Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Darragh O’Brien also raised the issue of the multiple sclerosis drug, Fampyra. Any drug that improves the lives of people should be paid for. I will certainly raise that matter with the Minister. A cost of €240 a month is not an extraordinary amount to ask if it improves the lives of people significantly.

Senator Bacik and other Labour Senators raised the matter of the resignation of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Gilmore. He and the Labour Party have been very courageous on making collective decisions that have pulled this country back from the brink of economic collapse and put it on the path to recovery. We realise more than anyone else that it is just the path to recovery and that there is much more to go. Over the next two years, we will prove to the people that we were worthy to be elected and will be worthy for re-election on two years’ time.

Senator Zappone raised the publication of the Government’s implementation plan on homelessness which has many positive aspects. The Minister of State, Deputy Jan O’Sullivan, made a presentation on this issue to the Cabinet today. I have asked for her to attend the House on numerous occasions. Now that the process is complete on homelessness, I hope she will address the matter with the Seanad soon. I am sure Senators can make suggestions on dealing with the problem too. Senators Zappone and Hayden also raised the need for regulation in the private-rented accommodation sector. That is another matter on which I have asked the Minister of State to address in the House.

Some Members always raise the matter of Ministers not attending the House. I can only ask Ministers to attend the House; I cannot compel them. I am doing my best to get those Ministers requested to come here.

Senator Barrett lauded the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Gilmore, and referred to the tributes paid to him by the Unionist leader, Mike Nesbitt, for his work on Anglo-Irish relations in particular. I also agree with Senator Hayden that history will be very kind to him.