Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the nine Senators for their contributions to the Order of Business. I welcome Senator Clifford-Lee back to the House following her excursions during the by-election campaign and wish her well in her future endeavours. She raised an important matter earlier that needs to be highlighted more frequently. She is correct that domestic homicide has not received the same level of attention as gangland crime, and I stand with her regarding the starkness of the figures presented in the report today. As somebody who sits on the joint policing committees for Cork city and county councils, I welcome the fact that divisional protected service units will be established in Cork. It is important to reaffirm the commitment of the Government and of all of us - I hope universally - to the promotion and support of victims of domestic violence, which has a devastating effect. The Government has been proactive on the matter, taking a range of legislative decisions and passing a suite of Bills. In addition, An Garda Síochána continuously works to improve its specialist services and there has been a significant allocation of funding for the matters raised.

On the point the Senator made in respect of Hammond Lane, all of us want to see the issue resolved and it is a priority for the Minister for Justice and Equality.Up to €80 million of capital funding has been made available from the Department for a new children’s court complex. It is important the Office of Public Works and those involved in the Courts Service sit down to conclude the negotiations. The points made by the Senator this afternoon are important, in particular the issue of mediation and people being able to discuss their affairs in the privacy of a secure environment. I am happy for the Minister to come to the House to discuss this matter.

Senator Craughwell referred to the new Finnish Prime Minister, Sanna Marin, who will be installed today at the age of 34, the youngest Prime Minister in the world. We wish her every success in her tenure. The decision of the Finnish Government is a wonderful acknowledgement of the role of diversity, inclusion and gender. She was a former member of a city council in Finland and has proved her mettle as a politician of repute. It is important we promote women in all aspects of political and civic life.

The Cathaoirleach and Senator Norris referred to the sad passing today of Paul Anthony McDermott. On behalf of the Fine Gael side of the House, I join with the House’s words of sympathy to his family on his sad and young passing. He was an insightful and bright mind. His ability to cut to the quick of a matter, whether it concerned legislation or another legal matter, was one from which we all benefited. We send our sympathies to his family.

Senator Norris also referred to the passing of Professor John Gilmartin and Randal MacDonnell. We also extend our sympathies to their families. I did not know them but we offer our sympathies to them as well.

Senators Craughwell, O’Mahony and Humphreys referred to the issue of the FAI. It made for sad reading at the weekend to learn of €55 million of net liabilities being exposed. It is a gargantuan mess. Those of us who are sportspeople are concerned by the effect this will have on the FAI brand and, more importantly, grassroots football which is supported by many thousands of volunteers, week in, week out. Senator Humphreys referred to football in disadvantaged areas. It is important that young people in disadvantaged areas do not suffer because of this. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, gets much criticism in this House. To be fair to him, his decision to withhold the money and find a mechanism by which that money can be diverted to grassroots football is one we should support. It is disappointing that the FAI will not attend the sports committee tomorrow. Equally, however, what is Sport Ireland doing? It is the oversight body of the FAI. This €55 million deficit did not just happen last week or the week before. It has been going on for some time. It is important we have proper oversight. Those of us involved in sport at grassroots level recognise the importance of funding, fundraising and trying to keep a club going. Last week, a rugby club in Kildare was threatened with being put out of business because of insurance costs. Many of us in this Chamber are involved in our own local clubs and sport. It is important Sport Ireland is also held to account for the oversight role it plays. None of us can condone or support what is happening in the FAI at corporate level. It is just not good enough.