Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Gavan made reference to the issue of the right of citizens of the North to vote in European Parliament elections. That is a matter the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, will consider. I have not got the direct answer for the Senator but it is a matter we should examine. It is important that, in the case of the North, there be a voice within Europe. The Government has always been about an all-Ireland approach to Brexit. The Senator's point is that we should certainly not allow for circumstances in which there would be no voices from the North being heard in the European Union, be it in the Parliament or elsewhere. We should consider the suggestion.

Senator Mulherin raised the issue of carers and mentioned a specific case. The issue of transferring credits in this case should be considered. Given the large volume of legislation next week, the Senator might consider submitting a Commencement matter. It is a matter we should certainly have examined.

Senator Humphreys raised the issue of social housing and asked whether we have no affordable scheme. I was not aware of what the Senator said until he said it. I will have the Minister of State, Deputy Damien English, liaise with the Senator on the matter. I will take my note to him after the Order of Business.

Senator Davitt spoke about the HSE and waiting times. It seems to be the practice for a long time that the same appointment times are given to people. It beggars belief at times. Everyone gets a 1.30 p.m. appointment or a 10 a.m. appointment, resulting in there being 20 people in a waiting room in an outpatient clinic or elsewhere. It is model that needs to be examined because, as the Senator said, the elderly, the severely disabled or those who are physically hurt need to be minded and looked after. It creates problems. We will take it up with the HSE on the Senator's behalf after the Order of Business.