Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate that the Minister for Social Protection will come before the House and that this matter can form part of the discussion with him. Let us have a balanced and fair discussion on it.

Senator Feighan raised the issue of the all-Ireland forum and Senator Leyden raised the issue of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly today. The Taoiseach is right in that we need to have an all-Ireland forum, post-Brexit, to ensure that we, as an island nation, have a roadmap and a plan to protect our interests. Ireland is an island nation. We can work with the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, at which I spoke today, the Northern Assembly and the North-South Ministerial Council to ensure this. Senator Gallagher also raised the issue of Brexit and education. This is something we might consider again after the summer recess. Senator Lombard raised the issue of tourism, on which I would be happy to invite the Minister to the House to discuss.

Senator Colm Burke referred to Console and the impact of what has happened. In replying to Commencement matters, the Tánaiste addressed the enforcement of regulations under the Charities Act. I hope that we can debate this matter before the summer recess.

Senator Swanick discussed organ donations, an important issue which is close to my heart. I was Chairman of the Committee on Health and Children in the previous Dáil, which produced a fine report on organ donation. We must keep this issue to the forefront and change how people opt to donate organs. We can support the work of Professor Jim Egan and his staff. Professor Egan is a tremendous person and has done a significant amount of work, as has the former surgeon, Mr. David Hickey. I would be happy to work with Senator Swanick to pursue this issue in the House.

Senator Norris, I am not sure what you raised in your very fine contribution.