Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 27 Members for their contributions. Senator Ardagh raised the important issue of hereditary haemochromatosis patients and the issue around therapeutic venesection services for patients. The whole issue of therapeutic venesection services for medical and GP visit card holders is being considered by Government as part of the consultations with GP representatives on the GMS contract.The Department of Health and the HSE met with the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, in May and articulated and outlined the Government's position. It is to be hoped that we will see amendments to the Health Act 1970 which will accommodate what Senator Ardagh referenced in her contribution.

I join with the Senator in commending all involved in the heroic rescue of those children rescued to date in Thailand. I sympathise with the family of the diver who drowned and commend him for his dedication and bravery. It is an awful tragedy and we are all watching with collective deep breaths, hoping and praying that these young boys and their coach will be rescued. I commend all involved.

In their very fine contributions Senators Marshall and Lawlor outlined the importance of the Irish thoroughbred industry in the context of Brexit and the fact that it is an industry worth €1.84 billion to our country. In yet another thoughtful contribution Senator Marshall outlined the importance of the industry. For the information of those of us who are interested in horse racing, two thirds of our horses are exported to the UK, but the professionals and workers in the industry will also be affected. Our thoroughbred industry, North and South, is faced with a huge issue in terms of the racecourses and the services ancillary to racing in the context of Brexit. I know the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association held a briefing in the early part of this year on the issue of Brexit. It is an issue that needs to be continually monitored and addressed. I commend Senator Marshall on his contribution. Horse Racing Ireland has also been involved in negotiating with the Government on the issue.

I join with Senator Marshall on my own behalf, on behalf of Fine Gael and on behalf of all of the House, in sympathising with the family of William Dunlop who died so tragically last Saturday. When we heard the news on Saturday afternoon it was another reminder of the tragedies the family has had to endure in a sport they very clearly love and are so good at. No words of mine will adequately express our condolences and sympathies to his wife and family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Senators Gavan, Davitt, Feighan and Conway-Walsh raised the issue of Brexit. The resignations in the UK Government are a matter for the House of Commons and the Prime Minister. I welcome the publication of the White Paper.