Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is something we need to debate. I was on the Constitutional Convention that debated the issue, and we heard the First Minister of Scotland this afternoon speak about the importance of young people being engaged. It is important that we educate young people in their civic duty and in their responsibility before they vote, as they vote and after they vote.

Senator Mulherin raised the defined benefit pension schemes, an issue she raised previously. The Minister for Social Protection will be in the House this afternoon for the debate on the Social Welfare Bill, but I believe we should also have a debate on pensions in the new year.

Senator Ruane raised the issue of divesting from the use of fossil fuels. I would be happy for the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, to come to the House for a debate on the issue.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan has returned to an issue he raised previously, namely, that former President, Mary Robinson, will not be availing of tax break. She is to be commended on that. I welcome the fact that she is donating her archives to the State, as did Senator Norris. That gives rise to a question, however. Having visited a number of the presidential libraries in America, which are private institutions that raise funds for the operation of the libraries, I do not see anything wrong with having a national presidential library or a separate national library for taoisigh. I am all for the donation of State papers and keeping important papers in the country but an issue we must consider is how we can ensure access by ordinary people - students, postgraduate students, and those of us who are anoraks, if one likes, to read those papers. Undoubtedly, the presidency of Mary Robinson was an exciting time. She was the first female President and I am sure her papers will be of considerable value to the State and the people of Ireland.

Senator Davitt raised the ongoing claims against heritage and wildlife parks, facilities and services. It is a major issue for the OPW and those who are charged with responsibility for the area. We saw in the recent report on insurance from the Oireachtas committee on finance how people claim ad nauseam. We must have a major debate about insurance and insurance claims and how people claim for certain things that perhaps are not the fault of the OPW in this case or the National Parks and Wildlife Service.