Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It seems to be regressing rather improving. I would be happy to arrange for the Minister come to the House to discuss the matter. The Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs is doing work on the issue but it is mind-boggling that this is the case today.

Senator Swanick reminded us all very sensitively of the Blackrock tragedy and we remember the four people who were tragically lost and think of the families during this month. We thank the volunteers and the community in Mayo who did so much outreach and inspired many of us by their volunteerism and the way in which they opened up their homes and communities. It is important we remember those people today.

I commend the Senator on his Life Saving Equipment Bill. It is important legislation, which I hope we will have back before the House as a matter of priority. I fully understand the points the Senator made. He referred to Cork and there have been instances of defibrillators being removed from walls and public walkways in the city of Cork and other areas. It is matter of extreme importance.

Senator Murnane O'Connor raised the issue of the weather conditions last Sunday. I cannot for the life of me understand how the National Transport Authority, NTA, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, or the councils were not prepared for it because a weather warning was issued. It is an issue we need to consider for the future.

Senator Mullen raised the issue of Irish overseas aid. Sometimes a good news story gets lost. The Government has committed to a new overseas aid development policy, A Better World, about making the world a better place to live. It has committed to spend €2 billion by 2030 under the themes of gender balance, governance, climate change and doubling of funds from 0.3% of our gross national income to 0.7% in 2030. Some 130 countries will benefit from our aid programme. The Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, will be in the House later to speak on the diaspora but I will be happy to arrange for the Minister come to the House on this matter in the coming weeks.

I thank the 14 Members of the House for their contributions. I regret I cannot accept the amendment proposed by Senator Leyden but I will accept the amendment proposed by Senator Lawlor.