Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 20 Members of the House for their contributions to the Order of Business. I join with Senator Ardagh in commending the Ask for Angela campaign. I support and endorse it and advocate for its roll-out across the country. Senator Ardagh in her contribution made reference to the television programme "First Dates Ireland" and the success that it is. While I think it is important people move beyond the "First Dates Ireland" programme, Senator Ardagh is correct there are dates and incidences that go very badly wrong and where the woman is the vulnerable victim. I hope the point Senator Ardagh has raised this morning on the Order of Business will emanate beyond this Chamber because it is an important issue we must highlight, articulate and advocate. I congratulate her and thank her for raising the matter. I was not aware of the campaign and I certainly think that we, as a House, should support and endorse it. The programme "First Dates Ireland" perhaps sets a false picture because it is done under the guise of a television programme but, as Senator Ardagh said, there are incidences where people are victims and are vulnerable. We saw an example yesterday where a young man was lured to a situation where two other men beat him up and they were brought before the courts. They had created a false profile on a dating app and this young man was then beaten and severely injured. What Senator Ardagh is raising is an important issue and I support her wholeheartedly.

I join with Senators Ardagh and Conway in condemning the murder of any citizen of our country. Senator Ardagh raised the issue of the 15th gangland murder yesterday. Senators Conway and Ardagh made reference to what the Government has been doing in Limerick and Dublin. It is important to recognise that the Government has increased resources. Almost €100 million has been made available by the Government to the Garda for overtime to support ongoing operations in regard to gangland crime. To take the example of the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB, and the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act, the Government has enacted new legislation to further target criminal activities. We have also given additional power to the Garda for the immediate seizure of assets of those who are suspected of being involved in crime to prevent those assets being disposed of. It is also important to consider the armed support unit where, at the request of the Garda Commissioner, in 2016 the Government moved to strengthen Garda resources to deal with gangland crime in Dublin. The armed support unit for the Dublin metropolitan region, which was launched in 2016, is now operational 24-7. In addition, the Government has created a special task force under the acting Garda Commissioner to target organised crime. It is also important to say there are members of our communities who have information on gangland crime and those involved and they should come forward to support and assist the Garda in regard to the matter of organised crime, which has no place in our society.

Senator Ó Céidigh made reference to RTÉ and the Minister, Deputy Naughten's strategy for the national broadcaster. I would be very happy to have the debate in the House. Tugaim mo thacaíocht don Seanadóir Ó Céidigh maidir lena mholadh iarratas a dhéanamh don Choiste um Nós Imeachta agus Pribhléidí ar lá iomlán don Ghaeilge. I would be happy to support any initiative we could take at the CPP to support the Irish language and the use of the Seanad in promoting it. I am sure we will be able to have a discussion on that at the CPP.

Senator Nash raised the issue of the delays with the rural housing guidelines. Many of my colleagues on the Fine Gael side of the House have been raising that matter at the parliamentary party level and with Ministers. It is a matter for the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy. I am sure that, as part of the national planning framework, we will have that decision soon. I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House.

Senator Devine raised the matter of the motion which the Chair ruled out of order and Senator Humphreys then jumped in to propose an amendment to the Order of Business. I spoke to Senator Devine before the commencement of the Order of Business. I am slow to divide the House because I share the view, and I think the memo went out to Sinn Féin in order that they would all come in and speak on it this morning-----