Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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It is proposed to take No. 1, Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and adjourned at 2.15 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 2, Health (Amendment) Bill 2013 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken at 2.30 p.m. and the debate on Second Stage to be adjourned not later than 4.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes; No. 3, Private Members' Business, Public Health (Availability of Defibrillators) Bill 2013 - Second Stage, to be taken at 4.30 p.m. and conclude not later than 6.30 p.m.; No. 4, motion re renewal of certain provisions of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998, to be taken at 7 p.m. and conclude not later than 7.45 p.m., with the contributions of all Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply not later than 7.40 p.m.; and No. 5, motion re Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, to be taken at 7.45 p.m. and conclude not later than 8.30 p.m., with the contributions of all Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply not later than 8.25 p.m.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I ask colleagues opposite to bear in mind when we debate Second Stage of the Health (Amendment) Bill 2013 today the fact that since the Government took over, 6,000 people per week have given up private health insurance owing to rising costs.

I ask the Leader if the Government actually values children. Does it put them first? Is there any pre-election pledge that Fine Gael or the Labour Party will not break? Is there any item in the programme for Government they will not break either? I ask these questions in the context of the announcement the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, will make today on special needs assistants and resource hours for children with learning disabilities, autism and language disabilities. I remind Government Senators that the cuts began in 2011 when they reduced resource hours and special needs assistants by 12%. Today the Minister will propose that children be given only 75% of the recommended resource and learning supports. He cut the level of support in December's budget. When asked why pupils with disabilities should face cuts, he said everyone needed to go the extra mile. For these children who should be valued, to go the extra mile is more difficult. Children with special needs deserve and require Government support. I ask the Leader why the Government has taken it on itself to bring about a sustained attack on children with special needs and their families. The Government will propose that a child only receive 75% of the recommended hours. It is absolutely disgraceful and I am sure Senators opposite agree. I am certain that not one of them can support the measure with a clear conscience. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, was in the House a couple of weeks ago talking about what she would do in the provision of pre-school and support services for children. I agreed with much of what she had to say. Unfortunately, however, it is a little late. These are things the Government has been doing since 2011. It has been cutting the level of special needs support and resource hours on a sustained basis. Will the Leader tell me if Fine Gael and the Labour Party believe this is acceptable? Given the gravity of what will be announced today, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the Minister for Education and Skills attend the House to explain why he sees fit to provide that children with special needs who require resource teaching face a 12% year-on-year cut. It is outrageous, irresponsible and disgraceful.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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It is welcome that the G8 summit has concluded with a strong statement on tackling tax evasion internationally and on issues of tax, trade and transparency more generally. It is particularly welcome from the perspective of the developing world to see that the eight leading developed countries have signed this declaration. It is also welcome that Ireland received strong, positive publicity, apart from the midges at Glendalough, from the visit of the Obamas. The visit of Michelle Obama and her daughters to Trinity College Dublin was an especial highlight for many of us.

I welcome national bike week and urge colleagues to get on their bikes in the fine weather and more generally. Cyclists have been getting bad press, particularly in the Dáil and recent media commentary. It is important to note that there is generally very little provision for cyclists, not just in Dublin but also on the roads nationally. There are still very low numbers cycling regularly to work and school. While numbers have increased in recent years, they are nowhere near the levels they were at in the 1980s in terms of the proportions of pupils cycling to school and third level students cycling to college. We must increase the numbers cycling as the more cyclists take to the roads, the safer they become for cyclists, pedestrians and other road users. The Dublin Cycling Campaign and others have done great work. We have seen great improvements in cycling infrastructure in Dublin with the introduction of the Dublin bike scheme and the development of the Grand Canal cycle path. There are still many cycle paths and routes which are very inadequate, including nearby at St. Stephen's Green, where cyclists must face into oncoming motor traffic. We need a more joined-up approach to cycling. I, therefore, ask the Leader for a debate on ways to increase the use of bicycles. Perhaps the debate might take place when we come back in September.

