Ollie Crowe
Industrial and Commercial Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“It establishes an AI office of Ireland as a strong independent institution at the centre of our AI regulatory system and empowers our competent authorities with the investigative and sanctioning tools they need.”
“This new office will have an important role to play in addressing those concerns and enhancing AI literacy across a wide range of areas, including in businesses. Ireland has been a tech leader for many years.”
“We need to ensure that we are prepared as effectively as possible for all those outcomes and this office will be an important resource in meeting that challenge. As the Minister of State is aware, Article 73 of the AI Act requires our competent authorities to have adequate technical, financial and human resources.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, to the Chamber this evening. Fianna Fáil welcomes and supports this Bill which as the Minister of State outlined will give effect in Ireland to the EU Artificial Intelligence Act and establish the domestic enforcement architecture necessary to ensure the world's first comprehensive AI regulat…”
“I welcome the Minister of State's confirmation that this power is limited and constrained, and does not extend to the key functions, the findings of the adjudicator, the determination of administrative sanctions or the role of the courts. That is a welcome and important clarification. I welcome the Bill.”
“I raise the proposal reforms to the criminal legal aid scheme, which are due to come into effect on 1 July. As Members are aware, strike action began in courts across the country in recent days and is expected to continue today and tomorrow.”
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“Before I finish, I will just say that it is younger looking he is getting. I wish Diarmuid a great day and a happy birthday.”
“Taxpayer money funds these facilities and it is clearly a multimillion euro problem at this point. That is without considering the valuable Garda and fire officer resources that are used when they have to attend such sites. It seems the perpetrators of these acts are carrying them out without concern of being caught or fear of any consequences, even if they were somehow caught. It is not acceptable for community facilities to be consistently and repeatedly damaged by a very small minority. We need a plan to crack down on this, whether it by is enhancing the level of CCTV security at such facilities or legislation to change the punishment for these acts, because the current situation is simply unsustainable. I ask the Leader to raise the matter with the relevant Ministers.”
“I raise what is, unfortunately, becoming an increasing problem across Ireland, namely, damage to public property and public facilities such as playgrounds and community parks. This week, we have seen it in the form of arson at a playground in Coolock, where it is likely to take four to six months for the equipment to be replaced. Last month, newly installed toilets in St. Anne's Park, Raheny, north Dublin were destroyed by fire and a playground in the north inner city was damaged in an arson attack over the Hallowe'en weekend. In the previous month, there were arson attacks at playgrounds in Ringsend and Lucan. In my county of Galway, we have also had this vandalism in recent months, at the Milltown playground and at Barna sports park, for example.”
“Regardless, it is an issue we must address in the short term if the Government is going to meet the targets that we need. I would be grateful if the Leader of the House would invite the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan to the House to discuss the topic.”
“Vital housing and critical infrastructure projects cannot continue to be delayed by those using the planning process to push an agenda. If a project directly impacts you and there is an issue you want to raise, you must of course have the right to do so but there are needs to be balanced in the system. Projects which are going to serve communities should not be delayed due to some minor technical issue being raised by someone with an issue. The UK has tackled this issue by making large-scale projects into a category of nationally significant infrastructure projects with a specific planning process. After many years they have reformed this further recently to try to speed up the process more. We should look at what learnings we can take from there and, indeed, other countries on this issue.”
“Today I want to raise the issue of how our planning process works, or does not work in many cases, if we are being honest. All Members will be aware of projects being bogged down in endless delays and appeals tied up in court for years on end. The system should be for those who have an actual interest in the planning applications in question, not those seeking to push some sort of agenda. The Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, has said as much recently, and his office is currently drawing up legislation to achieve this. This is especially important now with today's launch of the new housing plan. It is a plan that sets out ambitious targets and if these are going to be reached, we must have a planning process that is suitable.”
“I welcome the fact that we are finally beginning to see some action on this issue but it is beyond my comprehension as to why it is so slow and drawn out. I urge the Department and the Minister to engage with the State Examinations Commission and attempt to finally resolve this as a matter of priority. I thank Senator Curley for highlighting the issue continuously since he was elected.”
