Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I pay tribute to the Cathaoirleach on the success of yesterday when Congressman Richie Neal shared his words with this House.

I support the call of Senator Craughwell for the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, to be included in the pay talks. It is extraordinary that we made a decision about PDFORRA but did not include RACO in that reimagining. I hope we can change that and that RACO can be included in those pay talks.

Senator Maria Byrne referenced the issue of Ronald McDonald House, which briefed us interestingly and informatively this morning. Those of us who have been in the existing Ronald McDonald House and have seen the benefits of the support, love and infrastructure, and the warmth of the people there, should be prompted to support the new facility in the national children's hospital. "The house love will build" is the name of the campaign. It is about ensuring that the families of young children receive support away from home. That is a cause we should all support.

The Cathaoirleach might not have heard me at the beginning of my contribution. I compliment and congratulate him on yesterday, which was a positive day for relations between Ireland and America and, more importantly, between friends. I hope we can build on that.

I welcome to the Gallery the boys and girls I had the pleasure of meeting on my way to the Chamber. I nearly bumped them out of the way. I apologise because I did not get much time to say hello, but they are welcome.