Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach said very little, in fairness. He said that he will go to the United States for St. Patrick's Day. There would be more criticism if we did not continue that relationship. That is all he has said. I agree with Angela Merkel's comments and I agree with the Senator raising the matter. I found yesterday very depressing. Many people did. Senator Ned O'Sullivan used the word "depressing". I believe it was depressing, but that is as much as I am willing to say today.

Senator O'Mahony asked about sports capital funding. It is very important for clubs and organisations in rural and urban communities. I will seek clarification from the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, on when the funding is likely to be disbursed again.

As I said, Senator Ned O'Sullivan spoke about Mr. Trump. He also raised the contributory old age pension and made a very relevant point. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Varadkar, has not been to the House previously to discuss the old age pension so I will be happy to invite him to do so.

Senator Craughwell also spoke about Mr. Trump and I agree, for once, with some of his comments.

Senator Lombard mentioned Digital Week in Skibbereen. I commend him on highlighting it. It is a very positive week for Skibbereen and west Cork.

Senator Mac Lochlainn spoke on the natural resources issue which had been raised earlier by Senator Black. He also commented on Mr. Trump. The Senator raised the Coast Guard service. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport will be in the House next week and that will be a good opportunity for him to raise that issue.

Senator Humphreys questioned the relevance of the budget in the context of Brexit and the US election. It would be a good idea to have a series of debates in the House with each of the Ministers in charge of the potential developments with Brexit and our relationship with the US. I would be happy to suggest that we invite the three Ministers concerned, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, to the House, not just to discuss it and raise issues but in order that we can come up with some ideas as to how we can maximise our ongoing relationships with these countries.

Senator Swanick raised the important issue of mental health for our councillors. I have already suggested that we invite the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, to the House. I am sure she will be happy to address the Senator's concerns about local representatives.

Senator Butler spoke about planning, particularly in Trim. A debate on planning, Irish Water and housing would be very useful. It is to be hoped we can arrange it before Christmas.

I agree with Senator Devine's comments on Mr. Trump. I was appalled when I read about that statement on using minimum force to remove patients from beds. The Minister was as well. I commend the Senator on raising issues pertaining to nurses.