Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will not make any comment on that. On a serious note, this is a critical time for the European Union. As Senator Bacik rightly said, it is good that there is a 50:50 gender split in the appointments. The two women appointed are there on merit, come with tremendous track records, and have great ability.I hope that the five-year term of the European Parliament will be one of productivity and that it will continue its alliance with Ireland at this very critical time.

Senator Horkan posed the $64 million question when he asked why the health spend continues to go over budget every year, including when his own dear leader was Minister for Health. There is a need to recognise that health is a demand-led service. It is about people and it is not a bookkeeping exercise, nor should it be. Earlier Members raised issues relating to home help hours and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, which has legitimate claims and advocacy rights. We need to put in place supports for all people. I would like to have that debate the Senator called for.

Senator Lawless mentioned the referendum on the diaspora. We will have that as part of the debate in this House on the Bill and as part of the campaign.

Senator Ruane referred to Dublin Pride and the protest. The Pride event is a form of protest but it is also a day of celebration in recognition of where we have come from. This year it was fitting that Pride coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, as I said yesterday, and I commend all involved. Unfortunately, next Saturday I will be away on business concerning the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, but an important march, rally, protest and celebration will take place - the Dublin Trans Pride. We have a significant journey to travel with our transgender community. It is important that that we acknowledge Senator Humphreys's tenure as Minister of State in the Department that brought through the landmark legislation. We have come a long way but we have a journey to go, which is one of the reasons we must continue to be vocal and active on transgender issues and to work with people that require support. They also require complete healthcare that they are not getting but must battle so hard for. The Senator made other points about PrEP and others, and HIV. We will have that debate again in due course.

I join Senator Conway-Walsh in congratulating the appointment of the new American ambassador to this country, Edward Crawford, and wish him well as he begins his tenure. I thank Reece Smyth for his stewardship in the interregnum when we had no ambassador. I am sure that Ambassador Crawford will find a huge welcome in the Houses of the Oireachtas. I know from the contribution, record and activity of Senator Conway-Walsh that she will work with others in the House to build relationships with the United States on a variety of issues. She made a point to welcome the ambassador, which is important.

On the decision by Ulster Bank to sell off the loans, it is important to recognise a couple of issues. First, the Government is conscious of the need to protect homeowners. Second, it has always been a Government priority that the homeowner or mortgage holder would engage and maintain contact and retain his or her full contractual rights regardless of who owns the loan. Third, it is equally important to recognise that the Government brought in legislation relating to the Consumer Protection Act - the Consumer Protection (Regulation of Credit Servicing Firms) Bill 2018, which has been enacted.

The Senator referred to Deputy Pearse Doherty's Bill. Independent commentators said that his proposals would be disastrous for the mortgage market, financial stability and have a major negative economic impact. I cannot say that is correct but that is the commentary of independent observers. The European Central Bank has also expressed serious concerns about the Bill.