Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am open to finding solutions. What I said was that we might not find a solution during the debate but I am open to finding one because we need to recognise the hurt and the financial distress to homeowners in these cases.

Senator Reilly spoke about obesity and the decision to grant planning permission to a fast food outlet in Fingal, which is disturbing. We are trying to promote Healthy Ireland and to reduce the level of obesity. I note there was a report today that called for the removal of vending machines selling chocolate and sweets in hospitals. The same principle applies in terms of the proximity of such places to crèches and schools. This is a worry that should be addressed.

Senator Leydon in his interesting contribution spoke about the contents of the deposit boxes in the bank vaults. I do not know whether I agree with Senator Kieran O'Donnell's proposal. The point he made on bank vaults was that the banks have an opportunity to work with the families of those who own the properties and the documentation in the vaults. The Dormant Accounts Fund has proved very successful.

Senator Warfield raised an issue in respect of the Eurovision Song Contest. I note his contribution. There is a part of me that agrees with him, that Ireland should boycott the Eurovision but another part thinks we should not. I agree that Israel must not be allowed to use Eurovision as a propaganda weapon or tool or that any immoral or illegal behaviour cannot be condoned. It should be condemned outright. The Eurovision is not a political event and has never been used, apart from the voting perhaps, as a political activity but there are legitimate concerns being expressed by a variety of people on the hosting of the Eurovision by Israel. I am slow to boycott. If it was a sporting event, I would say the same thing, but I understand the points made and the right to legitimate protest is one that I welcome. I thank the Senator for raising the matter on the Order of Business.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan raised the issue of the Taoiseach's remarks last night. I was not in Clontarf Castle for the speech to which he referred. I think he should have said also that the Taoiseach recognised that the role played by Fianna Fáil in offering political stability was to be welcomed. The point made by the Taoiseach was that the Fianna Fáil spokesperson raised points about overselling the political declaration and that it might not work but it has worked. The political declaration, or the withdrawal agreement-----