Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It behoves us to encourage all involved to engage in talks and to become more proactive in bringing about a resolution.

Senator Conway-Walsh said that holders of free travel passes were not entitled to free travel on the weekend of the All-Ireland football final. I think that is wrong and I appeal to Iarnród Éireann to change the policy. Given the cost of match tickets and train tickets, we should be encouraging people, especially those who need special travel assistance. They should not be deprived of an opportunity to go to the match. I fully agree with the Senator and will take the matter up with Iarnród Éireann on her behalf.

I am happy to arrange for the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, to attend the House for a debate on the rural action plan.

Senator Humphreys mentioned the importance of housing. The Minister, Deputy Coveney, has brought his action plan for housing before the House. Senator Humphreys also raised the issue of Airbnb, which is a double-edged sword. At one level it gives people an opportunity to earn income but it can deprive students of an opportunity to stay in rooms which were previously available for the academic year. In Cork, some rooms are no longer available for students because people are using them for Airbnb. The Revenue Commissioners have been working on the tax incentive issue. The Minister for Finance has said that it will be dealt with in the budget. We have had a pre-budget discussion with him but we will try to have him back again on that, although it may not be possible before the budget.The points made by the Senator regarding Airbnb should be considered in the overall holistic approach to the issue of housing. It is important, however, to increase supply in stock and availability of rooms to people.

Senator Coffey raised the issue of budget talks in the context of public sector unions and Senators Leyden and Ó Domhnaill raised the issue concerning the Garda. It is important that Members acknowledge and understand the frustration of members of An Garda Síochána. They have been obliged to endure pay cuts and are at the front line every day and night and at every weekend. I commend them on the work they do and I understand their frustration. I appeal to them and to their leadership in particular to re-engage in talks. The statement by the Commissioner last night was a measured one, in which she appealed to them to engage in talks. The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality has also done so. Many Members were delighted last Friday to hear that an agreement had been reached with the Garda Representative Association, GRA, regarding many of the outstanding pay issues. It is important to recognise there must be continual talks. It is disappointing to learn of the GRA's rejection of the decision but it is important to put on record the need for constraint by all people with regard to public sector pay. The Government does not have a pot of money. Were one to take the accumulated budgetary outputs given by Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin, we would be back to the bad old days of boom and spend.