Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----in the barracks in Athlone by the Minister of State, Deputy Paul Kehoe. It is important, and I have always said this in the House, that we recognise the sacrifice and the heroism of former members of our Defence Forces, who are celebrated across the world, whether it is the Congo, Lebanon or wherever. To be fair to Senator McFadden, she has been very involved in this issue also because of the importance of the Army in her area. We will continue to work with the Minister to see if we can bring about a resolution to this matter. I cannot promise that we will but I am happy to take up the matter further.

Senators Conway-Walsh and Wilson spoke about unaccompanied minors and the refugee crisis that is engulfing parts of the work, in particular in the so-called jungle, in Calais. It behoves all of us to play a role in ending the misfortune taking place there. The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, has agreed to come to the House to address the issue of unaccompanied minors. She stated in the United Nations that Ireland is willing to play its part to address the issue. A global response and co-operation to end the suffering must be forthcoming.

On the matter raised by Senator Grace O'Sullivan, I have offered the Senator a date for the Bill. It is not one that is conducive to her schedule but I am happy to sit down with the Senator and agree a timetable at the group meeting at 2 p.m. I have it on the calendar for the month of November but I am happy to discuss that with the Senator with a view to reaching an accommodation on the Bill. I appreciate the importance of it.

Senator Lombard raised the issue of electric cars. We will have the Minister, Deputy Naughten, come to the House to address that issue.

Senator Swanick raised the issue of attacks on emergency first responders. It is deplorable that any member of the emergency services is attacked under any guise. Regardless of who they are, we must always show respect for the role played by emergency services personnel. They do tremendous work. They put their own lives at risk in the protection and safety of others and we should stand united in the condemnation of these attacks. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House to address the issue the Senator raised.

Senator Norris referenced the motion in his name and those of the Sinn Féin Senators in the main. If he wishes to take it by way of a Private Members' motion, that is up to his group. I know the Senator is not a member of a group but he may wish to talk to them. I have no issue in terms of -----