Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We incurred the wrath of his magnificent skill and football prowess on many a sad occasion in Páirc Uí Chaoimh and Fitzgerald Stadium. On a serious note, though, he was an extraordinary footballer with tremendous talent and great skill and I wish him well in his retirement from inter-county football.

Senator Ó Domhnaill yesterday referred to the FAI and the treatment of the women's soccer team. On a positive note, last weekend we had a tremendous day of activity on our sporting fields which showed the importance of sport in our country. I thank all our sportspeople who are, in this case, amateurs playing not for money but for the joy of their club or county and wish them every success in the forthcoming championship season.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell raised the issue of the Bus Éireann dispute, which is on day 13. I join him in welcoming the resumption of talks and hope that it is a pathway to a solution. Public transport is a critical part of our nation and an essential public service. It is interesting to note that Bus Éireann stands to lose €125,000 in funding from the NTA for every weekday it fails to provide services and €75,000 for every Saturday and Sunday. I regret very much the dispute. I had the pleasure of meeting members of the drivers' unions this week in Cork. They do not want to be on strike as it is a huge imposition on them and their families. It is important, whatever one's view on the strike, that we consider how we can get the balance between public services and paying public servants right. This is a matter of public interest, and talks need to be held. Senator O'Donnell is correct that the PSO levy on Expressway services needs to be considered, and a change might have to come to make this about fairness in the way in which Bus Éireann and private operators can compete on the Expressway routes.

Senators Mullen and Swanick referred to the Defence Forces. The issue of post-traumatic stress disorder is very important and it is important that every support that can be given is given to members of the Defence Forces. I would be happy to have the Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe, discuss this in the House. I join the Senators in wishing the troops of the 55th Infantry Group, on behalf of all in the House, every success, safe travels and safe mission when they go to the Golan Heights. As the Leas-Chathaoirleach knows, our Defence Forces in their work abroad are tremendous ambassadors for our country. Senator Mullen is right that they have saved thousands of lives.They deserve our praise, thanks and prayers. I hope they will stay out of harm's way. Like Senator Keith Swanick, I pay tribute to the Irish Coast Guard, Defence Forces personnel, including of the Naval Service, voluntary divers, the men and women of many maritime and coastal communities and fishermen who are giving of their time in the search to find the two missing crewmen. I hope their bodies will be returned to their loved ones and families. Although it may embarrass him, I commend Senator Keith Swanick for the role he has played which is the epitome of voluntarism. From talking to members of the Defence Forces and the Irish Coast Guard, I know that he has been a huge tower of strength and a tremendous asset in the search.