“It is welcome that the State Examinations Commission has said a pilot scheme will be tested in 2026 and that the scheme will be available to all candidates nationally who meet the eligibility criteria. It is some level of progress. Having said that, I fail to see the need for any pilot scheme. There is no shortage of research and information available on this topic. As families affected by this issue noted to me, extra time is already allocated to students with dyslexia in Ireland at third level, where students receive an additional ten minutes per hour of exam. It is impossible to explain to anyone affected by this issue why there are different rules for second level and third level education in the same country.”
“These countries include France, where students receive 33% additional time, Italy, where it is 30%, and the UK, where students receive 25% additional time. There is currently no provision for extra time in Ireland despite advocates having raised it over a number of years. When I raised this issue earlier in the year, I talked to a lot of families across Galway. I was approached by a number of people who told me different stories about how much stress this was causing and how much their children would benefit from a time allowance similar to what is available in other countries. There are a number of examples and that was just one. There is an issue affecting thousands of families across the country every year. They are not looking for special treatment, just a level playing field that acknowledges their child's situation.”
“I welcome the Minister to the Chamber and thank her for being here. This is a topic I raised earlier in the year in a Commencement matter with Senator Curley. It is an issue that could be resolved quickly enough in a straightforward manner and I hope today's debate will help that goal. As has been outlined, dyslexia is a learning difference that affects about one in ten students, manifesting on a spectrum from mild to severe. As Members will be aware, it is legally recognised as a disability under both Irish and EU law. That recognition ensures the right to various accommodations in both educational settings and the workplace. In many countries, students with dyslexia and other similar conditions are granted additional time to support them during their formal state exams.”
“He made a significant impact on both US and Irish politics, as well as in the hospitality sector in Chicago, which his family proudly continues to do. He will be remembered fondly for many years to come. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
“Indeed, he was such a role model in the community that when then President Barack Obama held a rally on an immigration issue in the city in 2014, he asked Billy to introduce him. Billy was also vital in fostering the sister city relationship between Galway and Chicago. In recognition of his great efforts, Galway City Council gave him the freedom of our city in 2015. Of course, he was perhaps best known for being a tireless voice for the diaspora and the undocumented Irish, work that he continued to do as a Senator from 2016 to 2020. Billy was presented a presidential distinguished service award for Irish community support, which he so richly deserved. Above all, Billy was a proud Irishman and Galway man. He was a family man and a gentleman whose kindness and decency will be long remembered.”
“I welcome Anne, Amy and family and friends here today. Billy was a fellow Galwegian and someone I had the privilege of knowing for the majority of my life. He was a gentleman who valued family above all else, which is what led to his move to the United States in the late nineties after his daughter won a rowing scholarship to Boston College. Billy was a noted oarsman as a young man and was very involved with rowing in Galway city. Billy and Anne were very successful in Chicago, building a number of successful hospitality businesses and creating hundreds of jobs. He was a stalwart of the Irish community there and he helped so many who moved to Chicago. Anyone visiting was also sure to get a warm reception from Billy.”
“We need to be able to have confidence in these numbers. I would be grateful if the Leader of the House would raise this with the Minister, Deputy Burke, and request he joins us to talk through the issue.”
“Eoghan O'Mara Walsh, CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, said the CSO figures do not tally with the experience of the industry. He said that, so far this year, it is flat or down marginally. I have spoken to operators in Galway and throughout the country who have said the same thing. As Members are aware, tourism is a vital industry for our economy and for tens of thousands of small businesses throughout the country involving hundreds of thousands of employees. It is essential we have good quality, reliable data. There have been some suggestions from those in the tourism industry that the CSO figures may have overstated in 2024, which would explain why the 2025 figures show a dramatic decline. The CSO has insisted its figures were and are accurate. Whatever the case, we need clarity on it.”
“I wish to raise the issue of tourism, in particular how we gather tourism data. Members will be aware that the Central Statistics Office collects and publishes tourism figures. The figures for 2025 have not been positive. The figures published last week showed that from January to September this year there were 4.85 million foreign visitors. This compares with 5.24 million foreign visitors in the same period last year. Expenditure so far this year by tourists was €5.7 billion, down from €6.6 billion at the same time last year, a drop of 13%. There was a decrease in the amount spent on accommodation from €2 billion to €1.7 billion, a fall of 15%. If accurate, these figures would be extremely concerning. However, operators in the industry are having a different experience.”
