Senator Darragh O'Brien and other Senators expressed their sympathy to the wife and family of the late Gary Wyse, a young councillor and a father of four young children, who died suddenly yesterday. I join in those expressions of sympathy to Michelle and her family. Gary's death was a deep shock and an occasion of sadness for everyone. He was a young man going about his business and was struck down so suddenly. It is a shock to everyone in Waterford, irrespective of his or her political leanings. Gary was an excellent, first-term councillor and was working hard for the people of Waterford.

I refer to the issue of tax relief on private health insurance policies raised by Senator Darragh O'Brien. As he rightly points out, the measure has been voted in by the other House. The clear objective of the Minister for Health is to reform the health system and deliver a single tier health service in which access to health care is based on need rather than on ability to pay. I believe all Members are in agreement with this objective. The Government is committed to the ongoing sustainability of the health insurance market as part of the transition to a market-based universal health insurance system. The tax relief given at source is the second most costly tax relief for the Exchequer and is estimated to reach over €500 million in 2013. The cost has increased significantly in recent years, from approximately €400 million in 2011 to €444 million last year and €500 million this year, an increase of 24% in almost two years. Despite the increasing cost of the relief, the numbers insured have reduced by approximately 170,000 over the same period, while at the same time the level of medical cover under some of these policies has decreased. In 2008 the average premium paid by each insured person was €728.80, but in 2012 this had risen to €1,047, representing a 44% increase since 2008. The Minister has consistently raised the issue of these costs with the health insurers as a body and is determined to address the issue of costs in the sector, in the interests of consumers, in order to mitigate the need for increases in premiums. By introducing an upper ceiling on the relief, it is intended to ensure continuing support by means of the tax system for those who purchase standard but good policies, while reducing the Exchequer's exposure to the more expensive policies. That was the point on which Senator Darragh O'Brien agreed to differ with the Minister for Finance.

Senators Ivana Bacik, Paschal Mooney, Rónán Mullen, Michael Mullins, Catherine Noone and others raised the matter of the minimum pricing of alcohol or the below cost selling of alcohol. I have invited the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, to come to the House and understand that policy will be outlined tomorrow. I hope the Minister of State will come to the House to debate the issue with Members.

Senators Ivana Bacik, Denis Landy and John Kelly also raised the question of the one-parent family tax credit. I am sure that matter can be addressed in the context of the Social Welfare Bill. If not, I am sure we will find another avenue by which it can be discussed in the House.

Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell spoke about the lack of enforcement of building regulations, which was clearly evident over the period of the Celtic tiger years when regulations were swept aside and there was little or no enforcement. I certainly agree with the Senator that people are angry, not alone with banks but also with the people who were responsible for building substandard houses and apartments and the professionals who signed off on these structures. They should be held to account. However, there does not seem to be any movement in that regard. Local authorities have tightened up on the building regulations and enforcement. However, those responsible for building many substandard homes, for which people paid large mortgages, are not being held to account. Action will have to be taken. The builders and the professionals who signed off on these buildings have a lot to answer for.

Senator Feargal Quinn spoke about the anomalies in Russian adoption cases. I have raised the question with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs who is very sympathetic. She has contacted some of the families in question and is quite aware of their plight. I am sure she will do everything possible and it is hoped the technicalities of the system can be acted on. The window of opportunity will be closed very shortly-----

The Minister should act.

Does the Senator wish to respond? She asked questions and is now trying to give the answers.

I just think the Minister should act rather than talk and engage in spin.

The Leader to continue, without interruption.

I have been dealing with this case very closely.

I agree, but so have I.

The Minister is a brilliant spinner.

The Leader to continue, without interruption.

Senator Michael Comiskey asked about the construction companies and subcontractors. Senator Feargal Quinn's Bill on contractors has passed through both Houses and I will find out whether it has been enacted.

Senator Paschal Mooney spoke about the differential between the price of alcohol in the North and the South, which is a problem for people on this side of the Border. This matter can be discussed further when the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, comes to the House. The minimum pricing of alcohol will further increase the differential between the North and the South. An attempt to solve one problem may create a bigger one elsewhere.

That is the problem.

We will need to examine that problem also.

Senator Sean D. Barrett spoke about the trade agreement between the European Union and Canada and the obvious benefits for Canada. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, is pushing for a larger trade agreement between the European Union and the United States.

I note the Senator's points about the 20th anniversary of the Shankill bombings. We will assist Ambassador Haass and wish him well in his endeavours in Northern Ireland.

Senator John Kelly spoke about infrastructure policy and energy needs. As he stated, the matter was addressed in a motion on the Adjournment.

He is asking for a broader debate on the issue. I will certainly invite the relevant Minister, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, to come to the House for such a debate. His attendance is a matter for him, but I will certainly issue the invitation.

Senators Mary White, Jimmy Harte and Brian Ó Domhnaill spoke about the Dublin to Derry road and the reallocation of funding by the Northern Ireland Executive, which is certainly regrettable. The Government has stated there is a commitment to the project, although the required money is not available. I am sure that when it becomes available in the jurisdiction, the finance will be made available for that much needed road project. Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill also mentioned that Fianna Fáil had made a commitment to provide €400 million for it. The party made many commitments, but there was no finance to back them up.

The Government made a commitment and withdrew it.

Senators Colm Burke and Jim Walsh referred to the powers of local authorities with regard to commercial rates, etc. The Local Government Bill will be brought to the House before Christmas. It will provide an adequate forum for every Member to comment on the issues involved.

Senators Rónán Mullen and Jim Walsh spoke to an amendment to the Order of Business to facilitate a debate on credit unions. I suggest the issues raised by Senator Rónán Mullen be raised in an Adjournment motion in order that he can get the answers to the questions posed. They could also be raised during Private Members' time as I have no intention of amending the Order of Business to address the subject this afternoon.

Senator Michael Mullins spoke about the ambulance service and response times in the west. I suggest the Senator raise the issue in an Adjournment motion to get all of the facts and figures relating to it.

Senators Paul Bradford, Martin Conway and Fidelma Healy Eames sought a debate on health insurance and universal payments. It would be a wide-ranging debate, but I will bring the matter to the attention of the relevant Minister and invite him to come to the Seanad to discuss it.

Senator Martin Conway also spoke about combating the black economy. I note his points in that regard.

Senator Catherine Noone spoke about the alcohol strategy, a matter on which I hope to have more news tomorrow.