Seán Kyne
Galway West · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Yes, there will be public engagement later today and again tomorrow. Residents in the Shantalla area hope to be able to pop in there tomorrow as well, and councillors will be engaging. I will certainly pass on the Minister's strong view on pushing on with a decision on the transfer of land in relation to the helipad project.”
“I thank the Minister for that response. Certainly, the appointment of the design team is hugely welcome and a positive step. She will be aware of the Mater Hospital during the Covid pandemic and the 98-bed block that was built in two years. These things can be done where there is urgency.”
“In University Hospital Galway over recent years we have seen investment in a 75-bed en suite ward, a temporary emergency department and the new radiation oncology building, but so much more is needed.”
“Both blocks A and B are primarily bed-based accommodation, supported by well-established HSE guidance and standard approval layouts. Considering the loss of a number of years in Galway, would the Minister see merit in engaging with the Department of public expenditure and reform on fast-tracking these design stages?”
“De réir MARA, má tá daoine ag baint agus ag bailiú feamainne le haghaidh úsáid tráchtála, nó méid mór le haghaidh úsáid pearsanta, ní mór dóibh iarratas a dhéanamh ar cheadúnas úsáide ó MARA. Tá na rudaí seo fíorthábhachtach. Níl sé soiléir céard atá ag teastáil ó bhainteoirí feamainne.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I welcome the fact that he expects the MPPS to be brought to the Government in the coming weeks. May I assume, therefore, that MARA is not granting licences pending the MPPS? Is that in abeyance? Is there a formal process?”
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“In many cases we are talking about standard designs, which are copied from other places. We are not reinventing the wheel. There are processes in place. It was done in the Mater. It can be done here with engagement.”
“Yes, there will be public engagement later today and again tomorrow. Residents in the Shantalla area hope to be able to pop in there tomorrow as well, and councillors will be engaging. I will certainly pass on the Minister's strong view on pushing on with a decision on the transfer of land in relation to the helipad project. Block A and block B comprise 150 beds and the bed shortage is critical to this project. There are other very important projects, including the new laboratories, which have been in poor facilities for a long time dating back to 1953 or something like that. There also needs to be a cancer centre for the region. Professor Michael Kerin has done tremendous work advocating for cancer treatment in the west of Ireland. However, we need to do everything we can to fast-track the beds.”
“Both blocks A and B are primarily bed-based accommodation, supported by well-established HSE guidance and standard approval layouts. Considering the loss of a number of years in Galway, would the Minister see merit in engaging with the Department of public expenditure and reform on fast-tracking these design stages?”
“I thank the Minister for that response. Certainly, the appointment of the design team is hugely welcome and a positive step. She will be aware of the Mater Hospital during the Covid pandemic and the 98-bed block that was built in two years. These things can be done where there is urgency. We have lost a lot of time in Galway, through no fault of the Minister's, because we have debated for too long whether we will redevelop UHG or move to Merlin Park. We have lost years, unfortunately, as well as money. There is a strong case for the Minister, the HSE and the Department of public expenditure to look at seeking a derogation from the standard HSE design process by combining stages 1 to 3 into a single integrated activity. There is a strong and defensible basis for this approach.”
“In University Hospital Galway over recent years we have seen investment in a 75-bed en suite ward, a temporary emergency department and the new radiation oncology building, but so much more is needed. The master plan, including the 300-bed ward blocks, the oncology centre, new laboratories and a new emergency department, is hugely important to the future. I am looking for a timeline for progression of this project.”
