Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ireland certainly is being commended. Even after the match the other day, they stayed and clapped the Japanese. We are renowned for the way that we carry on when we are abroad, certainly, in terms of sport.

The budget and Brexit are the other matters Senator Horkan raised, and how the Good Friday Agreement needs to be protected. We are all in support of that and all in agreement.

The Senator mention Storm Lorenzo and the warning to people to stay inside and heed the warnings. There are many updates coming from both the national unit and the local units. I compliment all involved, especially the volunteers. I am aware that volunteers have been working hard to bring people regular updates.

In terms of the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, and broadband, I will issue an invitation to the Minister.

The Minister for Health, Deputy Harris is due here on 23 October, in three weeks. That is already in the diary.

Senator Conway-Walsh, who has had to go to a committee meeting, paid tribute to those working in the storm, especially in the west. I have already referred to that, including all the volunteers throughout the country.

Senator Conway-Walsh also raised the issue of homelessness. There was a briefing this morning. I was at it briefly before I had to come to the Chamber. The Simon Community and the different associations are doing wonderful work. It is to be hoped everybody will keep safe, especially those who are homeless, in the forthcoming storm this evening.

Senator Conway-Walsh also paid tribute to the local authorities, especially Mayo County Council. I join the Senator in that. She also asked for a debate on local authority funding. There is no difficulty in asking the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government with special responsibility for local government and electoral reform, Deputy Phelan, to come to the House, and I will submit that request as well.

Senator Kelleher also raised the issues of homelessness and dementia. Having been to many of the briefings, I certainly support Senator Kelleher and her committee on the wonderful work they have been doing. It is disappointing that they did not receive what they were looking, but let us hope something will come from the budget this year.

Senator Kelleher also raised the issue of homecare packages. That was something that came up yesterday at the Joint Committee on Health, where I was in attendance. I note that there was a commitment from the Minister to look at it. I hope there will be extra funding announced for it in the budget next week but there was an indication that it is something that they are looking at in a very serious manner.

Senator Humphreys asked whether the Minister was available to come to the House today. Unfortunately, the Minister is not available today but he is due here on 23 October. I hope that is acceptable to the Senator. Senator Humphreys also raised the issue of dementia. I note the Senator's great interest in it and how supportive he is of the committee.

Senator Lombard raised the issue of the Celtic interconnector, and I agree with the Senator on its importance in terms of Brexit. There was a phone call - it has been publicised - between the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister last night. The Government is taking the new proposals of the British Prime Minister, Mr. Johnson, very seriously. The Taoiseach has a number of meetings and phone calls with European Heads of State and Government planned over the coming days. Let us hope something will be resolved there.

Senator Craughwell paid tribute to the Defence Forces, the local authorities and the work they are carrying out to prepare for the coming storm. We all thank them for their hard work. They have been filling sandbags and working hard. Certainly, I hope that Ireland will benefit from the work that has been carried out by both the Defence Forces and local authorities, especially in the coastal areas they are most concerned about.

Senator Ruane raised the issue of dual diagnosis, how a position has not been filled, people are being turned away, and the need for proper care plans to be put in place. It is something on which I support the Senator because I have had contact from people who have had similar problems. It is something that needs to be raised. Certainly, it is something that should be raised here when the Minister, Deputy Harris, comes to the House on 23 October.

Senator Wilson also commended the Defence Forces and the local authorities, to which I have already referred. The Senator raised the need to keep a cool head in terms of Brexit, the Anglo-Irish Agreement, and the Border counties. I understand his frustration. We all are supportive. The Border countries are an important place. The linkages between the North of Ireland and the South of Ireland are important to all 32 counties. I certainly support Senator Wilson in that.

Senator Devine raised the issue of autism in the different areas of Dublin. The Senator met parents this morning. It is something that we discuss quite a bit. Autism spectrum disorder, ASD, units are discussed at the Joint Committee on Education and Skills. Certainly, I will commit to asking the Minister, Deputy McHugh, to come here for a debate on it.

Senator Leyden welcomed Mr. Maurice Quinn and his family and friends, who are now gone, to the Gallery. The Senator mentioned the difference between inactive accounts and dormant accounts. It is important to get that message out there because people are confused and not aware when it comes to their accounts. The Senator raised a valid point. That concludes the business of the House.