I ask for a debate on legislation to tackle the issue of forced marriages in the light of the judgment yesterday in the High Court in which Mr. Justice McMenamin commented on an application in respect of a child in care. He said there was a potential need for specific legislation to deal with the dreadful human rights abuse and abuse of children represented by forced marriage. It has been a huge issue in Britain and elsewhere. Legislation has been introduced in other jurisdictions and, if it is a problem here, we should follow suit to ensure no girl is forced into marriage against her will.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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I agree. It should provide that no under-age person should be forced into marriage against his or her will.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the House hold a 45 minute debate with the Minister for Health and Children following Second Stage of the Health (Amendment) Bill on a specific issue affecting women's lives and health. I raised this issue in the context of the so-called protection of life in pregnancy Bill. It was exposed a number of months ago when there was an investigation into a HSE crisis pregnancy programme and funded counselling services.

The investigation revealed extremely irregular practices carried out by State-funded pregnancy counselling agencies. It specifically involved the Irish Family Planning Association and others and included, for example, the falsification of medical reporting on five occasions. On five occasions, the investigations found women were told to hide their abortions from their doctors. They were encouraged to lie and to tell the doctors, if they had complications after an abortion, that they had a miscarriage. That was one example of a life-threatening endangerment of women by State-funded pregnancy counselling agencies. The Master of the Rotunda Hospital, Dr. Sam Coulter-Smith, spoke to the Irish Independentabout the dangers of giving such advice to women. In two Irish Family Planning Association clinics, women were told how to purchase and import an illegal abortion pill.

Ivana Bacik (Independent)
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On a point of order, these were just allegations. I do not think this has been proven.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Does Senator Mullen have a question for the Leader?

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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I want the Minister for Health to come in for a specific debate because of an extraordinary answer given to a question by Deputy Terence Flanagan in the other House. He asked about the progress report on the investigation into the Irish Family Planning Association and others, which was supposed to be chaired by a former Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills, Brigid McManus. We are now told it is an audit of State-funded crisis pregnancy counselling services. We are told it is near completion and that the process will be finalised within the next six to eight weeks.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Is Senator Mullen proposing an amendment to the Order of Business?

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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I have proposed an amendment. It appears that Ms McManus is designated as an audit requester but none of the people involved in revealing the information and carrying out this important investigation, nor the journalists who reported on it, has been contacted so far by the people supposedly carrying out an investigation. It appears the HSE is carrying out an investigation into itself but we have no evidence of any progress. I propose that we amend the Order of Business to allow for a 45 minute debate specifically on this issue with the Minister for Health. I hope colleagues will support it.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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I support my colleague on the matter raised by Mr. Justice John McMenamin yesterday. According to the court reporting, consent was dispensed with in May 2010 when the person was under 18. The point made yesterday concerned the need to notify State authorities when someone is under 18. The requirement for three months notice was dispensed with when the application was made for consent to go ahead with marriage. Different cultures are living in the country and we must be mindful of that when dealing with legislation. The Minister for Justice and Equality should now examine the matter in respect of bringing forward legislation and making sure something like this is not allowed to happen again.

With regard to the visit of Michelle Obama yesterday, I compliment the Garda Síochána and the State authorities for the efficient way in which the trip was managed. The country received positive publicity as a result of the visit. Everyone involved in organising it should be complimented. We should not be slow to compliment people when it is a success.

Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I second the amendment proposed by Senator Darragh O'Brien. I ask the Leader for support with regard to the plight of seafaring people and small fishermen, having regard to the terrible tragedy off the coastline a few days ago, in the Leader's area. The one tiny glimmer of light that came from it was that the bodies of the three men were found and they were repatriated and buried onshore. I know of 100 families in my area where the bodies were never recovered. They were washed out to sea and never found so there was no closure or burial. I raised this some time ago, as did Senator Cullinane. I ask the Leader to insist that the Minister with responsibility for the marine introduces a grant system or pilot scheme for personal location beacons, which are a watch type device. If someone falls in when out on a small boat, as was the case of these three fishermen, or when the boat capsizes, an automatic signal goes out and the local lifeguard station can pick up the signal. In seconds, the station can identify where the tragedy took place and initiate an immediate response so there is a much better chance of recovering people alive rather than dead.