“It is key that MARA would not grant licences until we have a clearer system, the MPPS and a policy from the Department and that MARA was aware of this. I hope that MARA is sitting on these licence applications and is either rejecting them because of lack of a policy, or else just not dealing with them, and that the Minister of State would be given time to ensure that the traditional rights of seaweed harvesters were protected via whatever process or simplification could be done. It is important - the Minister of State has an opportunity in this - to ensure that this issue is put to bed once and for all, that these traditional rights would be registered in some fashion at no great cost to the harvesters themselves, and that these rights could be handed down to the next generation.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I welcome the fact that he expects the MPPS to be brought to the Government in the coming weeks. May I assume, therefore, that MARA is not granting licences pending the MPPS? Is that in abeyance? Is there a formal process? Is it involving itself in consultation on the best way forward in relation to the harvesting of seaweed and the licensing thereof? It is a relatively new agency. It is an issue that no licences have been granted for a number of years. The Minister of State has said that departmental officials were working on a simplification or a process to allow this. Have we any timelines in mind for that? The most important thing is that there would be a simpler process before any licences would be granted by MARA.”
“De réir MARA, má tá daoine ag baint agus ag bailiú feamainne le haghaidh úsáid tráchtála, nó méid mór le haghaidh úsáid pearsanta, ní mór dóibh iarratas a dhéanamh ar cheadúnas úsáide ó MARA. Tá na rudaí seo fíorthábhachtach. Níl sé soiléir céard atá ag teastáil ó bhainteoirí feamainne. This is an issue that has been going on for many years. While there was some certainty provided in the Attorney General's advice back in 2018, there are still licence applications being lodged that I presume are not being dealt with by MARA. MARA is a new agency and it has a role in deciding on those licences, but it is important that there be clear direction from the Department in relation to this. Is there a simpler process whereby, once and for all, we can deal with the generational rights of seaweed harvesters to control their product and rights?”
“Dúirt na hiarAirí Stáit ag an am, an Teachta O’Donnell agus iarTheachta English, go gcaithfí na cearta sna fóiliónna agus na cearta traidisiúnta eile a chaomhnú agus go bhfuil ról ag Tailte Éireann maidir le cearta feamainne atá leagtha síos ó ghlúin go glúin ach nach bhfuil scríofa ar fóiliónna a chlárú. Ach tá costais ag baint leis seo. An bhfuil aon bhealach go bhféadfaí é sin a dhéanamh trí phróiseas níos simplí agus ar chostas íseal? Céard iad smaointe an Aire Stáit air seo? Tá ról ag Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA, agus tá a chuid oifigigh den tuairim nach bhfuil ceadúnas ag teastáil le haghaidh bailiú nó baint méid beag feamainne ar bhonn neamhthráchtála le haghaidh úsáid phearsanta.”
“The process of registering seaweed harvesting rights on a property folio is matter for the Property Registration Authority of Ireland [Tailte Éireann]. Advice provided by the Attorney General’s Office in 2018 to my Department was that these rights were to be respected. There is a cost and a burden on harvesters to register those rights. What thoughts does the Minister of State have in relation to a simpler, less costly procedure to allow harvesters to once and for all register their traditional or generational rights that are handed down but are not on existing folios? Something simpler than engaging with solicitors and going through Tailte Éireann is in order. Tá sé ráite ag an Aire Stáit go gcaithfimid cearta na mbainteoirí a chaomhnú agus a chosaint.”
“In March, the Minister of State indicated that the marine planning policy statement, MPPS, was being finalised and was expected to be brought before the Government in April gone by. What is the status of the MPPS? What is it proposing regarding seaweed rights? In September 2023, the then Minister of State with responsibility for local government and planning, Deputy Kieran O'Donnell, stated in the House: ... there also exists the right of individuals to harvest wild seaweed, namely those who hold appurtenant rights and profit-a-prendre rights. Their rights to harvest wild seaweed may be related to a property known as a folio or appurtenant right or built up through harvesting from the same area over a period of time known as a profit-a-prendre rights.”
“I thank the Ceann Comhairle's office for selecting this Topical Issue for debate this morning, and I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, to the Chamber. As he knows, I raised this matter in the Upper House on 18 March, and due to its importance for coastal communities, I wanted it to be the first issue that I raised as part of a debate in this House. This is, as the Minister of State knows, a classic big guy versus small guy issue. As it stands, small harvesters are providing seaweed product to big and smaller processors. Smaller processors are on record as saying that they are quite happy with the status quo , but bigger players want to control the licensing.”
