Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second Senator Craughwell's proposed amendment to the Order of Business on the motion regarding Georgia's candidacy for membership of the European Union, and specifically that it be taken without debate, with the agreement of the House. I reiterate the important point that it has been 31 years since Georgia regained its independence and 26 years since diplomatic relations between Ireland and Georgia were established. It is worth bearing in mind that on 8 November 2008 Russia invaded a democratic and independent state and still occupies 20% of that territory. That has tended to be forgotten by the international community over the years. It is important that the goodwill of the European Union is offered to Georgia on this occasion. I know that Georgia has been working hard to fulfil all of the obligations required of it in this regard. I look forward to the motion receiving the full support of the House. The Irish Government fully supports Georgia's candidacy for membership of the EU.

Briefly, I agree with Senator Carrigy on the issue of vaping shops. I have tabled a Commencement matter on the issue for later this week or next week. It is an important issue. The late former Deputy Nicky McFadden and I fought for years to get legislation implemented on the issue of head shops. That took a long time to be put in place. I hope we do not make the same mistake in respect of vaping shops. They are very dangerous. The must be regulated as a matter of urgency.

Finally, I note the Leas-Chathaoirleach and I attended the memorial launch and plaque-unveiling for the late Inspector Samuel Donegan, who was killed while on duty in the Border area by a booby-trap bomb on 8 June 1972. I might need some assistance shortly from Senator Carrigy on the pronunciation but Inspector Donegan was a native of Ballintempen, County Longford. He served in County Cavan and other places with distinction for many years. It is important that the inspector is recognised. It took 50 years for the memorial to be put in place, which is far too long. In this year, the 100th anniversary of the establishment of An Garda Síochána, memorials should be erected for every member of the organisation who was killed while on active duty in the State.