Garret Ahearn
Administrative Panel · Fine Gael · Ireland
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 9(2)) (Amount of Financial Contribution) Order 2025 (Revocation) Order 2026, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No.”
“I am very conscious that No. 10 is to be taken at 11.30 a.m. and it is now 11.30 a.m. I will be brief. I will make a note of any contributions relating to debates for when we come back in September. There were a lot of calls for debates.”
“We have been here for a number of years and she is correct; a lot of it has come through in July. Technically, it is for the Leader to set out the timeline of debates but I understand the frustration when it comes late or when there is little scope for debate. The motions, in fairness, were referred to committee for debate.”
“9, whichever is later, and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 75 minutes by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government, the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister at th…”
“5, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 4) Regulations 2026, back from committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 4 without debate; No. 6, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.”
“We will have a busy time coming back in September with an expected by-election to this House, which will create more work for them. To all colleagues across the House, on a personal level, I thank them for the last number of weeks since I took over as Leader of the Seanad. It has been a busy number of weeks for all of us.”
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“He mentioned a really good point in terms of financial support and the role Tidy Towns played in fundraising but a lot of renewable energy companies invest in local communities where they have wind farms to support them. This is a prime example. More should be highlighted. The companies do it themselves but I am not sure they highlight it enough. I know of a Cork company that has wind farms in Tipperary. It invests in local communities but does not highlight it too much. It is a significant amount of money for the likes of the communities the Senator spoke about. As he requested, we will have a debate on it after the summer. It is important. We set up the Department of rural affairs which has been a real success in terms capital funding.”
“It could have made a CPO on it. It is a very sensitive topic. I do not think it is appropriate for me as I would not have the same information as the Senator or people from that constituency to speak on it but it seems appropriate that the council would have played a more leading role in something that has a long-lasting impact on people in that community. Senator Scahill spoke in relation to the new church car park built just outside Strokestown - I missed the name of the village.”
“It is important that people are recycling, for obvious reasons, and we cannot rely on people just doing it at home, even though the process is the exact same. We need to ensure it is done right and properly. It is there for the very good reason of our environment. In my view, it is certainly not there to line the pockets of CEOs or supplement the wages of people working in that area. In fairness, I do not think that is the intention at all. Senator Harmon spoke on the Bessborough mother and baby home and the planning application for 140 apartments in the area. I am not sure how to respond to her views on the Taoiseach but obviously all planning decisions are made by the council. Even a Taoiseach or Minister for planning cannot get involved in planning decisions. That being said, he did say it is a matter for the city council.”
“That €3.5 million is the first of hopefully eight investments over the next eight budgets and I am sure the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, because of the Senator and I pressuring him as much as we can, will ensure that investment goes into it. No matter what sport it is, investment in sport is always money well spent. Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke on the return scheme. One of the biggest problems people find with the scheme is that it does not work sometimes. There are also issues regarding only being able to use the deposit in the shop where you returning the cans or bottles. There are also some antisocial behaviour issues. In Cashel, a bin was damaged significantly because people were trying to get cans and bottles out of it to return. The intention of it is right.”
“He is 34 now but, as his manager said during the week, if he was 20, they would be making €10 million out of him after his performances in the World Cup. However, this goes to Senator Andrews's wider point that Pico is an example of what can be achieved if we invest in football. In fairness to the FAI, it has a long-term eight- or ten-year plan for investment in the League of Ireland, setting up 26 centre of excellence clubs where we can invest. As the Senator knows, we have an issue with Brexit in that young kids cannot go to the UK now until they are 18, so they need top quality coaching right up until then. We, alongside the FAI, need to invest in that. I know it is about reaching out to groups across the world with regard to investing in Irish soccer. However, the Government also needs to play its role.”