“It is important that unclaimed deposits be kept under review. Are there any regional differences in the uptake of the scheme? Is that something that could be examined, in particular whether particular parts of the country are lower? It is likely to be the case. There would be an average level and there would be some with higher rates of use and others with lower rates of use and return. We could engage with such communities to see what the issues, problems, stumbling blocks and impediments are to the uptake or what more could be done to improve the rates in those areas.”
“I thank the Minister of State for the response. It is good to see the statistics from Irish Business Against Litter showing a reduction of can and bottle litter. It is certainly welcome. There have been some concerns raised about the accessibility of the machines to wheelchair users, where the unclaimed deposit money will go and how long it is in the system, as well as how the machines' screens are not photosensitive, meaning they are bright at night when they do not need to be and are therefore using excess energy. Perhaps these issues could be looked at.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response. I agree that the action plan needs to be flexible in relation to such shocks. I know this is not just an issue for his Department, and requires a whole-of-government response. During the winter period, demand for and usage of home heating oil will increase in Galway and Mayo. We will have colder nights and people will stay in for longer. I certainly hope that there is, in the action plan and in the Department, work taking place to engage with the Minister for Finance and other Ministers to ensure there will be a response should there be another home heating oil price shock. I acknowledge the medium and longer term view in relation to retrofitting, insulation and alternative sources, but we also have to look at the here and now for those under pressure.”
“I acknowledge the work of the Government in assisting those in fuel poverty and under pressure, the extension of the fuel allowance season and the continuation of the reduction in VAT on electricity on gas. We saw during March and April significant increases in the price of home heating oil. Thankfully, that has now come back to a degree but it was certainly a shock to the budgets of many homeowners. While I acknowledge the medium and longer term role of retrofitting as well as the moneys being spent from the carbon tax on the fuel allowance and retrofitting and the investment by the Government and the work of the Department, how can we prepare for such a shock, if it were to happen again in the coming winter, in terms of home heating kerosine prices?”
“I am seeking an update on the work of the national energy affordability task force; when the action plan will be produced; the implementation timelines; and what will be done to assist households and businesses in advance of the coming winter.”
“I also acknowledge the substantial package the Government put in place both because it was done and because it was needed. It was absolutely vital to provide that support to those across the country who were impacted by the rise in prices at our petrol pumps arising from the conflict in the Middle East. It was important for Government to respond. As I said, it did so because it was necessary and because it had the resources to do so thanks to the management of the economy.”
“Home heating oil is obviously not subject to excise duty but it still represents a significant cost. We have seen a significant increase for those who are reliant on home heating oil or kerosene across our country. We are closer to the next budget than we are to the last and it is important in that budget we ensure that if this conflict is still with us and if prices are still high, there is some rebate or other mechanism to assist those who are reliant on home heating oil or kerosene. It is absolutely vital that they are looked after. Again, this is not something new that I am saying. I have been saying this over the last number of weeks. We have seen home heating oil prices effectively double over the course of a number of weeks during this conflict.”
“It is important that we are in a position to review matters as things develop and to have the foresight to look to the future. We have to acknowledge that because of the management of the economy and the hard work of people across the country we have reserves for the forthcoming budget. When talking about the carbon tax, it is important to note the moneys that derive from that tax go into very important areas of our economy, including ACRES for farmers, fuel allowance for those in need and home retrofit schemes. While no tax is popular, it is important to acknowledge where carbon tax revenues go, although we also need to keep these things under review in the future. I will talk about another area I talked about during the campaign - home heating oil.”
“As I said, it is a distinct honour to have been successful in that by-election. I will not take it for granted. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Troy. I acknowledge this Bill, the necessity for it and the reason behind it, which is the conflict in the Middle East and the resulting increases in fuel costs at our petrol pumps around the country. I also acknowledge the very valid cost-of-living concerns this has caused for members of the public. I welcome the postponement of the carbon tax increase until budget day. We will have a look at it at that stage. As I said in many of the election debates, we do not know what the world will be like in October. None of us has a crystal ball. We do not know how much longer this conflict will continue.”
