Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let us have that debate again when we see what happens with the GP contract. I advise Senator Gallagher that it is important to acknowledge the importance of the role of GPs in our health system. Nobody has ever not done that.

On behalf of the House, I join Senator Devine in sympathising with the parents and members of families of loved ones, young children, adults, teachers and members of staff who were shot and killed in the tragedy in Florida last night. It is absolutely unacceptable to those of us who do not live in United States of America to see this carnage continue. This is the 18th gun shooting in America this year. It is in the hands of the American authorities to deal with the issue. I know Americans have the right to bear arms under their constitution but there comes a time where vested interests must not be allowed to continue to dominate the debate on the need for change regarding legislation on guns in the US.Vested interests must not be allowed to continue to dominate the need for change in legislation on guns in America. The tragedy and heartbreak in the homes of many people today as they wake up to a new day in Florida is unimaginable to us here. We should ask our Government, as part of the St. Patrick's Day visits across America, to lobby and advocate for gun reform. It is unacceptable that this continues and we should all stand up and say, "Enough is enough".

I missed the second half of the contribution from Senator Norris. I apologise; I did not hear what he said.