Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I cannot even comment on the particular exchange to which the Senator referred because I was not present. I can only refer to my own experiences of similar issues.

With regard to mental health services, I heard most of the interview this morning to which Senator Mullen referred, including the references to shortages across Europe. As the daughter of a consultant psychiatrist who is still working in her 70s, I am aware of the great need for such services in the west. Many of the Senator's points are well made about the mental health service being the poor relation in the health system. The issue warrants a good debate in the House in early course with both the Minister for Health and the Minister of State with responsibility in this area. We should have that debate in advance of the budget, given that there is clearly a funding issue.

Senator Gavan referred to the upcoming visit of the American President. As the Senator noted, Mr. Trump was democratically elected as leader of the United States. I am no fan of his, but the Taoiseach will have bilateral discussions with him and we will take the positives from the visit. However, I take on board the Senator's point. It goes back to the point I made in response to Senator Mullen in that the President's language, including the hateful dialogue used in respect of many of his policies, normalises a similar discourse from leaders throughout the world. It is regrettable that such behaviour by the American President may encourage others to follow in his footsteps. I do not want to mention his name, but a person who ran for the Irish Presidency and is standing in the European Parliament elections might perhaps feel that taking this type of populist approach could win him a buy-in by lots of people. I dislike President Trump as much as Senator Gavan does, but we must take his visit for what it is. I agree that having a debate in the near future on aviation in the context of the regional airports would be useful, in which the Senator might raise the issue without it having to be a discussion about Shannon Airport and stopovers.

Senator Hopkins welcomed the announcement on RehabCare services.It is a good result. We have to commend the Ministers on sitting down with those involved and finding a solution in a fairly short period to ensure rehabilitation services continue for people throughout the country. That is to be welcomed.

Senator Craughwell read out a very emotional email and I can see how much this means to him. The Senator is passionate about this issue which I have heard him raise often. We could do better for the individuals in question. I do not know as much about the issue as the Senator does but I will certainly discuss it with the Taoiseach. These men are clearly heroes. They were anything but cowards; they were courageous men. This would be a small gesture in the context of what they have endured. I support the Senator and promise that I will speak to the Taoiseach about the matter.