Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Whatever happens, I am sure it will be dispatched by the Department in a proper and timely manner whether online or in written format.

Senator Nash raised the Child and Family Relationships Act 2015. Senator Warfield has also raised the matter previously as I have myself. The delay is unacceptable and I thank Senator Nash for raising the matter in the context of the forthcoming Dublin Pride celebration, which is about ensuring that equal parenting rights are given to all families in our country. "We Are Family" is the theme this year and we are all now of different diverse families.

I am told that there are a number of technical drafting issues regarding Parts 2 and 3 of the Act. The implications of these issues are being discussed and explored by officials in the Department and in the Office of the Attorney General. The discussions are ongoing and detailed and the Department is not in a position to pre-empt the outcome by citing specific details. To be fair to Senators Nash and Warfield, I did ask for a meeting on behalf of Senator Warfield but the Department declined on the basis that the negotiations were ongoing. I will make it aware again because it is important that we end the uncertainty. There is a lacuna that needs to be addressed immediately rather than being prolonged. I fully concur with Senator Nash's remarks and will endeavour to work with all Members of the House to ensure that we get that piece of the legislation enacted as soon as possible. However, I do not think it will be in time for Dublin Pride.

Senator Mac Lochlainn also raised the issue of the extra seats for the North. The decision on the extra seats rests with the European Commission or the Council, I am not sure which.The rule is clear; it is "ordinarily resident" in the State. Unfortunately, the North will be leaving the European Union because of the vote in the UK, which means the Republic will increase its number of seats from 11 to 13. As such, it is not possible to do what the Senator suggests. However, it is an independent commission. It is worth stating that if members want to come down and run in the South, they can come down and do so. For example, Mr. John Cushnahan did it very successfully for Fine Gael in the Munster constituency. Senator Marshall ran for election to the Seanad. As the Senator said, however, we need to hear the voice of the island as a whole articulated and heard in Europe. It is an idea to which I subscribe fully.

Senator Coghlan referred to the visit of Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, to Killarney and Cork tomorrow. I welcome Prince Charles to Cork. I do not agree with Senator Coghlan that it is about the equal importance of Killarney; it is about the south being feted as the gateway to Ireland. Cork and Kerry are coming together tomorrow to give a royal welcome to the royal visitors and I hope the day goes well. It is important to showcase our country and for the people of Ireland, Cork and Kerry are seen in the best possible light. In the debate on tourism in the House last night, the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Griffin, made the point that the number of visitors from the UK declined in 2016 but we saw an increase last year. In a post-Brexit era, it is important to welcome UK visitors to our country and to promote, sell and market Ireland as a tourist destination.