Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes.

Senators David Norris and Kevin Humphreys have the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, on their brains constantly. The Minister has frequently participated in Seanad debates on transport. As a group of legislators, we need to reflect on our transport needs. This is national bike week. Part of the problem, one that I see in Cork, is that we are promoting an alternative to use of the car on roads and streets that have not been designed for public transport or vast volumes of traffic. We must make realignments. I will be happy to have the Minister attend the House to discuss the issue.

Senator James Reilly mentioned Skerries. I commend him for being proactive on the matter. He is correct, in that an independent report is needed on the difficulties being faced in Skerries where there have been up to 20 water outages and residents have been discommoded. I will be happy to arrange a debate on the issue.

I agree with Senators Gerry Horkan and Michelle Mulherin on the issue of public liability insurance. I will be happy to have the Minister of State, Deputy Michael D'Arcy, return to the House to discuss it. There has been a reduction in the cost of car insurance of between 14% and 20% since its peak in 2016, but there is a genuine concern about fraud, claims and public liability insurance. I commend the Senators for their contributions and will be happy to arrange such a debate.

I will not revisit Senator Frank Feighan's Commonwealth argument, which has been settled, although to be fair, his point was worth reiterating. Last week the Taoiseach visited east and west Belfast where he received a warm reception, recognising that it is a country of green, white and orange. As such, we must represent all of the people. Some said he should not have launched the féile, but I disagree. Some said he should not have visited the Orange Order, but I disagree with them, too. Just as a representative of the Orange Order addressed the Seanad, it was a positive move. If we want to build a lasting peace in the country, we must, as Senator Mark Daly said, build bridges that are strong, stable and cemented in communities and people's hearts. We can hold our respective views. Everyone has them. We all value one another as citizens, irrespective of our religion, background and ideology, but let us celebrate the successes and ensure a return to power-sharing at Stormont, while also voicing the view that, in terms of Brexit, it is one island.

I thank Senator Kevin Humphreys for his remarks and commend Senator Gerald Nash for the motion that will be before the House next Tuesday on a public apology. As a member of the LGBT community, it will be an extraordinary event. There will be a commemoration of 25 years of decriminalisation, as well as a public apology to the men who were harmed by a state that made it a cold place for them to live. I thank Members for their co-operation.

I thank the group leaders and Whips for their co-operation last night when there was a clash with the taking of the justice motion in the Dáil. I appreciate that the email was sent late, but it could not be helped. I thank Members for their support.

If Senator Grace O'Sullivan accepts my compromise on the amendment proposed, I will be happy to have the debate on next Tuesday or Wednesday.