Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Devine. The issue Senator Craughwell raised around St. Vincent's Hospital was discussed on the Order of Business last week. I referenced the contribution of Dr. Rhona Mahony on the Marian Finucane programme. That is the best reference point. Again we can debate that issue as part of the overarching debate on health in the new year.

Senator Craughwell also mentioned the issue of Brexit, which is ongoing. It has certainly been heightened by the decision of the Tory Party last week to hold a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister and the decision by the leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, to place a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister before the House of Commons. The important point is that the Taoiseach, the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, Deputy McEntee, and the Tánaiste are very much aware of the need to up our preparations for a hard Brexit. We are still not giving up on a deal being achieved. Our deal took two years to negotiate. By "our deal" I mean the deal between the European Union and the British Government. The Taoiseach met with Prime Minister May in Brussels last week, as the Senator knows. They had a very good conversation.Ireland's perspective has not changed. The deal that has been put forward is the only deal on the table. While many people will disagree on its composition, we all agree the best deal is on the table. As Senators will be aware, the Tánaiste has been in charge of the preparations for the Government's contingency planning across all Departments. The Government is preparing for all eventualities. The Cabinet has mandated that all Departments will give full priority to their plans for a no-deal Brexit or a disorderly Brexit, if that were to happen. It is important to recognise that we have seen some public demonstrations of contingency planning such as the hiring of customs officials. The Government is committed to being ready. There is no such thing as a good Brexit. It is not good, and those are the fundamentals of that.

Senators Boyhan and Norris raised the issue of vegetable production. I will be happy to invite the Minister of State with responsibility for horticulture, Deputy Doyle, to come to the House in the new year.

I congratulate all involved in the successful opening of the beds in the National Rehabilitation Hospital, as mentioned by Senator Boyhan.

I will certainly consider the request that Senator Boyhan has made today on the Order of Business regarding the Order Paper or the scheduling of events.