Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think the Senator protests too much about that. It is an experience. I accept that there is a difficulty in sourcing accommodation but, to put it in context, we have 31,296 beds, 11,114 public and 20,182 private, so there is an imbalance in that respect that needs to fixed.

The Cathaoirleach has ruled on Senator Gavan's motion and I would be happy to have that debate. I believe Senator Gavan seeks that it be taken without debate next week. We will discuss the matter on Tuesday, perhaps, or maybe Wednesday. I welcome the Senator's advocacy on behalf of hotel workers, especially now that it is summer, which is the peak tourist season. It is incumbent on those in the hospitality and service industry and sector to treat their workers with respect and dignity. While the majority of people who work are treated fairly but there is a minority who are not, whether in respect of their rates of pay, the way in which they are called in to work in terms of rostering, the issue of tips or the hours they are allocated. The hospitality sector has certainly benefitted hugely from the Government decision on the VAT rate, and I hope the workers in the sector will be treated in a similar manner. I would be happy to support this debate when it comes back before the House.

Senator Butler raised the budget and the bereavement grant. We will have that debate with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, as part of the debate on the summer economic statement next week.

Senator Norris raised the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Senator Swanick raised the issue of waiting lists. I do not have information on the issue to hand but I think we will have the Minister for Health before the House in the coming weeks.

In response to Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell, I would be happy to try to have the Minister, Deputy Naughten, come to the House. He was here-----