Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Humphreys and Boyhan made reference to housing, Rebuilding Ireland and affordability. I would be happy to have the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, come to the House in regard to the matter.

Senators Paddy Burke and Feighan made reference to the articles written by Joe Brolly in regard to Peadar Heffron. It is disturbing to read those articles, and disappointing to hear that there has been complete silence by his own club. As a member of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, I recognise the importance of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael in society. It certainly behoves, as Senator Feighan said, mediation and interaction. Some Members in this House are quick to come in and speak on issues. Their silence this morning in support of Senators Paddy Burke and Feighan is alarming.

This is a man who made a decision to join a police force in the interests of reconciliation and building community. It was heartening, as a GAA person, to see the PSNI advertise in the all-Ireland final programme this year for recruitment. It is heartening to see members of the nationalist community joining the PSNI. It is through this type of endeavour that we can bring and further augment the work of reconciliation. There is an obligation on all of us to ensure that the wrong done to Peadar Heffron is rectified. I would encourage all Members to read the articles because they make for stark reading. It is not about somebody who is left or right, or nationalist or Protestant. This is a person who wants to make a contribution to society and there is an obligation on all of us to work to ensure that he and his family receive retribution in terms of the apology, as Senator Paddy Burke said. It is important that we all work in a collective way to achieve that.

In response to Senator Leyden, rural crime is coming down. The figures speak for themselves.