Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 21 Senators who raised matters on the Order of Business.

I join Senator Ó Clochartaigh in paying tribute to the late Pádraig Ó Méalóid. He was a wonderful orator on television in his presentation of the news trí Ghaeilge. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family. Last night, I was shocked to hear news of his death. Many of us grew up listening to him and at his peak he was the Ghaeilge voice of the news. I pay tribute to his family and to him on our behalf. He was a very pleasant and presentable face of the Irish language in conveying the news. I was very upset last night to hear news of his death because I am of an age where people remember him fondly. I thank the Senator for raising the matter this morning.

Senator Swanick raised the important matter of divesting shares and stocks in tobacco companies. He is right that we should consider doing so as a State, particularly as we move towards a tobacco-free Ireland. I commend him on his work on the issue. Smoking kills and there has been a raft of legislation to curb tobacco usage in terms of public health.We need to look at how we can divest immediately from this source of income being accrued to the State. I do not know about the Government but I am happy to personally support any Bill the Senator brings forward because it is one we need to look at. The Senator is right.

Senator Mullen raised the issue of counselling services. He raised a very important point. Accurate information should be provided - in the case the Senator raised - to women no matter what their ideology is. The Minister has a very balanced view on it. He is very clear. If the Senator reads the transcript of the Minister's remarks it is about having factual and accurate information on women's health. The Government is looking at the issue of regulation and it is important we look at the whole issue of regulation of counselling and psychotherapy. At the moment, one can do a weekend course, put up a plaque, advertise to give a course no matter what the area is, and can give information to people which will affect their mental health and which will affect them in a variety of ways. If we are genuinely interested in the provision of accurate information whether it is on women's health or mental health, there needs to be regulation. It is important that it is done. The Senator raised the issue of money and I do not want to have a row with him but the pro-life campaign is well able to get money from abroad and bring in people from outside.