Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is only about his personal political survival and has nothing to do with the growth or development of the economy in Northern Ireland. I will try to get that update from the Minister as soon as I can.

Senators O'Sullivan and Keogan spoke about the atrocity that occurred in Nigeria recently. I wish to put on record our condolences to the families of the 40 people who passed away and our good wishes to the 87 who were injured in that horrific attack.

Senator Boylan spoke about Pride month. She also sought a debate on the national wildlife review, which I will try to organise as quickly as I can. The Senator referred to the blood donation crisis. I thank her for raising that issue.

Senator Sherlock discussed the long list of artisan studios that had closed. She is right in that Dublin City Council, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage need to work together, examine what is wrong and determine what supports are needed to ensure that we foster creativity, not just in Dublin, but around all of the country. I thank the Senator for raising this matter.

Senators Buttimer, Wilson and Craughwell asked for an amendment to the Order of Business to discuss No. 113 before everything else. I would be happy to do so. Unfortunately, I cannot take it without debate because that would not be fair to colleagues. Instead, I will try to arrange a debate of 60 minutes as soon as we can next week, after which we can pass it as a House, if that is okay with everyone.

Senator Buttimer also sought a debate on budget preparations, the world of work and how we ensure that work pays better. I will organise that as quickly as possible, although I will point to Fine Gael's Private Members' business tomorrow, which is connected with this matter.

Senator Fitzpatrick discussed Women's Aid's annual report, which was issued today. I have taken a particular interest in these reports since my election 11 years ago. Every year, the statistics grow more shocking. They do not appear to be receding in any way, shape or form. I look forward to the implementation of the third strategy by the Minister for Justice and to a debate on that strategy in the House as soon as it is published.

Senator Maria Byrne referred to this morning's welcome move by the Government to include Limerick and Clare in the mica redress scheme. She correlated the 700 mica-affected families waiting in Limerick with the 700 people waiting to access beds in University Hospital Limerick. She has been raising the issue of the hospital week in, week out for the past two years. It is time that we put in place an independent review to find out what is, or is not, happening in the hospital to cause it to be such a constant concern.

Senator Wilson supported the call for a debate on the motion on Georgia.

Senator Carrigy sought a debate on childcare in the community and the staffing of same, which is an issue around the country. He also sought a debate on vaping and e-cigarettes. That legislation is at pre-legislative scrutiny stage and we will get it as soon as the report is finished. I will keep the Senator updated.

Senator Craughwell spoke about Rescue 116 and the lack of in-house aviation expertise in the Department and the Irish Coast Guard, which seems striking. He is right, in that, of the 44 recommendations, 16 of which were made to the Minister, two related specifically to the lack of expertise. Once Mr. Jurgen Whyte's report is released, it will be interesting to see whether those recommendations have been taken on board. We will watch closely.

Senator Cassells passionately shared his feelings regarding the debacle of yesterday's meeting in respect of the accident and emergency department in Navan.I am pleased to hear the Minster is in charge and will make decisions and not anybody else.

Senator Wall of the Labour Party asked for a debate on rural transport and particularly on the NTA funding for the public service obligation levy with regard to the short hop zone in Newbridge. I will organise that debate as quickly as I can.

Senator Hackett spoke about Pride and I want to wish her and her husband, Mark, a happy anniversary. Twenty-one years is a great milestone and Senator Hackett paid tribute to our colleague, Senator Norris.

While Senator Conway also spoke about him, Senator Boyhan set out the sad loss of Councillor Noel Collins from Cork. We only spoke about him a couple of weeks ago on his retirement and people were regaled of the stories of his particular style of politics, which went down incredibly well and was well received in Cork because of his repeated re-election for 54 years. He was a remarkable man and an enormous loss, not just to his family but to the entire community he served in Cork. They will be very big boots to fill. I extend all of our condolences to his family, constituents and supporters on his sad passing today.

Senator Malcolm Byrne opened today by talking about the UK's unilateral legislative move and he looked for a debate on the future work of local and national media arising from the delay in the publication of the report on the models of funding we should have for our local and national media. I will arrange that debate as soon as I can, as well as arranging a debate on local government.