Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 24 Senators who contributed to the Order of Business with remarks. Senators Ardagh and Conway raised the issue of crime, in particular in Dublin's inner city. The success of Operation Thor has shown that crime has fallen throughout the country. Any loss of life is to be deplored. I commend the members of An Garda Síochána on their vigilance and surveillance last weekend when they apprehended criminals in and around Senator Ardagh's constituency.

The Government is committed to recruiting more gardaí. We have reopened Templemore. There are new gardaí at work, with a target of 15,000 gardaí to be recruited by the end of the Government's term of office. Equally, we have seen additional resources and moneys being put into Garda overtime, vehicles and equipment. I agree with Senator Ardagh and Senator Conway that we cannot be complacent regarding crime. We must work consistently on crime with all the stakeholders. Only yesterday, I attended a policing forum in Cork city, where crime is down 53%. That is a positive.

The Sinn Féin motion tomorrow will discuss the issue of refuse charges. Senators Norris, Humphreys and Boyhan raised the issue. We need to see this issue redressed and addressed. There is no way we can allow gouging or the rip-off of customers by any of those involved in the industry. To be fair, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, has worked hard since the issue became politicised by some. All of us on this side as well as those in Fianna Fáil are concerned about protecting the consumer. We must change our model of waste disposal. As I said last week in the House, we cannot allow a situation whereby a customer, no matter who he is or where he is from, has his bills increased. Senator Boyhan is correct. People must be cognisant that they have to pay something somewhere and that there is nothing for nothing anymore. That is a fair comment.

Senators Conway-Walsh, O'Donnell, Feighan, Coghlan and Conway raised the issue of Brexit. I join all of them in the call for all of us who are in favour of a Remain vote to ensure it is realised in the coming days. It is good that all the political parties in the Chamber today are in favour of the Remain side of the argument. In particular, it is right that we address the North-South issue and the Border. Those of us who are of an era have no wish to see the Border posts return. We have changed from that and our country is a better place now. The issues of trade, connectivity and commerce are important. The whole issue of North-South relations is relevant, be it the Good Friday Agreement implementation, British-Irish relations or working in the institutions. Everyone will benefit from the UK remaining within Europe in terms of how the peace process can continue. I hope that in the coming days all of us in this Chamber will exhort a Yes or Remain vote. That is critical. Again, I implore people to use whatever means they can to urge for a Remain or Yes vote. In particular, the all-Ireland strategy is one that I embrace and wish to see pursued.

Senators Ruane and McFadden raised, in different guises, the issue of education. The Minister, Deputy Bruton, is prepared to come to the House once he gets the Cassells report. I understand the Cassells report has not yet been concluded and has not been presented to him. I agree with Senator Ruane's comments about higher education funding in that the issues of expenditure and funding are linked. I note that the issue of resources, in the context of universities seeking funding for research and development, has become part of the business plan.

The other point Senator Ruane made is important as well. We cannot recreate barriers to third level education and we must be open to allowing people to continue to become part of the post-primary school education system.

Senator Humphreys raised the issue of the adoption (information and tracing) Bill. My understanding is that it is in the Dáil at the moment. It is working its way through the Dáil and awaiting the appointment of select committees in the Dáil. We can raise the issue of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill with the Minister.

Senators Leyden and Burke raised the issue of insurance.Senator Leyden is right, and we will facilitate a debate on that issue.

Senator Colm Burke raised a very important point. He was a member of the body that reported on medical indemnity insurance. The Government is very much concerned about the issue of the rising cost of car insurance. The Minister for Finance has engaged with the Central Bank and other stakeholders to examine the issue and report back to Government.

Senator Noone raised the important issue of cyber harassment and revenge porn. Listening to "Today With Sean O'Rourke" this morning one could not but have been struck by the powerlessness of the strong victim who was interviewed. Having initially overcome the distress caused she became empowered and took her battle to the person who was harassing and abusing her. The Law Reform Commission has submitted a piece of work to the Government but all of us in this House need to see some movement on legislation because this is not just about women; it is about men also. In the era of social media there are cameras on smartphones throughout the world and the issue highlighted by that victim this morning is one to which many families can testify and on which the Government must have a response.

Senators Craughwell and Gallagher raised the issue of child care and the workers currently before the Law Reform Commission. It is important that those who engage in any process on behalf of the State would engage fully and properly. I will take up the issue with the Minister, Deputy Zappone, on the Senators' behalf because it is important that workers, particularly in this sensitive area, get a hearing and that a resolution can be found.