Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Minister will reflect on the views expressed in this House, as will the Minister of State, Deputy Pat Breen.

Senator Bacik raised the issue of Syria and Aleppo. I worked with her over the weekend on a motion. We are happy to sign the revised motion and I appeal to all Members of the House to sign it too. With a joint motion we can stand in solidarity with the people. There have been breaches of international humanitarian rules and indiscriminate killings and attacks. We all share that view, or at least, I hope we do.

Senator Ó Céidigh raised the issue of the provision in the budget for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht. I replied last week on this matter and the Minister of State, Deputy Kyne, is committed to coming to the House. I hope he will be here in the coming days or weeks.

Senators Lombard, O'Donnell, Feighan and O'Sullivan raised the issue of the relocation of the Seanad. It is important that we have a period of calm. There was a reaction this morning on the radio which was perhaps a little over the top. A process is being undertaken and managed by the OPW with the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. The superintendent of the Houses and representatives of the OPW and the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs are involved. It is important we allow that to take its course. Equally, in tandem with that process, it is important we allay the fears or worries of members of staff of the museum. If this House is moved to the museum, they will find us willing, able and happy to cohabit with them.We will work and live together happily. It is important if there are concerns that they are ironed out and addressed. It would be helpful if all sides shared information on the issues and processes involved. To go into hysterics today would be wrong. It is important that we allow the process to take its course and I hope we will do so.

Senators Gavan and Gallagher raised the issue of industrial relations. Senator Gavan, as a former trade unionist, should know well that the most important part of any process is to engage in dialogue, negotiations and to continue talking. I understand quite clearly the frustration felt by members of the Garda and the AGSI. Senator Gallagher raised this matter as well. It has been clear for a while, and not just today or yesterday, that there have been issues with Garda pay, conditions and terms of service. Equally, with the members of the ASTI in regard to their issues. As a former member of the ASTI who went on strike once, I know it is important that dialogue and negotiations by all sides take place. There is no room, in this day and age, for any of us to be complacent in regard to an aspect or issue of public sector pay. The vehicle of a public service commission to consider public sector pay is one that should be commissioned and started quickly because industrial unrest does not do anyone any good, not least those who vote to go on strike. I appeal, as the Leader of the Seanad, to members of the ASTI, GRA and the AGSI that they will find Ministers Fitzgerald, Donohoe and Bruton are willing and anxious to engage and I hope the union members will engage.

Senator Humphreys raised a clear issue about the EPA and Moneypoint. I shall invite the Minister to the House the discuss the matter.

Senator Paul Daly has been vocal about the mushroom industry and a potential negative impact on 3,500 jobs. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine will be in the House next week. The Senator is very able and I am sure he is willing to put his points to the Minister. I share the views expressed by the Senator. Equally, the Minister of State, Deputy Doyle, has been involved and engaged with key stakeholders in the mushroom industry. I know from my conversations with him that he met the industry last week because I was in attendance when we met one of the key people in the industry. Therefore, I know he is taking the issue seriously.