Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I echo and support Senator Warfield's remarks on the need for a balanced debate on sex education, and I applaud him for his remarks in the House today.

I join with Senator Carrigy and others on the remarks about Andrew Geary. I know Andrew Geary. He is a tremendous father, a tremendous public servant and a huge and profoundly important advocate for his son, Callum. I commend him for his work.

The digital green certificate has been raised on the Order of Business today. I call on the Leader to facilitate a debate in the House on the absolute need for us, as a country and as an integral member of the European Union, to have the digital green certificate put in place. I am concerned that we do not have the preparatory work under way to ensure we can have access to the important benefit of the adaptation and implementation of the European Union digital green certificate. The vaccine passport and digital passport will enhance our country and facilitate the reopening of our country in a safe manner, not just for internal travel but for international travel, which is so pivotal to our country in the context of tourism.

I ask that we would have this debate so we can show to the world that we are ready and prepared. It is very important we do so in tandem with the Government's planned remarks on Thursday in regard to the reopening of the country. The digital green passport is of critical importance. The need for action to have our country ready is of paramount importance to the hospitality sector, the retail market, external travel agents and airlines operating into and out of our country. I hope we will have that debate as a matter of urgency.