“I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for sharing his time with me. As this is my first opportunity to give a speech, I will thank all members of the public in Galway West who voted for me and gave me the distinct honour of coming back to this House for a second chance to represent the people of Galway West. I thank everybody who voted for me in that election, whether they gave me their number one or a transfer. I acknowledge all of the other candidates who stood in the by-election. It was a clean and competitive election. I thank the director of elections, the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke; our party leader, Deputy Simon Harris; all of my colleagues in the parliamentary party, particularly Seanad colleagues; MEPs; city and county councillors in Galway; others who came to assist; and party members.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh ráiteas an Aire go bhfuil sé sásta breathnú ar scéim phíolótach maidir leis sin. Tá a lán áiteanna ina bhféadfaí leanúint ar aghaidh nó breathnú isteach ar scéim phíolótach cosúil leis An Fhairche i gConamara, áit ina bhfuil scéim séarachais faoi láthair. Áit eile is ea Baile na hAbhann, a bhfuil a lán rudaí eile ó thaobh fostaíochta de ann. Tá scoileanna, séipéil agus tithe do dhaoine aosta sa bhaile sin freisin. Mar sin, tá áiteanna a bhféadfaí breathnú orthu sa chomhthéacs seo. Leanaimis ar aghaidh idir an trí eagraíocht sin – an chomhairle contae, an t-údarás agus Uisce Éireann – chun scéimeanna a thógáil sna háiteanna sin.”
“Ó na cainteanna a bhí agam leis an t-údarás, tuigim go mb’fhéidir go mbeadh sé ag obair mar chomhlacht tithíochta sa ról seo, ach ag an am céanna tá sí fíorthábhachtach go mbeadh ról ar leith aige ag obair leis an gcomhairle contae. Tá an talamh agus an taithí innealtóireachta aige. B'fhéidir nach bhfuil an taithí aige tithe a thógáil ach tá an taithí aige ó thaobh innealtóireacht de, agus tá an taithí chuí ag an gcomhairle contae. Idir an dá eagraíocht agus Uisce Éireann, beidh siad in ann leanúint ar aghaidh. Teastaíonn an dara scéim phíolótach idir an trí eagraíocht Stáit chun talamh a fháil agus scéim a thógáil. Tá sé ráite ag an Rialtas go bhfuil sé sásta go mbeidh tógálaithe in ann scéimeanna a thógáil le hionaid séarachais sealadacha freisin. Cabhróidh sé sin sna háiteanna nach bhfuil scéim séarachais amháin ann.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire agus aontaím gurb é tithíocht an rud is tábhachtaí trasna na tíre, an Ghaeltacht ina measc. Cuirim fáilte roimh an méid atá leagtha amach sa chlár Rialtas maidir leis an ról lárnach a bheidh ag Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil sé sásta an comhoibriú sin a dhéanamh leis an rialtas áitiúil. Tá sé sin fíorthábhachtach, agus leis sin go mbeidh ról lárnach idir an t-údarás, na comhairlí contae agus Uisce Éireann chun leanúint ar aghaidh le tithe sóisialta agus tithe ar phraghas réasúnta a thógáil. Is ceist amháin é cén chaoi a n-oibríonn sé sin ach tá comhoibriú fíorthábhachtach.”
“The Senator talked of the need for a debate on the importance of self-awareness, education in schools and additional life-saving or lifeguarding skills. I will certainly request a debate on water safety with the Minister in charge of that as well. Senator Cathal Byrne raised the need for additional early morning rail services from south Wexford. I certainly agree in regard to connectivity and taking cars off the roads. It is certainly very important. I will request a debate on rail services but the Senator may wish to put down a Commencement debate to get a more direct response in relation to services between south Wexford and Dublin.”
