Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know. That is a different issue but we will have the debate next week.

Senator Devine raised the issue of today's conference. I join her in commending the Chief Nursing Officer. The previous Government was the first to appoint a Chief Nursing Officer. The Senator also raised the issue of the campaign in respect of rents previously.

I wish Liam Doran well in his impending retirement from his role as general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. He has announced his intention to step down as general secretary at some point this year. In the context of Senator Devine's contribution, Mr. Doran has been a very strong voice for nurses. In my former role as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, I found him to be a pleasure to deal with. He is a very straight talker and a very good advocate for nurses. We might not always have agreed on certain points along the way but I always found him to be a gentleman. I wish him and his family well.

Senator Higgins referred to the ECJ ruling on the Singapore free trade agreement. I would be happy to invite the relevant Minister to come before the House to discuss that issue.

Senator Noone raised the very important matter of air pollution and the fact that we can do so much to preserve life and ensure that people live longer. The figures she supplied in respect of ingestion of pollutants reducing life expectancy by nine months are frightening. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House with regard to the matter she raised.

On behalf of all Senators, I join Senator Norris in saying "Bravo" to the Wexford Festival Opera on the warm tribute it was paid by being deemed the best opera festival in the world. It is important to recognise that huge things grow from little acorns. In this case, a renowned opera festival has developed. I join Senator Norris in commending all involved.

Senator Murnane O'Connor referred to the revaluation of commercial rates.Senator Feighan raised the issue of the visit of Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, to Ireland in the past week. I join the Senator in welcoming the couple to Ireland. It was fantastic that the visit was such a success and that Prince Charles enjoyed the garden party at the British Ambassador's residence and the more formal events in Glasnevin Cemetery. As Senator Feighan says, the normalisation of his encounter with the leader of Sinn Féin, Deputy Gerry Adams, and other groups around the country makes it all the better. It is through high-profile events such as this that we can see that the relationship with the British royal family has been normalised. I commend Senator Feighan for his work on promoting relations between the North and the South and also between Ireland and the UK. He has been a prolific member of committees, as has the Cathaoirleach. However, to be fair to Senator Feighan, this event was one of his signature political involvements and I commend him for it.

I have already responded to Senator Lawless on the issue he raised regarding Good Friday.

Senator Warfield asked about the issue of Seanad reform. It is a work in progress. An implementation committee which has been set up is awaiting the appointment of a chairman. It is beyond my remit to appoint that chairman. Members have changed how the House does business. This is evident from the increased number of Senators seconding Private Members' Bills, the business group that discusses the business of the House and the broad-minded way in which I approach issues, although some Sinn Féin Members may not agree with that last point. Members may not ever be in unison on the issue of Seanad reform but I accept that we need to consider how it can be brought about.

Senator Byrne raised the important issue of people being encouraged to live outside Dublin. I join her in welcoming the living grant scheme in towns and villages outside Dublin and I hope it will receive take-up.

Senator Gavan raised the issue of social welfare and the work of the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Varadkar. The Senator should join me in the welcoming the Minister's campaigns on many issues such as maternity, paternity or, in this case, social welfare fraud.