Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We must remind the people of the high tax party's policy. The most important point is, as Senator Gallagher said, that we do not become over-reliant on foreign direct investment. As members know, we are an island nation on the edge of Europe. In a post-Brexit era, we are the gateway to Europe and must remain so.

Senator Feighan raised the issue of North Korea and the emerging threat in terms of the nuclear testing that is ongoing. I noted with humour President Trump's tweet in which he stated that he had tried to get China to intervene but had failed. Maybe if President Trump engaged in diplomacy other than tweeting, he might have more success. It is disappointing to see activity happening that is a threat to peace in the region. We should also acknowledge and pay tribute to Otto Warmbier, who died recently, and the tragedy of his incarceration for 17 months. He was returned to his family in a coma. We offer our sympathies to his family.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871 and the inability of certain people with disabilities to purchase a house. I will be happy for the Minister to come to the House to review the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act.

Senator Byrne again raised the shortage of chefs, which is an ongoing issue that is being addressed by the Minister and SOLAS. Fáilte Ireland has a new apprenticeship scheme for chefs, which is linked to our tourism strategy. It is a source of worry. Many of us raised the matter in the House in 2007 and 2008. As Senator Gavan knows quite well, the closure of the training centres in Cork and Limerick in 2007 and 2008 was a huge mistake and we are now paying the price. We have a fantastic tourism product which we need to improve continually. It is disappointing that some restaurants close because of the absence of chefs. We need to be proactive.

I welcome Mr. Alan Suggs and Mr. Chris Klein, who are from North Carolina, to the Gallery. They are here for the weekend for Dublin Pride and I am sure they will paint the town red. I will be happy to accept Senator Norris's amendment to the Order of Business.