Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We hope that Senator Norris stays with us for many more years. His work and legacy will be remembered and admired by all. Go raibh míle maith agat.

Senators Craughwell, Wilson, McFadden and Murnane-O'Connor raised the issue of the Defence Forces. It is regrettable that there are members of the Defence Forces and their families outside the gates of the Oireachtas today. However, it is worth setting the record straight in so far as there has been a record level of recruitment in recent times, with 800 people recruited this year. This is the second year in a row that there has been a cadet class of 100. Last year, more people joined the Defence Forces than left it and Senator Craughwell should remember that. The pay rates for members of the Defence Forces have begun to increase.

When Senators speak about the Defence Forces it is important to remember and acknowledge the role that those men and women play in our country and across the world. I acknowledge and pay tribute to them and their families for the service they have given. They are entitled to pay restoration, which is taking place, and pay increases, which are being made and will continue to be made. It is equally important to recognise that the Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe, and the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, are committed to resolving the issues raised by many Senators this morning and on an ongoing basis. In the context of the members of the Defence Forces who, unfortunately, are in receipt of family income supplement, although we accept none should be, only 1.3% of the Defence Forces are currently in receipt of it. Let us, and Senators Craughwell and Leyden in particular, be objective about this.I could take a party political position on this issue but I will not do so because it relates to the Defence Forces for whom we have great respect. We want pay restoration to continue. It is important, therefore, that we continue to work collectively to ensure this is achieved and the Defence Forces are given due recognition. I remember when family members of Defence Forces members ran in general elections against Senator Leyden's party. He should cast his mind back to that.

I accept Senator Paul Daly's amendment to the Order of the Business. While I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House to debate the important matter the Senator raised, he cannot do so today. I ask the Senator to accept a debate on the issue on Tuesday instead.

Senator Mark Daly referred to rural development, GLAS payments and the need to reform the Common Agricultural Policy. Certain remarks were attributed to the agriculture Commissioner, Mr. Phil Hogan. I would be happy to have a debate on the issue in the coming weeks. I will not give a long-winded answer on the issues the Senator raised but it will be important to have a debate.

I join Senators Bacik, Gavan and Norris in condemning the tweets, remarks and inferences of President Trump. This type of rhetoric, whether in a tweet, comment or speech, has no place in society or a modern democracy. We must promote integration and brotherhood and sisterhood, rather than dividing nations and people. The remarks were ill-tempered and have no place in politics. All of us should condemn them and I am glad Prime Minister May condemned them this morning. It beggars belief that President Trump can be allowed to continue to make such remarks. I know we live in a democracy and we have freedom of speech and thought but the President's behaviour was outlandish. I have no interest in seeing anyone trying to condone it because it cannot be condoned.

Senators O'Reilly, Paul Daly and Feighan raised the issue of Brexit, on which I will be pleased to facilitate a debate. I was endeavouring to have a debate on Brexit next week but the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, will be away next week. Perhaps we can find a means of having this important debate, which was outlined very well in the contributions of Senators. The Brexit negotiations are critical to the country. As we all know, the issue of the island of Ireland is fundamentally important in the negotiations and Irish people, North and South, and the Government are very cognisant of this. We cannot place in jeopardy the cross-Border co-operation taking place in 141 separate areas. We cannot put North-South relations and the entire island at risk. I commend Senators on offering their support on this issue and on the positive, affirming and determined rhetoric they used this morning. This is about us, as a nation, North and South, standing together from the point of view of trade, integration and people. For example, 40% of the milk processed in Ireland goes back and forth across the Border and 100,000 cattle cross the Border to be finished. Brexit will have profound impacts on economics, tourism, Border communities and the island as a whole. I will try to arrange a debate for next week or the week after.

I join Senators, in particular, Senator Lombard, on congratulating my colleague and friend, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Simon Coveney, on his appointment as Tánaiste. His appointment is a tremendous honour for him personally, the Fine Gael Party in Cork South-Central, of which both he and I are members, and County Cork. The county now has its second Tánaiste, after the late Peter Barry. I will not go as far as Senator O'Sullivan in calling for another Cork man to be Taoiseach. I hope the Taoiseach and Tánaiste will continue in their roles and the latter will be joined in the Dáil by a willing accomplice and candidate in Cork South-Central. The appointment is a tremendous honour for the Tánaiste and his family and I congratulate him, Ruth, his wife, and members of his extended family.

I also wish the Minister, Deputy Josepha Madigan, every success in her new role. She is a formidable and excellent Member of the Lower House where she has, as previous speakers stated, made a significant contribution. I wish her well. I also congratulate the new Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Heather Humphreys, on her appointment. Given the importance of Brexit, her position in an economic Ministry highlights the need for continuing dialogue on the Border region. I wish her well in that regard.

I will be happy to have a debate on electricity, as requested by Senator Paddy Burke.

Senator Gabrielle McFadden raised a disturbing issue related to Simon Community accommodation in the midlands. Perhaps it would be addressed quicker if raised as a Commencement matter but I will try to arrange a debate.

I join SenatorÓ Donnghaile in congratulating Gaelic Voices for Change on its sleep-out to highlight the issue of homelessness. We should all highlight this important issue, on which we can expect the Government to take further action. Visibility is also required.

Senator Mullen raised the licence fee and RTÉ. He has raised this issue previously and I am aware that the former Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Pat Rabbitte, considered the possibility of introducing a broadcasting charge. I do not necessarily agree with the Senator on the issue of "Fair City" because it is important that we have home produced drama and other productions, not least because they create employment for people in the arts community. However, the Senator makes a good point on the use of the television licence fee. I do not fully agree with RTÉ's editorial policy or production ideas but it is important that, as the State broadcaster, the organisation is independent. If I am correct, the Senator asked that we examine how RTÉ spends income from the licence fee. In the modern era, people use various devices such as iPads and smartphones to watch television. I will probably be accused of being a spoilsport but perhaps we need to consider reducing the licence fee and having a different type of fee. The Government is examining this issue on which we need to have a debate. I accept the point the Senator made.

Senator Murnane O'Connor raised the important issue of domestic violence, specifically violence by men against women and the white ribbon campaign. We all agree on the need to eradicate domestic violence. In recent weeks, we have seen controversies involving behaviour that we cannot condone. This matter is also of major importance. The House had a strong debate on the Domestic Violence Bill and it is important that we work to eliminate all types of mistreatment or inequality.

On the day that we pay tribute to Senator Norris, we also remember Patrick Kavanagh. I was tempted earlier to quote to Senator Norris the following line from Kavanagh that I like - "Every old man I see in October-coloured weather" - but I did not wish to suggest he is in an old man.