Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree that it should be fair. I will get into trouble for saying the following, but will do so anyway. Sometimes, decisions from An Bord Pleanála beggar belief. An oral hearing takes place at which people engage, but it feels sometimes like a token gesture. As such, the Senator makes a relevant point.

Senator Hopkins raised the important issue of home help. She is correct that we have invested significantly as a country in improving home care supports and packages. However, there is an issue in the system which has to be addressed. It was raised during the week in the House by a number of Senators, including Senator Humphreys. There is something fundamentally wrong if people who are approved have to wait. I am happy to have the Minister come to the House in the new term to discuss the matter.

Senator Black thanked Members in relation to the Bill on the occupied territories yesterday. It is important for the country to reflect on what the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Simon Coveney, said about a resolution during the debate. We all want to see a resolution to the issue that has bedevilled the Israeli-Palestinian relationship for decades.

Senator Reilly referred to the Asthma Society's pre-budget briefing yesterday, which I had the pleasure to attend. I met a gentleman whose son, a young student, died from an asthma attack during the Christmas holidays. Listening to his story about his son and dealing with his death opened my eyes, certainly. As Senator Reilly said, some of what is asked for will not cost a fortune, for example, the provision of inhalers at schools and an annual check up. I hope that is something on which the Government will reflect.

Senator Craughwell referred to the Defence Forces and equal pay for teachers. I would be happy to arrange those debates in the new term. Senator Byrne referred to the Alone housing agency. All of us aspire to seeing people not only live longer but to do so at home. We have made huge strides in that area but the Senator is right that continuous supports must be put in place. I hope the budget in October will reflect that need.

Senator Gallagher raised the issue of Brexit. I hope there will not be a hard border, on which matter the Government's position has been clear. However, what puts matters in context is what the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, said yesterday about possible job losses. We should forget about citing percentages and state the number itself, namely, 40,000 jobs in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors which are critical to the Senator's own region. It is something which must always be promulgated. Every European leader should come to the Border and be made to understand the impact of a hard border. While some EU leaders have visited the Border, the Government and Opposition Members should bring like-minded colleagues from other parties in Europe to the Border to show them the real fact of what a hard border will look alike and the impact it will have.

Senator Feighan raised the issue of the 12 July and the Battle of the Boyne. I hope it is a peaceful day in the North of our country, recognising, as Senator Feighan rightly said, the huge progress which has been made by both communities. It is important that we allow today's events to go ahead peacefully. While it is the right of people to have their day of commemoration, I hope it is done in a respectful manner and that we have a peaceful day. The Senator is right about water shortages. I hope the hosepipe ban will continue.

I agree fully with Senator Gavan on the refugee and migrant crisis. It is disappointing to see some of the comments leaders across Europe have made. There is a need for political action. A meeting is taking place of Interior Ministers at Innsbruck today or tomorrow and I hope Europe will reflect on people's needs. It is not just about putting them on a boat and sending them back, it is about resettlement, ensuring they are safe and it is about saving lives. That is why I am very proud of our Defence Forces. It is also about leaders showing leadership and courage. I am happy to have that debate in the new term.

I congratulate Senator Colm Burke on his missing persons Bill. The point he makes about a centralised system is valid and we will certainly be happy to pursue it. Senator Murnane O'Connor gave a wonderful Second Stage speech on the referendum.