Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It was a great game but I still contend that the player was not offside.

Senators Bacik, Boyhan, Black, Humphreys and Mulherin raised the issue of the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland report on undocumented children in Ireland. The Minister for Justice and Equality is engaging with the centre and met its representatives last week. He is willing to explore all legal avenues and solutions in order that there can be a pathway to residency. Since 2011, 120,000 people have been granted citizenship, including 10,000 last year. As Senator Boyhan rightly said, our country is enriched by diversity. I hope that there can be a pathway to residency for the young children who are, because of the illegal status of their parents, confined or caught. It is important that all avenues be explored.

Senator Bacik raised the issue of rent pressure zones, as did Senator Murnane O'Connor yesterday. Zones are a legislative matter and is done using a legal criteria. Senator Lombard made a point about Carrigaline being divided and that this should be changed given the town's proximity to Cork city, the pressure on housing and the cost of renting. He made the relevant point that there is no logical divide.

Senators Swanick, Bacik, Humphreys and Gallagher raised the issue of Alzheimer's disease and I join them in commending the work done by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. There is a need to have additional supports provided. I hope, as part of budget 2020, that the issues raised by Members can be included in the budget. Last week, we had a debate on the summer economic statement. I will endeavour to have statements before the budget, if we can, as this is an important issue.

Senator Swanick raised the issue of smoky coal. Fuel suppliers have threatened legal action who have said they will challenge extending the ban. The Senator made an important point about the matter. Equally, the point he made about water safety should be listened to by a wider audience than just here. Every summer we hear of a tragic drowning or an accident on a farm so we need a more robust campaign on the twin issues of farm safety and water safety and to highlight the need to be safe. The Senator was correct to raise the issue. I am happy to talk to him about his Bill and to see how we can progress it as soon as possible.

Senator Hopkins raised the issue of credit unions and the industry funding levy. As she said, it is important that we, as a Government and as a country, support credit unions as they are an integral part of our community and play a hugely important role in the community banking service. I will ask the relevant Minister to come to the House to discuss the matter as soon as possible.

In response to Senator Lawlor, it was my hope to facilitate a debate on housing, as Senator Boyhan had asked for a debate yesterday. Next week, we will try to prioritise and progress and legislation. As the Defence Forces' pay commission report will not be debated by the Cabinet until tomorrow, we decided to take statements on the Mercosur agreement today. I will try to have statements on housing and defence before the summer recess but that may not be possible.

Senator Higgins mentioned the Defence Forces, which I have just touched on.