In this sad case, the three men were wearing life jackets but due to the cold water I suggest they died of hypothermia. The number of people lost at sea, pro rata, is far greater than the number of people lost on our roads. We have a very small population of sea goers and fishermen. I am not talking about people who can afford yachts but guys who go out part-time to try to make a living, which is becoming more difficult. I am asking the Minister to initiate immediately a provision whereby personal location beacons are made compulsory. This should be done as soon as possible.

Lorraine Higgins (Labour)
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I request that the Minister for Justice and Equality comes into the House to discuss the possibility of introducing minimum sentences for those convicted of certain crimes. I raise this in light of the decision reached by the Australian court in the Jillian Meagher case. Justice was not only seen to be done but it was done and the convicted killer got a minimum sentence of 35 years. While it will not bring back the family members' daughter, sister or wife, there is some comfort to a family to know that the perpetrator will not see the light of day for a 35 year period, at a minimum. Ireland must strive for such standards in our criminal justice system. Murder is premeditated, thought out and planned. Therefore, minimum sentences should be standard in murder cases and all premeditated crimes. We need a strong message and to introduce active deterrents to prevent a revolving door system in our criminal system in Ireland.

Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent)
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I was taken with what my cousin, Senator Darragh O'Brien, said and I wondered what Winston Churchill, Jamie Oliver, Stephen Spielberg, Agatha Christie, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, Richard Branson and Erin Brockovich have in common. They were all special needs students and brilliant people who contributed so much to society. They are also vulnerable people when they are young and suffer from low self-esteem. They need help and a leg-up and I cannot believe what Senator Darragh O'Brien shared with us this morning. I support him.

It is June and the weather is beautiful but there must be wind outside because the kite flying has begun. Last weekend, the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, tested business people. The Government has done such good through its initiatives for businesses to grow to help people regain confidence. We are an island and it is very difficult for those of us who are exporting to be competitive. We must get across the Irish Sea to get to England or Europe. I refer to Harvest 2020. We want to grow employment but the Minister is thinking of increasing the minimum wage. We are talking about special needs but to pay for the country and to get it back on an upward slant, we must regain confidence and build employment. I do not think raising the minimum wage is the way forward for Ireland. I have great sympathy for those who are less well-off.

I would like clarification from the Government, which is getting rid of the town councils.

I hope there will be great savings. Rates are increasing by between 30% and 100%. How can a retail business such as the hairdresser's in Waterford mentioned yesterday sustain itself or plan for the future if its rates will go this high? I would like clarity from the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government on what he is planning and how he will maintain the competitiveness and confidence of Irish businesses.

Will the Leader seek clarity from the Minister for Social Protection on her plans for the national minimum wage?

Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael)
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I am concerned by newspaper reports that co-operatives and others dealing with farmers will reintroduce a 1% levy per month on debts owing to them. Farmers have experienced a difficult winter and spring and run up large debts. I understand where the co-operatives are coming from, but farmers should not be burdened further by adding a 1% levy to their debts. It is important that we work with them. We must encourage them to use their banks wherever possible. We only have a month or six weeks to avert a crisis next winter; therefore, everybody must work closely with Teagasc and the farming organisations to make sure farmers are advised and have sufficient fodder for next winter and encourage them to deal with their banks rather than being subject a 1% levy by co-operatives on money owed to them.

John Crown (Independent)
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I hate to sound like a broken record because I raised this issue yesterday, but additional information has come to my attention which urgently needs to be brought to the Minister's attention. An approved licensed drug, Ipilimumab, is the first to benefit substantial numbers of patients with a relatively uncommon cancer, malignant melanoma. It is, sadly, one which Ireland has a uniquely dramatic increasing incidence of. However, this drug is not reimbursed by several private health insurers. It has come to my attention that the problem is worse and more systemic than I understood and that, in addition to GloHealth, Aviva is also not paying for it. Laya Healthcare has not adopted a policy, but when approached on a case by case basis has approved it for individual patients. However, Aviva is a large player in the non-VHI part of the market and its staff boasted to a group of oncologists who were making representations on this issue last week that they had never paid for it on behalf of a patient. I would like to bring to the Minister's attention that Aviva's UK site states it places no limits on the availability of any licensed cancer drug. This policy is, therefore, unique to Ireland. The company needs to be called out on this issue. I understand markets are different, but there is something wrong about the people concerned entering our market and charging our patients premia, while alleging that they are offering them choice and denying it in the fine print. This is a matter of serious concern.