“This is why the Minister for education started a pilot programme last year that is continuing into this year with the summer food programme for children, and more needs to be done in that case. That is why Government has always said this budget in October is a critically important one for targeting financial support to those who are really suffering and challenged by higher prices, whether that is in energy or food costs. Senator Andrews always asks me the best questions. Pico Lopes - what a legend. He has been phenomenal. I have been supporting Argentina the whole way through because of Messi, whom I am in awe of, but that night I had to support Lopes. He is an inspiration to people right across the country and shows that if you keep working hard, do the right things and keep being professional, your time will come.”
“Senator Tully spoke on the cuts to allowances for the Reserve Defence Force members, which obviously has an impact on them and those who retire. There are going to be public sector negotiations and that could be brought in as part of it for discussion. I suggest the Senator put down a commencement matter with the Minister on that. We have committed to reinstating all those cuts that were made during the crash and that is another that should be done. Senator McCarthy spoke on the number of people who are cutting back on food because of the cost of living and the challenges at present. The 20% referred to in the Barnardos report is a very high percentage, particularly with the impact that has on children as regards food poverty.”
“We are looking to get to over 15,000 gardaí, which is a lot; it would be the highest level ever in the State, but it is not enough and we need to do more. While we are investing in new Garda stations like those in Newcastle West and Clonmel, which is very important, we need to ensure we have enough gardaí on the street to protect people. That is an important debate we can have here. Most gardaí working on the EU Presidency are doing so through overtime. It will be the same when the Ryder Cup comes to the Senator's county next year; it will be overtime. Unless there are emergency situations this will not, for the most part, take away from the day-to-day work gardaí do on the ground, which is important for people in the Senator's community to know.”
“He obviously got home safe and sound. He spoke about the case of George Gibney, which has been reported on in the media for a long number of years. I am not sure it is appropriate to speak on it yet since sentencing has not happened but as he said himself, it is important to acknowledge people who went above and beyond in terms trying to find the truth and trying to encourage people to speak out because that is a not an easy thing to do. I acknowledge all the work they did. Senator Collins asked for debate in terms of Garda numbers. Absolutely, I am more than happy to do that. It is important to do, particularly for rural areas like Limerick and Tipperary. Obviously, we have increased Garda numbers almost every year since we reopened Temple Street in 2014. The only year it reduced was during Covid, when it was closed.”
“A huge number have been registered this year and the charging points are in issue. It has been brought up in this Chamber a number of times. We will have a debate on it in autumn. In relation to the number of different companies and the fact that people have to register with those companies, the one they do not have to register with is ESB. People just have to tap and go. They do not have to register to an app or anything like that. It is a very fair request that all systems should be like that where people do not have to register every time depending on what EV charger they are using. They should just be allowed to tap and go. I will ask the Minister for a for a debate on the wider scheme of it. Senator Boyhan was at the Clonmel Show on Sunday and we were delighted to welcome him to County Tipperary. I hope he had a great time.”
“It is part of the commitment made in the programme for Government that we would change the planning laws. Obviously, not everyone will agree with it but it is important that we bring that forward next week. In terms of the land use review, however, it is important that we have a debate with the Minister. The Senator also spoke in relation to Irish Water. That delay for a year is obviously going to have an impact on Dublin. Dublin is almost at a crisis point and decisions need to be made quite quickly on that. As the Senator knows from when he worked in the Department of housing, if we are investing and trying to build as many houses as we need to build, obviously, we need the infrastructure there. Water is a key part of that. Senator Gallagher spoke about EV growth. As he knows, I am well aware of that being an EV driver.”
“Whether this legislation or having a citizens' assembly is the way to go is a very complex question. Reunification is not asking whether people want reunification or not. Everyone can answer that easily. It is about how we get there and how we support all communities in that reunification. It is quite complex. Citizens’ assemblies have been successful in other parts but this is quite different. I am not sure if that would work but, certainly, there will be a good debate on it. Senator Noonan spoke about the Ireland land use review. It is important that the Minister for agriculture comes in and has a debate on that in the autumn. As the Senator said, that is a timely time to do it. There are a lot of changes happening. We will have the planning Bill coming through next week, which obviously has an impact on rural Ireland.”
