Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Sinn Féin's one dimensional view of the world order is, at times, incomprehensible. I must say that with the Tánaiste, Deputy Coveney, and the Ministers of State, Deputies Cannon and McEntee, we have a very fine team in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who are playing a significant role across the world in promoting peace, reconciliation and human rights through a multiplicity of programmes and services. We are also well served by our diplomats around the world. The Government's view of foreign policy is totally at variance with that of Senator Gavan.Our reputation is not as diminished as the Senator suggested this morning. I would be happy to have that debate in the new year.

Senators Lombard and Paddy Burke raised the issue of Irish Water. I am familiar with the issue in Ballinhassig. For those who are not from Cork, Ballinhassig is an important community, which has been bedevilled over the supply of water. It requires an intervention by Irish Water. I am not as proficient in engineering as Senator Lombard, but the matter could be resolved quickly. I would be happy to have that debate in the new year. Irish Water is there to serve the customer and community as well as being an entity looking after other parts of Government's business.

Senator Humphreys spoke about planning for apartments. I agree with him that none of us wants to go back to having the kinds of issues in Priory Hall. Last year, the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, published the guidelines for apartments. Apartment and multi-unit living is becoming increasingly popular. We all want stable urban housing with designs that are fit for the 21st century and not in any way like Priory Hall. I hope we will have that debate in the new year. I would also be happy to have a debate on short-term lets.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan raised the Roscommon case, which we discussed on the Order of Business yesterday. It is important to recognise there are two sides to the story. We can never condone thuggery or violence in any shape or form. As he said, we are lucky that nobody was killed in the incident. Yesterday, the Taoiseach made the point that it was on foot of a court order. As I said yesterday, it needs engagement by all sides to bring resolution to the matter. None of us wants people to be evicted or to lose their family home or property.

I thank Members for their contributions. I look forward to the debates over the rest of the day.