There is, however, a matter of greater concern. It became apparent during my conversations with representatives of one of the companies that there had been a concert between them in making a decision not to approve a drug. That looks like an illegal cartel. I am not a legal expert, but when a bunch of providers that are supposed to compete with one another decide mutually that they will not make a product available, that is of dubious legality. Will the Leader bring this to the attention not only of the Minister for Health but also the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation who probably has an oversight role in matters of competition and business practice? I am concerned about this issue. One of my patients is confined to hospital. He has paid tax all his life to support the public health system and paid insurance premia all his life to reduce the burden on the public health system, but he had to be discharged from a private hospital earlier and taken in a wheelchair to a public hospital to receuve treatment at the expense of the taxpayer who is funding a system that is creaking financially. He was then readmitted to the private hospital for the rest of his care. There is something wrong with this and it needs to be addressed.

Denis Landy (Labour)
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Like Senator Mary Ann O'Brien, I wish to raise the issue of commercial rates. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, but some of the pudding has been eaten. The local authorities in County Tipperary are being amalgamated and it has been predetermined that the commercial rate will be between 2% and 11% higher than that charged by town councils and that it will apply across the county. This information has been given to the councils. All rates will, therefore, increase across the county. Last week in reply to Deputy John Deasy in the Lower House the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government said the concept was that there would be harmonisation of rates to the lower level within each county. That flies in the face of what is happening in County Tipperary and what has happened in Waterford city in the past few weeks where businesses are up in arms because of this issue. Rates in the city have been re-evaluated and gone through the roof. I refer to the policy document adopted by the Government last October entitled, Putting People First, paragraph 6.7.9 of which states:

Where town rates are currently below the relevant county level (around two thirds of cases), it may be considered appropriate to apply a moratorium up to say 2015, with phasing of any increases over an appropriate subsequent period. Where there is a mix of towns in a county with rates above and below the county level, phasing should allow an equalisation over a subsequent fixed period of years.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator can table an Adjournment matter on this issue.

Denis Landy (Labour)
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I would like the Leader to ask the Minister to come to the House to address this issue because small businesses are struggling to keep their doors open. In my own town, Carrick-on-Suir, we make an effort every week to bring more business into the town-----

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator can raise these issues when the Minister comes to the House.

Denis Landy (Labour)
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-----and if rates increase, that will sound the death knell for small businesses.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Ach an oiread leis an Seanadóir Bacik, aontaím gur maith an rud é go ndeachaigh Comhdháil an G8 ar aghaidh go síochánta agus go bhfuair daoine léargas ar ché chomh fada chun cinn agus atá cúrsaí tagtha ó thaobh síocháin de ar an oileán seo le 15 bliana anuas.

It is welcome that the G8 summit went off without major incident and that there is a new view internationally of peace in Ireland and so on, but 15 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, as President Obama said, there is still a great deal of work to be done to embed the peace process. There are outstanding issues under the Agreement. It is also important, as Senator Ivana Bacik noted, that tax, trade and transparency issues were discussed. The Government has made great play of our international reputation in the markets, etc., which is the reason we have been given for the repayment of bondholders and compliance with the troika programme and so on. That is why it is strange that when we have been castigated by a US Senate committee about our tax regime, the Taoiseach did not raise this matter with President Obama when he had the opportunity to do so. Surely if the Taoiseach is so confident about our tax regime, he would have done so because UK watchdogs, as well as the US Senate committee, are stating Ireland is a tax haven. That is having a serious impact on our reputation internationally and it is strange that the Taoiseach did not raise the issue. It is important, therefore, that the Minister for Finance attend the House for a debate on taxation issues.

