Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mark Daly's point on repeat offenders and those on bail is a valid one and we must give it huge consideration. According to the statistics and reports, it is those repeat offenders who are committing a huge number of offences. I am glad Senators Mark Daly and Coghlan have reached an agreement of sorts on the national anthem, which is a matter for the Seanad Public Consultation Committee. I am happy to allow the Members to resolve that there but it is important we get back to work on it.

Senator James Reilly referred to the capital infrastructure plan and the need for a road upgrade at Mooretown in Swords. That is a point to which we will return. The Senator also referred to the report of the National Competitiveness Council. The former Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, always took the view that he wanted to make Ireland the best small country in the world in which to do business and it is important to continue with that work.

Senators Mullen and Conway referred to the story of the lady in Galway. I am not familiar with that matter but the role of the Garda National Immigration Bureau is to implement the State's immigration policy and I hope it does not make it up on the hoof. We would be happy to get clarity on that.

Senator McFadden referred to the report of the Law Reform Commission on harmful communications and digital safety.I commend her for her contribution yesterday and performance this morning on radio. I will be happy to arrange a debate on the issue in the new term.

Senator Máire Devine made reference to the issue of mental health. The Government has increased the funding for mental health services from €826 million to €853 million in 2017. Some 11,000 staff have been recruited, reflecting the priority the Government attaches to mental health services. A committee of both Houses of the Oireachtas has been established to deal with them, while the Seanad Public Consultation Committee has produced a report on the issue. Therefore, it is wrong to suggest money is not being put into the services or that priority is not being given to them. I accept, however, that we have a road to travel. They have been the Cinderella of the health service for a long time, but the Government is prioritising them and we will I hope see a return. Yesterday Senator Colm Burke referred to the decrease in the number of people dying by suicide. The decrease is to be welcomed.

Senator Tim Lombard raised the issue of farm safety. At this time of year there is a lot of activity on farms involving agricultural contractors. In the last Seanad Senator Martin Conway was rapporteurin the production of an excellent report on farm safety. I appeal to everybody to take care in the use of farm machinery in what is a very dangerous time of the year.

On a partisan and parochial note, I welcome the reopening of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and the investment in the facility made by the previous Government. Many Senators will be there on Saturday and Sunday. It is a fantastic venue and I commend all involved.

Senator Robbie Gallagher raised the issue of a fair deal scheme in farming. The Government is carrying out a review and this and other proposals are being considered. We will come back to them in the autumn.

Senator Colm Burke made reference to the report of the Health Insurance Authority on older people who are paying more. We have a system of community rating under which the same price should apply to everybody, with the same benefits, irrespective of age. It is about equality. We will have a debate on the issue in the next session.

Senator Fintan Warfield referred to the report of a joint committee which was published yesterday and which I welcome as it put culture at the heart of government. The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Heather Humphreys, has done a fine job and there has been a debate on arts and culture. In the context of Creative Ireland and the centenary celebrations, there is a need for a national conversation on the importance of culture which I will be happy to hold in the new term. It is important that we arrange debates on the reports of joint committees. The debate on Brexit was a good example of what we should be doing.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell raised the issue of antisocial behaviour. He is quite right - a small minority take up an inordinate amount of Garda time. I will be happy for the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to discuss the issue.

Senator Colm Burke referred to palliative care patients being asked to pass through emergency departments. It is preposterous in this day and age that patients undergoing treatment have to pass through emergency departments at such an emotional and traumic time. The last thing they should have to do is present at an emergency department and be made sit in a waiting room before being admitted. It is inhumane. I support the idea of a changie. I will be happy to have a debate on the issue in the new term.

Senator Michelle Mulherin asked for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, to come to the House. The Minister comes to the House more frequently than most Ministers and was here this morning. Transport is important and the issue raised by the Senator was discussed on the Order of Business yesterday. The also referred to Knock airport, on which we will have a debate at another stage.

I am glad that Senator Paul Coghlan and Senator Mark Daly reached agreement.

I thank all Members for their personal courtesy and endeavours. I thank the staff of the Seanad Office, including Carol, Niamh, Bridget and Martin, for their professionalism, dedication and courtesy. I thank the Cathaoirleach and his staff, including Aisling, for their patience, courtesy and good humour. I thank the ushers, the stenographers who transcribe what we say and the staff who push the buttons to cut us off or turn on the microphones. I also thank the men and women responsible for the processing of votes and I thank everybody who assists in the Seanad. When people talk about democracy and parliamentary democracy, they forget about people such as those in the Bills Office, the canteen, the stationery office and in Members' offices who work very anti-social hours. I thank everybody. As Senator Wilson rightly said, it is an extraordinary privilege for Members to be here. Unlike Senator Leyden, I ask all Senators to take a well-earned rest over the summer and to attend at the Ceramics Room on Tuesday 26 September refreshed and ready to fight the battle on behalf of constituents-----