Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Catherine Noone raised the issue of free GP care and related matters. The potential challenge has been well documented and I will be happy to have the Minister for Health come to the House to discuss the matter. According to my schedule, the public health (alcohol) Bill to which the Senator referred will be before the House in November, although I cannot give Members an exact date. Certainly, this side of the House is not holding it up. Yesterday I attended the policing forum in Cork at which Mr. David Lane of the local drugs and alcohol task force made a very strong presentation on the need for the need for publication of the Bill. As the former Chairman of the Oireachtas committee that dealt the Bill during the pre-legislative scrutiny stage, I very much want to have it enacted. As I said, this side of the House is not delaying it, rather it wants it back in the House as soon as possible. My information this morning was that it would be before the House in November, but I will have to return to Members on the issue.

Senator Frank Feighan raised the issue of social media and referred to the car-jacking in Dublin yesterday. I commend all emergency service personnel, including first responders, and An Garda Síochána for the way they handled the car-jacking and the chase that ensued. It was reckless behaviour that put people's lives at risk. It illustrates the importance of An Garda Síochána and the support we should give it.

Senator Neale Richmond raised the important issue of energy security following the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union. He also referred to the issuing of foreshore licences. I hope we can have a debate on the matter of energy security and welcome the meeting today between the Taoiseach and President Macron. It illustrates the need to build new alliances. As the Senator said, the Franco-Irish relationship is one that must be progressed. As a country, we must make sure we are at the heart of Europe, which is what today's visit was very much about.

Senators Gerry Horkan and Kieran O'Donnell referred to the work of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach.

I welcome Ibrahim Halawa home and thank all Members of the House for their co-operation this afternoon.