“They have an important role in developing business or tourist links. I am sure the Senator recognises the importance of that as well. I have suggested in the past that he put down a Commencement debate in relation to increases in rents in Dublin. Senator McCarthy called for a debate with the Minister of Health on synthetic cannabis and its possible impact on psychosis. I will also request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, though the Senator may wish to put down a Commencement debate in regard to synthetic cannabis. Senator Scahill raised the issue of water safety and the public using amenities. So many people drown every year, including 16 people who have unfortunately lost their lives in drownings so far this year. Our thoughts go out to their families and friends after these traumatic incidents.”
“It is quite clear it has an important and bright future within County Meath and the region. She called for a discussion on this. We will request a discussion in general on capital projects and health services. She may wish to raise a Commencement debate on the direct issues in terms of Navan itself. Senator Keogan invited the Taoiseach in to discuss transgender issues in children. I will certainly request that he come in to reply in regard to his comments, which the Senator raised. I will let her know what his or his office's response to that is. Senator Andrews raised the issue of rents for tenants and the cost of flights for trips abroad. Trips abroad are hugely important for local authorities. I think every local authority is involved in a number of trips abroad with officials, cathaoirligh and mayors.”
“There is a national rare disease strategy, an implementation oversight group and health technology assessments on these things. There is that balance between the absolute necessity to treat people and the overall costs and the buying power capabilities, in which the European Union could have a greater role. I know there were attempts to agree with some other countries, such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, in terms of buying power because, as a small country, we cannot compete with the likes of Germany in terms of the ability to work with drugs providers in getting the best deal possible. It is a real issue and I will certainly raise it with the Minister for Health. Senator Nelson Murray raised the issue of Navan hospital and the investment in that hospital.”
“We will try to get a debate on defence matters as well after that, but there will be an opportunity next Wednesday, I think, with the Minister, Deputy McEntee. Senator Collins raised the issue of car insurance and highlighted her own personal case, which is very clear in relation to the issues there can be around premiums and premium renewals and how a day or two can make a huge difference. I will request a debate on insurance with the Minister of State, Deputy Troy. Senator Stephenson raised a number of conditions and rare diseases, such as Friedreich's ataxia, as well as endometriosis and fibrosis. I will request a debate on the matter. I raised Skyclarys myself and its role in treating Friedreich's ataxia a number of weeks ago in a Commencement debate.”
“At the first juncture, the committee itself could bring in Coimisiún na Meán just to discuss this. The Senator might contact his own colleagues as well on that committee to see whether they have plans to bring in Coimisiún na Meán to discuss the increase in the levy and what plans it has for the future. He is certainly right that it is worrying to see increases like that. Senator Clonan expressed concern about aluminium exports from Aughinish Alumina to Russia and called for the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to come in on the matter. The Minister will come in next week, I believe, on international developments, so the Senator may wish to raise it at that juncture and I will alert her to that.”
“Senator Duffy spoke of the levy on independent and local radio stations by Coimisiún na Meán and stated that the commission is a law unto itself. Obviously, the Minister cannot intervene in terms of the independence of Coimisiún na Meán. It is part of the legislation and an intervention would possibly undermine the independence of the system. Certainly, however, the committee could bring Coimisiún na Meán in to discuss where this will end and what is proposed for next year. Is it another 39% increase? The Senator is right that that would be unsustainable into the future. Local radio stations have got assistance in one hand and are getting increases in their levies in the other hand, as are independent media. That is a real concern, obviously.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions this morning, starting with Senator O'Loughlin, who commended all in Ballymore Eustace on it becoming the first age- and climate-friendly town in Ireland. A celebration there was attended by An Tánaiste, the Senator and others, including local dignitaries. The Senator talked of the high age range of the county and the lack of GP services. I know she has put down Commencement debates on that in the past. I will engage with the Minister directly to see if there is any update on that. The Senator also talked again about the illegal encampments on the Curragh, which she has taken a huge interest in, and on which she would like a debate with the Minister for Defence. I will request that, or she may wish to put down a Commencement debate on that if she has not put down one of late.”
