Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The flame is still burning. Senator Norris was not afraid to give a dig or two during the meeting that he, Senator Warfield and I had with the Russian ambassador.I certainly hope the ambassador took notice of him. Senator Warfield and I were probably a bit more reticent and diplomatic. Sometimes one needs to bring in a double-barrelled gun.

It is important we recognise the importance of pride week. Senator Warfield, who has been a wonderful ally, supporter and advocate in this House, highlighted Chechnya. This time last year we were deeply upset about what happened in Orlando. Some citizens of the world are unable to be free to be who they are. They are being victimised and denied their human rights. A friend of mine referred to Chechnya. She was very eloquent when she said, "What about the women?" There is no mention of women. As we said in our meeting with the ambassador, these are people who deserve to be able to live their lives to the full.

As Senator Ó Ríordáin said, things in this country are not perfect and we have to have equality in education. There have been changes. To be fair to the former Minister, Mr. Quinn, there has been a significant change in the curriculum. There is now a policy on bullying in schools. We need to see greater change in sport. Donal Óg Cusack is a wonderful ambassador. Other sportspeople can be equally important allies. They may not be gay, but they are friends of ours and can play a role. People like Ben Cohen are doing huge work. In our country, we need a further sea change in education.

There is a march in Belfast on 1 July for equality for all citizens in the country. I hope that in the talks between the Conservative Party and the DUP on forming a government in the UK, they do not bend in terms of the road to marriage equality in the North. The leader of the Tory Party in Scotland has a very strong view on that.

I invite all Members and friends to come to Dublin Pride on Saturday. We are all marching, in some shape or form. It will be a good day. It is important we recognise that in our country we are free to march, and it is good to do that.

Senators Devine and Boyhan raised the very important issue of homelessness. I acknowledge that we have a long road to travel in terms of ensuring no one is homeless or deprived of the chance to be in a house of his or her own, be it private or social housing. Last year, €935 million was spent on the provision of 19,000 social housing units. This year, 21,000 will be provided at a cost of €1.3 billion. As we speak, 5,200 homes are under construction in our capital city. I agree that there needs to a be a complete change in procurement and planning. The Minister, Deputy Murphy, and the Minister of State, Deputy English, are committed to the pillars of Rebuilding Ireland, as was the Minister, Deputy Coveney.

It is also worth pointing out that between 2006 and 2017 there was a 90% decline in output. In 2006, 93,000 homes were built. Just 8,301 were built in 2013. The Government has committed €5.35 billion under Rebuilding Ireland, and I am confident that by 2021, 47,000 homes will be supplied. It is important we challenge each other on this. This is not a political issue. Rather, it is a human rights issue for people who deserve to be housed. The Minister, Deputy Murphy, and the Minister of State, Deputy English, are committed to that.

Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of rare diseases, orphan drugs and the Government and HSE renegotiations with the pharmaceutical industry last year. It is important the Minister comes to the House. Rare diseases day is on 28 February every year and shines a spotlight on the significant minority who suffer and deserve treatment.

Senators Gallagher and Byrne congratulated Peter O'Mahony on being appointed captain of the British and Irish Lions. I wish the team well in New Zealand on Saturday. It is a great honour for Ireland, Munster and Cork that he is the captain and I wish him well. It is a great day for his family and club and we hope the red flag will be flying high on Saturday morning.

Senator Gallagher correctly raised the issue of foreign direct investment. I would be happy to have the new Minister come to the House. It is important we keep our corporation tax rate as it is. Some parties want to raise it and, therefore, drive out foreign direct investment. Sinn Féin is the party of voodoo economics. It is a high tax party.