Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We find ourselves this morning in the middle of what I would call a perfect storm. We have Brexit, industrial relations problems that are bringing this country to its knees and, this morning, Donald Trump was elected President of the United States. Some weeks ago, I warned that we need to be careful in what we said about Mr. Trump because I predicted he might become President. I also predicted that in Europe some weeks ago when people were slagging him off. The bottom line is that he is now the President of the United States. I congratulate him. I wish him well for the future, and I sincerely hope he can work with the undocumented Irish in the United States.

I congratulate and thank my colleague, Senator Mac Lochlainn, who raised the issue of the Jadotville heroes earlier this morning. It behoves everybody in this Oireachtas to ensure these people are given more than a photocopy of the presidential citation. I agree with Senator Mac Lochlainn that they should be brought to Áras an Úachtaráin, given a military medal and recognised for what they are.

I call on the Government to clarify the position with respect to county councillors' pay and PRSI issues. E-mails are being sent from this House morning, noon and night promising the sun, moon and stars to our colleagues who put us in this House. We must stop the messing and give them straight answers. Do we intend to fix their PRSI issues and increase their salaries? If not, we should tell them that straight out and stop the messing. It is unfair on people. Politicising their issues does not help anybody.