Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes, he is known for that. He is an incredibly affable, friendly individual with great charisma and energy. I hope to see him in the White House in the near future. He has shown the grace and leadership qualities that we would like to see in the White House in terms of how he has handled recent comments by the current President.

Senator Burke raised the issue of Taiwan and its exclusion from the World Health Assembly. Those points were echoed by Senators Buttimer, Conway, Davitt and Mullen. Senator Mullen raised an important point about China. Sometimes, it may be politically convenient to turn a blind eye to what China is doing because it is such a large, global superpower because of the impact on trade, but if something is wrong we should say it is wrong regardless of where it originates. Recent events have shown us that as well. We should not be afraid to say something is wrong when it is wrong. Let us not demean ourselves by suggesting otherwise. I agree with Senator Mullen on that point.

I addressed Senator Ó Donnghaile's points about Changing Places toilet facilities, level 5 restrictions and gym access. We need to look at how we can live better with Covid.

Senator Davitt raised the shooting season, Taiwan and also Brexit. The latter is a very important issue. I am pleased that we will soon be formally setting up the first meeting of the Seanad Select Committee on Brexit. Much work has gone on behind the scenes to get the committee up and running, with some challenges along the way, but I am pleased that we are finally there. The Committee of Selection met yesterday and members have been appointed to the committee. I hope we will have the first meeting of the committee very soon so that we can deal with the many issues that have been raised in terms of exporters. Senator McGreehan raised the issue of Border communities. This will impact massively on Border communities, North and South, and there must be an all-island approach. We all share the same island. We agree that the committee can do some good work on that topic.

Senator Flynn raised the issue of migrant workers. I have dealt with that. I thank her for bringing this important matter to the floor. I echo her sentiment to the effect that migrants make this country better. It is an important point to make. It is very simple and very straight to the point but with all of the division across the world, we must acknowledge the people who are working hard in communities here. They should be commended on it.

Senator Buttimer called for a debate on the forthcoming move away from level 5 restrictions. I hope we can tie that discussion in to the living with Covid debate. NPHET gives its advice independent of the Oireachtas so we do not have an influence there, as such, but we as politicians need to take the advice and guidelines and work with them, taking into account all the other social and economic factors.

I dealt with the issue raised by Senator McGreehan on Changing Places toilets. I acknowledge her claim to Joe Biden as well. She also raised Brexit.

Senator Conway referred to Taiwan as well, but he also called for a debate on tourism. That could form part of the living with Covid debate. If a further debate is required specifically on the tourism sector I have no doubt we will be able to make time for it.

I commend Senator O'Loughlin on the hate crime Bill. I know this has been a passion of hers and she worked very hard on it in the previous term. She brought the Bill back before the Oireachtas, into this House. It is welcome that the Seanad will get a chance to debate the issue for the first time in this Parliament. She has my full support for the Bill. She also raised migrant workers. What was said has been echoed by all parties across the House. I know Senator Gallagher has also been working behind the scenes on the hate crime legislation. I thank him for his work on it.

I am not sure what to say about the ancient walrus, other than to thank Senator Mullen for telling the House about it. I was not aware that it was going out the window today. I commend the OPW on its work. The work of the OPW is varied. It does fantastic work in protecting important structures and sites across the country to ensure they are there for generations to come. The walrus clearly falls into that category. We have an interesting piece of history to be appreciated and enjoyed by all citizens.