Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There was no ambiguity in my position, Senator Boyhan.

Senator Lombard spoke about the WiFi4EU programme. It is important that all local authorities, the Government and the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, get on board with this programme. Yesterday, President Juncker spoke about connectivity in every village and city by 2020. I hope that we can do that.

Senator Mac Lochlainn raised the issue of asylum seekers in Lisdoonvarna. All of us accept that we have a duty to take in refugees and to make them welcome here. I am not familiar with the details of the case in Lisdoonvarna but I am certain that the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, as a former Chairman of the justice committee and a person with huge interest in this area is working with the Department on this issue. The Senator might get a speedier response were he to table a Commencement matter on the issue. All of us recognise that we must people who come to our country with respect and dignity and that is what, I am sure, the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, is endeavouring to do in this case. As I said, I am not familiar with the case.

Senator Butler raised the issue of hospital parking charges. I congratulate the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, on being the first Minister to examine the issue of hospital parking charges. To be fair, Senator Noone raised the matter here long the current furore about it. It is important that there is recognition of the reason family members visit hospitals. Some hospitals provide a voucher to the families of people who are in cancer treatment. It is important to acknowledge that the review is under way.

I join with Senator Butler in congratulating the staff in the Athboy post office on their decision to return to work immediately and in wishing the innocent member of the public well in his recovery.

Senator Norris also raised the issue of European Court of Human Rights decision. The other matter raised by the Senator is one for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

Senators Gallagher and Burke raised the issue of general practitioners, who play a critical role in our health system. It is important that a new GP contract is signed immediately. We also need an increase in capacity and to bring about reform. Senator Gallagher has become a little absent-minded in his outlook in life in respect of his contributions on the Order of Business of late. He is coming to the Chamber with rose-tinted glasses. He should look upon the FEMPI cuts imposed by his own party and the way in which they decimated the health system when Fianna Fáil was in government. Now we are seeing an increase in the number of training places and a recruitment campaign. However, I recognise that we have a way to go and should see a reversal of FEMPI and pay restoration for our GPs, who are at the vanguard of what is done in the health system. Primary care is important, and it is important, as I said earlier, that the talks, including the contract talks, begin immediately and do not become an prolonged talking shop. Our GPs deserve pay restoration and improved pay and conditions. If we are to give due recognition to reform in our health system, our GPs must be part of that and we need that done immediately.