Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Senator on her wonderful bravery and eloquence on radio and television. The success of a good book can be judged from the reviews written by those charged with that responsibility. I read a number of reviews and they were extraordinary. It took great courage and much work on the Senator's part to write the book and dedicate time to it. While I do not want to be patronising, I congratulate her and look forward to reading the boot, which is on my reading list. I have to get it signed too.

The Senator raised the precarious case of Sean Binder. I have read the interview with Sean's mother, Fanny. Both he and his mother deny the charges brought against him. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, and the Department are aware of the case and ready to help. There is a complication in that Mr. Binder was born in Germany. It is important that the Department is ready to help and that the matter has been raised in the House today. It is a source of concern that a young man who has engaged in humanitarian work has been wrongly accused, as I believe he has been, having read some of the information. I stand to be corrected on that. It is a matter of extreme importance that we get the matter resolved quickly so that Sean can return home.

Senator Maria Byrne raised the issue of pharmaceutical assistants who work under a licensed pharmacist. It is extraordinary that 248 people are being penalised by recommendations made by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, PSI. Those recommendations are wrong. We should acknowledge that pharmaceutical assistants provide assistance to pharmacists. In many cases, they have vast experience, possibly much more than some of the pharmacists for whom they work. They assist and are a source of relief. They also have a very positive impact on the sector. As Senator Byrne rightly said, this will have a profound impact on the work of pharmacies and chemists in our communities. I hope there will at least be a review of the decision and a stay put on it. I commend Senator Byrne on raising the matter. The Irish Pharmacy Union has been in contact with the Minister, seeking to have the restrictive rules changed. Very strict conditions already apply and I hope these rules will be reversed. I thank members of the Irish Pharmacy Union who have contacted me about the matter.

Senator Leyden raised the issue of the new boundaries for the European Parliament. An independent commission was established, which has produced the report. It would be inappropriate to comment further other than to note that the commission has allocated extra seats to different areas.

Senator McFadden raised the issue of assistant psychologists in Ireland. I agree with her about the role they can play in our mental health system. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Jim Daly, has examined the psychology aspect of the child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, where we have waiting lists. I hope we can allow for a particular and significant role to be played by our assistant psychologists with regard to the matters raised.

Senator Devine raised the issue of public service pay. I note that a number of meetings will be held with different unions today regarding public sector pay. Under this Government, we have seen a restoration of pay to public servants, a reduction in the universal social charge and changes to the financial emergency measures in the public interest, FEMPI, legislation. The report published under the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act will result in further changes. It is important to recognise the need to be measured in our approach to public sector pay. The Senator spoke about the health system. As a public servant for my entire adult life, I understand and appreciate the value of the role played by nurses, doctors and other healthcare assistants and professionals. The important, evidence-based report by the Government allows for further changes and I hope we will see a continuation of those changes in the budget.