That debate should also be held in the context of budgetary talks that have commenced within the Government. Time will pass quickly as we run into the budget in October. Last year the Leader promised us a series of debates on budgetary issues in the run-up to the budget. It is important that a timescale be put in place in order that we will have an opportunity, while the Seanad is still in place, to debate the budgetary portfolios and implications of budgetary cuts and changes. Will the Leader indicate when that process will commence? Will a timetable be put in place for these budgetary debates?

Caít Keane (Fine Gael)
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I support the Senators who spoke on the important issue of forced marriage. A High Court judge has said he believes the rules, regulations and laws in this regard need to be changed. The strategy document on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence contains only one reference to forced marriage in its 200 pages. It is only mentioned and there is absolutely nothing more about it. This is an important issue that we must examine in depth. We must consider culture and every other relevant factor, particularly the legal rights of children.

Today I speak about young people because Dublin has been chosen to host the One Young World summit next year. It is an important summit for young people. Approximately 2,000 of the world's young leaders will descend on Dublin for the major annual summit which is to focus on global problems. Dublin beat off competition from Singapore, Hong Kong and Edinburgh. The summit is to take place in Johannesburg this year and was held in Pittsburgh last year. Since the Leader has been so proactive in ensuring the Seanad is used for good debates and since so many young people will be in Dublin, I ask him to invite to the House those who bid for and are organising the summit, namely, Ms Clara Kelleher, Mr. Bob Collins and Ms Valerie McGrane, to discuss with an all-party group what they envisage for Ireland prior to the summit which will be worth at least €30 million to Dublin. We should recognise the work these individuals are doing. In listening to the voices of the youth, we can learn a lot. They have shown what they can do. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr. Naoise O’Murray, has spoken about the matter.

Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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I support Senator Rónán Mullen's amendment to the Order of Business on what could be described as a national scandal. Some €3 million is made available by the HSE each year to the crisis pregnancy counselling service. As previously reported, the information being provided, particularly through the Irish Family Planning Association, appears to be putting women's lives at risk. This is according to medical evidence and medical reports. In addition, serious questions need to be asked of the Minister for Health and the HSE. We must appreciate that the current CEO of the HSE is the previous chief executive of the Irish Family Planning Association. There are questions to be asked in this regard also. There is a need for an independent investigation. Can the HSE investigate itself on this issue? Time has shown it cannot. It is over eight months since it initiated the inquiry. A Garda inquiry was running in parallel, but there have been no answers to date.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Is the Senator seeking a debate on the issue?

Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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I am.

Second Stage of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill is to be taken in the Dáil tomorrow. A reply to a parliamentary question last evening showed that the HSE was proposing that the findings of any report carried out on the misinformation provided and the threat to women's lives being facilitated by the Irish Family Planning Association would not be available for at least six to eight weeks. That appears to be too cosy and coincidental, given that the Bill will have been debated by the Oireachtas by then. There is a need for a 45 minute debate today with the Minister and the Order of Business should be amended. I plead with the Leader not to ask us to put this matter to a vote to allow for what I propose. If the Seanad is to be saved, questions of national importance such as this should be addressed here. We will have an opportunity to do so, as the Minister is due here today.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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In the mid-west, as in other areas, hospitals are grouped. Ennis General Hospital, together with the hospitals in Dooradoyle and Nenagh, are considered to constitute one hospital campus connected to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, the university hospital in Limerick. Naturally enough, there will be hiccups in the transitional process envisaged, but I am troubled by a statement from three senior doctors in the area to the effect that there has been a change to the long-standing practice of accepting vulnerable older people automatically in the medical specialists section for the elderly. The elderly may be vulnerable and under threat. According to the three doctors in question, this practice has been stopped abruptly. The hospital regrouping to which I referred is the first that has stopped abruptly the long-standing tradition according to which it is understood vulnerable older people should have immediate access to hospital care, when necessary. The HSE has not yet commented on the very worrying and troubling statement by the three doctors. At this stage, it is incumbent on it and the hospital group, including the hospitals in Dooradoyle, Ennis and Nenagh, to issue a statement to reassure people that the allegation is untrue. If it is true, it should be stated why it is and the alternative measures being put in place should be outlined. Perhaps the Leader, through his good offices, might ask the HSE what exactly is happening. The last thing we need, certainly in the mid-west which has had its fair share of ups and downs, is concern or worry on the part of the elderly by virtue of the changes to the management structure that have taken place.

