Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Byrne, Senator Paddy Burke and Senator Conway raised the issue of Adare Manor. I congratulate J.P. McManus on Adare Manor and support Senator Byrne's request to have Government support the Ryder Cup bid for 2026. It would be an incredible event in Limerick and would bring an economic benefit in terms of tourism to our country. We only have to consider the coverage we would get of it across the world in terms of the imagery, the promotion and the selling of Ireland as a place where one can play golf cheaply, as Senator Burke said, but on world renowned courses. It would be an extraordinary event to host in Adare Manor. I commend J.P. McManus for his willingness to become part of many events in Limerick to support charities, whether it is educational bursaries, sporting clubs or to help vulnerable people in society. We can criticise people but, to be fair to him, he has always been to the fore in supporting causes in the Limerick region.

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins raised the issue of tax relief. I would be happy to have that debate as part of future debates in the House.

I am happy to accept Senator Warfield's amendment to the Order of Business. I commend him for bringing forward the Bill. We will not have the debate now but his contribution to the Order of Business is one we should support. As Leader of the House, I was happy to co-sign the Bill and be associated with it because it is an important debate. It is also about leading change, not just in this country but across the world. I commend him for his work on that.

Senator Gallagher raised the issue of the passport office. The Senator's second suggestion on the issue of the precondition for booking should be taken up. I had an experience in early January when I was taking a flight. I arrived at the gate. I knew my passport expired in March but I was told I might not be able to travel. It is about awareness. The Senator has put forward a very good idea and I support him on that.

Equally, the issue of a new passport office is one we need to examine because of a growing population. We have an office in Dublin and one in Cork, which is an excellent facility. I thank the people who work in the Cork passport office because they do tremendous work in terms of their dedication, delivery and courtesy. There is merit in the Senator's suggestion to open the passport office in another venue. As a way of explaining his request, he might raise it as a Commencement matter. His second suggestion is one on which we should go to the Minister in unison and say it is a way of alerting people because the number of people who on the day of travel, or the week before, discover their documents are not in order is surprising and alarming. I suppose it is a sign of a recovering economy that people are travelling again. The Senator's suggestions are worth mentioning.

I referenced Senator Boyhan in terms of the case he raised. It is important that the Minister, Deputy Zappone, comes to the House.

Senator Conway raised the issue of Lahinch and the Irish Open. I would be happy to lend my support to that suggestion as well.