“I will talk to the Minister for foreign affairs and for Defence and we will see what can be done but, obviously, it is an important time for Ireland during this Presidency and we need to make sure people are safe during that. I will talk to the Minister about it. Senator Murphy spoke in terms of the reunification Bill. There was a briefing this morning as well. I think most people from all political parties were there. Deputy Currie was there on behalf of Fine Gael. I know there was good engagement on that. There is a Bill before the Dáil tomorrow on it and I suspect there will be a vote on that. We are all coming from the same perspective that we want reunification and we want a pathway. We want all groups and organisations and people from different backgrounds to see a future for them in that reunification.”
“In relation to the defence troika, as the Senator called them, I understand where he is coming from and, obviously, we will have debates over the next couple of months in this House in relation to defence and possible changes in defence. I do not think there is any European country at the moment that is able to defend itself unilaterally. Every country in the world brings in support. I remember only a couple of months ago, one of the questions in this Chamber, although not by Senator Clonan, was about how we are going to defend ourselves during the EU Presidency because we cannot do it ourselves. That all being said, the Senator has legitimate concerns and legitimate questions that we need to know.”
“Senator Clonan spoke about Ruby Daly. Everyone is looking at the weather and saying it is beautiful and that it is great to be outside, but there are always challenges for people with accessibility and disability issues. As the Senator said, if Galway County Council and Galway City Council have invested in trying to support people so that they are able to spend some time on the beach, it seems strange to me that the councils are not using that equipment. I will follow up with my colleagues from that constituency, particularly the Minister for education, Deputy Naughton, to see what the situation is because access to a beach should not be denied to anyone in this country. We only get a couple of days a year to enjoy it and, certainly, everyone should be able to enjoy it and do so safely.”
“We will try to have a debate after the summer on that. Senator Boyle spoke about Irish Water and the work that Councillor Michael Boyle was doing in the area. It is incredibly frustrating. Uisce Éireann has got a significant amount of funding. That has been increased over the last number of months to increase the speed of project delivery. There has always been a communication issue. We had Uisce Éireann in the building only a week or two ago to talk about things that needed to be done. Donegal obviously needs to be prioritised for investment, but it is no good when the Senator cannot tell the community when something will be done and what the timeline is for when they will see improvements. What causes the real frustration and anger the Senator talked about is the lack of knowing, so I accept that we need to do more on that.”
“I thank all of the Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin spoke about Freehold, New Jersey, which is the hometown of Bruce Springsteen and its connection to the constituency she lives in. A delegation visited there last week and there is a festival happening, which is very good for the area. She also spoke about Temple Street and the article written last week stating that e-scooters were the greatest cause of life-threatening injuries to children. Legislation has been put in place but if gardaí need more enforcement powers, then that is very important. That there are six people in ICU, with four of them on life support machines, and all of them young children is just not acceptable. Any parent would have a fear of a child being on an e-scooter because of what could happen.”
“and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 5.30 p.m. by putting one question from the Chair which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government; No. 4 Criminal Justice (International Cooperation on Electronic Evidence and Other Matters) Bill 2026 – Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 5.30 p.m. or on conclusion of No. 3, whichever is the later, and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 7.15 p.m. by putting one question from the Chair which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government; and No. 5., Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025 – Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 6.30 p.m. or on conclusion of No.”
“The Order of Business is No. a 1, report of the Committee of Selection, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 1, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the EirGrid Electricity and Turf (Amendment) Act 2022 (Section 10) Order 2026, to be taken on the conclusion of item a 1, without debate; No. 2, Development (Strategic Gas Reserve) Bill 2026 – Second Stage, to be taken at 2.45 p.m. and to conclude at 4 p.m. with the time allocated to opening remarks by the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, time can be shared and the Minister to be given no less than five minutes to reply to the debate; No. 3, Finance Bill 2026 – Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 4 p.m.”
