Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Including me, indeed.

Regarding alcohol, we have restored the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill to the Order Paper. There is an opportunity to tease out the Bill's various effects. We all agree that the issue of alcohol needs to be addressed. I hope that we can arrive at legislation that tackles alcohol's misuse.

Senator Devine referred to the role of the charities regulator in respect of the irregularities that have arisen. Yesterday, the Tánaiste addressed the House on a Commencement matter. She will sign a statutory instrument in September. On behalf of the Seanad, I praise the staff of the charity sector. They do a great deal of valuable work. The service-level agreements that are signed up to by the HSE on behalf of the State with service providers require scrutiny. We may debate this matter in the autumn. Perhaps the Seanad can play a role in improving that relationship and process. We must give confidence to the families and people who require charities' services that that work will continue in a safe and proper manner.

Senator Lombard raised a matter that is dear to my heart, namely, that relating to Cork Airport and Norwegian flights. I had the opportunity to meet Vice President Biden a couple of weeks ago and I raised with him the importance of the Cork-Boston-Norway flight. For Senators who are not familiar with this issue, it is for the US Department of Transportation to sign a licence to allow Norwegian airlines to operate the transatlantic link. That link is important from the point of view of economic development, tourism, jobs and the country. Senator Lombard asked that the Minister to come before the House. The Minister, Deputy Ross, took my Commencement matter a couple of weeks ago, but I will ask him to return on this topic.

Senator Clifford-Lee discussed yesterday's shooting in Lusk. I thank her for her co-operation with and support for the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill. It is important that we allocate extra resources and take a universal approach to stopping gangland crime. Yesterday's Bill was an important first step in that regard, as will be the issuing of extra provisions. The Senator mentioned Rush Garda station. I am sure that the Tánaiste will be happy to engage with her on that matter.

Senator Byrne referred to life-long learning in Limerick and commended the Limerick City and County Council on its Summer Stars programme. It is important that we inculcate in young people a love of books and reading. If Senators do nothing else, we should combine our resources to sponsor a book for a school library in each of our individual areas. Reading is a skill that we should not lose.

Senator Ó Donnghaile discussed North-South relations. I hope to see these being promoted in the House, given Brexit and the Senator's point about an all-Ireland forum. The Taoiseach is right about that and it is something that we should pursue. There is the North-South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, BIPA, as well as co-operation in the House on North-South issues, but it is important that we continue building relationships that are more than just talking shops and have tangible outcomes. We are an island nation. It makes no sense not to have further co-operation.

Senator Mulherin raised the important issue of the fair deal scheme as it related to farmers and the owners of small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs. The Ministers for Health and Agriculture, Food and the Marine should attend the House in this regard.

Senator Gavan referred to bin charges. The Minister has appeared before the House twice and I do not believe that we will have another debate on bin charges before the summer recess. I will ask the Minister to send a note to the group leaders on the issues we have raised. As to home helps, we have all seen difficulties in the health service being addressed. Despite the Senator's remarks, we all want to see an improvement in our communities' home help hours. This is not an issue of clients or service level hours. It is about how to improve the terms, conditions and lives of those who need home help. I will work with any Senator to promote the role of home helps and to improve the living conditions of those who require their services.