Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I was going to say, and I thank my colleague and friend, Senator Horkan, for his help, it was raised on the Order of Business by a number of Senators last week. The PSNI and the Garda Síochána are working very hard to try to ensure the criminals are apprehended. This is not a victimless crime. It has a profound impact on the quality of life of people living on both sides of the Border and it is important that anybody with information should provide it to the PSNI or the Garda. It is equally important that we stand up to dissident paramilitaries who, if they are involved, should be brought to task regarding the matter.

Senator Dolan raised the important matter of National Arthritis Week and the need for the Minister of State with responsibility for disabilities to come to the House to discuss employment and the strategic targeting of people's abilities. It is important that the strategy is implemented and that the numbers allocated are followed up on and adhered to. It is important that we give people with a disability an opportunity to work and reach their potential in the workforce. I am happy to have this debate in the coming weeks.

Senator Bacik raised the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace and asked for a debate on this important issue. I am happy to do so. This evening, we will have a debate on the divorce Bill and subsequently we can have that debate.

Senator Hopkins raised the very important matter of providing a flexible school transportation system so we can offer support, in particular to families in rural communities with small schools. This is a very worthwhile suggestion. Some schools are dealing with declining numbers while others are exploding and it is important that we have this debate so we can allow choice to be given to families and parents and allow for flexible transport options to access preschool or after-school services. In many cases today, both parents are working. I would be happy to have this debate in the coming weeks.

Senators Murnane O'Connor and Norris raised the issue of the local property tax. I am not sure whether there was a meeting of minds between them. If Senators Murnane O'Connor and Norris have an alternative to the local property tax then let us hear it. We remember what happened in 1977 when Jack Lynch got rid of rates.