Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to accept Senator Gallagher's proposed amendment to the Order of Business. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, has been before the House to deal with the fodder crisis issue in the past. I am happy to have the debate as the point the Senator raises is a valid one.

Senator James Reilly referred to Sparkassen banks and also to the fraudulent phone calls issue. The advice is not to return the calls and I welcome the fact that 3 has blocked the number. It is important to provide a mechanism whereby vulnerable citizens are prevented from having to return those calls.

Senator Devine referred to credit unions on international credit union day. I do not have the information on the specific issue she raised to hand but I will be happy to have the Minister revert to her.

Senator Black referred to the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill. I know she had to leave but it is a pity she did not talk to her colleagues. We hope to have the Bill back in the House after the mid-term break. The sittings of the House are a matter for the House and it ill behoves Members to come in and be critical of what we do. There are enough people doing that. We do not have to sit three days, two days or one day. It is for us to determine our schedule. We do not mirror the Dáil. If one looks at the timetable or agenda for the Dáil, one will see that there are built-in set pieces around Question Time, Leaders' Questions and the Order of Business which we do not have. If one strips that away, what happens in the Dáil is no different from what happens here.

every week to agree business. We have made provision for additional Private Members' business. We have tried to be inclusive. If Members have other ideas, that is fine. There is no point enacting legislation that is flawed and going nowhere. That would not serve the House well. The alcohol Bill is important. It is not being blocked or held up by me or the Government. We must ensure that the Bill as drafted can be passed and enacted to benefit people. I agree with Senator Black on the need for a collective response to the issue of alcohol and the misuse of alcohol.

I have already responded to the points raised by Senators Lombard and Wilson.

Senator Burke raised the important point of costs in relation to flying out of Dublin. I agree it is an issue on which we need to have a debate.

In regard to the point raised by Senator McDowell, I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House for a debate on the local property tax. I note that the matter was the subject of a newsletter issued to people the Senator purports to represent. However, the point raised by the Senator is an important one and I would be happy to ask the Minister to come to the House for that debate.

On the point raised by Senator Warfield, I do not have information on the status of the review. This Government, like the previous Government, is committed to the rights of transgender people. I am happy to discuss with the Senator how we can have that matter progressed. It is to be welcomed that we have a Minister who is so supportive. Equally, the work being done by Senator Warfield is commendable.

Senator Byrne raised the issue of the ESRI report produced by Emer Smyth. It is an important report which points to the importance of mindfulness and well-being in our schools and the relationships and synergies that can be built up.

In regard to the point raised by Senator Ruane, I was not aware that the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, had made those remarks. The Government is committed to legislating for and funding initiatives to tackle sexual abuse and violence. Legislation in this area has been already passed in this House and there is further legislation coming down the tracks. While I can follow up on the matter, the Senator might get a quicker response if she tables it for discussion as a Commencement matter. I am happy to discuss the matter further with the Senator.

On the point raised by Senator Murnane O'Connor, we are all agreed on the need for equality of opportunity for men and women although the Senator raised the issue of women in particular in terms of pay and so on. I would be happy to work with her to advance that issue.

I would appreciate it if Senator Ó Clochartaigh could defer his motion because the Minister is not available today.