“Because of Government measures and decisions in recent years, we have money set aside to help and we will help people in the budget. Senator Craughwell spoke of the EU Presidency, particularly the work our public and Civil Service have done to prepare for it and the work they will do throughout the six months. It is a massive undertaking to plan this Presidency, particularly because we are going across the country with it. At times like these, we see the incredible public service we have. The people who serve our country will leave a lasting legacy during these six months.”
“Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about electricity prices. We had a debate on that last night, and on removing the standing charge when a customer's electricity is gone. The Government recognised there is a cost-of-living challenge for many people. We brought forward a €750 million package two months ago to support people because of the increase in petrol and diesel prices. We will do more in the budget as we see fit. Those measures were not supported by the Senator's party. We will be there to support people in the winter period. While she is raising concerns over electricity prices and the cost of living, we are very aware that the challenges we have now could be very different in a number of months, depending on geopolitical factors that we cannot predict. Thankfully, we have the funding there.”
“Yes, but it is important we recognise that. Men's sheds have taken off in recent years. The request of €3,000 per shed is not a lot in terms of a budget measure. We can talk to the Minister on what can be done. Many men's sheds have not got any money at all. Rates are a matter for the Department and, in particular, county councils to decide. I think it is a token of gratitude. A lot of the work men's sheds do helps local authorities in terms of isolation and involvement in communities. A symbolic thing to do would involve rates. Men's sheds essentially have no money, which is not really fair. Senator McCarthy spoke about the ESB, which I have dealt with, and the EU Presidency, which I have spoken about as well, and the opportunity it brings for Ireland over the next six months, which is important.”
“TG4 representatives were in our committee talking about the work the channel has done to promote independent production, which is important. What is good about TG4 as well is it broadcasts things like the Tour de France and local club games, where people who are not Irish speakers can become familiar with the service and product TG4 provides.”
“That basically means to charge a car fully would cost about €50, which is bonkers. To charge a car at home costs 10 cent per unit for the Senator. I think I have it for a little bit less, at 9 cent. I will not promote the company I am with. There is a lovely night-time rate. To charge a car at home overnight costs €7 or €8. We cannot have one situation where it costs €7 or €8 to charge a car and another where it costs €50, with the same amount of energy. There is an opportunity to debate that. Sales of EVs are going up dramatically. Many people in rural Ireland see the opportunity in them. It would be worthwhile to have a debate on pricing and on making sure charges work. Senator Mullen spoke on the budget submissions of TG4.”
“We have done a lot in the past year or more to convince other countries, with 17 or 18 of the 27 EU countries now supporting our position. It is the big ones we need to get over the line. It is very difficult but the Minister is committed to trying to do that. Senator Paul Daly spoke about ESB EV charging points. A sign of the mindset change regarding EVs is the fact the Senator and I are both EV drivers. I suspect that 30 years ago, traditional rural people would never have thought of getting EVs and now he and I both have them. The numbers will only increase, as the Senator said. People are moving to electric vehicles. We cannot have a situation where it costs more to charge a car than to get diesel or petrol. That is just ridiculous. The variation in prices in petrol stations is crazy. The Senator gave an example of 73 cent.”
“On the money we are spending on the EU Presidency, we are in the fortunate position of being the fastest growing economy in Europe and having the money to spend on a Presidency. Not long ago, in 2013, we did not have a penny to spend on the Presidency and every meeting was held in Dublin Castle. Even those from Dublin will recognise the importance of branching out beyond the M50. Some 25% of the meetings that will happen during these six months will be held outside of Dublin. That brings a wider audience to the Presidency, which is important, and promotes more than just Dublin, which is also important. There is real opportunity. I agree that the Presidency is an opportunity to push again on the EU-Israel Association Agreement.”