Mary White (Fianna Fail)
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Having had the honour of being elected to the Industrial and Commercial Panel of the Seanad on three occasions, I speak with authority. Every year the budget is announced on a given day. Full of anticipation, we all go to the Dáil gallery to listen to the announcement. Afterwards people protest at the gates of Leinster House about all of the cuts made by the Government. Will the Leader, please, invite the Minister for Finance to the House to discuss with us what he intends to introduce in the forthcoming budget? We, as democratically elected Members, have a right to express our opinions on this subject. Yesterday afternoon an alliance from west Cork was protesting at the front gate. There were people of all ages present. Both senior and young gentlemen and ladies came to draw attention to the severe cuts that had taken place in west Cork. The Leader and the Cathaoirleach will be shocked by them. They include the downgrading of Bantry hospital, the closure of three Garda stations and the cutting of home help hours. For the first time yesterday I met the passionate shop steward for the alliance, Ms Violet Carroll. There was a €2.25 million cut to the Leader programme for community projects in the area. How dare the Government have such an archaic, old-fashioned way of bringing forward a budget. Will the Leader, please, request the Minister for Finance to pay us respect? Members are elected to various panels and there are Members on the Government side on mine. Our job is to discuss the cuts in a rational, businesslike way, not to have a slash and burn approach which is causing distress to so many.

Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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Although I will not be supporting the call for an amendment to the Order of Business, I support strongly some of the points made by Senator Rónán Mullen on the State-funded counselling service for those with crisis pregnancies. We need to ascertain whether the law has been broken, whether the lives of women are being put at risk and whether women are being advised to hide crucial information from their doctors which could have serious implications for them.

The allegation is that women are being advised to hide crucial information from their doctors which could potentially have serious implications for their future health. In that context, I am calling for the immediate publication of the audit which, as indicated by the Minister for Health in his reply to a parliamentary question by Deputy Terence Flanagan yesterday, is ongoing. We can then ascertain whether there is a need for a fuller investigation into the activities of crisis pregnancy agencies that are in receipt of State funding.

I strongly support the call this morning by Senator Lorraine Higgins for a serious examination of sentencing policy in this State, the need for which is highlighted once again by the verdict in the Jill Meagher murder case in Australia. We all know of cases where criminals convicted of serious crimes were released from prison after relatively short periods of time only to re-offend. In one case in my constituency, such a person went on to commit a second murder. We must have a serious review of our sentencing regime. I ask the Leader to arrange such a debate with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, at the earliest possible opportunity.

Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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I join colleagues in expressing concern at the pace of the investigation into certain practices at the Irish Family Planning Association. I raised this issue in the House last November when it first became clear that there was worrying evidence of dangerous advice and encouragement being given to women to provide incorrect information to their doctors which could adversely affect their health. I understood at that stage that an investigation was to take place. In his reply to the parliamentary question by Deputy Terence Flanagan, the Minister referred to an ongoing audit. What is required, however, is not an audit but a proper investigation that will provide clear answers. We cannot have State-sponsored organisations giving advice to people which could potentially damage their health.

I support the proposed amendment to the Order of Business calling on the Minister for Education and Skills to come to the House to discuss the latest cuts to the education budget. It is not the first time the Government has persisted in focusing on the most vulnerable in its efforts to reduce spending. We are now presented with further cuts to the budget for resource teachers, with the suggestion that only 75% of the recommended allocation will be granted. Surely it is within the capability of the Minister to identify where people are better placed to sustain cuts rather than continuing to place the burden on those who are most vulnerable and most in need of State assistance in terms of resource hours and assistance in the education system? It beggars belief that any Minister sitting around the Cabinet table would stand over these types of cuts. It surely must be possible to identify areas better placed to sustain further cuts.

Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
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I join Senator Marc MacSharry in calling for clarity on the activities of crisis pregnancy advice centres, an issue I too raised when it came to light last November. It need hardly be pointed out that a crisis pregnancy is a time when women are at their most vulnerable and, as such, an investigation is warranted. In fact, it is difficult to understand why the audit is not yet completed. A thorough investigation must be carried out to ensure there is clarity regarding the type of advice being given to vulnerable women in these situations.

Abolition is not a popular word in this House these days, but I take this opportunity to welcome the abolition of mobile telephone roaming charges, which the European Parliament has committed to implement before the next European elections. I and other Senators have raised this issue in the House on numerous occasions. Many people have found themselves out of pocket because they were not aware of the rate at which costs were accruing, whether in the North, in Europe or elsewhere. It is particularly important that people who move regularly between this State and the North should have clarity on this issue. As such, I welcome the undertaking to resolve the matter in the very near future. It is an excellent proposal from the perspective of consumers in this State and will also benefit tourism.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I now call on the Leader to reply.

Mary White (Fianna Fail)
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On a point of order, it was Councillors Alan Coleman and Patrick Gerard Murphy who led the west Cork alliance protest at the gates yesterday.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That is not a point of order.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I cannot respond to that point of order which has left me somewhat taken aback.

Senator Darragh O'Brien claimed that the Government is not putting children first in this country. In fact, the reason we had a referendum on children's rights is that this Government is determined to put children first. I was not going to comment on the Senator's suggestion as to what the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, might say today. I should point out, however, that the provision for resource teachers and special needs assistants for the coming school year will remain at the same level as this year.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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It will not.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The number of SNAs remains at 10,575 and the number of resource teachers allocated by the National Council for Special Education will once again be 5,265.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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How many pupils will avail of the service?

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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A further 4,685 resource teachers have been allocated by the Department, bringing the overall allocation to 9,950. This is the third year in a row in which the number of SNAs and resource teachers has been protected by the Government.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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It amounts to a cut, however, because there are more children coming into the system.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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The NCSE has indicated that demand for resource teachers has risen again this year. As the number of posts available is the same as last year, it is necessary to reduce the individual allocations by a further 10% to ensure all children who require resource teacher support will be able to access it.

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Will the Leader stand over this claim that all children who require such support will receive it?

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Leader, without interruption.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I am sure we will have another debate on the issue when the full details are announced.

Senator Ivana Bacik reminded us that this is National Bike Week and urged us all to get on our bicycles. I compliment local authorities throughout the country on the various initiatives they have taken in this regard.

The issue of forced marriages, which is the subject of a case that was before the courts yesterday, was referred to by several Members. I will raise the issue with the Minister for Justice and Equality. If it is found, in the aftermath of this court case, that there is a requirement for legislation, I am sure the Minister will expedite the introduction of same.

Senators Rónán Mullen, Brian Ó Domhnaill, Michael Mullins and others referred to certain practices by crisis pregnancy agencies including the Irish Family Planning Association. I was not aware of the Minister's reply to Deputy Terence Flanagan, but I agree the report which was referred to should be published. However, I do not propose to amend the Order of Business to address that matter this morning. Members might wish to submit it for discussion on the Adjournment tomorrow to obtain the information they have sought.

Senator Colm Burke complimented all involved in the organisation of the G8 summit and the visit of Ms Michelle Obama and her daughters to this State, with particular reference to the excellent work done by the Garda Síochána. Everybody would endorse that sentiment.

Senator Denis O'Donovan referred to the dangers faced by fishermen in the course of their work and asked about the use of personal locator beacons. In the aftermath of the dreadful fishing accident off Tramore last week which claimed the lives of three fishermen from Passage East in my own county, I contacted the Department for Transport, Tourism and Sport to ascertain what action is proposed to be taken. I am told the Department is working with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Bord Iascaigh Mhara on the legislative and financial supports for a series of maritime safety measures - focusing on the fishing sector - including the promotion of personal locator beacons.

This involves complex work which is now nearing completion. I understand a suite of measures to support fishing vessel safety will be announced by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, in the coming weeks. I thank Senator O'Donovan for raising this important matter for the benefit of all involved in the marine sector, fishermen in particular.

