Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Long before I conclude here there will be further commentary elsewhere. I do not intend to fall into the trap of condemning the President or commenting on what he said. The President is a long time supporter of Cuba and Fidel Castro, as is his entitlement. I have no issue with that.

Senators Kelleher and Colm Burke raised the issue of gynaecological and maternity services at Cork University Maternity Hospital, CUMH. It is important that CUMH and the HSE work together on an action plan and roadmap to ensure the delivery of babies and women's health are not undermined or threatened. This will require continued dialogue. We would all welcome the delivery of a safe model of maternity and gynaecological services at CUH maternity. I hope that as a result of the publication of the letters and the consultation and communication that will take place after that, there will be a resolution to this issue. Like Senator Humphreys, I welcome the signing of the agreement between Holles Street hospital, the Department, the HSE and St. Vincent's hospital. The Minister has worked hard on the agreement. The development of the project is vital for the future of maternity services in this country and this city. The delivery of a world class, state-of-the-art new maternity hospital for women and their babies, young children and young infants is a priority for the Department and the Minister.

Senator Byrne raised the topical issue of Ireland being ranked ninth out of 49 countries for mathematics. I congratulate everyone involved in the project, particularly the people who teach maths in schools.

Senators Gallagher and Feighan raised the issue of passports. The year 2016 has been a record breaking year with 700,000 Irish passports issued. It has resulted in a huge increase in workload for the Passport Office. The increase illustrates the importance placed on having an Irish passport. What an Irish passport gives to people must be saluted and commended.

I join with both Senators in their call for more passport offices. My city of Cork has a passport office and I have seen how beneficial the service has been to the region and its people. Even with a post-Brexit scenario I do not see why we could not have passport offices in counties Monaghan and Donegal or anywhere we find a suitable location. Without going too far, the scheme could be rolled out like the decentralisation model.