Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Methinks the Senator protests too much. I cannot wait to read the Sunday Business Postnext Sunday to see his reply.

I thank Senator Grace O'Sullivan in her absence, for which she apologised as she had to leave, for her very nice postcard over the summer to all Members of the House. I thought it was a very personal touch and assured us even in a small way the importance of the post office and the stamp.

Senator Ó Ríordáin raised the very sensitive and tragic issue of the sad passing of Gavin Coyne and the issue of cardiac care of children. I would be happy to have that debate in the House. I sympathise with the family and I am sure we will all join in the debate so that we can improve the services and situation regarding young children in particular.

Senator Lombard raised the issue of the structure of local government in Cork. All of us from Cork recognise the importance of the Mackinnon report. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House. Where we all find agreement is on the need to have the Mackinnon report acted upon, to reach an agreement on what is best for the city and county of Cork and to progress the structure of local government in a way that is beneficial to the development of Cork city and county. Nobody wants to see an escalation or continuation of the debate. What we need now is pragmatic compromise and discussion in a meaningful, polite and respectful manner whereby we can put aside our individual or personal differences and recognise the importance of Cork for its people and as a region of growth, employment, tourism and business. I hope we can do that in a sensible and very formal way.

Senator Leyden raised the very important issue of Brexit and the Northern Ireland Executive. I would be very happy to have that debate. Regarding the Senator's point about the Executive, I certainly hope the DUP and Sinn Féin can agree on going back into government. We have been without an Executive for too long. I very much hope that Deputy Adams's remarks at the weekend where he said that Sinn Féin are open to going back into government were not just rhetoric but were meaningful and that we can get both sides, who have been engaged in talks in the background, to come to the table with a final result because it is important. As Senator Leyden rightly noted, now that we are entering into the critical part of Brexit talks, it is vital that the voice of people in Northern Ireland is heard by democratically elected politicians. I know Senator Conway-Walsh will bring those remarks back.

Senator Mullen referred to Saudi Arabia. We all welcome the movement towards equality in all parts of the world and I am glad that the Senator is now very able to articulate the views of women in Saudi Arabia.