Seanad debates

Wednesday, 1 February 2017

10:30 am

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Kelleher raised the important issue of Traveller ethnicity. I spoke to the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, on this matter last week. He is working on it and is willing to come to the House to discuss it. The necessary piece of work is in progress and is evolving. I will be happy to bring the Minister of State to the House when it reaches a certain point.

Senator Humphreys raised the question of Airbnb, with which we have to come to terms as a society at national and local authority levels. He is right when he suggests that Airbnb is taking much-needed beds and properties out of the system. I am aware that local authorities in many parts of the world, including London and Paris, have issues with Airbnb in respect of planning, the charging of hotel rates and costs. I suppose the issue of taxation is a general point as well. I will be happy to invite the Minister to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Humphreys spoke about DART underground and Senator Gavan spoke about Bus Éireann, both of which relate to the Minister, Deputy Ross. At the risk of creating controversy again, I suggest that rather than focusing on policy, Members are getting fixated about what the Minister, Deputy Ross, does and does not do.

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