Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The comments of some public representatives were disappointing and shocking, while maybe not surprising in some parts, but certainly do not serve the cause of peace, which we all seek. I concur with the remarks of Senators who called for the release of those who have been taken hostage. We call for a ceasefire and for peace talks to begin again as soon as possible. I also welcome the comments of the Tánaiste and the Government in their support for Israel to defend itself but also in support of the Palestinian people and getting an aid corridor opened up, which we hope will happen soon. Preventing basic supplies from getting to the Palestinian people will only cause further death and entrenchment in this situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent civilians on both sides of the conflict who have lost their lives, and will lose their lives in the coming weeks.

Senator Doherty spoke about the budget today. The will be statements on finance and public expenditure later but not every Senator will get an opportunity to contribute during those debates as time is limited to a certain extent. It is important to acknowledge that it was a very good budget. It was a positive budget containing a significant package for social protection payments of €1.1 billion. As Senators have acknowledged, the renter's tax credit has been increased. The reduction in taxation in income tax bands and USC is really welcome, and also the energy tax credits. There are people who will say there was something for everybody in the audience in it, as if that were a bad thing. However, a budget that can serve all people, target those who are the most vulnerable but still acknowledge that middle-income workers are also feeling the pinch and give something to those households too, is a budget to be commended.

When I listened to the opening remarks of the Minister for Finance in particular where he outlined the challenges this Government has faced in the past three and a half years, it is worth remembering that as a country, a State and a Government, we have been through the tail-end of Brexit, a pandemic, a war in Ukraine that is still ongoing, an energy crisis, and inflation that is affecting the global community. The fact that we can deliver a budget today that has a surplus, balance our books, and are able to give back to all elements of our community is an extraordinary achievement by this Government. We only need to look across the water at what can happen when a bad budget is delivered and what can happen very quickly to an economy when the public finances are not managed properly. I particularly acknowledge the two funds that have been established by this Government to save and put away money, not for a rainy day, but for expenses we know are coming down the tracks. We have a fund put in place, the Future Ireland fund, which will help us to pay for the increasing cost of a growing and an ageing population when it comes to healthcare and pensions. This is something that may not be the most glamorous aspect of this budget or the one that people will feel the impact of today, tomorrow, or next year.In 20 years' time when we look back on a budget that established these two funds, in which we put away money to pay for future spending, it will be seen as a very important step in securing our country's future and ensuring we can pay for capital projects and the pressures that come with an ageing and growing population. I commend the Government in particular on these two measures. It is not something that will be noticed in the lifetime of the Government and it would be easy to spend what is there. A much more prudent and sensible Government puts away money for the next five, ten or 15 years and this is very important.

Senator Craughwell acknowledged Taiwan's national day, as did the Cathaoirleach. I concur with their remarks.

Senator Wall spoke about the ESRI's gambling report which found that 130,000 adults have problem gambling. It is suspected that there are far more than this as a lot of gambling goes on behind closed doors online and it is difficult to put a figure on it. The gambling Bill is moving through the Dáil at present. It is stuck on Report Stage. We are waiting for it to come to this House. It is unlikely to be this term but as soon as it is ready, we will make sure there is space in the schedule for it to go through the House. It is very important legislation to tackle this scourge.

I note Senator Wall's points on public transport and the times of buses for the Suncroft community in Kildare. This is an important point. For many communities outside of larger urban areas the times that public transport leaves and arrives do not suit people getting to work, college or appointments. It is very important for public transport to be consistent and reliable and to have regular services, They need to be more frequent than every two hours. They need to be every hour or half hour to allow people to arrive on time. We are still working on this. There has been significant investment in public transport. This is where the country is heading, which is very important.

Senators Malcolm Byrne and Mark Daly spoke about Chuck Feeney and his contribution to Irish life. Senator Byrne focused primarily on his work in higher education and research and development and his legacy in this regard. Senator Daly spoke about his role in the peace process. He has made an incredible contribution to Irish life in many regards. As has been pointed out, he never sought credit or adulation for it. He leaves behind a remarkable and proud legacy.

Senators Cummins and Carrigy raised the issue of the large-scale sports infrastructure fund. Walsh Park was mentioned by Senator Cummins. I note the points made by both Senators in this regard and the importance to communities of getting this infrastructure in place.

Senator Flynn spoke, as she has often done, about Traveller accommodation. It is an ongoing challenge in every part of the country. I concur with her remarks on the Carrickmines tragedy and the ten Irish citizens who lost their lives. It is important that we never forget what happened on that day eight years ago. I am glad that Senator Flynn put their names on the record again. It is very important. I commend Senator Flynn on her work.

I fully acknowledge that we are not doing enough to meet the needs of our Traveller citizens with regard to accommodation. There are many instances of very poor accommodation throughout the country and this is unjustifiable. We need to work this. It is probably more challenging because of the overall housing challenge that we have. It is not getting the attention that it needs and deserves. There is an onus on local authorities to do their bit and to draw down the funds that have been made available. There is no consistent approach throughout all local authorities. Some are doing better than others. This is not justifiable either. I thank Senator Flynn for raising, and continuing to raise, the issue in the House.

Senator Carrigy raised the issue of the Garda divisions. It is an issue for us in Mayo also. As he pointed out, Longford, Roscommon and Mayo are now part of the same division. From Edgeworthstown to Belmullet is all part of the same division. Geographically, it is not really workable on the ground. There is a lot of anxiety about this issue in rural areas. There is the feeling that there is not the level of coverage that would be expected and that was there previously. It is an important issue to raise. I suggest a Commencement matter on the issue because it is a very specific question. The matter has been raised in the Department of Justice with the Minister and the Minister of State.

I certainly agree with Senator Carrigy's remarks, in particular with regard to interagency work and working with stakeholders. Longford and Westmeath are tied in many areas, so it would make sense for these two areas to stay together in a Garda division. I cannot understand the logic behind joining the three counties of Longford, Roscommon and Mayo. It is almost as though they were the last three counties left and were thrown together. I do not know and I am speculating. I hope the matter can be addressed to the satisfaction of citizens in all three counties and that we have a properly functioning Garda service in these areas.