Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are working collaboratively to end the discrimination against councillors. We will all try to do this together and it is important to do so in unison rather than go off half-cocked.

Senators Maria Byrne and Trevor Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of housing, in respect of which they referred to the report by Simon Communities of Ireland. I would be happy to have the Minister responsible for housing, Deputy Simon Coveney, to come back to the House to discuss the issue.

Senators Paul Daly, Rónán Mullen and Pádraig Mac Lochlainn referred to agriculture and tillage. This matter was discussed on the Order of Business yesterday. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Michael Creed, is committed to coming to the House to discuss it. The Senators are correct that it is very important that it be raised, not only at Cabinet level but also at the meeting of the Council of Ministers next week. I will make this view known to the Minister. I accept that this is a matter of priority and urgency that we need to address.

Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh made a very important point about job creation in the Gaeltacht. He referred, in particular, to people having the ability to come back to the Gaeltacht to live and work. He is correct. I am not familiar with the issue he raised in respect of the Irish Association of Supported Employment, but if he gives me the information, I will give it to the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Kyne. I participated in the past in Job Shadow Day and encourage all Members to do so. It would be rewarding for them and those who come to their offices. The person who is shadowing derives a sense of joy and fulfilment from talking part, be it in the Houses or business. The initiative is important and I encourage Members to participate in it.

Senators Michelle Mulherin and Rónán Mullen referred to our commitment on climate change and the remarks of former President Mary Robinson. This is an issue to which we need to return. I do not believe the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, would disagree with the views expressed on the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and meeting our commitments, but we must reconcile this objective with the fact that we have dairy and beef industries that are important to the nation. I do not share the views of former President Mary Robinson on becoming vegetarian or vegan, although that is a personal choice people have made and make every day. This is a debate to which we need to come back, but we all agree we should be environmentally responsible.

Senator Paul Gavan made a very good point on TASC.I want to commend the Senator for hosting this event in the audiovisual room today. It is important we have an equality debate from an economic point of view and in a host of other ways. I am committed to that.

Senator Kevin Humphreys also made reference to climate change. His point is a good one and I will be happy to take it to the Seanad CPP to see if we can progress it, with the Cathaoirleach's co-operation. The point he made, namely, that Ministers could come to the House to have that discussion and be held accountable in regard to climate change legislation, is a good one. I will certainly work with him to see if we can get that prioritised as part of our work programme. I do not see any reason we could not do that. I thank Senator Humphreys for raising this matter and I think it a great idea.

Senators Colm Burke, Paudie Coffey, Brian Ó Domhnaill, James Reilly and Pádraig Mac Lochlainn raised the issue of the health service. With regard to the media portrayal of the health service, Senator Burke is right that some of the commentary is disappointing and does not convey the amount of good work being done and the amount of critical time being put in by people in the health service, which deserves credit and praise. The important point made by Senator Burke, which was touched on by Senators Reilly and Coffey, concerns the model of delivery we should consider. Equally, as Senator Reilly said, money is not the only answer. Given the creation of the health groups, there is no reason those groups should not have their boards appointed. I will have the Minister, Deputy Harris, come to the House to explain the reasons for this.

Senator Ó Domhnaill's point, like that of Senator Humphreys, is a very valid one. Perhaps we could consider the Seanad's consultative committee as a forum through which we could address the issue he has outlined. I hope Members of this House will be part of the ten-year strategy on health. In saying that, Senator Ó Domhnaill's suggestion is one the Seanad consultative committee could look at. It is an area where we should have buy-in from this House. There is huge expertise in this Chamber and it is an issue we should look at. I would be happy to progress that with the Senator.

Senator Diarmuid Wilson raised the issue of the barracks and Brexit. I hope the Minister of State with responsibility for defence will come to the House. It is my intention that we would have a role in the debate on Brexit. The point the Senator raises in regard to the Department of Defence is one we need to keep on top of, not least due to the increase in dissident republicanism, but also in the context of cross-Border crime. I will have the Minister of State come to the House in that regard.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell raised the very important issue of the M20. It is critical this is resubmitted as part of the capital plan. It does not make good economic sense that the two major cities outside Dublin are not linked by a motorway. It is important from a safety perspective and in terms of the development of the south west economic corridor that this is progressed.

Senator Rónán Mullen's points with regard to grass were well made. He requested a debate with the Ministers, Deputies Michael Creed and Denis Naughten, and this is something I will seek to deliver.

Chuir an Seanadóir Ó Clochartaigh ceist orm faoi ráiteas an Choimisinéara Teanga, Rónán Ó Domhnaill. Níor chuala me an ráiteas sin, ach beidh an buiséad againn an Máirt seo chugainn agus beidh rudaí maidir le cúrsaí Gaeltachta istigh ann. While I did not hear the remarks of Rónán Ó Domhnaill yesterday, it is hoped the Minister will come to the House in the next couple of weeks. He has committed to coming here, as I said, and I hope the budget next week will address some of the remarks he has made.

Senator James Reilly raised the issue of sports capital grants. All of us in the House recognise the importance of the sports capital programme. The previous Government, in the worst of times, restored this programme and it has brought benefit not only to sporting and community groups, but has given huge impetus to young people and a cross-section of society. Participation in sport is important because it tackles a multiplicity of issues. It is critical the sports capital grants are restored and unfurled as part of the commitment to sport in this country. Having spoken to the Minister, Deputy Ross, and the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, I know they understand the importance of this issue. I will have the Minister or the Minister of State come to the House to explain the decision on that.