Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In regard to the remarks by Senators Ardagh, Reilly and Norris, obviously the issue of public transport and the way the capital infrastructure for Dublin is unfolding is one on which we should have a debate. I would be happy to have the Minister, Deputy Ross, come to the House to discuss the matter. Senator Ardagh will agree that under the previous Government there was huge investment in capital infrastructure relating to public transportation in the city.

Senator O'Donnell raised a very important issue in respect of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 and the necessity for a ministerial order. I will endeavour to have that matter resolved. To be fair to the Senator, both she and former Senator and Deputy Liam Twomey did enormous work on that legislation in the previous Dáil. It is one that will bring much comfort to people in an important time of need when dealing with their final affairs.

Seanadóir Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue mar gheall ar Raidió na Gaeltachta. Déanaim comhghairdeachas le Raidió na Gaeltachta as ucht an méid clár a dhéantar ar son gach duine ar fud na tíre. I have raised the issue of waste collection but I did not hear the programme with the Minister of State, Deputy Kyne.

Senator Grace O'Sullivan raised the issueof the glyphosate. This chemical is used in the weedkiller Roundup. I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House for a debate on that issue.

Senators Humphreys and Reilly raised the issue of procurement. The matter of the tendering process is one about which we must be very careful. It is important that no small or medium enterprises, suppliers or retailers are penalised or made to feel they cannot tender or be part of the process because, as we are all aware, they have been a pivotal part of how we run the country. Even though a new procurement service arrangement has been put in place, I hope they will not be disqualified from tendering. The point raised is an important one.

Senator Mulherin referred to public liability insurance. I am happy for the Minister to come before the House to discuss that matter.

Senator Leyden raised the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest, FEMPI, Act, in the context of the Garda. That legislation was introduced by the Government of which he was a member as a blunt instrument which penalised public servants. There is no arrogance on behalf of the current Minister. This Government, like that which preceded it, is committed to unfolding the FEMPI legislation. Thankfully, 280,000 public servants have signed up to the Lansdowne Road agreement. A process is under way. At this late stage, I welcome the commitment on the part of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, AGSI, to hold a ballot to recommend acceptance of the agreement to its members. I appeal to the GRA and the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland, ASTI, to engage in talks. I note the invitation by the Minister for Education and Skills. As a former member of the ASTI, I cannot comprehend its logic and thinking on this issue. I appeal to it to engage and to accept the invitation of the Minister for Education and Skills to hold further talks. I appeal to the Garda Representative Association, GRA, to engage in talks because this is an important issue. We do not want members of the Garda to lose money or to be unable to avail of a pay increase.

Senator Paddy Burke and Senator Conway-Walsh raised the issue of inviting the Scottish First Minister, Ms Nicola Sturgeon, to the House. That would be a timely invitation in light of the result of Brexit last week but also given the significance of the visit of President Higgins to Scotland and his address yesterday to the Scottish Parliament. I hope the Cathaoirleach and the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, on behalf of the House, will take up that invitation. I think the Cathaoirleach would be responsible for issuing the invitation on behalf of the House.