I very much appreciate the opportunity to speak on the Pensions and Retirement Lump Sums motion.

Speaking on the Order of Business in the Seanad today Senator Paul Coghlan, congratulated and warmly welcomed the appointment of Pat Spillane as the Chairman of the new Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA).

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views regarding the possibility of reforming the process of court awarded medical expenses from a lump sum to a payment that is issued on a periodic basis to match the medical expenses of the person each year throughout the course of their lifetime to ensure that there is no shortfall in funds; his view on whether legislative changes are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Reasons why I will be voting yes in the Children Referendum 2012.

Reasons why I will be voting yes in the Children Referendum 2012.

Topical Issue; Requirement of accurate database of payments made under the household charge and any future property tax

To ask the Minister for Finance if he will outline the benefits to extending the current rate of mortgage interest relief for first time buyers; the projected cost of extending the scheme to the Excheque, and his rationale for the possible cessation of the scheme in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Finance if he will outline the projected implications of introducing a higher rate of tax on income earners over €100,000 on industry and competitiveness here; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Finance the number of businesses that have availed of tax relief on research and development as outlined in the Finance Bill 2012; the way this compares to 2010 and 2011; if there are available statistics on the benefit of the scheme; if it is due to be increased in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter.