Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will work with all people in a non-political way to advance the cause of all peoples who are marginalised in our society and community, and Senator Daly will attest to that. It is important that we get a Bill that can be delivered and acted upon immediately rather than being lost in the other House. That is the fundamental goal that we both share.

Senator Joe O'Reilly made reference to the issue of the importance of the tourism sector and the jobs in that area in the Brexit scenario around the Border area. He makes a very good point regarding the VAT rate. There is a need for that VAT rate to be looked at now, given that today we saw the price of hotel rooms around the U2 concert. There was a 53% increase.As somebody who supports and advocates for our tourism sector and the need to have the VAT rate retained, it does pose the question of whether we are getting value for money, and how we can ensure that the price of a hotel room, whether it is in Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin or Cork, is not abused. That is a matter that the tourism sector must address. The Senator makes a good point in terms of the importance of jobs in the sector. I agree with Senator Gavan that in some cases the pay and conditions of those working in our tourism sector do not reflect the profits that are being made in that sector. There has to be fairness as well.

The issue of third level education is an important one. We had a briefing last week from the Union of Students in Ireland and a debate on the Labour Party motion. The Cassells report is before the committee on education, and I would be happy to have the matter discussed in the autumn when we come back, and to work with Senator Ó Clochartaigh in terms of progressing the issues that he has raised. I am not familiar with some of the situations he raised, but I am happy to talk to him later.

I join with Senator James Reilly in sympathising with the family of the gentleman killed in Swords at the weekend. The loss of life of any person is to be regretted, and in violent circumstances even more so. The issue raised about the Garda is a matter for the Department, the Minister and the Garda authorities. The Senator also raised the very important issue of community policing and the need to have more visibility. I believe that we need to see an increase in and expedition of the civilianisation of An Garda Síochána which would allow more gardaí to be on the street and allow Garda stations to be open and in service in many key areas. Senator Reilly makes reference to Garda stations in his own constituency, but also across the country.

Senator Warfield raised the issue of national cultural institutions. I would be happy to have Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Humphreys, come to the House to debate the matter he raised.

Senator Davitt raised the issue of the housing crisis and the 500 registered housing agencies. The Senator makes a very good point regarding their role and remit, how much money they have and what they actually do. I would be very happy to have that debate in the autumn. The Senator linked it to the issue of the councils. That is a good point. We have the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2017 in the House this week. It is important that we allow for councils, whether it is by way of planning permissions, vacant land or unused buildings, to have a plan in place to quickly turn these around so that we can provide housing.

I am happy to accept Senator Ó Ríordáin's amendment to the Order of Business. Regretfully I cannot accept the amendment from Sinn Féin, but I have issued an invitation to the Taoiseach to come to the House in the autumn.