“It serves a population of more than 900,000 people and is one of the busiest hospitals in the country. It urgently needs a new emergency department, as has been acknowledged for some time. I am aware that one is planned but it must be prioritised. What are the Taoiseach's views on that? Could he perhaps raise the matter with the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill?”
“I welcome the Taoiseach. I will keep it Galway. Galway city's population is expected to exceed 120,000 in the coming years. As he is aware, the ring road is one measure that is essential for reducing traffic congestion, improving retail connectivity and supporting the continued economic development of Galway. We need it, and I was pleased that the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, included it earlier in the year, but I am concerned about the project being bogged down in an endless planning process, as it has been for many years. The Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, has spoken about the need to reform the planning process. I hope that will be done as quickly as possible to make a significant difference to the ring road. As the Taoiseach is aware, University Hospital Galway is the only model 4 hospital in the HSE west and north-west region.”
“This is essential, given our determination to continue to be at the heart of Europe and to work closely with partners across the EU. Budget 2026 is a pro-enterprise, forward-looking budget which supports businesses and workers. It balances the need for short-term supports with long-term vision. It recognises the need for balanced regional development, the vital role that SMEs across the country play and the importance of foreign direct investment.”
“This fund will be used to prepare large-scale regional serviced locations for future foreign direct investment. It is my understanding that the first of these sites is expected to be in the west of Ireland. I ask the Minister to tell us a little more about the process and whether there has been any progress in identifying suitable sites. A number of smaller measures will also assist in attracting foreign direct investment, including the extension of a special assignee relief programme and the extension of the foreign earnings deduction. These are both positive and welcome. I welcome the €120 million in funding for important projects of common European interest which will position Ireland at the forefront of strategic European industrial initiatives, including advanced semi-conductor and AI technologies.”
“It is especially important in the context of continuing to attract foreign direct investment that we maintain our reputation. AI is clearly a helpful resource for companies if used appropriately. The establishment of an office which can assist businesses in achieving that goal is a logical measure. The Minister has said that the office will be up and running by August 2026. What staffing resources are planned for that office and how will it engage with businesses? If available, such details would be appreciated. I also want to highlight the measures taken to continue to attract foreign direct investment. I already mentioned the research and development tax credit which is just one of a number of measures included in budget 2026. The €100 million next-generation sites fund is obviously the stand-out initiative and it is very welcome.”
“I also welcome the increase in the research and development tax credit, from 30% to 35%, because it will enhance Ireland's position for both foreign direct investment and domestic innovation. Given the recent US tax changes that discouraged research and development activity outside the US, this measure was particularly needed and welcome. I also welcome the fact that the first-year payment threshold was raised from €75,000 to €87,500. This will support smaller research and development projects. The establishment of the AI office of Ireland is also an important measure. This is an area we are still learning about. I expect, on the basis of what has happened in the past 20 years, that Ireland will also become a leader in this new technology sector.”
“Is that possible or is the July date effectively set in stone? I previously raised with the Minister the issue of excise duty on draught products for rural establishments and alcohol-only, non-food pubs. A small investment there would have a significant return for pubs across the country. I ask the Minister to consider that. The efforts to strengthen regional development from an enterprise perspective in budget 2026 are especially welcome. As the Minister outlined, the budget provides enhanced funding for local enterprise offices, targeted enterprise supports and strategic investment in innovation and scaling. We want to see jobs growth across the country and these are vital measures which will support businesses that are seeking to grow and create sustainable jobs across Ireland.”
“Anyone with any knowledge of the hospitality industry will recognise that in the absence of Government action the sector would have continued to struggle and would have faced ongoing closures. The move has been met with criticism in certain quarters from those who have used examples that are outlandish and that ignore the thousands of small family businesses across the country that employ tens of thousands of people. The VAT reduction is a vital and essential measure for an industry facing considerable challenges. I acknowledge that the Minister, Deputy Burke, pushed strongly for the reduction. The rate is due to be introduced from 1 July next year. Ideally, however, the reduction would be introduced earlier in view of the pressures businesses are facing, such as high inflation, sick pay costs, pension auto-enrolment and so on.”
“I know from speaking with hospitality businesses in Galway city and county how much pressure they have been operating under in recent years and how incredibly tight margins have become. It should also be acknowledged that the industry is vital to the regions, particularly to small towns and villages where cafés, bars and restaurants serving food are often the main employers. Such businesses are also a resource to their local communities. They provide premises for events and when they close, communities are often left without a suitable venue to host confirmation, communion, and birthday celebrations as well as sadder occasions. These businesses are not just important to the families who typically run them but also to the communities they serve.”
“The industry has faced spiralling costs in recent years, leading to a raft of closures. We also have data which makes clear the impact this has had on employment within the sector. The labour force survey for quarter 2 of 2025, which was released in August, made this obvious. Hospitality employment stood at 181,000, down from 184,200 in the same quarter of 2024. This is a 1.7% reduction year on year. By way of comparison, total national employment grew by 2.3% in the same period. The labour force survey also shows that full-time employment in hospitality fell by 6.7%, which is very worrying. It should also be noted that these are frequently jobs in small towns and villages that are very difficult to replace and that have an outsized impact on local economies.”
“I welcome the Minister and thank him for joining us to talk through budget 2026 from an enterprise, trade and tourism perspective. The budget was very positive for Irish businesses and companies that have invested in Ireland. It reflects the Government's commitment to supporting our businesses and its determination to continuously attract foreign direct investment that will further strengthen the Irish economy. Our economy has rebounded well from Covid but it is important not to take that for granted, particularly in light of the challenges from a global perspective. I welcome, in particular, the VAT reduction for the hospitality sector. As the Minister will be aware, the current 13.5% VAT rate in Ireland is one of the highest rates on food services in the EU.”
“It is a welcome sign that SMEs will be prioritised by this Government. The SME test that will be implemented by this unit and that will consider the impact on SMEs before new legislation or regulations are introduced is a much-needed initiative. It will locate SMEs as a much more important part of policymaking, rightfully recognising the enormous contribution they make to the Irish economy. There have been some positive developments in the context of what the Government does to support SMEs throughout the country during its first year in office. However, there is, of course, more we can and should do. Debates like this are really valuable for pursing that goal. I hope we can continue to have such debates on a regular basis.”
“Members will recall that I previously offered the example of France, where so many rural bars closed that the Government is now offering incentives to revive them, recognising their cultural and economic value. Without Government intervention, we in Ireland are on the same path. Ireland has the second highest excise rate on alcohol in Europe, with taxes accounting for almost 30% of the price of a pint. That is simply no longer sustainable and has not been for some time, as the closures every year reflect. I hope budget 2026 will address and support this vital industry. The establishment of the small business unit in the Department of enterprise was a welcome and positive measure. I hope the unit will ensure the Department is consistently mindful of SMEs when making policy.”
“The programme for Government committed to bringing forward measures to support SMEs, in particular the retail and hospitality sectors, acknowledging the increased cost pressures on the sectors. I expect to see this in budget 2026. As I have said previously, we need a scheme to support our pubs in particular. I believe we are all familiar with the figures over the past 20 years. Two thousand pubs across the country have closed their doors. Outside of Dublin, the number of pubs in Ireland has fallen by 25% in that period. Without support for pubs in budget 2026, there is no doubt the rate of closures will accelerate, resulting in the loss of excise revenue, damage to communities across the country and our tourism offering being significantly weakened.”
“These are astounding figures and this harms us all because retailers have to increase their prices to make up for this loss. The programme for Government commits to publishing a retail crime strategy with targeted actions to reduce retail crime and support affected businesses. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has commenced preparation of the strategy. Given the figures above, this is clearly hugely important. I know there have to be consultations, which will take some time, but I hope the Department will be able to prioritise this and complete it as soon as possible, given the urgent need. The programme for Government makes a number of other commitments in relation to tackling the scourge, which are ongoing. It is to be hoped all this combined work will put a dent in the issue in the coming years.”
“We should look at strengthening the scheme further, perhaps allowing for a second round of funding after a number of years, which would enable businesses to update their digital presence or maybe allowing the businesses to advertise. Having a digital presence only helps if people are aware it exists. It is a positive scheme and I would like to see it enhanced any way we can. There are a number of other supports for the retail sector, including the energy efficiency grant, which now offers grant assistance up to a maximum of €10,000, and the grow digital voucher, which offers up to €5,000. These are important and needed supports. The other major challenge facing retail is retail crime. It costs the sector around €1.6 billion every year. It has been estimated that retail theft costs a medium-sized grocery store up to €100,000 each year.”
