Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join Senator O'Reilly in asking the Leader to facilitate a rolling debate on Covid-19 from a number of perspectives. In particular, it is imperative that Ministers come before the House in advance of the stimulus plan so we can have an input into it aside from being asked for our ideas and suggestions.

I concur with Senator Mullen regarding the issue of Hong Kong and Taiwan. It is important that we have a debate on our one China policy. In particular, it is important that we have a debate on the human rights abuses being inflicted by the Chinese Communist Party. It is very important. Our one-China policy is something we should look at and debate in advance of assuming our seat on the UN Security Council.

I ask that assistance be given today to people who have paid in good faith for holidays. I have been speaking with many people who booked holidays prior to the advice on non-essential travel. People are being asked by the Government not to travel but if the airlines depart, people will lose their money. It is important that we assist people who have worked hard and saved to book and pay for holidays with tour operators and travel agents.I ask that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport be invited to the House to discuss this matter.

I wish the Leader well in her role and thank her for her work so far. I also thank members of the staff in the Houses for their courtesy to us in these difficult times. It is important that we sit in the Houses of the Oireachtas on these hallowed grounds rather than in the convention centre. I hope we can do that as a Parliament. That is not a slight on the Convention Centre Dublin, but these are the Houses of the Oireachtas.