Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will await the decision of An tUachtarán on his position before we have a debate on the presidential election. I think that Senator Norris saying the political parties are rigging the system is incorrect. It is not rigged. The Constitution makes provision for 20 Members of the Oireachtas and four county or city councils to nominate a candidate. That is open to all people. It is not fair to say it is rigged. Again, the words we use are important.

I concur with Senator Lawlor's views on upskilling people. I too join Senators Ó Ríordáin and Lawlor in congratulating the Kildare county board on its wonderful first leg and the result that the match will be played in Newbridge. Common sense prevailed. I know it was raised yesterday on the Order of Business but to be fair it is a good day for Cumann Lúthchleas Gael that it has allowed the match to be played in St. Conleth's Park. I want to wish both Mayo and Kildare every success on Saturday night.

On Saturday, 30 June, we have the greatest sporting day in the Irish horse racing calendar, the Irish Derby in the Curragh. It is the showcase for what is best about Irish racing. Horse racing is a significant, positive and a world class event. We are world leaders in horse racing and thoroughbred breeding. I wish every success to those at the Derby on Saturday.

Senator Davitt raised the issue of the Killucan ASD unit. Would he consider raising it as a Commencement matter? I will certainly pass the matter on to the Minister.

Senator Ó Ríordáin raised the issue of pay equalisation. The discussion is ongoing between the Minister, the Departments and the unions. I think we all want to see pay equalisation restored and see the pay of our teachers restored, in particular for young teachers. I think the point he made about the Department of Health consultation around personal use of illegal drugs is one we should all support because it will lead to positive outcomes, as his statistics have shown.

Senator Feighan raised the issue of the visit of Pope Francis, which I discussed.

Senator Gallagher painted a wonderful picture of Clones. The one sporting event that I would love to go to is the Ulster final in Clones. Growing up we had the imagery of Michael O'Hehir and Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh on the radio broadcasting from Clones. The Senator is right that it is an electric venue, with the amphitheatre that is the Clones pitch in addition to the wonderful town. An Ulster final brings economic benefits to Clones. An Cumann Lúthchleas Gael brings economic benefits to our cities and towns and Senator Ó Ríordáin referred to the importance of An Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. I was in Páirc Uí Chaoimh last Sunday night and in spite of the result, the atmosphere and the economic benefit to Cork city afterwards was tangible. Next Sunday we will be in Thurles for the Munster Hurling Final, the greatest sporting event in the world. These sporting events bind us all together. I agree with the Senator that I would not like to see Clones not being the headquarters for An Cumann Lúthchleas Gael in Ulster. I do not want to tell them what to do, but I think there are plans to develop Casement Park.

I am happy to share Senator Gallagher's view on the importance of Clones with the Minister. The presence of Arlene Foster with the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Heather Humphreys, and the Minister of State, Deputy Joe McHugh, in Clones last Sunday was a positive. As I said yesterday, 25 years ago one would not see a DUP politician outside the ground never mind inside it. I hope it will be a catalyst for the return of government in Stormont. The importance of that event cannot be underestimated.

I cannot accept the amendment by Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell because the report has not been published. The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, is not the Minister with responsibility for community banking, but I would be happy to work with Senator O'Donnell to have that debate when the report is published.