Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with Senators Daly, Norris and Feighan in their condemnation of the violence and attacks in Derry, which are unnecessary and unwanted. All of us condemn the provocation and attacks. As Senator Daly mentioned, we are on the edge of the marching season and of tomorrow's events in particular. I hope all who take part in tomorrow's marches are cognisant of all communities who live in the North of our country. We have made great progress and I hope tomorrow will be a day of peaceful demonstration and of parades. I do not use the word "demonstration" in the sense of protest. I welcome the decision of Ms Justice Keegan in the court in Belfast regarding bonfire size. As Senator Norris expressed, I hope that tomorrow we can all share in what is good and recognise that we have to live together on our island.

Senator Daly also made reference to the issue of home help. The Government has invested significantly in home help hours. As Senator Humphreys said yesterday, there is a road blockage somewhere regarding the allocation of home help hours and home care packages. I know from my own experience that there is a blockage somewhere in the system. I agree that we need to ensure that the system frees up that allocation of resources so that those who need home help hours or home care packages are able to avail of them.

Senator Daly also raised the Ryanair strike. We hope the strike will not discommode the travelling public. It is a matter for the industrial relations mechanisms of the State and it is a matter between Ryanair and its employees and their representatives. I welcome the talks taking place today. There is a lot of confusion about what a Minister can and cannot do.