Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, all sides. I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House to have that uncomfortable conversation.

Senator Gabrielle McFadden raised the issue of the need for consultant-led geriatrician teams in communities. This time of the year is an interesting time in our hospitals. Yesterday, there was a huge surge in the number of people attending emergency departments. The Government has taken a number of initiatives around the winter initiative, allocating an extra €40 million to it. It is important we promote an alternative to going to an emergency department. This year, 4,500 more people have attended emergency departments. However, 2,000 fewer people have been on trolleys than this time last year. It is unacceptable that any person has to spend any inordinate amount of time on a trolley. The Minister is committed to working on delayed discharges and providing more people with home care packages and aids and appliances. I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House to discuss it.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised a number of issues. I am trying to have the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Heather Humphreys, and the Minister of State, Deputy Joe McHugh, come to the House before Christmas. The issue is that legislation takes priority over statements. I will talk to Senator Norris about No. 9. I have no issue with it being taken. I would be happy to have it discussed.

I neglected to reply to Senator Higgins. I also neglected to respond to the issue raised by Senators Davitt, Noone and Gavan, namely, online gambling. The Senators are right. It is a major issue and has a profound impact on the lives of the people affected and their families. The gambling control Bill is overdue. It has been three years in gestation. The Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy David Stanton, has responsibility for this area. I have spoken to him and he wants to progress the issue. The general scheme of the Bill has been outlined. It is important we have the debate and bring the debate forward as soon as possible. Online gambling is open at any hour of the day or night and it is growing in popularity with online access. It is a worry. I would be very happy to have the Minister come to the House to discuss it. We all agree the Bill must be progressed.

Senator Higgins raised the European Parliament. We have no jurisdiction over Members of the European Parliament. In terms of a dispute settlement mechanism, it is important to have an international trade deal. The investor-state dispute settlement will not prevent governments from regulating in the public interest. It is a bit unfair and a bit of a myth that it will allow big companies to do what they want. I do not think it will. The Government supports and recognises the need for both CETA and TTIP. We had a debate in the House and the Minister will happily return to the House. The Senator may bring forward a Private Members' Bill or a Commencement matter. It is important we bring balance to the debate.