“We always talk about the main sports - GAA, soccer and rugby - and that is reflected in funding. Whether from sports capital grants or other large funding for sports projects, the big sports organisations get a large proportion of that money. We need to invest in small sports. Cricket is a prime example. Boxing is one we are very successful in. Rowing is another one we need to invest more into. There are loads of examples of sports we need to support more. Those sports organisations need to be more ambitious in asking for money from us. Often you find there is a limited amount a sports organisation can ask for and the GAA asks for that exact amount, the highest it can ask for. If you tell a rowing, boxing or gymnastics club it can apply for up to €100,000, it will ask for €5,000.”
“Senator Joe Conway spoke about data centres. This is always a contentious issue. There are positives to the economic side of it. The tax data centres pay to the Government is beneficial. There is an environmental side to it as well and we need balance. Any planning decisions are a matter for Waterford City and County Council and, beyond that, An Coimisiún Pleanála. I take on the Senator's concerns and it is important to raise it if there are people in Kilmeadan concerned about it. I live not far from the area. Sometimes we do not highlight the important role data centres play as well. Senator Andrews raised something I always like talking about, which is sport. I was at a cricket match a couple of years ago in Malahide. The men's win against India was phenomenal and to see the women back it up with the T20 is incredible.”
“It seems quite unfair, if someone is fit and able and has been shown in tests to be fit and able, not to be allowed to continue working in a critical area in which we are trying to find people to work. It is mandatory for firefighters to retire at 62 and they still cannot receive a pension until they are 66. That should certainly be looked at. The fire service has obviously recognised it, considering the retirement age has been increased from 60 to 62. We have over 3,000 people working in the fire service who provide a daily service to people across the country at very tragic times and in difficult situations. They put their own lives at risk, so the least we can do is make sure their pay and conditions reflect the good work they do. I will ask the Minister to come in and see if he can play a role in pausing compulsory retirement.”
“Senator O'Loughlin also spoke about the income disregard for carers, which she raised yesterday as well. It does seem ridiculous that approval is being restricted based on just how severe the situation is. That is not where we should be, certainly at a time when we have funding in place and there is money in the country to be able to support our most vulnerable people. A number of issues have been brought up over the past couple of days on the Order of Business in relation to health. We should have a wide-scope debate on health in this House and I am sure Senators will work with me on that. We might be able to do that very early after the recess. Senator Mike Kennelly spoke about firefighters and the retirement age of 62.”
“As Senator O'Loughlin said, his role in the Good Friday Agreement still lasts 30 years later. On behalf of the House, we wish his family well. We are thinking of them at this sad time. Senator Andrews might pass on our condolences to the wider family.”
“I thank the Senators who have spoken. I will start by acknowledging Senator O'Loughlin's well-thought-out contribution on the very sad passing of the former Minister, David Andrews. I pass on our condolences not only to our colleague here, Senator Chris Andrews, but also to Mr. Andrews's family - Annette, Barry, David, Mary and Sinead - on his sad passing. He left an incredible legacy over decades of service to this country. He has passed on that passion for public service to the next generation of his family, who are doing him proud as well. When I look at politics, certainly when I was young, he was one of those people who was looked up to and thought of as a statesman, who was above politics even. He was someone who was admired and respected by all sides of the House.”
“and to conclude at 9.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, each group spokesperson not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“I also welcome the guests from Cashel and Knocklofty to the Chamber. I am right next door to Knocklofty at home. The Order of Business is No. a 1, Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 - Second Stage, to be taken at 6.30 p.m. and to conclude at 8.15 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No. b 1, Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 – Second Stage, to be taken at 8.15 p.m.”
“In this House, the Fine Gael Party will always try to come up with proposals for the Minister of State and the Government that we think can be implemented, supported by Government and can support people in constituencies across the country.”
