Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Feighan and Richmond raised the issue of an all-island approach to the hosting of the Commonwealth Games, which is an important issue we should consider in terms of the promotion of North-South relations.

I share Senator Mac Lochlainn's view on the first responder and fire and rescue personnel issue. As the Senator will be aware, I have raised the issue with various Ministers but I have not yet had a conclusive response. I am happy to work with the Senator to see that happen. It would be disappointing to see a differentiation between personnel in respect of the issue raised.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell raised the issue of Irish Rail. The Senator was right to raise the matter in the first instance with Mr. Barry Kenny. I hope that Irish Rail will not discommode the people of Limerick. The Senator might consider tabling the issue for discussion as a Commencement matter, which may provide him with a quicker response.

I have already responded on Senator Mulherin's passionate contribution.

Senator Richmond also asked that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, be asked to come to the House to debate the capital investment review. I have put in a request to the Minister's office in that regard and I hope that this debate will take place in the next couple of weeks.

Senator Murnane O'Connor again raised the issue of revaluation of commercial rates in Carlow. As the Senator is aware, it is an independent process but it is being driven from afar by the Minister, Deputy Coveney. We need to see results in this area. Some of the businesses mentioned by the Senator are commercial entities. Some crèches are community crèches but others are private and operate for profit. As I said, this issue needs to be addressed.

Senator Mullen raised the issue of cúrsaí Gaeilge. Tá brón orm nach bhfuil Gaeilge flúirseach agus líofa agam ach tá suim mhór agam i gcúrsaí Gaeltachta agus cultúir. Tá suim mhór ag an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Kyne, agus ag na hAirí ar labhair an Seanadóir fúthu, an Teachta Varadkar agus an Teachta Coveney. Tá Gaeilge acu. Senator Mullen, unfortunately, brought members of the Government into the issue of the Irish language. The Ministers he referenced, Deputies Coveney and Varadkar, are committed to the Irish language and so it was unfair of him to do that. The Taoiseach has an extraordinary ability to communicate in the Irish language. Irrespective of what he announces today, his support in his role as Taoiseach for and contribution to promoting the Irish language has been second to none, for which he deserves our thanks.

Senator Davitt raised the issue of investment in Irish Water and water infrastructure. The Senator is correct that there is concern regarding water infrastructure in Rathconnell, which is proof of the need for investment, which some colleagues here do not want to see happen, in our infrastructure and Irish Water.