Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will not refer to anybody but will say it of us all collectively. What we say and how we say it is heard, does implicate us and has an import. It is important we choose our words carefully. Sometimes we do not do that but we should.

Senator Colm Burke referred to health and I welcome the good news he gave of the reduction in numbers of those who have taken their own lives. The problems for men need to be addressed. There was a good item on "Morning Ireland" this morning about men's sheds in Mullingar and the need for men to look after themselves. There are many organisations providing supports and services for those with mental health problems. No person should feel alone, isolated or vulnerable. It is important to talk, seek advice and help. I appeal to all people but particularly men, as Senator Burke said, to reach out, talk and engage. He also referred to the 64% reduction in teenage pregnancies in 15 years. It is an extraordinary decrease. He also referred to orphan drugs and people with rare diseases trying to access medication, an issue that has raised its head in recent weeks. The Health Service Executive, HSE, must address this and I would be happy to work with him on that.

Senator Davitt's remarks were among the most sensible contributions in the House for a long time about An Garda Síochána. It is important to reaffirm the work done by our rank and file.

I mentioned Senators Lawless and Black, and yesterday the national alcohol strategy was discussed on the Order of Business.

In response to Senator Mulherin's comments on climate change and the national mitigation plan, it is important to have a realistic, reasonable and rational debate on renewable energy, farming and business, and the costs, notwithstanding that we have commitments to live up to.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell mentioned Airbnb and the Canadian model. The former Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs and data protection, Deputy Dara Murphy, following a request from Senator Humphreys, was considering Airbnb but we should consider it again. I would be happy to have a debate in the House on that issue.

I am happy to accept Senator Ó Ríordáin's amendment to the Order of Business. In the interests of cooperation and the spirit of bipartisanship we should all address the issue of Seanad reform but not as if it was the first fence in the Grand National, as a race to see who can get what. It is a question of how we can do so in a manner that can progress the need for reform. I accept both amendments and thank the Senators for them.