Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for her contribution.

Senator Byrne raised the issue of the Ilen, which is a wonderful example of how a project can be put together and brought to fruition through a community education programme. We wish a fair journey to those sailing it to Greenland and congratulate them.

Senator Humphreys discussed rodents, and not just in Leinster House, but across our capital city. It is an issue that needs to be addressed. I hope that all those in the Houses, and particularly staff, are not discommoded after yesterday. A workplace should be in pristine condition. I hope that the issue will be resolved quickly.

Senator Mullen referred to the Hyde family. I have spoken in the House previously in support of the family's application. I do not want to use the word "victory", but I congratulate the family on obtaining the right to stay in Australia. The Irish Government plays a role in helping our citizens with visas, although I am not familiar with the level of involvement in this particular case. The Senator had tabled a Commencement matter on the subject, but we now welcome the decision. Thankfully, the issue has been resolved. The Senator referred to there being various lobby groups, but the media had covered the story beforehand and afterwards. To be fair, there is a strong Irish diaspora in Australia that is engaged with Irish civic life and the promotion of many issues. We might consider setting up an Oireachtas subgroup to progress that further. A child's disability should not be a barrier to remaining or entering any country.

I have not read the report of the WRC, but I concur with Senator Gavan that any breach of employment law is unacceptable. We have employment law to ensure that there are rights and standards in the workplace. I am not familiar with the issues that the Senator raised regarding the two hotels in Limerick, but I have a simple - perhaps too simple - view on this, that being, someone should be able to join a union. I was a member of one, and I would encourage workers to enhance their rights collectively by becoming union members. That is why we have employment law. I would be happy to arrange for such a debate in the new term.

Senator Craughwell raised an important issue concerning the budget. I will take that information from him later. The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty, held a series of meetings on the budget in the past two weeks with various groups. As with the summer economic statement, we will have that debate prior to the budget.

Senator Conway raised the important matter of Moneypoint. I will reflect on that. As he correctly stated, the jobs need to be preserved post 2025. The transition must be planned for. I take the Senator's point in that regard. He also referred to the briefing given by the Irish Cancer Society. I congratulate him and join him in his comments about the Primary Care Reimbursement Service, PCRS, and the provision of medical cards to patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. That they have this benefit is a necessity, not a luxury. Dealing with cancer in itself is stressful and people should not have to worry about medical politics.

I concur with Senator Ó Céidigh regarding public procurement and small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs. For SMEs that want to tender and be considered for contracts, the cost of tendering is a significant issue. A former Minister of State, Mr. Brian Hayes, did some work on this question. It is important that we debate the matter. As the profile of the economy changes, we must update our tendering and procurement processes continually. I would be happy to arrange for that debate in the new term.