Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Hopkins made an important point about the state of preparedness of the winter service plan. The HSE should act with a sense of urgency in order to have that plan ready and to outline it as soon as possible. There are added pressures, but she has made an important point and made it well.

Senator Gavan raised the issue of the poppy and the whole issue of commemoration. Rather than getting into a back and forth with him, I will say that the remarks of Liadh Ní Riada during the presidential election campaign were very honest and courageous. It is important that we commemorate and remember the men who died in the First World War next weekend. I join with Senator Gavan in praising Senator Feighan who is carrying on the good work of the late Paddy Harte in promoting unification around commemoration. We had a tremendous year in 2016, during which we remembered the Easter Rising, and there are other commemorations ahead.It is important we do so in a fitting manner. Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of the Cuan Mhuire centre on the Western Road in Cork. He is right and it is unacceptable that it is not available as a step down facility. In the context of the implementation of the Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery programme, there is an obligation on the HSE to work with the local authority on this. I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House to discuss it.

In answer to Senator Humphreys, we have asked that legislation on short-term lets begin in the Seanad and I concur with the Senator that it is incumbent on Government to start more legislation in this House for a number of reasons, not least the fact it gets a very thorough vetting here. We also do our business in a very timely and expeditious manner, with the possible exception of one Bill which I will not mention. The Senator also asked about climate change and Bord na Móna. On 6 December, we will have statements on climate change with the Minister, Deputy Bruton. The issue in the midlands is a difficult one because Bord na Móna is planning for the future. I know the Ministers, Deputies Bruton and Humphreys, are committed to ensuring we follow on from the 15,000 jobs created in the midlands since 2015. The Action Plan for Jobs will centre on the midlands but the point about the Bord na Móna workers in the midlands was well made. I will join with the Senator in asking the Minister about supporting those people in finding alternative employment.

Senator Mullen raised the issue of human rights and Asia Bibi. We need the Government to offer a céad míle fáilte to this woman as she seeks asylum. I respect the rights of everyone to have their opinion and to express it. I understand the Senator's comments on blasphemy in Pakistan but I will not rehearse the debate on the recent debate on blasphemy in this country. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade will be in the House tonight. Perhaps the Senator could put down a Commencement matter to get a more expeditious response.