Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I said at the beginning of my contribution, we must seek to achieve justice and truth so that we can bring this awful saga to an end for the McCabe family and for those who are involved in policing.

We need to reflect on the interesting point made by Senator McDowell. I would be happy to convey his remarks to members of the Government.

Senator Mark Daly asked about the Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016 and the Corporate Manslaughter (No. 2) Bill 2016. He has been in contact with Ms Orla Murray and others in my office. We have been in contact with the Departments. We are not holding up those Bills at our end. We will work with Senator Daly to ensure they are fit for purpose and are workable and implementable.

I agree with Senator Daly that the so-called attempt at humour last Monday night was an insult to members of the deaf community and those who are disabled. It was purported to be in the name of humour but it was anything but humorous. All of us who were at the meeting were outraged about what happened. It is important for us to work together to make progress with the Bills sponsored by Senator Daly, particularly the Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016.

Senators Boyhan, Bacik and Higgins spoke about the failure to spend €4 million in funding that was provided for migrants. I do not have the answer to their questions but I will come back to them when I do.

Senator Craughwell raised the issue of timing. I am happy to take the eight minutes off the group spokespersons and give five minutes to each speaker so that more people can get involved in the debate if they wish to do so. Ample provision of 90 minutes has been made for the debate. Having spoken to Senator Boyhan, who expressed his view on this matter on the Order of Business, I understand he is happy with the 90-minute timeframe.

I read Senator Craughwell's article in Phoenixmagazine about the composition of the Seanad, but I did not agree with much of what he had to say.