Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Reilly made reference to the European investment fund, EIF, and the importance of the Government drawing down funding and I agree with him on that. Senators Ó Ríordáin, Feighan and Higgins raised the very important issue of migration and referred to the fact that Ireland benefitted when its citizens went to America.It is important that the opportunity around St. Patrick's Day will not be business as usual, as it would have been in the past, but that the Taoiseach, the Ministers and all on that travelling party who will go to many parts of the United States will use that time to speak about our values and that it is about welcome and refuge. It is about people who are being displaced for a variety of callous and evil reasons. It is important that we remember and recognise - and inform President Trump - that it was not too long ago when there were signs in many parts of England or America stating "Irish need not apply". We have a proud legacy for which we can stand up. I am sure the Taoiseach will do that, as will the Ministers. We have, as Senator Ó Ríordáin stated, a real story to tell. Those of us who have a different viewpoint to President Trump have an obligation to stand up and to make our voices heard.

On the points made by Senators Higgins and Ó Ríordáin in regard to our own immigration policy, it is important that we have an integrated strategy. I note there was commentary about Ballaghaderreen but there was a positive outcome there. I am sure we all will see the benefits of that and those who will arrive in Ballaghaderreen will be given a huge welcome and will have a positive experience there.

Senator Gallagher raised the issue of domiciliary care allowance. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House. To assist the Senator, he might put down a Commencement matter on it. There may be an issue around processing. As Chairman of the previous health committee who travelled to the HSE medical card centre to discuss its processing mechanisms, I believe it might be something for the Senator to take up with the Minister at the committee.

I join Senator Tim Lombard in welcoming the announcement of the tillage grain forum. It is important to give farmers who have lost a considerable amount of income in the awful autumn weather an opportunity to have a plan for the future. Senator Boyhan raised the important topic of the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, and I thank him for doing so. This is about the future of Europe and the agricultural sector is very important to Ireland. The point made by Senator Boyhan is one we should not lose in the context of the impact it has in respect of Brexit, relationships with Russia and globalisation. The Senator correctly stated that we should encourage those involved in the farming community to engage in an important consultation process. We might have a discussion about how the House can play a role in that as well.

The Cathaoirleach has made a ruling regarding the Brexit committee. From speaking to the leaders at the leaders' group meeting this week, I am aware that it is a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges but we are anxious, as a House, to stand united in having a Brexit committee. The Cathaoirleach is equally adamant about that. I hope we will have that progressed. I have not got any further information for the Senator but I am aware it is a matter that the Cathaoirleach, as Chairman of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, will pursue as well.

Senator Humphreys raised the issue of the tax collection system. It is a matter before the courts. I will not delve into it, but I would be disappointed if the national lottery was issuing information to people about avoiding tax payment. I do not believe that organisation might be doing that. There was a comment attributed to the national lottery in a newspaper recently where, as part of a press statement, the national lottery stated it did not do that and that it actively advises winners on the use of independent consultants. Let me add, I have not spoken to any lottery winners. If it is the case, then it is certainly something that should be looked into.

Senator Conway also raised the issue of the lottery. He spoke about the issue of waterboarding in the North in terms of reconciliation. As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, we must learn from the past. We must engage in reconciliation. I hope that the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, will take up the remarks of the Senator.

In response to Senator Higgins, I would be happy to have a debate on migration. The Senator is correct in terms of domestic violence. As a country, we have led in many ways in terms of our legislation. The Tánaiste recently launched the new policy and I would be happy to have her come to the House.