Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by my colleague Senator Mark Daly.

I join with other colleagues in paying tribute to those who lost their lives in Berkeley, California, yesterday, and to those who have been seriously injured.Our thoughts are with their families at this time. It is a horrific tragedy and one can only imagine what the families are going through. I join my colleagues in remembering them this morning.

I endorse the comments by the leader of my party in the House, Senator Darragh O'Brien, on defibrillators this morning. It is an issue I have raised with others in the House on a number of occasions. I was present when a late colleague of ours passed away suddenly and have no doubt that if a defibrillator had been on the premises at the time, his chances of survival would have been greatly enhanced. I also agree with Senator Darragh O'Brien's proposal that CPR be taught in all of our secondary schools and PLCs. I understand it is part of the curriculum in our Youthreach training centres nationally, which is very much to be welcomed.

On Senator Craughwell's proposal on the representation allowance and other pay and conditions of councillors, I note that, along with many other Members, I have raised this issue previously. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party, I have prepared legislation in this regard. However, I agreed not to pursue the legislation because a decision was taken in the House that the issue would be approached on an all-party basis.