Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue raised is the FAI and the importance of good governance in the FAI and having the right person appointed. Senator O'Mahony was very accurate in what he said regarding other organisations that appointed the right chief executive, who turned those organisations around.All of us sports people are supportive of the FAI and do not want any repercussions for the ordinary members and players who go about their business every week, trying to keep the game afloat at grassroots level. Issues must be addressed there and I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House regarding the matter.

Senator Gallagher raised the positive story of the great success of the Magheracloone Mitchells club in County Monaghan, which won the intermediate Ulster football championship last weekend. We congratulate them in light of the adversity they have faced in their own community.

Senator McDowell raised the important matter of casinos and gaming licences from 1956 to 1988. We all agree there is a need to amend those licences in order that this blight on our society can be removed. I would be happy to work with the Senator on that matter because it needs to be addressed, not only in our capital but in Cork city and other cities as well. There is huge folly involved, and in seasonal coastal areas people can apply for three-month licences and every machine can have a gaming licence which costs about €450. The matter needs to be addressed because these licences are a blight on our society and are leading to gambling addictions and other societal problems. I support the Senator on that issue.

Senator Reilly raised the issue of school places in his area around Skerries. I would be happy to have a debate with the Minister on the matter.

Senator Gavan raised asked about an equality debate, which I would be happy to have. We are always debating equality because it comes into everything we do as a Government through legislation and policies. We have increased the minimum wage. We never cut the minimum wage, unlike other parties in government. The current Fine Gael Government and the previous Fine Gael-Labour Party Government increased the minimum wage.