Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Máire Devine mentioned a High Court case. I have not had a chance to read the judgment. The one third:two thirds ratio is a decision of the courts; the Government and the Oireachtas have no say in the determination of costs. That is a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and needs to be considered. However, as Members of the Oireachtas, we cannot be deterred or deflected from taking action to defend the integrity of the Oireachtas and our right to be the voice of the people. The courts have a separate independent jurisdiction. I think the Senator is right, however, and will be happy to ask the Minister to come to the House to discuss the issue.

Senator Colm Burke referred to the Civil Law (Missing Persons) Bill 2016, to which he is very attached. He is right. It is a traumatic experience for the families and loved ones of persons who have gone missing. I know from talking to people that whenever the telephone rings or there is a knock on the door, expectation is heightened that there will be news of a loved one or family member who is missing. It is unacceptable and disappointing that there is a delay. I agree with the Senator that there is a need to progress the Bill because we need to have an effective system in place. The length of delay described by the Senator is unacceptable. I will be happy to talk to him again about the matter.

Senator Tim Lombard raised the issue of councillors' pay and conditions. It is one on which the Leas-Chathaoirleach has ruled, but I think the Senator is referring to the process involved in considering the county development plan. We all saw what happened in Cork County Council where councillors had to sit for 17 hours to pass a county development plan and understand this can lead to bad decisions and incoherence. It is unfair on councillors and council staff to have to meet for that length of time. I am sure the Senator could have a quiet word with the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney, about it. The issue needs to be examined because it is significant and the Senator is right to highlight it.

Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile referred to the European Parliament joint resolution on Brexit and the decision passed today. It is important that we receive whatever help and support we can in the European Parliament and throughout the European Union. As I said yesterday, we are very fortunate to have someone of the calibre of Deputy Enda Kenny as Taoiseach who is well recognised across the continent of Europe as the leader of the Fine Gael Party which is attached to the European People's Party, EPP. As an example, since the turn of the year over 20 Cabinet-level discussions have taken place on Brexit, there have been 400 engagements with our EU partners and EU institutions, 1,200 representatives have participated in 16 all-Ireland civic dialogue sessions over four months and there have been 300 stakeholder meetings. More importantly, Mr. Tusk and Mr. Juncker are aware and recognise the importance of the island of Ireland. As we all know, the Government has been preparing for the Brexit negotiations. Our priorities have always been to recognise the importance of the Northern Ireland peace process, to minimise the impact of Brexit on trade and the economy, to maintain the common travel area and to influence the future of the European Union. We must all wear the green jersey. The Taoiseach, as head of the Government, has been doing a Trojan job in that regard.

Senator Keith Swanick mentioned St. Joseph's in Ballaghaderreen. If he gives me a note on the issue, I will be happy to pass it to the relevant Minister, but it is important that it be raised by way of a Commencement matter.

In World Autism Week Senator James Reilly referred to the national autism strategy required. I wholeheartedly agree with him. It is essential to have such a strategy. He said the number of people being diagnosed at different levels on the autism spectrum was increasing. There is a need for a comprehensive national strategy not least to ensure family members will be empowered, given a roadmap and access to services but also, as the Senator rightly said, to ensure the children in question can benefit from early intervention and receive treatment.

Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill referred to the greyhound industry and his attendance at a meeting in County Tipperary. The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Andrew Doyle, came to the House for a debate on the industry. There has been a change at the Irish Greyhound Board. Dr. Sean Brady is the interim chief executive officer, but there is a need for change in the management model for the industry. I will be happy to invite the Minister of State to come to the House for a debate on the issue.

The level of engagement by the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government throughout the country on the national planning framework is to be welcomed. Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill is right. It is important architecture for the future and this House should have a role and a say in the matter. I will be happy for the Minister to come to the House to discuss it.