I think I have replied to that question.
Senator Burke referred to medical cards. I am surprised to hear from him that only two Senators from the Joint Committee on Health and Children turned up in Finglas to find out what was happening about medical cards. I would have thought we would have had a lot more, especially with the amount of Senators who had raised that question on the Order of Business. I recognise the great volume of applications but there are still 31,000 outstanding and these concerns need to be taken on board. I understand from Senator Landy that staff from the primary care reimbursement service are coming in to us soon. We look forward to an early update on the issue of medical cards then.
Senator White proposed an amendment to the Order of Business. This is a technical amendment to allow her Bill to be printed and I will certainly accept it.
I do not intend to get bogged down on turf cutting issues, but I would like to point out to Senators Kelly, Leyden and Mullins that only 53 raised bogs are affected out of 1,400. On foot of the EU directive we will face massive fines unless this matter is dealt with. Families have been offered monetary compensation, free turf and alternative plots as a solution. I commend the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, in this regard. We wish him well in his efforts to resolve the matter.
Senator Quinn referred to the Fines Act and I fully agree with him. I understand that there is a problem with the IT systems to enable cross-referencing between the two jurisdictions. However, the Minister has indicated that he is fully committed to implementing the legislation in this regard. That should be done as soon as possible.
Senator Mullins outlined the positive happenings in Galway in recent weeks. He is attempting to harness the voluntary efforts of those who are retiring from the public service, which is certainly worth considering.
I am not accepting Senator Norris's amendment to the Order of Business. As I have outlined, the matter will be discussed by the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality and it can be brought back to us at a later stage.
Senator Reilly sought a debate on the issue of emigration which I will try to arrange. There is no doubt that the vast majority of people who are emigrating are doing so to seek employment and a better life for themselves and their families. I will try to arrange such a debate later in the year.
Senator Brennan, ag caint as Gaeilge, congratulated the golfer Rory McIlroy on becoming the world's number one. I am sure we would all join in those congratulations.
Senator Walsh spoke about wastage in the public service. He also discussed the salaries paid in NGOs in the charity and human rights sectors. Those salaries certainly seem very high. While this matter is not within the remit of the Minister in question, I am sure it can be raised with him.
We all welcome the fact, as Senator Moran stated, that high-speed broadband is to be rolled out in 650 secondary schools by 2014. This is of paramount importance for teachers, pupils and the general development of the education sector.
Senator Landy spoke about centralising the driving licence authority. I am not aware of the situation but I will try to clarify the matter for him.