Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Richmond, Wilson and McDowell also raised the issue of the future of Europe. I would be very happy to have that debate and it is important that we have that debate. I agree wholeheartedly with Senator McDowell in the context of some of the "Johnny come latelies" and the movement towards federalism. The Senator is right. The remarks of President Macron on Monday were very hostile to what we stand for and what we want to see in this country in terms of the EU. I agree with the Senator on a personal level. I very much want to have that debate. I think Senators Wilson and Richmond are right. I would be very happy to invite the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, to come to the House to discuss that issue separately from the issue of Brexit. It is a debate that we should have in the short term.

Senator Mac Lochlainn raised the issue of flooding in Donegal. I again thank the emergency services, the first responders and the local communities in Donegal for their response and their work regarding the desperate plight of many residents in Donegal. Of course, things can be done better, as the Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, said in the Dáil last night but the Government responded and was very proactive regarding the issue of flooding. I would be very happy to take Senator Mac Lochlainn's comments back but I reiterate that there are schemes available for home owners, community groups and sporting and voluntary organisations. The closing date for applications for funding is 30 September. The point made by the Senator is that irrespective of politics, we need to see how we can respond better in all situations to tragedies.

Senator Norris referred to the issue of entitlements, expenses, letters and envelopes. This is an issue for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission and the Seanad CPP, so I will leave it at that.

Senator Coghlan raised the issue of the Valentia Island ferry. He might be best placed to raise it as a Commencement matter but I would be happy to allow for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to come to the House.

Senator Gallagher raised the issue of the report of the review group on industrial relations structures in An Garda Síochána, which was presented to the Government this week. The Government has considered the report and has approved the drafting of legislation that will, when internal industrial relations mechanisms are in place, give the Garda Association access, by right, to the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court. It will be a priority for the Government. The issue of Garda strikes is a contentious and sensitive one. My personal view is that gardaí should not be allowed to go on strike; they are defenders of the State. I would, however, be happy to have the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to discuss the legislation when it is ready. I commend the working group chaired by Mr. John Murphy, which made a number of recommendations on the future of industrial relations for An Garda Síochána.

Senator Maria Byrne congratulated Birdhill on its success in the all-Ireland TidyTowns competition. We all join her in congratulating Birdhill. I congratulate Carrigaline and Douglas on their final results in the competition and I commend all who were involved in it. It is volunteers who go out on many a wet and horrible morning cleaning, planting and tending to local public spaces. I commend them on that.

I would be happy to have the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, come to the House regarding University Hospital Limerick, which has grown exponentially. Senator Maria Byrne has raised this on many occasions here.

Senator Warfield asked for a debate on youth and their future role in our country. I would be happy to have that. I commend all those who work with youth groups. Unfortunately, we could not get to the Mansion House this morning to the showcase on youth work. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Katherine Zappone, was in attendance. I commend all who were involved and thank them for their work.

Senator Butler raised the very important issue of the growth of shopping centres and white goods stores on the peripheries of towns and urban areas, including Cork city. The Senator has made a very good point in that we need to incentivise people to come into our large towns and cities, such as Cork city. Cork City Council has incentivised parking for the period up to Christmas, whereby we will see free car parking in certain cark parks in the morning and also late at night. There will also be a park-and-ride facility for six weeks. Senator Butler is correct that there needs to be a progressive campaign to attract people back into our large towns, which were the heartbeat and hub of rural Ireland. Unfortunately, in some cases, because of planning, we have allowed shopping centres to emerge on the peripheries. I would be happy to have the debate.

I thank the Senators for their contributions. We have many requests for debates and we will endeavour, in the coming weeks, to have them put on the clár.