Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with Senators Carrigy and Keogan in asking that we have a debate about the issues of travel agents and travel. Only this week, Ryanair has announced the closure of its bases in Cork and Shannon. I will repeatedly demand that we have an honest debate about whether we, as a country, are going to be open and open for business. It is incumbent upon us to have that honest debate in this Chamber.

I ask Members of the House to reflect on what they have said about Cumann Lúthchleas Gael and the GAA championship season. The Chief Medical Officer wrote to the Government and stated that, under level 5, matches can take place. The matches are taking place behind closed doors and, as Pat Spillane said this week, the championship is the symbol of hope for all of us. I support Senator Cassells and ask Cumann Lúthchleas Gael to reflect on the point that it makes no sense for Kerry footballers to drive to Monaghan in single cars next Sunday, nor does it make sense for Donegal players to drive to Kerry a week later. I ask Cumann Lúthchleas Gael to come up with a neutral venue policy. We are playing the games behind closed doors. I am a member of my club executive and a former county board officer. I was chairman of my club for six years. We should not play politics with Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. It is the binding force of unity in communities in our country. I appeal to the management committee of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael to be sensible about the venues that are selected for matches and come up with neutral venues.