Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish our team every success in the remainder of the championships in France. I think we all saw them play on Monday night - I know I am digressing a little but Senator Ó Ríordáin has raised the point - and there was a great uplift among people, perhaps not at the end of the game, which ended in a draw, but we certainly got off to a reasonably good start. There is confidence now that we can see and it is important that we support each other. I would be happy to talk to Senator Ó Donnghaile regarding the matter in question.

Senator Dolan's remarks are quite clear and very strong with regard to disability and carers. The Senator has huge background experience in this regard. I have worked with him in the past and I look forward to working with him again in the future. It is good that we have individuals such as Senators Freeman, Kelleher and Dolan in the House in regard to the interests of people - I will not say sectoral interests - because they come with first-hand knowledge. I know Senator Dolan is a very persistent person and I look forward to working with him.

Senator Noone raised the very important issue of obesity and stated that unless we, as a nation, tackle this problem, particularly as it relates to juveniles, we will be in serious trouble. I commend the Senator on her tremendous work in the previous Seanad and pay tribute to her for that. I also wish to acknowledge former Senator Eamonn Coghlan whose Steps for Life programme is one that I hope will come to fruition. We have the Healthy Ireland umbrella and I hope that, as part of Seanad's programme of work, the Minister of State with responsibility for health promotion, Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, will come before the House to discuss this every important issue.

Senator Murnane O'Connor raised the matter of carers and also the issue of Tír na nÓg respite services in Carlow. I do not have an answer for her on that matter but I will certainly be happy to speak to the Minister on her behalf in respect of it. I know the town of Carlow quite well so I would be very happy to ensure that whatever the Senator requires will be pursued there. Deputy Pat Deering also raised this issue with me. The matter in question is one that requires work and if the Senator gives me the details, I would be happy to take them to the Minister.

Senator Ó Céidigh raised an issue similar to that raised by Senator Coffey about the importance of education. There is a concern around third-level dropout rates, particularly in the first year of college, either through lack of information or students choosing the wrong courses. It is about having proper information and guidance and it is important to have a strong look at how we can keep people in suitable courses. Equally, I am of the view that if a student drops out of a course, then he or she and his or her family should not necessarily be penalised all of the time. The Senator is correct with regard to the issue of stress among students at second level. I look forward to bringing the new Minister for Education and Skills to the House to discuss the issues of the second-level curriculum and stress among students.

Senator Richmond raised the issue of Brexit and the European funding of the Erasmus+ programme. I would be happy to take this up with the Minister. I compliment the Senator on the role he plays in the pro-European movement. It is important - and I repeat what I said earlier - that all Members get active in the context of promoting a vote to remain.

Senator Wilson's suggestion in respect of the Passport Office is a good one. If he was to go by what happens in my office, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade would be aware that there is an issue with people either being late with their applications or forgetting about the expiration date on their passports. The Senator is right in that people receive reminders regarding different bills. This is a matter in respect of which, if possible, people might benefit from receiving reminders. What the Senator said makes common sense. Sometimes the common-sense approach is the best approach to take because it means that people can avoid a great deal of hassle, fear and panic. All of us in the House would have received requests regarding passports. The Senator is correct in this regard.

Senator Gavan raised the issue of child care and funding. It is a fair point to request that a children's committee be established but it is important to recognise that the previous Government established Tusla, put in place an extra year of child care and changed the child care landscape. However, it is also important that we work with the child care sector to ensure that remuneration levels and conditions of service are improved. The zero-to-three or even zero-to-five age group is important. It is vital, therefore, that we invest adequately in child care because if we do so, then the cost will be paid later in life. We look forward to receiving any proposals the Senator wishes to put forward. It is important to advance the issue of child care and prioritise the early years sector. The Senator will find no issue with me in that regard.

I compliment Senator Black on her very personal and important contribution to the House. She is correct in respect of alcohol and gambling. Concerns around online gambling need to be addressed. I had the pleasure of working on the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill and it is on the Government list for publication. It is an important Bill because we, as a nation, have an issue with alcohol consumption, not just in terms of volume but also with regard to binge drinking. We have heard stories in recent weeks of many sporting people speaking about their gambling addictions. It is quite easy for a person to pick up his or her mobile phone and use an app. With the press of a button one can spend X amount of money, perhaps without even knowing it. That might be a simplistic view but it is one in respect of which we need to be very vigilant. I look forward to working with Senator Black on this matter.

Health care was raised by Senator Burke and I believe he is right that the talks between the Department, the HSE, the two doctors' groups - the IMO and the NAGP - need to be brought to fruition because our primary care system is dependent upon doctors playing a pivotal role. I hope to see that change happen. With regard to attendance at hospitals I hope the hospital groups will see a change and that there will be a better and improved system by means of which waiting times can be tackled.

Senator Daly referred to national guidelines on wind energy. I will be happy to invite the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney, who is responsible for the planning element for that sector, and the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Deputy Denis Naughten, who is involved in the other element, to come before the House to discuss this important matter. The Senator also raised the issue of thoroughbreds, a topic on which I have also received representations and to which consideration should be given.

Senator Landy spoke about councillors who are not just responsible for electing many of us to this House but who also play a very important role in terms of how government and local government work. The Senator is correct in that the role of councillors has changed considerably. We need to reflect on how we can put in place training and resources to improve how they do their business. I was very pleased that Senator Paddy Burke tabled a Commencement Matter on the issue earlier. I know that the Fine Gael group had a meeting yesterday on this on topic to see how the cause of conscience can be advanced. It is important that all Members work collaboratively on the issue. I know that Senators Craughwell and Bohan have their motion on the Order Paper and Senator Davitt also raised the matter in regard to councillors. If Members speak with one voice rather than all going off half-cocked, a better return might be had for our councillors who are, in many cases, working full-time in their positions, with little or no remuneration or resources. It is important to acknowledge that.

Senator O'Reilly raised the important issue of Bailieboro Garda station. From speaking to the Senator, I am aware that this is a matter about which he is extremely concerned. I will ask the Tánaiste and the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW to communicate with him on this matter. If Senator O'Reilly requires a debate on the matter in the House, we would be happy to facilitate him.

Senator Davitt raised the matter of local government and councillors. I fully agree with him in the context of what he said. I hope we will work together on the issue.

Senator O'Donnell spoke on public expenditure reform and procurement. This is a concern for many small and medium-sized enterprises that are locked out of the procurement process because of the tendering procedures that apply. It is important that we should debate the matter with the Minister and I will try to organise such a debate as early as possible.

Senator Gallagher joined Senator Black and others in commenting on the role of councillors and in referring to concerns around online gambling. It is important that we should also debate these issues.