Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with the Cathaoirleach in welcoming the delegation, whose members I had the pleasure of meeting earlier. I hope we can continue to build relationships and promote areas of concern and interest.

Senator Murnane O'Connor raised the issue of child benefit. Rules are rules, although the Senator made a pertinent point regarding those over 18 and still in school. I am happy to look at what we can do in that regard.

Senator Mac Lochlainn raised the issue highlighted in the "RTÉ Investigates" programme, which puzzles me also. What was highlighted in that programme is alarming in terms of the harm being caused not only to our environment but to people's health. I hope there will be a change in policy by local authorities and the Department and an increase in enforcement and prosecutions. All of us need to consider how we can treat our waste differently. The Senator's point regarding the ten million tyres has left us all aghast. I am happy to invite the Minister to the House on foot of the programme.