“The point is that we, as a Government, are always here to support the people of Ireland. These are difficult times at the moment, obviously. The cost of living is very challenging for people across the country. We also know, as a Government, that times could be worse in a number of months' time and we need to prepare for that. However, there are things we can do, as Senator Scahill has pointed out, in terms of the standing charge that can be changed. I heard it said that it is only a small amount of money but in both Chambers we hear every week that €30 is a large amount of money and can be the difference between people buying food or people paying electricity costs. If someone has to pay an extra €30 for a standing charge they did not get to use, that is extra money they have and is important. I commend Senator Scahill's work on this.”
“I suppose that is the way to put it. I say that in jest but I noted the comment that the Government should do something big. This is one area in which we think people need to be supported. If the Senator wants to see something big, she should look to the package of €750 million we produced two months ago to support people. I welcome the announcement from the Cabinet today on the continuation of that excise duty cut on petrol and diesel and for it to be phased out over a period of time rather than a cliff edge. If Members want to see big measures, that is what they would have seen when this Government introduced a support for electricity bills for a period of time. Again, that was voted against and not accepted because supposedly it was not enough but now people want it to be retained.”
“I acknowledge the good work my colleague, Senator Gareth Scahill, has done on this Private Members' motion on behalf of the Fine Gael Party, primarily because of what happened in his own constituency last year, the issues caused by Storm Éowyn and what seems to be an unfair charge when people are left without electricity for almost a month. This is about fairness and making sure that people receive what they pay for. When people in Roscommon and in other counties are left without electricity for a period, they should not be paying for something they cannot use. When Senator Scahill put this motion forward, I said to myself that there was no way anyone could be against this. How could anybody be against it? The comments from the Opposition side suggest Senator Collins is not against it but is reluctantly for it.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to accept the following measure: Council Decision (EU) 2023/1076 of 1 June 2023 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence with regard to matters related to judicial co-operation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement, a copy of which was laid before Seanad Éireann on 9th June, 2026.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 51(3)) and (Section 60(6)) (Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools) Regulations 2026, copies of which were laid in draft before Seanad Éireann on 16th June, 2026.”
“We should certainly try to incentivise the whole country to do it, including driving instructors. I will talk to the Minister about that. Regarding driving instructors not being invited to the RSA conference, I do not see why they would not be. It seems very strange. It is certainly not for this House to decide who the RSA does or does not invite to its conference. The Committee on Transport is doing an awful lot of work on road safety, and Deputy Michael Murphy is being very vocal on it, but if the RSA wants to be serious about it, you would think, at the very least, driving instructors should be invited to that conference. I will organise a debate on the road safety as well because that is an important issue, but it will probably be after the recess.”
“As we said earlier, a lot of people who use the NDLA service are elderly people who usually deal in cash. By law, State agencies used to have to accept cash, or I always thought that was the case, but it seems it does not want to do it, probably because of the hassle of it. That is not acceptable. Senator Harmon spoke about driving instructor challenges and had, again, a very good suggestion in terms of grants for electric vehicles. As an EV driver, I am convinced that, in time, everyone will be and EV dirver, even those who are reluctantly denying they will end up being EV drivers. If we are going to have a lot of EV drivers. one would certainly think driving instructors would have the opportunity to buy EV cars and we would incentivise a few of them to so.”
“I thank Senator Joe Conway for his congratulations. He knows my wife is from Waterford, so he did well in congratulating me. On the European Court of Auditors and the report on cross-border tax avoidance, we have always known it has been happening to a certain extent. It has increased in recent years. I will speak with the Minister for Finance and see if we can get a reply from the Government to see what can be done or if it is possible to have a debate on the matter in the House. Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about the driver's licence, noting that the NDLS does not accept cash. It seems strange that it is still not doing so given that former Ministers for Finance and the current Minister for public expenditure have called on it to do so. It should do it.”
