Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I said that. I congratulate the ladies on winning three in a row. They had a great tussle with Galway in the final. It was a very poor day but the quality of the football was to be commended. I congratulate the ladies of Dublin on their victory.

Senators Feighan and O'Reilly raised a very important and sensitive matter, namely, the attack on Mr. Kevin Lunney. All of us in this House, I am sure, join in the condemnation of the barbaric attack on a husband, father, community activist and decent person going about his business. I also join the Senators in commending Mr. John McCartin on his courage last night on "Claire Byrne Live" for his articulation and the way in which he kept his dignity considering the provocation he has endured with his fellow directors in recent years. The perpetrators of these crimes are of a community and they are known. People have a duty to come forward and assist An Garda Síochána. In due course, I will accede to Senator O'Reilly's request to have the Minister come to the House regarding the matter.

Senator Gallagher raised the issue of home care packages. A related matter was raised by Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell, namely, the healthcare workers. We live in a society that is changing. Our needs are changing and we are living longer. We have a duty of care to senior citizens. The Irish Timesrecently had a very interesting article referring to the re-institutionalisation of care. The HSE is providing home care and home help supports worth €176.5 million but it is important to recognise that there is a lot of work to be done, notwithstanding the amount of money and the number of home help hours being provided, which amount to over 7 million.To be fair to Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell, she has raised the issue of healthcare workers and visas for them to enter the country. It is an issue which we should pursue because there is a skills shortage and personnel deficit which needs to be addressed. I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House to discuss the matter in due course.

Senator Horkan raised the issue of insurance and the budget. I am happy to have a debate on these in the coming weeks. Senator Kieran O’Donnell commended the publication of the Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill 2019. As it becomes part of our discourse, we will have a discussion on the matter. Next Tuesday evening, we will have a debate on Brexit with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney.

Senator Murnane O’Connor raised the issue of the gender pay gap. The 35% pay gap is too wide and needs to be addressed. We must also recognise the importance of the value that women bring to society and the workforce, which I support. Back in the 1980s, Doireann Ní Bhriain and Marian Finucane hosted “Women Today”. Nuala Fennell was appointed the first Minister of State with responsibility for women's affairs. I am not sure what the solution is other than we need to see the pensions committee set up by the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty, come back with a more comprehensive report. I would be happy to have that debate in due course.

Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of school meals. I have not seen the report in today’s Irish Examiner. I would be happy for the Minister of State, Deputy Catherine Byrne, to attend the House to discuss the Healthy Ireland programme which is promoting better eating.

Senator Paddy Burke raised the issue of the fishing leisure industry. Issues such as the value of sterling and Brexit uncertainty are affecting the angling sector as many of our angling tourists are from the UK. I am happy for the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, to come to the House to discuss the matter.

Mar fhocal scoir, I thank everyone involved in the Leinster House restoration project. I wish everyone a prosperous term ahead.

If Senator McDowell will accept my proposal, I hope it will avert the need for a division on the Order of Business.