Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I agree with the sentiment that it is a good thing to have businesses, farmers and people from the South travelling to the Balmoral Show at this time, given Brexit and so forth. It is certainly to be encouraged.

Senator Boyhan also paid tribute to Tom Murphy. He was a wonderful playwright and I had the pleasure of seeing many of his plays. He was certainly among the best we have ever had. May he rest in peace.

Senator Ruane paid tribute to Kathy McMahon, who by all accounts was a fantastic advocate for mothers, babies and women in this country. May she also rest in peace.

Senator Norris raised an issue involving vulture funds. Obviously, it is a huge problem. He also raised the issue of developers putting up prices through price on application.Senator Davitt pointed out that this is illegal. We should learn from our mistakes, if nothing else, in this regard. It is a matter that might be usefully raised on the Commencement in order to get a full answer on this type of activity and what the Minister's response might be to such activity.

Senator Warfield should never stop raising the issue he mentioned. There were many years in which the issues of homophobia and gay rights were ignored to the detriment of many citizens in this country. He should never feel it is something he cannot raise as often as he wishes in this House and elsewhere. It would be a good idea for the Minister to come to the House to discuss such legislation. I note the comments on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and those families are in need of justice. I know that all that is possible to be done by the Government is being done in that regard.

Senator Byrne welcomed the investment involving Science Foundation Ireland and the University of Limerick. These types of future projects are vital and very good for the mid west, which is to be welcomed. Senator Davitt raised a matter with which I am concerned as well relating to illegal dumping. I know a case where somebody attended a licensed premises and caused a huge fight and was subsequently fired from a job because his employer had access to CCTV from the business. I am a lawyer and there is a core principle in law and equity that people come to court with clean hands. The idea that somebody who is dumping illegally is using the data commissioner to get protection from prosecution for a criminal act is really bringing privacy law to a level that was never intended. Although I have nothing personal against the data commissioner, I am concerned about the office not seeing the wood for the trees in those types of circumstances. I share Senator Davitt's concerns and it is something we could debate in the House. He should certainly raise the matter as a Commencement matter at the very least.

Senator Marshall mentioned the Balmoral Show and I hope it is a very successful weekend for all concerned. I wonder if Senator Feighan has booked his flight to go to the wedding or perhaps the invitation has come in. As usual, he has come up with positive and innovative suggestions as to how the deadlock in Stormont might be solved. It is only through continuous international and national conversation and negotiation that this will be solved. I hope he has a nice time, wherever he goes this weekend. I am not sure but the Senator might be trying to keep it quiet that he is going to the wedding.

Senator Conway-Walsh also mentioned the Balmoral Show. The Cathaoirleach dealt with the concern about Commencement debates. It is something about which I will speak with the Leader. The Senator also suggested having a debate on water and sewerage schemes, and I am sure the Leader can facilitate this. Senator Wilson raised the electoral (amendment) Bill that would extend the franchise and I do not see any difficulty with that coming into the House. The Senator also raised the matter of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. As he said, the families deserve justice. The Senator also mentioned the Balmoral Show so I feel I have definitely been extended an invitation to it at this point. My interest has been piqued in the show and although it is a very busy weekend with the referendum next week, if I can at all I would be inclined to go up there.

Senator Coghlan continues to work on the issues of the North and Brexit. He referred to the backstop, which is a red line issue for us, as is the Border. There is continued diplomacy. Prime Minister May has major challenges and we must hope that in the coming weeks, something positive will arise with respect to the North and this country. Senator O'Sullivan paid tribute to Mr. Tom Murphy, a wonderful playwright, and mentioned the electoral (amendment) Bill that I have referred to. Investment in Foynes is clearly important for the mid west and south west, so it must be welcomed.

Senator Devine mentioned another matter on which I have done much recent work. It speaks to the prevention issue that we need in many Departments. Ultimately, we would not need incineration or waste reduction if we were not producing as much waste. The deposit return scheme is a fantastic idea that I have suggested myself. The big issue is soft plastics, which are completely non-recyclable and cause major problems. The Senator mentioned that it is about asking producers to find measures to ensure they do not use as much plastic. It is very convenient for supermarkets to display food in the way they do but ultimately it causes much damage to the environment. I have asked for a debate on the matter to raise such issues and I would like to see that before the end of term if possible.