Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join Senator Richmond in extending our condolences to the family of Mr. Bob Hawke and the people of Australia on the very sad occasion of his passing. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

I thank the Members of the House for their contributions to the Order of Business. I thank Senators Horkan, Craughwell and Feighan for raising the possible visit of President Trump to Ireland. It is important, as both Senators Craughwell and Horkan have said, that we welcome the President of the United States. We may not agree with him politically and on any particular issue, but he is still the democratic Head of State. As Senator Horkan quite rightly said, and I commend him on his remarks, generations of Irish people have travelled to and made a life in America, and they have made a vast contribution to the building of America. We are very dependent on American companies coming to Ireland, but we are also very dependent on America as a market for many of our goods and produce. Equally, many Irish people are working and setting up companies across America, so it is important that we welcome President Trump. We can protest and disagree with him, as I have done on many issues of human rights, but it is important that we do not just become a nation that does not welcome him. There is a way in which we can demonstrate protest and opposition to policies.

Senators Horkan and Colm Burke raised the issue of the housing crisis. Senator Horkan is correct. I am working with Dr. Fiona Chambers from UCC on a project called WickED, and the Minister of State, Deputy English, came to Cork to meet the group two weeks ago. There is a profound impact on the mental health of some people of a certain generation, and the Senator is right to raise that matter. We must work to combat and overcome it. Equally, Senator Colm Burke's contribution, which highlighted that there is a 22% increase in housing completions and apartment construction, is important and should be acknowledged. We have challenges, we have a crisis, and we need to get it right. The increase in supply is beginning to happen and Government is committing resources.

The Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment will be holding an inquiry into broadband. We will have statements on it in the House later today, so I will let the matter rest.

I also agree with Senator Horkan that we need to have a discussion on section 38 and section 39 organisations. I know the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris has been working very closely with Rehab to ensure that services are provided. Many of us have received emails from people, such as family members of those who benefit from the services and employment that Rehab provides. Rehab plays a significant role in society. Members want to see the continuation of Rehab services and want to see that the people who are benefiting from their involvement and engagement continue to do so. I will have the Minister come to the House.

Senator Horkan mentioned his conversation with a lady who had returned from Lesotho who had difficulties getting a driving licence. The bureaucracy needs to be changed to ensure that Irish people returning from abroad can have their driving licence fast-tracked and can integrate into society more quickly. I agree with the Senator.

Senator Trump raised the issue-----