Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

True. That is a fair point.

It is important - something we do not do enough in this country - to pay tribute and recognise greatness, no matter who they are. T.K. Whitaker is certainly a person who, for all of us as young people growing up, was the person who we looked up to. He was the architect of modern Ireland. I wish him well and thank him for his service. His life is the epitome of what good public service should be. On behalf of all us, I wish him well and a happy 100th birthday.

Senator Ardagh raised the issue of firearms and sentencing. The Senator is right to raise the matter in terms of the issue around the right to bear arms and the way in which people are using it at present. It is a tragedy. It is an awful indictment that we have people masquerading with guns in the streets of Dublin, in particular, and killing and injuring people. There was an incident in my native city of Cork last night. I would be happy to have the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality come into the House in regard to the issue of firearms and licensing.

Senator Mac Lochlainn raised the issue of the Pádraig Pearse letter and the Senator makes a valid point in terms of its importance. On foot of reading the exchange in the Dáil between the leader of Sinn Féin and the Taoiseach, I note the Taoiseach has stated the Government is not in a position to buy it. I note from talking to the Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys, that her departmental officials have spoken to Adam's auctioneers. Her officials also have spoken to other stakeholders in the cultural institutions on the price of the letter. One cannot perhaps put a value on it, but as for the value of €1 million to €1.5 million - it has been withdrawn from auction - my information is that such expenditure would not be value for money. I am not in any way trying to put a value on it. It is important that we preserve a lot of letters, paraphernalia and artifacts. We have some very valuable pieces, including letters and clothing, and the Government has bought Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street. We have invested €5 million in Kilmainham Courthouse and another €5 million in the Military Archives. I hope that we will not allow the letter to be taken overseas. In an ideal world, the letter should be kept here as part of an exhibition. It is something I, on behalf of the House, can communicate to the Minister that has been raised this morning here.

Like Senator Grace O'Sullivan, I congratulate the new President of Austria on his re-election and wish him well.

On Senator Bacik's amendment to the Order of Business, I would be happy to accept the amendment and I commend her on the work that she is doing in terms of the Pensions (Equal Pension Treatment in Occupational Benefit Scheme) (Amendment) Bill 2016. We had a discussion here on the Order of Business yesterday on judicial appointments and I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House.

Senator Swanick raised the issue of the Coast Guard and the lack of primary legislation in that area. Senator Lombard raised it two weeks ago in the House as well. It is a matter for the Departments to work out, but Senator Swanick is correct that the men and women who serve in the Coast Guard are first responders as well. They provide a significant service to the State, saving lives and rescuing people, and putting their own lives at risk in the process. We can revisit that in the new year and we will have the Minister come to the House.

Senator Devine raised the important connection between cancer and alcohol. I would be happy to work with the Senator on the issue. It is important that we have the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 back in the new year and that we can reduce the harm that the misuse of alcohol can bring. The Cathaoirleach rightly said that the Seanad Public Consultation Committee in the previous Seanad did a powerful piece of work on alcohol. It is an issue that we can revisit because it is one that will not go away. It needs cross-party and Independent support to keep this message up. In particular, Senator Devine is correct to link the issue of women and cancer. It is something that we have to be vigilant on. It transcends the political divide. I would be happy to talk about that and move that along in the new year with the Senator.

Senator Norris raised the issue of the Parris case, seconded Senator Bacik's amendment to the Order of Business and spoke of T.K. Whitaker. I do not quite get what Senator Norris mentioned about the former dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral.