Oberstown, Palestine and dental care
In his closing response, the Leader promised to bring the Minister in on Oberstown, corrected the attribution of the Palestine issue to Paul Gavan, and said he would seek a debate on it. He also undertook to ask the Health Minister to address Aidan Davitt's concerns about dental care.
I apologise.
Senator James Reilly referred to the Oberstown centre. I will be happy to have the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Katherine Zappone, come into the House to discuss that important issue.
Senator Robbie Gallagher raised the important issue of apartheid in the context of the state of Israel and Palestine-----
Comment on this
It was Senator Paul Gavan who raised the issue. Language is important.
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My apologies. The Senator is correct that language is important. Senator Paul Gavan is right; a debate is needed to hear from all sides.
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The Senator is correct. It is also my opinion that the Palestinian people deserve to have their voice heard and recognised. While I might not receive approval in many quarters for saying that, I share Senator Paul Gavan's views in that regard. This is an issue Members must consider and I will seek to have the Minister come before the House to discuss it.
Senator David Norris referred to the situation in Syria and also referred to Palestine, an issue to which I have just referred.
Senator Aidan Davitt raised the issue of dental care. I will ask the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, to come to the House to discuss it.
Senator Fintan Warfield raised an important issue regarding libraries without staff that is now entering the public domain. There is a distinction to be made between libraries that are staffed by librarians and the service they provide and staffless libraries, but it is critically important that we recognise the importance of the library service to communities. I will be happy to have the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney, come to the House to discuss the issue with Members.
Senator Tim Lombard referred to Norwegian Air. Many of us from Cork have raised this troubling issue which I believe has been referred to arbitration. However, from the perspective of Munster, Cork in particular, it is critical that this transatlantic link be established. I appeal to the US authorities to certify and give a licence to Norwegian Air.
Ní fhaca mé an clár mar gheall ar an bpictiúrlann i nGaillimh, ach tá an ceart ag an Senator Ó Clochartaigh go bhfuil obair forbartha le déanamh ag gach Roinn maidir leis an gcaoi ina úsáidtear airgead an taxpayer. Oversight of the spending of money on taxpayers' behalf is something in which Members should engage, as well as having the Minister come to the House to discuss the issue. I will also be happy to have the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ring, come to the House.
I will accept Senator Gerald Nash's proposed amendment to the Order of Business. If Senator David Norris withdraws his proposed amendment, I will endeavour to have the Minister for Justice and Equality come to the House within the next couple of weeks.