Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 16 Members of the House for their contributions to the Order of Business. I will begin with the contribution of Senator Ardagh, who raised the issue of Spinraza. It is disappointing that there has been no progress in some cases. I know of one case in Cork in which the child affected did receive Spinraza just this week. There should, however, be no obfuscation or prolongation. The HSE has been in communication with Biogen. This was announced in June of this year. I will join the Senator to ensure that the drug is provided expeditiously in all cases. I am disappointed to hear that there has been a delay.

Senator Ardagh also raised the issue of rent increases and Rebuilding Ireland. As she knows quite well, in the first nine months of this year alone 20,000 new apartments and houses were constructed. In the third quarter of this year, construction was commenced on 7,560 houses and apartments. It is about extending the help-to-buy scheme, but also about ensuring people have certainty. That is why Government made changes with regard to rent. I am not sure that a rent freeze would do what the Senator wants it to. There is a worry about the effect it would have on supply, particularly for first-time renters, but I would be happy to invite the Minister to the House to debate the matter.

Senator Craughwell and many other Members, including Senators Black, Wilson and Ó Domhnaill, raised the issue of the Moorhead report. As Members of the House, regardless of whether we are going for re-election to the Seanad, election to the Dáil, or whatever else, we all recognise the importance of local government and of local authority members and the significant role those members play. We all understand and acknowledge that the workload has increased beyond what was comprehended when local government was reformed. There is a need for the Moorhead report to be published. There is also a need for Government, irrespective of who is in government, to tackle the issue once and for all. It will find no ambiguity among Members on this side of the House in that regard. I join all Members in saying that. I say it as somebody who has served on a local authority and who understands the importance of the role local councillors play.

Senator Craughwell referred to the military event being postponed. I am not aware of the details of the event he raised. All of us in this House recognise the value and importance of the military and the role that it plays. Today we remember and salute all of the members of the Defence Forces who died on active service during international duty abroad. We also remember those who served abroad. I am not familiar with the details of the issue the Senator raised regarding the Remembrance Day event. I attended the one in Cork last Sunday. It is important that we all respect and salute those who died and those who served.

Senators Gavan and Marie-Louise O'Donnell raised the issue of Lyric FM. If Senator Gavan wants to throw jibes at me, I invite him to do so.