Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My information is that this will be a full military ceremony in keeping with other military ceremonies. I am not sure where Senator Craughwell's information is coming from but I will be happy to bring it to the attention of the Minister of State at the Department of Defence.

I congratulate Senator Reilly because he was very proactive in pushing for the European Investment Bank. He has been able to announce the good news in terms of Fingal County Council. Equally both Senators Reilly and Butler have been to the fore in raising the issue of the local authority rates.

Senator Devine raised the very important issue of gambling and the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy David Stanton, has been very active in meeting the different stakeholders in progressing the Gambling Control Bill 2013. As the Senator rightly said, technology is changing the face of gambling daily.The face of gambling is being changed daily by technology. Just yesterday, I was walking on the streets of Cork and overheard a conversation between a couple. They were talking about what they could get back from a €10 stake on their phones. It left me boggled. It was a conversation between two people on the streets of Cork about gambling. It set my mind thinking about the effect this issue was having on their lives. If they were having a conversation about online gambling on their phones, what effect was it having on them? I join with Senator Devine on that issue. I will have a debate in the House and an update from the Minister of State, Deputy David Stanton, in that regard. We need to address the issue of gambling as a matter of urgency. We saw the House almost united on the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015. We need a similar approach on gambling. It needs to be addressed urgently and I join with the Senator on that issue.

Senator Maria Byrne also raised the issue of rents, Limerick and the European Investment Bank. I commend her on her work on the issue. I know tomorrow will be a good day in Limerick. Senator Gavan raised the issue of section 39 organisations. It is an issue with which we are all very preoccupied. I think he will join with me in supporting the FEMPI legislation which will reverse pay cuts and which I am sure will have a beneficial effect on members of staff in section 39 organisations. My view is very simple. The workers deserve equal pay and deserve to be treated fairly. I will work with any Member of the House to ensure that happens. Government has increased funding to section 39 organisations. It is for all us to ensure that those organisations, institutions and charities ensure that their workers are properly paid accordingly. I am happy to work with anyone to see that happen.