Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Conway-Walsh and Bacik noted that we have made progress in our jurisdiction. There is a duty and an obligation on those who cover trials to do so in a sensitive manner. We are dealing with cases of vulnerable people and we need to support and encourage them. All of us, in our roles, have a duty to work with people. It is important that we handle these matters with sensitivity.

Senator Norris raised the issue of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP. That is a matter for that committee and I would be happy to have that debate there.

Senator O'Reilly, with Senators Coghlan and Mark Daly, raised the issue of Brexit. He also raised the matter of the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP. The former Minister, Commissioner Hogan, will be in this House in April, and I assure Members that we will have the opportunity on that occasion to discuss the issue of CAP and the future of agriculture in Europe.

Senator Lombard raised the issue of the Wild Atlantic Way and the town of Union Hall. I would be happy to have the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Griffin, come to the House in this regard

Senator Mac Lochlainn raised a very sensitive issue, which he has raised before, regarding the repatriation of the body of Danielle McLaughlin. That situation is distressing for a family in itself, but to have the added complication that the Senator has outlined is most traumatic. It is disappointing that the response from the consul was what it was. As the Senator said, it was not a typical response. The issue has to be highlighted, and we should not depend upon the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust to assist families. We have to be hugely sympathetic and work with families in these situations. My own experience has been different to what the Senator has outlined, because I find the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the consular staff to be most co-operative and helpful. It is a matter of which the Minister should be made aware and I would be happy to oblige. It is hard to argue with what the Senator has said this morning. I will revert to his contribution on the issue of Syria.

Senators Gallagher, McFadden and Humphreys yesterday held a briefing in the audiovisual room. Senator Humphreys raised the issue of Gary Boyle's testimony and he praised the HSE. We all agree that the Parkinson's Association requires more funding to develop further services, and as Senators McFadden and Hopkins said yesterday, the issue of the nationwide nurse specialist is one that should be pursued. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House.

On behalf of the House and on my own behalf, I congratulate and thank Páraic Duffy for his stewardship of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. I had the pleasure of working with him and of getting to know him over the past decade. He brought huge competency to his role as ard-stiúrthóir and I thank him and his family for their service. He is a proud Monaghan man and I am glad he is going back to his club. I thank and congratulate him and wish him well in his new career, I also wish Tom Ryan, the new ard-stiúrthóir, every success. Páraic Duffy brought huge calibre and vision to Cumann Lúthchleas Gael.

Senator Mark Daly raised the issue of organ donation. We are in the middle of organ donation week, which is a very important week. We all know that the level of organ donation and transplant operations has increased this year. The Minister of Health, Deputy Harris, is working on a Bill. The information arising from the issues raised by Senator Mark Daly should be shared. People can give the gift of life by carrying an organ donation card. I appeal to all Members of this House to promote organ donation. It gives life and joy to people.

Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of taxation and budget 2019. I am sure we will have the debate before the budget, and I will be happy to have that discussion.

Senator Paddy Burke raised the issue of the undocumented, and I would be happy to have the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, come to the House to discuss the matter.

I am happy to withdraw the motion on Syria to allow for a consensus debate on it. The intent of the motion was to highlight the atrocities that are taking place. It certainly was not intended to divide the House. If we can agree on a compromise motion I am happy to do that. Senator Bacik put a huge amount of work into it but rather than divide the House, I will amend the Order of Business to remove that motion in order that we can come back after Easter and have that debate on Syria.