Senator Higgins called for a debate on sentencing, particularly minimum sentencing. We will ask the Minister to come to the House for a debate on that issue. I asked previously for this and perhaps the Minister will come to the House soon. I agree totally with Senator Higgins that the punishment must fit the crime in all the cases referred to. The Australian case was mentioned specifically.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien raised the issue of competitiveness and the proposals of the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, in regard to the minimum wage. I have read accounts of the proposal and believe the Minister will clarify the situation. I agree with the Senator that competitiveness is key to creating jobs. With regard to the issue of rates which both she and Senator Landy raised, I agree commercial rates and increases in those rates are a major issue for small retailers. Yesterday, on the Order of Business, I addressed the question of the valuation placed on many properties and businesses, in Waterford in particular. These properties have been revalued for rates purposes in the past number of weeks. This issue is a cause of great concern for many small retailers and will put them to the pin of their collar to survive. I understand a meeting was held in Waterford yesterday, attended by staff from the valuation office, but I am not aware yet of what transpired at that meeting. However, I agree rates are a major problem, particularly for small retailers, in these difficult times.

Senator Comiskey outlined the situation regarding the farming community, fodder and the need to ensure we will not have the problems we had this year in the future. I agree with him. We will try to get the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to come to the House to outline his plans for the future in that regard.

Senator Crown raised the issue of the availability of licensed cancer drugs and the possible operation of cartels. This is a serious problem being brought to our attention by the Senator. If such cartels are operating, immediate action should be taken by the appropriate Minister, whether the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, or the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton. I hope that during the debate on the Health (Amendment) Bill this afternoon, the Senator will get the opportunity to raise that particular issue with the Minister for Health. It is an issue that is relevant for our whole population. When people are ill, especially with life-threatening diseases, the necessary medication must be provided. A situation like that outlined by Senator Crown today is totally unacceptable in our health system and must be addressed.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of the Good Friday Agreement. Even after all these years, this remains a work in progress and there are still issues to be addressed. With regard to a debate on budgetary matters, the timescale is very tight this year. We had comprehensive debates last year, but as Senators are aware, the budget will be on 15 October this year. I will see what I can do for September or even before the recess to arrange for some debates on the budgetary process. Senator White also raised the issue of the budget.

Mary White (Fianna Fail)
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The Leader should arrange for the Minister for Finance to come here to discuss it.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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If Senator White would allow me to reply on that issue, I have never countenanced a Minister for Finance coming to the House and announcing the budget before budget day.

Mary White (Fianna Fail)
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He could answer questions on it and discuss it.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Leader, without interruptions please.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I do not think that will happen this year or any other year.

With regard to cuts to Leader funds, the cuts regarding the company in west Cork occurred because the company had not approved sufficient projects. The money was then transferred to other approved Leader projects.

Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)
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In Kilkenny, in the Minister's constituency.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Leader, without interruption.

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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This has gone on throughout the country.

Senator Keane raised the matter of the One Young World summit, which will be held in Dublin next year. We would like to compliment all the organisers on that. I will get the details on that from Senator Keane after the Order of Business. Senator Conway spoke of hospital groupings. We had a very comprehensive discussion with the Minister last week on the issue of hospital groupings and services. I agree with the Senator that the HSE should clarify the issues he has raised and I am sure it will.

Senator Mullins also raised the issue of sentencing and the publication of the report referred to yesterday in a response to Deputy Flanagan. I have commented on that. Senator Noone spoke about roaming charges and their proposed elimination. An end to these exorbitant charges would be welcomed by all as they have been a problem not just for tourists but for businesses and other sectors. The sooner they are abolished, the better for all involved.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator O'Brien has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That a debate on the 12% year-on-year cut in resource hours and support available for children with special needs be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?

Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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Yes.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Senator Mullen has moved an amendment to the Order of Business, "That a 45-minute debate on the advice being given by the State-funded counselling services and agencies in relation to crisis pregnancies be taken after No. 2". Is the amendment being pressed?

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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Yes.