Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Martin Conway raised the issue of ShannonDoc. It is disappointing to hear what he said. It is linked to the issue of GP retention. His call is valid and I will ask the Minister to liaise with the centre regarding the matter.

Senator Ó Domhnaill raised the issue of disability and na cúrsaí Gaeilge. Senators Ó Clochartaigh and McFadden also referred to the Gaeltacht and the Irish language. I was not able to get to Conradh na Gaeilge yesterday. The Minister has committed to coming to the House. I mentioned it to him today. We need to get a date so we can synchronise his diary with the House.

Senator Feighan again raised the issue of the agreement in Ardoyne. We discussed it and condemned the attack on Fr. Gary Donegan. He mentioned flooding and the work being done in Lough Allen. I hope the ESB will address the issue. I am sure it is watching proceedings and has its public affairs people dealing with the situation. They might revert to the Senator.

Senator Ó Domhnaill raised the issue of research in Vancouver on the economic benefit of reunification. I did not read the report, but we should have a debate in the House about post-Brexit and so on. It is critical that we consider the benefits and positive aspects of Brexit.

Senators McFadden and Davitt raised the issue of the job losses in Longford. Senator McFadden asked a very good question about the money being allocated by the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, where that money will now go and the need for an explanation from them about Longford. On a number of occasions Senators McFadden and Davitt have raised the need for job creation in Longford. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, to come to the House to address the issue.

I wish Senator Gavan well in his conference at the weekend. I did not realise Shannon was an occupied place. I travel there regularly. It is a very important airport and the gateway to the Atlantic. I did not think our neutrality had changed. Our policy is that we are a neutral country.