Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree that Senators Craughwell and McFadden have been champions of the Defence Forces in this House. We need to ensure there is pay restoration and pay reward for members of our Defence Forces.

Senator Conway-Walsh raised the issue of primary care. She is right that there is a need to conclude the talks between GPs and the Department of Health on the new GP scheme. We need doctors as part of primary care provision. This Government, as the Senator knows well, is committed to developing primary care models and the primary care service as part of the Sláintecare report, which is an all-party document. The important point is that funding for primary care has been increased by €50 million in 2019, which means additional resourcing will be available to deliver on the need for primary care facilities. I do not have the figures or the information regarding the facilities in Mayo to which the Senator referred but I would be happy to talk to her about that later. Perhaps a Commencement matter would be a way to get a more expeditious answer.

Senators Humphreys and Horkan raised the important issue of safety in apartments and houses post Priory Hall. Senator Humphreys is right that it is an issue that needs to be addressed. I have put in a request to the Minister, Deputy Murphy, to come to the House, although I have not had the opportunity to finalise the date. It is a distressing situation and families should not be in that position. I raised the point the last day in the context that while a blank cheque is not available, it is about finding a solution. The Government has made strides in different legislation and building codes. Senator Horkan made a point about the building regulator. We will not go back to Priory Hall and the anomalies that existed under his party's watch in government. The important point is that we cannot compromise on health and safety or building standards, nor should we. I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House in regard to the matters raised.

Senator Horkan also raised the important issue of airline safety, especially in regard to the Boeing 737 MAX aeroplane.There are experts in the field, such as the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, in the United States, which has said that it can continue to be used, but I am concerned that we are compromising on safety in our aircraft. I hope the fleet will be more regularly inspected and monitored than hitherto. It is important to ensure there are high standards and that the safety of passengers and crew is uppermost in what we do, rather than just turning aircraft around and making profits. The point the Senator made is relevant. On the issue he raised regarding the building regulator, I will be happy to invite the Minister to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator McDowell raised housing and student accommodation. We all welcome the construction of student accommodation. It was a failure of the planning system that when many third level institutions were expanded, the provision of student accommodation in tandem with that was not included. The Government is aware of the ongoing challenges in the housing sector and, despite the headlines, it is making progress. Under Rebuilding Ireland, the Government is committed to building both social and private housing. Some 14,500 new homes were built in 2017, an increase of 50%. The budget for 2019 is €2.4 billion to support 27,000 housing support units, the creation of 10,000 new homes and taking people out of homelessness. It is a challenge we must get right and we are committed to doing that.

The succession issue which the Senator raised arising from the Hawe case requires a response from the Government. Between dealing with the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, the Judicial Council Bill and other legislative measures in the justice area, I will invite the Minister to discuss that. The Senator made an important point regarding succession and, therefore, I am happy to invite the Minister for Justice and Equality to the House at the earliest opportunity.

Senators Lombard and Mulherin raised the important issue of our beef industry and the depressed cattle prices. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, was away last week working on opening new markets. I will invite him to the House after the St. Patrick's Day parade and the St. Patrick's Day trips across the world. I take this opportunity to wish all those who are travelling abroad, including you, a Chathaoirligh, every success with their missions. It is about selling and promoting Ireland, in the post-Brexit era, as a country with a modern business community that is very much open for business. I wish you, a Chathaoirligh, and all the Ministers well in that regard.