Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and all those who offered us good wishes. I agree with Senators McDowell and Norris. What is happening in Westminster has been impacting on our lives over the past three years and will do so like never before in the next few months. Mr. Dominic Grieve, MP, and many others have shown great leadership, vision and courage in trying to look at a situation that was damaging to the UK, the island of Ireland, the EU and world politics. I hope that there is a second referendum in the next few months or that the UK will remain. Senator McDowell put his finger on the pulse of what is happening. The UK is our best ally and friend in Europe. I hope in the coming months that whatever happens, those relationships North-South and east-west will be cemented even more. The UK is our nearest neighbour and our friend and we rely on it to a great extent. I hope sense prevails in the next few months.

I note that Temple Street charity is going to start collecting cashless payments online. I welcome this, as it is the way forward. Another politician in another House was saying churches were being affected by Garda checks for drink-drivers. Senator Mullen will agree that there can be something lazy about church gate collections. They happen all over rural Ireland and they are hitting the 10% or 20% who are going to mass every Saturday or Sunday. I know it has nothing to do with the church, which has been tolerant in allowing church gate collections. They are, however, outdated. Some 25 years ago, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil had church gate collections, which was wrong. Charities need to consider a different way of targeting the public. Standing outside a church gate or a supermarket is just hitting the same people at the same time. Cashless donations should be considered because there is a generation Z now that needs to be addressed as well.