“I find that when the Senator brings up issues she always has constructive and good ideas about things that have just been missed. Certainly, when reviews have not been done for a long time, this is something we could do. I was going to suggest she submit a Commencement matter but a number of Commencement matters have been submitted and Ministers from the Department of Health have not come in to the House to answer them. There is an opportunity to have an all-round debate on health but it will be difficult to have one before the recess because we have so much legislation coming through. I will try to have a debate at the earliest opportunity because there are a number of issues that the Senator and many other Senators have raised. As I said, Senator Tully made a very constructive suggestion, as she always does.”
“An awful lot of funding has been put in place and great work has been done by organisations, but women should not be refused space. Senator McCarthy knows that very well. Senator Gallagher also spoke about the 64th naval cadet class, on which I have touched already. He spoke also of the amazing service the Bell family provide this country and the 2,500 people who have had the traumatic experience of someone passing away abroad, normally in tragic circumstances, and dealing with that process of repatriation to bring them home. The Bell family is stepping back and, as the Cathaoirleach said, it would appropriate if we wrote to them to thank them, on behalf of the people of Ireland, for the good work they have done. Senator Tully spoke about dementia and long-time illness.”
“They may be extremely close to someone but they do not feel that they can talk about it. If we can open up that debate and have it in this House, it will be welcomed, although I have no doubt that people will be on different sides. Senator McCarthy spoke about the 1,900 women. It is terrible that when they looked for support, there was no room available for domestic violence victims. We had a debate about domestic violence in this House about six weeks ago and a number of people raised that issue. I have seen it in Tipperary in Cuan Saor where for the last four, five or six years, the number of people coming in looking for support, guidance and help has increased dramatically both during and after Covid-19. The services just are not there.”
“As I said, there will be differing views on this, but this about supporting people who are suffering from grief and have had challenges. It is also really important that there is a cross-party group working on this. Senator Nicole Ryan is the chair and Senator Nelson Murray is covering for her while she is on maternity leave. We look forward to Senator Ryan coming back. However, it is important that there is a cross-party group to work on how to do this and get it right. As Senator Nelson Murray said, people use sick leave and that is not a problem for a man. It is a problem for a woman in that she has to stay quiet about it. People have traditionally always stayed quiet about these things. We would be surprised at the number of people who have gone through this and never talked about it.”
“Obviously, for people who have had miscarriages, it is very tragic and they grieve. As the Senator said, there are also people who have abortions that can be tragic and they grieve too for different reasons. It is not always the case that they do not. We will have a good opportunity to discuss it when the Bill comes before this House. There will be differing views, but it will be important that we do it. I know the Senator will certainly do that as well. However, the essence of it relates to bereavement leave for people who are struggling. Senator Wilson spoke about the 64th national cadet class; I have responded to that. He also congratulated me and I thank him for that. He trained me well in his own way. I appreciate that. Senator Nelson Murray also spoke about pregnancy loss, miscarriages and the announcement today.”
“Murphy spoke about the advocacy of Corlann in Gort. It is a simple thing but it is really important. If we are talking about free travel, it should be fully free. It benefits Bus Éireann and every transport organisation if they know people are getting transport. If people book online it is much easier for that company to accommodate travel for them, but why should there be a cost for them to do that? That is something simple that Bus Éireann and others should be able to accommodate. It is a good suggestion and a good email that the advocates from Corlann in Gort will send to the Minister and the CEO of Bus Éireann. Senator Keogan spoke about the reproductive leave Bill that will come to both Houses and be discussed. People have different views on these issues.”
“We need to make sure we do everything we can to ensure that measures are put in place to prevent that as much as possible. Senator Comyn spoke in relation to Louth GAA. Last week, I said that we should ban talk of the GAA as Tipperary are out of it, but that has not happened. I congratulate Louth GAA. Most people in the country will be supporting whoever comes through the Louth-Mayo game, considering they have waited so long for an all-Ireland. She also spoke about the hidden costs for older people, which is a real thing that people are challenged with, whether it is driving tests, housing grants or simple things like heating and the cost of living. These are a lot more challenging for older people, particularly those who live on their own. I will try to organise a debate on that. Senator P.J.”