Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the matter raised by Senator Ó Donnghaile about the hut, he might make representations directly to the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, or put down a commencement matter. I would be happy to take up the issue if he will give me the details.

Senator Paddy Burke raised the issue of small businesses. I agree these are the backbone of our economy and I join with him in commending the Minister, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, for having secured increased funding for the LEOs. He is correct that this requires further funding. I would be happy to have the Minister of State, Deputy Breen, and the Minister, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, to the House.

I commend Senator Swanick for bringing to the House such great imagery in the story he told this morning. I hope we can all work to bring a resolution to that issue.

With regard to the issue of the Naval Service, I do not have the exact title the Senator is looking for in regard to the hospital ship. I believe it is an idea we should look at. In particular, I join with Senator Swanick, and hope all Members will join with us, in commending the men and women of the Naval Service, who have done huge work in the Mediterranean in saving lives. In talking to the men and women who serve, we know the trauma they have experienced in terms of the bodies they have taken from the water and the effect this has had on them. It makes us understand better the importance of the work they do. Sometimes newspaper reports do not quite illustrate or quantify in real terms the work they do and the impact it has on their lives.

Senator Gavan pointed out that USI members are demonstrating today, as is their right. The Cassells report is going to the education committee to be discussed. I share the Senator's view that the right to education is one we all should have. The issue of third level education is being prioritised by the Government and the Minister, Deputy Bruton, will come back to the House in regard to the Action Plan for Education and third level education. There has certainly been under-funding of education in the past and there is a need to further increase capitation in regard to the funding of third level. I look forward to seeing how we can do that. However, Senator Colm Burke is right that we only have a certain amount of money to spend. If we were to take Senator Gavan's model of payment plans, we would be increasing taxation across the board. That is in line with the fact Sinn Féin is a high tax party but that is a choice it has to make.

Senator Colm Burke raised the very important issue of access officer roles. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House to discuss that.

Senator Noone raised the issue of the consumption of sugar and the quality and type of hospital food. This comes under the remit of Healthy Ireland and the task force on childhood obesity. I would be happy to have the Minister of State, Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, come to the House.

Senator Feighan raised the very important issue of football hooliganism. I hope this can be taken on board under the FAI's strategic plan. To be fair to John Delaney and the FAI, they have been very vigilant and have worked hard to ensure the grounds that operate under the FAI are free from football hooliganism. There are family tickets and family enclosures, and the FAI is to be commended for the work done. I agree with Senator Feighan that the outside influence from across the Irish Sea is not welcome. The FAI should ensure that does not take hold.