Seanad debates

Tuesday, 12 November 2019

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

2:30 pm

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My apologies. Safe Ireland is headquartered in Athlone. All of us recognise the important work that is being done from a legislative and cross-party point of view and we also recognise the work being done by many organisations on domestic violence. All of us must respect women and their integrity.All of us, whether we are a citizen or an elected representative, must be very careful about what we say and do in terms of the negative attitude that we bring to women and to people in general, as Senator McFadden very correctly said. Senator McFadden asked that Members attend the conference. I will be very happy to speak with her afterwards and to disseminate, to the Members of the House, the information on the conference.

The final point that Senator McFadden mentioned was the need for all of us, as citizens and elected politicians, to reflect on our own behaviour whether it is on social media or in general. The point she made about negative attitudes is one that we must combat and counter. I am happy to invite the Minister to come to the House to have a further debate on the matter.

The point that Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell made about trees is one that I am happy to have the Minister come back to discuss in terms of climate change. I am not an expert on the planting of trees but I have asked the Department to communicate with the Senator on the matter.

The points that Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell made about dementia care in Bruff are ones that should be articulated beyond this Chamber because she is right that there is a need to take a look at the totality of the service. In particular, people who are heading towards the end of their lives, and also those who are living in the autumn of their lives, should be looked after and cared for in the completeness of what she spoke about earlier. Dementia is challenging for many different families in all parts of Ireland and it is a challenge for loved ones. This morning, I spoke to a gentleman whose wife attends Bessborough in Cork city two days a week. He said that it is two days when he does not worry about his wife because he knows she is well looked after and it is a break for him. These facilities give carers peace of mind. I agree with the Senator that we should plan for the future, which we have not been very good at doing.

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