Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Gallagher raised the issue of job creation in rural Ireland and the Border counties with which I agree. I am sure he will join with his constituency colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Humphreys, in welcoming the fact that last year 210,443 people were employed in IDA Ireland jobs in this country. It is important to note that when the former Minister, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, was in the Department she was clear about creating jobs outside Dublin and in the regions. That is why I think the Senator will be glad to see that since the period from 2008 to 2010, where we lost 35,000 jobs, we have created more jobs now. I am sure he will join with me in welcoming the fact that today we have 11,469 people, an increase of 4%, employed in the Border region. I agree with him that it is important in the Brexit era to promote, sustain and create jobs in the Border region. I also agree with him that proper broadband, WiFi and connectivity is critical when it comes to allowing people to create jobs. Job creation is a challenging task for IDA Ireland and I agree with him that we need to support and sustain IDA Ireland by providing the necessary connectivity and broadband.

In response to Senator Ó Clochartaigh, I have read the remarks the Ombudsman made about direct provision. I am happy to arrange a debate on the matter. I commend Senator Mac Lochlainn on the role he played as Chair of the petitions committee.

I have addressed the comments made by Senator Conway-Walsh in the context of my reply to the queries about the issues of health.

I fully agree with Senator Paul Daly about escalating insurance premia. The Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy D'Arcy, was in the House before Christmas to discuss the matter. It is a source of concern that the cost of insurance premia has gone through the roof which has forced, as the Senator has said, in some cases, local festivals, organisations or sporting clubs to stop or completely cease. The premia hike has also had a huge impact on small and medium-sized enterprises and businesses. I draw the attention of the House to what Pat McDonagh, chief executive officer and owner of Supermacs, has done for his own companies. We must continually consider and address the cost of insurance premia. Equally, we have a highly litigious society where people sue councils and organisations at the drop of a hat. I will arrange for the relevant Minister to return to the House for a debate.

I agree with Senator Ó Donnghaile that justice and truth are important. I support all sides and believe in cross-community support for all who seek justice, truth and answers to any atrocity that has happened in the North of our country. That applies to all sides of our communities in the North of our country.

Rather than divide the House, I ask Senator Humphreys not to push his amendment to the Order of Business thus allowing me to answer Senator Devine's very important matter. I will not be accepting the amendment if his amendment is put to a vote.