Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

If I am, I will let the Senator know. This is the story of a young child. If we are honest, if any of us had to endure and witness what Ms Vera Twomey and young Ava had to endure, we would all be sympathetic and would all want to see a resolution, which we do. The Minister is committed to doing that but I believe it is important that we continue to have talks about the matter. It is through conversation and dialogue that we can reach a compromise. However, the Minister cannot just abandon protocol and processes at the click of his fingers. It is important that we allow him the space and time to arrive at the right decision. I think he will do that, but he cannot do things automatically. There is a report published and he has to take advice from the chief medical officer. It is important that we do everything humanly possible to ensure that the quality of life of young Ava is improved, because what is happening to her is a tragedy.

Senator Black raised the issue of the homeless people outside her office and Senator Davitt also raised the issue. It is important to recognise that the Minister, Deputy Coveney, has put together an action plan regarding housing and homelessness. There is significant investment gone into it. Rather than having a political debate, I believe it is important that we work with the different agencies to ensure that the people Senator Black referred to are housed or given accommodation. If the Senator wants to e-mail me the details, we can talk to the office of the Minister, Deputy Coveney, regarding that particular case.

Senator Byrne raised the issue of Irish Cement and fossil fuels. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Davitt raised the issue of mobile phones. He is right. There is a need for checks and balances in terms of how young people, minors in particular, can access and buy SIM cards. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House.

Senator Norris raised the issue of Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance service and the decision regarding the outsourcing of the ambulance call and dispatch function. It is a matter of concern that has reached a point where SIPTU has balloted its members. A forum was set up. It is important for Dublin City Council to re-engage and reconvene that forum. I know I am repeating myself, but it is through conversation and dialogue that we can reach solutions. I appeal to Dublin City Council to reconvene that forum so we can reach a resolution in regard to the matter Senator Norris raised.

Senator Gallagher raised the issue of the withdrawal of the telephone allowance. I share his view. I hope that a mechanism through the Department of Social Protection can be formed to allow for that to happen. I also join Senator Gallagher in sympathising with the family of the late Mr. Paddy Lyons in Waterford who died over the weekend. I know there is a man in custody with regard to his death and therefore I will not say anything further, other than to offer my sympathies to his family.

Senator Butler raised the issue of the Tunisian attacks of 2015 and today's report by the coroner. I will bring the Senator's remarks back to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade because the Senator is right. It is important that the Irish Embassy engages on behalf of the Irish citizens and families who lost their lives. If there has been any sort of shambolic or cowardly treatment by the police, it should be addressed immediately.

I do not have a timetable for the alcohol Bill, but Senator Noone has raised a very pertinent point around the increase in the sale of alcohol, particularly around the use of spirits, which has increased considerably. There is a worrying trend but I have not got a specific date regarding the public sale of alcohol Bill.

I hope all Members of the House will join with Senator Burke and I in welcoming the further fall in the numbers of unemployed and the increase in the number of men and women who are back at work. It is great to see that just 6.6% of people are now unemployed. It has been of source of great joy to all of us that the policies of the last Government and this Government are seeing many of our citizens going back at work.

Senator Burke is right in that the future planning of our health system around the issue of a changing demographic is something we should perhaps debate in the House. I would be happy to have that debate.