“We hear so often about multinationals and our efforts to attract and retain them, as we should, given their importance. However, it is also important to remember that two thirds of the working population in the private sector is employed by SMEs. There is a significant challenge in the retail sector in relation to online giants, with more and more people doing their shopping from home. It can be especially challenging for SMEs to have a competitive digital presence. The trading online voucher scheme has been a significant help. It has assisted many small businesses in Galway that use the scheme and I know it has made a meaningful impact for them.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Dillon, to the Chamber. Fianna Fáil believes in the vibrancy of the SME sector. It is critical to Ireland's future economic success. With 99.8% of all businesses in Ireland being classified as SMEs, it is essential for the overall health of the economy that we do as much as possible at all times to support their continued growth and development. As I have often stated in this House, they are the backbone of the Irish economy and are particularly important in towns and villages across the country where the local shop, restaurant or bar is one of the few employers in the area. These jobs are very unlikely to be replaced if the business is no longer viable. That is why it is important Government continues to support such businesses.”
“Over time, that will be a hugely significant amount of money. For example, in the UK, the national employment savings trust has a maximum management fee of 0.3%. Will the Minister also share his views on that?”
“It also takes some of the pressure off employers who have long been concerned about their role in helping employees to save for retirement. This collective approach is a win-win for everyone involved. Importantly, the scheme gives workers the option to opt out, but the reality is that most workers will likely stay in because the benefits far outweigh the downsides. Also, as time goes on, the contribution rates will increase gradually, making it easier for workers to adjust without feeling overwhelmed. I have a couple of brief questions. In regard to the self-employed, will the Minister expand on other options that would be available for them? It is important at some stage to introduce them to the scheme. I know it cannot be done in the first instance. Also, I notice there is a management fee of 0.5%.”
“As the Minister outlined, the key feature of the pension auto-enrolment scheme is that it automatically enrols workers in a pension plan if they meet certain criteria. This means that people will start saving for their retirement without needing to take action. It is a simple, hassle-free way to make sure that everyone who is eligible is on track to build up a pension pot. This is especially important because research shows that many people simply do not get around to setting up a pension plan on their own, often putting it off until it is too late. Another positive aspect of the scheme is that it is a shared responsibility. Both the employer and employee contribute to the pension and the State makes a contribution. This means that employees do not have to bear the full burden of saving for retirement on their own.”
“I thank the Minister, Deputy Calleary, for joining us this evening. I welcome the introduction of the My Future Fund scheme. First, it addresses a growing problem that affects many workers in Ireland, namely, the lack of retirement savings. For years, a traditional State payment has been the main source of income for people when they stop working, but the truth is the State pension alone often does not provide enough to live comfortably. As life expectancy increases and the cost of living continues to rise, many people find themselves unprepared for retirement. This new scheme will help to fill that gap by encouraging people to save for their own future in addition to what they get from the State.”
“We do not want the trend to reach that stage in Ireland, but will do so in the absence of action. Thousands of small family businesses across the country in the sector needs support and cannot wait any longer. Ireland has the second highest excise rate on alcohol in Europe, with taxes accounting for almost 30% of the price of a pint. It is clear these taxes are unsustainable. Not taking some measures to address them will lead to even more closures in the months and years ahead. I ask the Deputy Leader to raise the matter with the relevant Ministers.”
“Insurance costs have gone through the roof and energy costs have rocketed along with payroll costs and commercial rates, so small pubs are simply not sustainable. The Government must address this as part of budget 2026. The VFI has proposed a draft rebate scheme. The scheme, with a rebate cap of a maximum of €20,000 per pub, would return 40% of the excise duty on draft beer, at an annual cost of €73 million. As the VFI has shown, the majority of funds would flow directly to the smaller traditional pubs that form the backbone of community life across rural Ireland. Members will recall that I previously offered the example of France, where so many rural bars closed that the French Government is now offering incentives to revive them, recognising their cultural and economic value.”
“I congratulate Martin Hughes on being appointed as Clerk of Seanad Eireann and wish him well. Ahead of budget 2026, I want to raise the challenges facing pubs across the country and the scheme that the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland has proposed that would go some way towards addressing those challenges. As Members will be aware, 2,000 pubs across the country have closed their doors in the past 20 years. Outside Dublin, the number of bars has fallen by 25% in that period. I am referring not just to the closures of small family businesses but also to a loss to communities, small towns and villages across the country, which have one less venue to come together in to host events. I have spoken to publicans across the country this year and they have told me the trend is going to accelerate in the years ahead.”
