Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Lawless raised the very important issue of the human rights of the Rohingya people. The refugee crisis is a damning indictment of the Burmese authorities and a solution must be found immediately. Aung San Suu Kyi has to do more than condemn what is happening because it is within her gift to bring about change. I hope that our Government, through the United Nations, can play a role in providing support to the people to whom the Senator referred. A huge and appalling tragedy is unfolding before our eyes and collective action must be taken.

Senator Grace O'Sullivan raised the issue of Ibrahim Halawa. The delay in his release is unacceptable. I have spoken to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade about the matter. The Minister was also on "The Pat Kenny Show" on Newstalk this morning speaking about the issue. The delay is purely bureaucratic. The Egyptian authorities have taken the view that all of the detainees must be taken together and that they cannot deal with Ibrahim Halawa separately. The Minister and the Government have asked the Egyptian authorities to fast-track his release. There is daily communication between the Irish Government and the Egyptian authorities. We all want to see Ibrahim brought home immediately.

Senator Ó Ríordáin raised the issue of the budget for the Department of Education and Skills as referenced in yesterday's Budget Statement. I am somewhat alarmed that the Senator did not read the Budget Statement. It was the biggest budget for education in the history of the State.