Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I should also congratulate Senator Bacik, who reached the milestone of 50 at the weekend. I wish her a happy birthday. I am digressing for a moment. Senator Paul Daly's point is one that would, again, make the Seanad relevant in terms of the agricultural community. We have an agriculture sub-panel as part of our electoral system. I would be happy to support a debate on the issues raised by Senators Daly and Humphreys regarding climate change, renewable energy and synthetic petrochemicals.

In respect of Senator Richmond's point, we are very lucky given the quality of members of An Garda Síochána who serve us. To hear yesterday and this morning that seven members died by suicide is a worrying trend. and I hope the Department of Justice and Equality and Acting Garda Commissioner Ó Cualáin will put resources in place to ensure there is access to counselling, support and a range of specialisms because our front-line defenders do a huge amount of work and work unsociable hours in unpalatable conditions. I commend them for that.

Senator Humphreys made a very good contribution regarding referendum posters. I hope that the local authorities will show discretion to the volunteers who erected the posters throughout the country. In many cases, they were not paid to put them up. I hope that all those who take down posters will take the cable ties down as well. Extending the deadline is a matter of discretion at local level. It is enshrined in law but it is important that discretion is used.

Senator Gavan raised the issue of the industrial relations climate within University Hospital Limerick. I am not aware of the information he put on the record but if it is half as bad as he has suggested, then it is pretty bad. I advocate that the Senator make a contribution by going to the Workplace Relations Commission himself and making a complaint. I hope he knows I cannot comment because I do not have the information but it would be appalling if a person acting as a shop steward or trade unionist - a voice for workers - is prevented from going back to work if he is fit to do so. I would not support that, as Senator Gavan will know well.

Regarding Senator Gallagher's comment, I did not say anything was a figment of his imagination last week. He is putting words in his own mouth as well as mine.