Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise to two issues with the Deputy Leader this morning. The first is in the context of attendance at championship matches. We all witnessed and welcomed the return of matches with crowds and spectators at the weekend. The pilot games were a success and we salute and congratulate Cumann Lúthchleas Gael on its successful handling of the matches in all the provinces. I ask and call on Government today to increase the number of spectators who can attend sporting events. In particular, at the weekend we will have Cork versus Dublin in the all-Ireland under-20 hurling final from 2020 in Nowlan Park. Some 500 patrons can attend the match next Saturday in a stadium with a capacity of approximately 27,000 or 28,000 people. I concur with many that this capacity ceiling should be lifted. I ask the Cathaoirleach and Deputy Leader that we have a debate on the issue of pilot attendances at sporting occasions.

The second issue I will raise is the debate on our readiness regarding the European digital green certificate, which is one of huge concern. We are the only country in Europe not operating that digital certificate as of 1 July. I hope the Deputy Leader will join with me in saying that we should have an urgent debate this Friday on our preparedness for the European digital certificate. It is of absolute importance that our country is reconnected to the outside world.

Finally, I concur with Senator Mullen on the absolute need for a debate and activity on human trafficking. The report last week was very disappointing and distressingSenator Mullen was right. We rub shoulders with some world leaders on the pretext of trade while we turn a blind eye to human rights issues and the abuse of human rights. It is time we stood up for human rights.