the issue. There is general consensus that she would be the appropriate person to name the hospital after.

Senators Murphy and Carrigy raised the rather bizarre case of a Garda who because of a humanitarian gesture was subjected to fairly draconian disciplinary procedures. It is only fair to express concerns and solidarity with the Garda.

Senator Maria Byrne spoke about the world car rally that is taking place. I contacted the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, to stress the importance of Monday. As soon as we can get an answer I will let her know. I am sure the Minister of State is aware of the issue.

Senator Boyhan raised the issue of having a discussion on mental health supports. We can have this with the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, along with the eating disorder discussion. Senator Boyhan also paid tribute to the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, on the extension of the free school books initiative to junior cycle at second level. That is something that Senator Murphy raised yesterday. It is a very positive development in reducing the costs of education. The Minister did it for primary schoolchildren last year. It has been extended to the junior cycle and certainly the intention is to move it to senior cycle.

In addition to seconding the motion proposed by Senator Warfield, Senator Boylan also sought that No. 11, the Bill on a ban on fossil fuel advertising, be taken today. We are happy to amend the Order of Business to do this.

Senator Keogan made a number of remarks on the independent Electoral Commission. The commission is independent, as the Cathaoirleach said. It was a fresh initiative of the Government and it was very welcome to get an independent agency managing our elections and referendums. It is doing a lot of very good work and it will build. Yesterday, I had a discussion here with the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, on some of the research it is doing on how it can make our elections and polling places more accessible. I certainly agree with the Cathaoirleach that we need to defend the fact we have independent State institutions that operate our elections and referendums.

Senators Gallagher and Carrigy raised the question of dog attacks. That is a big concern throughout the country, particularly for sheep farmers. They acknowledged the work done by Senator McGreehan on this. Anyone who has engaged with the IFA, and particularly the sheep sector, is very aware of concerns about stray dogs. The ongoing problems in this area are simply not acceptable.

I agree with Senator Gavan. It is important there is justice for Sean Brown. He was an entirely innocent man. He had no political role. He was a community man. For him and his family it is important that the truth emerges.

To respond to Senator Conway, it is a mystery to all of us at this stage as to why Limerick hospital regularly features in the news. We have undertaken to try to get the Minister for Health in to discuss it.