Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On my behalf, and on behalf of the House and the Fine Gael group, I offer the Cathaoirleach and the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Coghlan, my deepest sympathies. It is testament to the Cathaoirleach's integrity that he is here today when he did not have to be. We thank him for that. I am pleased that the Cathaoirleach was able to go to New York to visit his sister before she passed away. I spoke to Senator Coghlan yesterday and he has wonderful and precious memories of his mum, who was aged 99.He, too, was anxious to be here as he was concerned about how the House would function if both he and the Cathaoirleach were missing. That is a testament to both their political acumen and the value put on this House.

I thank the 20 Members of the House for their contributions to the Order of Business. Senator Ardagh raised the issue of eye health. I agree with her about the need for an effective test, and I would be happy to have the Minister for Health come to the House regarding the matter. She also raised the issue of knife crime, which I dealt with in last week's Order of Business. There has been an increase in the number of knife acquisitions, and a strategy is being compiled by the Government which is awaiting publication. It is important that we also recognise the need for a whole-of-community response. Some 2,000 knives were confiscated last year, up from 1,200 in 2016, which is a startling increase. There is a need for a strategy and the Government is working on that.

Senator McDowell raised the Perjury and Related Offences Bill. I know Senator Craughwell will intervene on this, but I wish people would listen to the replies on the Order of Business. I said last week that it would be before the House this coming week. It was supposed to come in this week but has not for different reasons. We are working with Senator Ó Céidigh on its progression through the House and the intent is to have it here next week, as I said last week.