Florida shooting and public service broadcasting
The Leader offered condolences for the Florida school shooting and corrected the record on the documentary previously mentioned, praising RTÉ and calling for a future debate on the issues it raised.
Let us have that debate again when we see what happens with the GP contract. I advise Senator Gallagher that it is important to acknowledge the importance of the role of GPs in our health system. Nobody has ever not done that.
On behalf of the House, I join Senator Devine in sympathising with the parents and members of families of loved ones, young children, adults, teachers and members of staff who were shot and killed in the tragedy in Florida last night. It is absolutely unacceptable to those of us who do not live in United States of America to see this carnage continue. This is the 18th gun shooting in America this year. It is in the hands of the American authorities to deal with the issue. I know Americans have the right to bear arms under their constitution but there comes a time where vested interests must not be allowed to continue to dominate the debate on the need for change regarding legislation on guns in the US.
The tragedy and heartbreak in the homes of many people today as they wake up to a new day in Florida is unimaginable to us here. We should ask our Government, as part of the St. Patrick's Day visits across America, to lobby and advocate for gun reform. It is unacceptable that this continues and we should all stand up and say, "Enough is enough".
I missed the second half of the contribution from Senator Norris. I apologise; I did not hear what he said.
Comment on this
I beg the Senator's pardon. I saw the documentary yesterday. It was very powerful and moving. Senator Norris is correct. It posed lots of questions. As Senator Gallagher said, we should move on from the past, but we have to learn from the past. Anyone who watched the documentary had to be moved by his courage and strength. I thank RTÉ. The power of public service broadcasting brings such documentaries to us. It poses the question of what type of world we live in and whether potential still exists in the minds of many around the world.
Comment on this
It clearly does. That is why it is important that the issue is kept to the forefront and the Minister would come to the House. I would be happy to have that debate in due course.