“With proper enforcement, this will make a real and meaningful difference to service users. This is an area where we really needed to modernise our legislation and the Bill addresses that need. It is a result of years of drafting, research and consultation with a wide variety of stakeholders, including people with lived experience of mental health services and their loved ones, and I believe it should be welcomed by all.”
“It sets clear rules for when someone can be treated without his or her consent and puts time limits on treatment, unless further approval is given. This is a fair and more respectful way of treating people. The Bill also updates how young people are cared for and treated. It recognises that 16- and 17-year-olds can make their own decisions about mental health treatment. This shows trust in young people and respects their abilities to understand their own needs. It is also in line with how people will treat physical health decisions for that age group. I also believe the new powers being given to the Mental Health Commission to regulate not just hospitals but community mental health services, including services for children and adolescents, should be welcomed.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the Chamber. I compliment her on the great work she continues to do. This is a topic that has touched every family in Ireland. Thankfully, we are now speaking about it much more openly, which is needed. This Bill is an important step forward for mental health care in Ireland. It modernises our legislation with a more compassionate approach that puts people and their rights at the centre of the system. One of the things about this Bill that should be acknowledged is how it protects people's rights when they are at their most vulnerable. Unfortunately, in the past, people could be admitted to hospital and treated without enough legal safeguards. This Bill will strengthen these protections.”
“The decision will not be finalised until September at the earliest. We need an urgent debate on this topic after the recess. I would be grateful if the Leader would request that the Minister for justice come to the House to talk through the issue in depth as soon as possible.”
“Ireland has faced unprecedented pressure in terms of asylum applications while trying to deal with existing shortfalls in housing. Despite that, the State has continued to act responsibly in dealing with asylum applications. There are Irish citizens experiencing homelessness and waiting on social housing lists. Those people have no entitlement to compensation. For asylum applicants to be given additional rights over them is incredibly unjust. If the case is decided as expected, it will be an example of the people who make decisions being so far removed from the practical implications of those decisions as to make them blind to what justice actually is.”
“Members will have seen reporting this morning of the comments by the Minister for justice at the Institute of International and European Affairs about a case currently before the Court of Justice of the European Union and its expected outcome. In short, he advised that the likely outcome is that asylum seekers will soon be entitled to damages from the State for its failure to provide them with accommodation, while Irish homeless people and homeless people from other EU member states will have no such right. As the Minister pointed out, this will be very difficult to justify to Irish citizens and, indeed, citizens of any EU member state. The expected outcome of this case sounds like lunacy. It will be deeply problematic and will only cause anger and frustration among our people.”
“I would be grateful if the Leader were able to raise the issue with the current Minister for Health and if she could attend the House at her earliest convenience.”
“So far, the figure to date for 2025 is 73%. At Portiuncula hospital, Ballinasloe, the figures went from 53% in 2023, which was considerably low, to 74% in 2024, and has increased slightly to 75% this year. The issue has affected hospitals throughout the country. Many others have worse rates than those in Galway. Indeed, The Journal found that "since 2023, all but one of the public hospitals offering these life-saving treatments missed the HSE’s monthly target at least once". Meeting these targets is critical for our patients. This is not like the delays in other areas, which are inconvenient. Delays in starting cancer treatment can be massively life-altering. We need to quickly examine how we can best address this. It will likely require additional investment in some form ahead of budget 2026. This needs to be priority.”
“I highlight that the first ever under-23 all-Ireland camogie final will take place this Saturday in the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. It is a battle between Galway and Cork and throw-in is at 2 p.m. I encourage anyone in the area and from my county to attend and see history in the making, as the camogie association has rightly marketed it. I wish both teams well, although I am hoping the cup's first trip will be westward. Similar to Senator Stephenson, I raise the reporting done this week by The Journal on the failure of our hospitals to meet treatment target times for cancer patients. Hospitals have a target to start treating 90% of patients within 15 working days on medications such as chemotherapy. From a Galway perspective, figures compiled by The Journal show that, although the figure for UHG was 91% in 2023, it fell to 76% in 2024.”