“56, motion 1, Private Members' business, a motion regarding a wildlife rehabilitation support scheme, to be taken at 3.30 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours; and No. 56, motion 2, Private Members' business, motion regarding the annual progress report and Government response to energy price pressures, to be taken at 5.30 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on energy security, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to conclude at 2.30 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 each, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each, and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, statements on public procurement, to be taken at 2 p.m. and to conclude at 3.15 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed two minutes each and time came be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than seven minutes to reply to the debate; No.”
“Something like regional offices would be a win-win for the NTA and for the local authorities throughout the country in terms of providing a better service, quicker decisions and a more on-the-ground view of what is required within both urban and rural communities.”
“I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive response. It is clear to me that this proposal makes sense to him. I thank him for coming in and for the response from the Department of Transport. I am sure he will agree that the NTA is delivering for regional Ireland, including County Galway. It has a very important remit but it could do even better. It could do things even quicker and have better decisions by having more local, on-the-ground representation in relation to the points I have raised. Further consideration will be needed on the wider legislative amendments required to extend the NTA's remit. These amendments will be progressed in a separate, wider Bill, according to the script that has been provided.”
“There is great merit in this idea. Dhéanfadh sé an-chiall dá mbeadh oifigí réigiúnacha trasna na tíre ag tacú le comhairleoirí agus le hinnealtóirí, ag obair le pobal chathair na Gaillimhe, Chonamara, Chontae na Gaillimhe agus na n-oileán, ag freastal ar na ceantair seo, ag casadh le daoine, ag dul go dtí cruinnithe, agus ag breathnú ar rudaí ar an talamh. Dhéanfadh sé sin an-chiall. Tá mé ag lorg tacaíocht ón Roinn Iompair ar an ábhar seo. Tá súil agam go mbeidh sé sásta breathnú ar an gcás seo agus ar na deiseanna a bhaineann leis an moladh seo maidir leis an gcóras náisiúnta iompair, is go ndéanfar cinneadh airgead a chur ar fáil le foireann a chur i bhfeidhm ar an talamh go réigiúnach i nGaillimh agus sna contaetha eile trasna na tíre. Táim ag súil go mór le freagra an Aire Stáit.”
“Whatever role they may have in relation to active travel such as safe routes to school, the need for new pedestrian crossings or new bus stops or shelters where they may be warranted would be easier done by having people in regional areas - Galway city and county in my own case - so that the staff will get to know the engineers and the councillors on a personal basis. They will be able to discuss projects and bring forward projects knowing what is possible and what is not. The NTA does a wonderful job but it could do even better by having regional structures, regional offices and staff on the ground engaging with local councillors in their own localities. While it has a national remit, are there any plans with the Department of Transport to provide such structures and staffing? Is there an issue with funding? Has this been discussed?”
“More regional structures in relation to the NTA would be beneficial to that relationship on the ground with councillors. Having Dublin-centric decision-making, whereby there is liaison and maps and projects may be sent up from local engineers to the NTA in Dublin, is fine. However, nothing can beat the on-the-ground relationships that allow people to see what is happening on the ground and meet with councillors. Our councillors are at the coal face. They are meeting with residents and hearing about issues in relation to active travel or the need to extend a footpath further to meet up with new houses or to remove bad bends.”
“We need to move away from Dublin-based decisions to regional on-the-ground staffing where they can meet with county councillors, residents and council engineers in relation to projects that are important to local communities. For example, the 424 bus passes through Na Forbacha agus Bearna. It is a successful bus route. It is full on many occasions and it does not stop but passes by residents who are waiting. We need NTA officials who are able to see that, and able to come down to Bearna and to Na Forbacha to see full buses passing by, to realise that a solution is needed which is either additional capacity, higher frequency or a new bus route starting in An Spidéal and travelling through Na Forbacha and Bearna into the city.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan. I am not sure why the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, had to leave seeing as he works in the Department of Transport, but nonetheless the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, is very welcome. I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this matter. It concerns the National Transport Authority, NTA, with which the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, works, in the Department of Transport. The NTA originally had a Dublin remit, which since than has fortunately been broadened to a national one. It has a very important role in projects like active travel and bus routes across city and county councils.”
