Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One gets over it.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell raised the issue of climate change also and suggested a public consultation. That would be a practical suggestion but for the fact that we have a climate change committee. It is something we could consider as an action following on from that. Some Senators are members of that committee. It may not be an appropriate time for a public consultation but it is certainly a good idea because the more we can do when it comes to climate change, the better.

Senator Norris also raised pay and conditions and Brexit, both of which I have covered.

Senator Lombard raised a particular issue in his area with regard to An Bord Pleanála. We need to be careful that the democracy that has always been a feature of our planning process remains. The very idea that a plastics factory is opening somewhere in Ireland makes me see red. I know plastic is still being used extensively throughout the world but we need to look to ban single-use plastic. I do not know the type of plant this is but a discussion on An Bord Pleanála, with the Minister present, could be very useful to have in the new year.

Senator Swanick raised an issue I have taken an interest in. There are people in Mayo who are affected by it who live near my parents. The technical review is ongoing. It is due on 11 December. We would want families to have the decision soon because uncertainty is very stressful. I hope the right decision will be made for them but a fundamental point is the need to examine the system whereby these drugs are procured. I have not had much direct involvement in respect of many of these drugs that are purchased by the State but it seems to me that on many occasions the companies play the system for maximum gain. That is what pharmaceutical companies will do. That is small comfort for families because they do not want to hear about money when they are talking about their child's muscular problems and their difficulty getting through the day when there is an existing drug. It is very difficult for them if other countries provide that to patients and we do not. My view is that we have to provide it but, apparently, the cost benefit is challenging. I do not know anything about the current process but we could have a better system to deal with these drugs. I agree with the Senator that a decision is needed and should be forthcoming on 11 December.

Senator Mulherin raised a particular issue but as the Cathaoirleach said, tabling a Commencement matter might be the best way to get a satisfactory and detailed answer. One of the last points the Senator made was on the balance between wildlife and human beings. The habitats and birds directives are very important, as is the environment, but a fair balance must be achieved in that respect. I understand the habitats and birds directives are matters for the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Madigan,but a debate on that issue would be useful.

I think I addressed the Brexit issue raised by Senator McDowell. As he said, the UK is our closest neighbour. The situation is very fractious and I suppose the less said by Irish politicians that could in any way make it more difficult for Mrs. May, the better. I would hope it will play out in a way that we will see another referendum.

Senator Feighan backed up the comments on the UK being our closest neighbours. The Senator has been very involved with the Brexit issue and I commend him on his work.

With regard to charities collecting online, one of the first issues I raised as a Senator was the chuggers who almost ambush people on the street. I have an issue with those so it is great that one is able to contribute to charities online. I often see a particular individual collecting after matches, in pubs and so on who is clearly not collecting for a particular charity. When people have taken a few drinks they often throw money in a bucket without necessarily knowing where that money will end up.

I have already addressed the comments Senator Gallagher made on Brexit, which were insightful. Prices for suckler cows is an issue the Senator knows more about than I do but if the Minister, Deputy Creed, agreed to come into the House in the new year, many Members would like to contribute in a debate on the future of farming. Senator Kieran O'Donnell's suggestion of public consultation in this House is something we might choose to do in the medium term. I refer to the area of farming, the way climate change interacts with farming, the pricing and all the other issues the Senator mentioned.

Senator Mullen has left the Chamber but the issue he raised is one I feel passionate about. I am sick hearing comments about people who do not subscribe entirely to the teachings of the Catholic Church but who identify as Catholic all their life, like myself. The Catholic Church has made itself an unwelcome place for anyone who does not subscribe fully to its teachings. However, there are those of us who are just keen to do what we believe is the right thing in life for us. That does not mean we are any less of a person. We just want to do what we believe is right.

I do not want to go to a church to collect money, but it speaks to the wider issue. I recall the incident Senator O'Sullivan raised, and it is just not on. There are extreme individuals but as the Senator said, the fact that two thirds of the population voted means that a large percentage of Catholics voted that way. It means also that we are a beautiful democratic people. We look at the reality people are faced with in life and we make changes that will make their lives more safe. It makes me very angry when I hear that type of comment. It is as though we are lesser because our view does not fit with the Catholic Church, but the Catholic Church does not fit with many people nowadays. It needs to look into its own heart in terms of how it would welcome people in and make those who are slightly alienated from its teachings feel like going to mass at Christmas time, for example.

Senator Mullen also raised the issue of the office block on Thomas Street. It strikes me as an issue that may be suitable for a Commencement debate.

I agree with the Senator's comments about Georgian Dublin, in particular the area around Fitzwilliam Street. What happened there was a travesty. I will speak to the Minister about that particular issue. I do not know much about it but it is certainly something that would be suitable for a Commencement debate.

As always, I support much of what Senator Ned O'Sullivan said on the issue he raised.

On the local elections, the Senator is right. Even in this area of Dublin 2, very good Fine Gael councillors have decided not to run in the next local elections. They are professional people. Being a councillor is supposed to be a part-time job, but how does one define "part-time"? It is an intense and very busy part-time job.We need to look at whether we want it to continue as a part-time job or to make it a full-time job and pay people properly. It is not feasible for people who could have a very-----