Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no personal clash at all. I thank Senator Humphreys for his patience regarding a request for a meeting. I understand his frustration. The approach he has taken is a demonstration of the importance of co-operation in the House. To be fair to the Senator, he has not pushed this item today. He could have done so by calling for the Minister to come to the House. I thank him for not doing so.

Senators Leyden, Humphreys and Noone spoke about the RTÉ licence fee. We will have that debate in the new year. We should reflect on the issue of RTÉ coverage of public affairs and the Houses of the Oireachtas and RTÉ should do likewise. I recognise that RTÉ decided to change its coverage of the Oireachtas. I believe some of its coverage of this House, in particular, has been less than adequate. Leaving aside the Order of Business, we have had a number of very good debates on a wide variety of issues. I understand that when RTÉ removed "Oireachtas Report" from its schedule, it gave a commitment that it would continue to cover the Oireachtas properly, but in my opinion it has not done so. I have been disappointed with its coverage of the Seanad, which leaves a lot to be desired. The former Minister, Pat Rabbitte, was involved in the establishment by the Department of a working group on the licence fee. We will have that debate again in due course. I will be happy for the Minister to come to the House in the new year.

Senator Byrne mentioned next month's BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. I wish all involved well. I commend everyone who participates in this important exhibition. The Senator is right when she says it is important for us to continue to promote STEM subjects, especially to young women.

I have dealt with Senator Leyden's issue.

The Cathaoirleach has dealt with the procedural matter that was raised by Senator Noone in the context of an amendment that was debated by the House last night. The Senator is correct when she says there is an expectation. It does happen. The point made by people last night was that we need to be careful about what we can and cannot do.

Senator Gavan raised the issue of PESCO. I will be happy to have a debate on it in the new year. All of us are proud of our Defence Forces. I am thinking particularly of the work they have been doing in the Mediterranean. Our Defence Forces and our Government are about supporting peace and security internationally. They are not about going to war. They are about supporting peace and neutrality. As part of PESCO, our Defence Forces have had access to the best equipment and training.

Senator Gallagher reminded the House that many people are leaving the Defence Forces and highlighted the pay and conditions of those who are staying in the Defence Forces. It is critical to say that under this Government, there has been a restoration of pay and an unfurling of the FEMPI legislation. We have a road to travel. We accept that there is frustration within the Defence Forces. The Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe, is acutely aware of that. This Government ended the recruitment embargo. Senator McFadden has been very strong regarding her support and our support for our Defence Forces.

Senator Norris spoke about Seanad reform, which we will debate again in due course. I have answered the question asked by Senator Mulherin.