Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join Senator Warfield in expressing my disappointment at the inordinate delay in the implementation of the rights of same-sex couples under the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015. I had two conversations this week, one with LINC in Cork and the other with the parent of a couple who want to adopt. The Senator's points are ones I have taken up with the Department.I would be happy to raise the issue as a Commencement matter with the Senator or we could jointly go to see the Minister because I accept his point that the delay has been too long.

As the former Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, I share Senator Mac Lochlainn's views on Lyme disease. The Senator is probably aware that we had a number of hearings in the committee on the matter. He struck a chord in what he said in the sense that there is a reluctance to acknowledge the condition by those in the medical community and that must be addressed. Equally, education is an issue as well and more signage on lands is required on the part of the OPW, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and county councils. I very much share the Senator's views on the matter. Senator Colm Burke was on the committee as well and we have heard stories of young people who have been struck down - as Senator Mac Lochlainn indicated - at the peak of their athleticism and found themselves unable to walk from here to the door, get dressed or even to brush their teeth. That is most distressing. I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House in regard to the matter.

The Senator also referred to Jadotville and 1916. Since our previous meeting of the Seanad, both Senator McFadden and I have spoken with the Minister of State, Deputy Paul Kehoe, on the matter. I know Senators McFadden, Mac Lochlainn and Craughwell all personally want to see the matter resolved. This is not a political matter to divide us; it is about ensuring that we get the right result.