Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In addition, a home renovation scheme will be available.

Senator Conway-Walsh will have an opportunity to raise the point she made when we debate the budget later. Moreover, we will have the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in the House on 18 October.

Senator Craughwell raised the very important issue of conditions for members of the Defence Forces. He may be aware that the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, held its annual general meeting in Cork last week. I will arrange a debate with the Minister on the issues the Senator raised.

There is an increased provision for mental health services in the budget that reflects the Government's commitment to the reform of the sector and the delivery of A Vision for Change. I participated in a spoken event in Cork last Friday in advance of this week's Mental Health Week. It is an issue we must keep to the fore. Encouraging people with mental health difficulties to engage with others is very important, as represented by the hashtag #it'sgoodtotalk.

Senator Clifford-Lee referred to the provision of child care, an issue we will discuss with the Minister, Deputy Zappone, in the House on 18 October.

I cannot accept Senator Devine's amendment to the Order of Business because the Minister for Finance, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Minister of State at the Department of Finance will be in the other House today. We have no responsibility in regard to the passing of the budget, although Ministers will come in to discuss its provisions with us. I would be happy to have a rolling debate on the budget, if we can, beginning with this evening's discussion. Moreover, we will have continuing discussions on the budget proposals by way of the debates on the social welfare bill and the finance Bill. There will be ample opportunity to discuss today's proposals as we move forward.

I welcome Senator Paul Coghlan's remarks on Killarney House and its majestic grounds.

Senator David Norris raised an important point regarding funding for postgraduate studies. As an educator, I agree that the postgraduate sector and beyond should be prioritised. I hope the Minister for Education and Skills will come to the House to discuss what is an expansive education budget. The Minister demonstrated in this House last week in his statement on the action plan for education that he has a vision for education in this country and a commitment to deliver it.

Senator Colm Burke welcomed the increase in the budget for the delivery of health services.

Senators Ó Donnghaile and Wilson raised the issue of the impact of Brexit on the Border region. As Members know, this House is engaged in a rolling debate on Brexit. The Taoiseach has led the Government's post-Brexit response, while the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Flanagan, and other Ministers are engaging with their counterparts in the British Government. North-South engagement is equally important. Watching the news coverage last Saturday of the demonstration Senator Ó Donnghaile attended, one could not but be impressed by the manner in which the protest was conducted and by the extent of the impact on the daily lives of citizens on this island if a hard border is reinstated. None of us in this House wants to see a return of a hard border, as we discussed last week in the aftermath of the Conservative Party conference. We will continue to address that issue in the House.

Senator McFadden referred to delays in issuing military passports to members of the Defence Forces. I am happy to raise that matter with the Department. She also raised an issue regarding a building project for a school in her constituency. I am not familiar with how those lists are compiled but I will take it up with the relevant Minister.

Senator Paul Daly referred to funding for the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme. I will ask the Minister to come to the House to discuss this and other issues. I join the Senator in welcoming the restoration of the allocation of €211 million for that scheme.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh referred to cúrsaí Gaeltachta. Níl gach freagra agam. Mar sin féin, tá a fhios agam go mbeidh a €2.25 million increase in the capital allocation for Údarás na Gaeltachta and Roinn na Gaeltachta.