Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator might agree with me in that regard. I take his point about human rights across the world. The Members of this House, like the members of the Government, should stand up for human rights, regardless of whether we are dealing with the leaders of Russia, China, Japan, England, the United Kingdom or any other country. It is unfortunate that the new leader of the United States has got off to a bad start in the way he has driven fear and division.I am all for democracy. The Senator and I live by the sword of democracy. One is either beaten or wins; that is the way it goes. The people speak. What President Trump has done in the past 11 days has sent a bad signal to people across America and the rest of the world. It is about the United States of America, not the divided states of America. The Senator will share part of that response.

In response to Senator Máire Devine, Lá Fhéile Bríde atá ann inniú, the first day of spring. We have seen the days lengthening. Mental health services are important. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Helen McEntee, was in the House this morning to discuss the issue with Senator Gabrielle McFadden in the Commencement debate. It is important that we recognise the document A Vision for Changehas evolved and needs to be implemented. It has not been in part.