Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Bacik, McDowell and Higgins and many other Members of the House spoke very eloquently about the sad and tragic passing of Cormac Ó Braonáin. I was not here for the Order of Business yesterday. On behalf of Fine Gael and on my own behalf, I offer deepest sympathies to his family, his parents and the members of the Labour Party. He was a fine young man who was making a very valuable and positive contribution in politics and human rights and was making life better for his fellow citizens. His sad passing at a very young age is very hard to take. His family may take solace in the fact that his very short life was very well-lived and was full of endeavour, enthusiasm and positivity. It was rooted in doing what we should all try to do, making our world a better place for everybody. I had the pleasure of meeting him. He was a very fine and decent young man. I am deeply sorry to have to offer my sympathies to his family today. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Senators Feighan and Marshall made reference to the changing political landscape in the UK and in the North. I congratulate all of the victors in the different constituencies in the North of our country last week. I wish them well. In the context of Brexit and last week's election, it is important that we now see the power-sharing Executive in Stormont return. There is a duty on all sides to ensure that a government is back up and running. I appeal to all members from all political parties to ensure that a power-sharing Executive is put in place in January at the latest. I believe 13 January is the deadline. We can have political differences but we must come together in the interests of the people whom we serve on our island, whether North or South.

Senator Murnane O'Connor raised a very important issue regarding GPs and charging. No agreement has been concluded. It remains to be resolved. It is a matter for the GPs, the HSE, and the Department to sit down and resolve it. I will be happy to hold a debate in the new year if the Senator has not received an answer by that time.

Many Members raised the issue of the very tragic death of Nadine Lott. We offer our deepest sympathies to her family. Senators Clifford-Lee and McFadden called for a debate on the issue of domestic violence. It is not acceptable that 230 people have died as a consequence of domestic violence since 1996. We have proposed significant legislative changes. There is also work to be done in respect of education. I will be very happy to have a debate in the new year. It is a pity that the Order of Business was not held after the meeting of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee because, in the context of the very genuine contributions on the issue of domestic violence, it is an issue which the committee should take up in the new year. The Leas-Chathaoirleach chairs that committee. To be fair to all Members of the House, we should give consideration to this issue and park others because it is very important. It has received cross-party support-----