Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Craughwell also referred to Brexit, which we discussed yesterday in the House. Senator Feighan spoke about the decision this morning by Mr. Barnier. From our perspective Brexit is about the island of Ireland. Nobody in this Chamber or in the Government wants to see a return to the hard border. The Taoiseach was right yesterday to paint a picture of what could happen.

I made the comment yesterday in this House that it ill-behoves Deputy Donnelly or Deputy Martin to play politics with Brexit. It is about wearing the green jersey and having one voice and standing up for all our people. I know the Senator was in Brussels yesterday and Monday. There is a need to see a committed, unified opinion on Brexit from our perspective. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, was in the House yesterday for statements on Northern Ireland and today we will have statements on the future of Europe with the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee. It is important that we keep beating the drum of there being no return to a hard border, and that we do not bend in any way in that regard. The Government has been strong in its position in that regard.

Senator Gavan raised the issue of child care and child care workers. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, has secured a significant increase in the budget for the provision of resources in the child care area. All of us accept that wages in the child care sector are low and we want that to change. The issue is creating a barrier to recruitment in the child care sector and retention of staff is also a problem. We are very lucky with the extraordinary quality of staff we have in the child care sector. Having secured increased capitation levels in the budget the Minister is of the view that it will assist employers to improve conditions for their staff. In addition, we all recognise that the situation cannot be sorted out in one go but that it will take time. This is the second budget where there has been an increase in funding. Equally, the Minister has set up an independent review of the cost of delivering quality child care, which I hope will allow for more investment in child care and child care providers and that the investment will be passed on to child care workers. I share Senator Gavan's view that we need to do more in that regard. I will work with him on the issue because it is important. I already mentioned his comment on pensions.

Senator Higgins referred to gender and equality proofing in the budget and tax relief. I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House to discuss those matters. I note that this week the equality budgeting campaign, which was set up in 2012, has stood itself down, in part because it has achieved its goal of having the Government committed to equality budgeting, and the Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight has been set up. We all want to see equality proofing of budgets. It is important that we keep that to the forefront and that we promote such an aim. I would be happy to have such a debate in the House in the coming weeks.

Senators Boyhan, Ó Domhnaill and Kieran O'Donnell referred to stamp duty on agricultural land. Stamp duty relief is still available to farmers aged under 35. Young farmers will not be affected. It is something that should be addressed in the Finance Bill. Stamp duty has increased from 2% to 6% but it was at 9%. The Minister is aware of the issues that were raised following the budget announcement. Senator Ó Domhnaill said that perhaps the Minister was not prepared to move from what he said in his speech last night but many people in this House and in the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party have raised the matter with him. The mechanism is to ensure we look after the family farm and rural areas and that we continue to allow people to invest and attract people to stay and live in rural areas. The Finance Bill may provide a mechanism which will act as a resolution to that matter.

Senator Boyhan referred to child care and social workers. There has been an increase in funding to Tusla as well which will allow for further employment in that area. I am pleased to clarify that issue for him.

Senators Maria Byrne and Martin Conway raised the fact that it is World Sight Day. I compliment Senator Conway on his role as an excellent ambassador and advocate for people with sight impairments. He has been to the fore in leading the campaign. I am pleased the Taoiseach launched the report yesterday. It is important that we recognise the world is changing and there are so many ways in which we can work with and improve the lives of people with visual impairment. Senator Conway's leadership in the area is a testament to the need for all of us to work in a collaborative manner. The point he and Senator Byrne made is important. Equally, I encourage Members to attend the screening today for diabetes organised by Senator Noone. Some of us might be afraid to be tested but it is about prevention rather than reaction. Senator Ó Domhnaill is testament to powerful living in terms of fitness, health and well-being. It is important that we would attend the screening so I encourage Members to participate today as it is about prevention.

I congratulate Senator Feighan on the sleep trainer. I was looking at Senator Gavan who was smiling. I wondered whether he had many sleep-deprived nights himself.