Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think the point the Senator makes is a very good one.

We need to continue such an initiative across the country. At that formative time in young people's lives, they are listening and hearing about road safety and it lands in their mind. I know from my time as a transition year teacher, it is a very important module in terms of road safety. I very much encourage the Senator to pursue that, perhaps with the Department.

Strangely, I agree with the point made by Senator Ó Donnghaile on Béal Feirste and Doire mar Phríomhchathair Chultúir na hEorpa. I very much agree with Senator Ó Donnghaile that there is a need for us to support Belfast and Derry as European capitals of culture.I know from Cork, my home city which had the distinction of being the European Capital of Culture, that the title brings significant economic and tourism benefits to a city. In the case of Belfast and Derry, it would be a fantastic statement. I will support any initiative which would result in all of our island remaining part of the European Union. While there are clearly disagreements about what will happen, we should champion this wonderful idea. I will be pleased to lend my support to it, having seen the benefits that the title of European Capital of Culture delivered for Cork.

I am at a loss regarding the matter raised by Senator Murnane O'Connor as it is an issue I am not familiar with. Perhaps the Senator will receive a timely response if she raises the issue as a Commencement matter. I do not understand the issue, nor do I understand the reasons for it given the positive and proactive changes in the area of child care announced in the budget.

Strangely, I also agree with Senator Ó Clochartaigh on the pertinent point he made regarding mother and baby homes.