Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Sometimes I would love to show a graph showing how many times people had voted with the Government or opposed it for the sake of opposition. It would be good but we will not go there today.

On the Bill yesterday, to be fair to the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, he said that the Bill was commenced in 2015. The International Protection Act was reviewed by the Council of State and was not referred to the Supreme Court by the President. He made the point that it needed to be bedded in. There was commentary on the Bill yesterday that was misleading and should be clarified later, but as Senator Mullen rightly said yesterday, we need to ensure that we are an island of welcome and we receive people and understand the importance of allowing people to come into the country to take refuge.We will ensure that continues.

As someone who taught on the applied leaving certificate course, I join Senator Craughwell in expressing concern about this very valuable part of the education system. I note that Senator Wilson worked previously with Youthreach and students who might not necessarily have been involved in mainstream education. Alternative education through Youthreach and the applied leaving certificate examination must continue to be championed and pursued. There are people who would otherwise be lost in the education system who stay there and are now offered the opportunity to go on to gainful employment. I subscribe fully to Senator Craughwell's view on the issue as it affects County Leitrim. I am disappointed to hear about the issue relating to the applied leaving certificate and now Youthreach. This is predominantly a matter for the ETB but it is something on which we need to have a debate. Equally, I am surprised to hear unqualified people are being offered career guidance positions.

Senator Paddy Burke referred to the capital investment plan on which I would be very happy to have a debate in the new term. It is important that would should have that debate in advance of the budget. It is about ensuring infrastructure development takes place on an equal basis across the regions.

Senator Ó Donnghaile referred to the case of Emma DeSouza. It is disturbing that an Irish passport holder cannot gain admission. Not least, it is a breach of the Good Friday Agreement. It is a matter we need to take up. I would be happy to talk to the Senator about it again. I am not familiar with all the details of the case, but there is a need to resolve the situation. It is disappointing to hear.

Senator Higgins referred to the Higher Education Authority report on academia and we can have a debate on that in the new term.

We have discussed the national drugs and alcohol strategy twice this week but Senator O'Reilly makes a very good point about the policing dimension and the need for Garda Síochána drugs units. While we have them in many areas, Senator O'Reilly referred to the personal story. It is the personal and human story of the drug addict and his or her family that resonates with people. It is not about statistics but about human persons and the effects on family and communities. I would be happy to have that debate. The Minister of State with responsibility in this area, Deputy Catherine Byrne, is willing to come to the House to take part in such a debate in the next session.

We have had debates on the VAT rate on numerous occasions. I share Senator Gavan's view and my position on the matter has always been clear. While I recognise the importance of the tourism sector and the employment and revenue it generates, that does not mean people can abdicate their responsibilities to workers in particular. I would be happy to have a debate on the matter in the new term.

Senator Mark Daly referred to electronic tagging and repeat offenders. I am mindful of the great call from the former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, John O'Donoghue, for zero tolerance and I wonder where that went in the Fianna Fáil manifesto. It did not last too long.