“I am not sure whether there are any plans in that regard, but the Senator may wish to table a Commencement matter to ask the Minister for justice about his legislative plans. The committee on media is regularly involved in discussing this difficult area. Free speech is important. Hate speech and misinformation have to be challenged.”
“Solar is now the third largest source of indigenous electricity. I accept that no matter which type of energy generation we are talking about, there will be people who are against it and have issues with it, regardless of whether it is oil, offshore or onshore wind or solar, peaking plants or battery plants. There are always campaigns against these sources of energy, so none of the in respect of them is easy. The licensing issue relating to Barryroe is a matter for the Minister for energy. In light of that, the Senator may wish to table down a Commencement matter in order to seek a debate with him. Senator Martin Conway referred to vaccines, hate speech and misinformation. He commented on the appalling commentary about our colleague Senator Flynn on social media recently. There were previous attempts made regarding hate speech.”
“Coimisiún na Meán does important work in relation to supporting local radio, so it would be slightly strange that there would be an increase of 39% in the levy on them. I will ask the Minister to come in and talk about that. Senator O’Donovan spoke about the Barryroe oil field and licences. That would be a matter for the Minister for energy directly. I was in that role previously. The former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, put a unilateral ban on any new licence applications. Barryroe has history in relation to licences, so there may be historical licences there to which the Senator was referring. Some 40% of our electricity now comes from renewables - the Senator has indicated his support for that - and 50% of energy generated in February this year was by using renewables. We have seen a doubling of wind energy in the past ten years.”
“The Department of public expenditure has said "No". He might put down a Commencement matter debate on that to the Department of public expenditure. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy McEntee, as well. Senator McCarthy raised Professor Steve Kerrigan, who addressed the committee on sepsis and early recognition protocols. The Senator is encouraging people to attend the audiovisual room this evening at 6 p.m. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the projected increase of 39% in the broadcasting levy by Coimisiún na Meán. That would be of serious concern. She may wish to put down a Commencement matter debate on the matter but I will ask the Minister, Deputy O’Donovan, to attend the House.”
“We hope the forthcoming budget will look at further measures to reduce the tax burden on our citizens. Senator Andrews referred to the Minister, Deputy O’Donovan, and the issues relating to the FAI match. I am not sure if he put down a Commencement debate on the Ireland match against Israel. I know UEFA is supportive of the match going ahead and there may be repercussions against the FAI were it to be cancelled. I know there are suggestions that the match would be played behind closed doors, boycotted or protested. I think that would be the best way to show the solidarity that people have in support of Palestine and against the actions of Israel on that. The Senator may wish to put down a Commencement matter debate to the Minister. Senator Craughwell called for a debate on adjudication on Defence Forces awards for Army Rangers and chefs.”
“Senator Boyhan raised an “RTÉ Investigates” programme on RTÉ this evening about the care of Ireland’s most vulnerable. He has encouraged people to watch it. We will wait for the programme to air. If there is a request or a requirement for a debate on the outcomes of that, we will attempt to get that. Senator Keogan discussed the USC and called for its abolition. As I understand it, it brought in €5.3 billion in both 2023 and 2024. It is a significant amount of money. We have one of the most progressive tax systems in the European Union. We have tried to remove as many people as possible from the USC, particularly those on lower pay, and when the minimum wage rises, the thresholds for paying the USC has also risen. Reducing the tax burden is something I would certainly agree with.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go to the Faulkner family, to the parents and extended family, in their sad time. I will request a debate on matters of mental health. Senator Duffy raised the River Moy, which is a huge asset to Mayo and the rest of the country. The late, great Jack Charlton’s fondness for fishing on the River Moy was acknowledged. Senator Duffy noted the need for accurate data and listening to communities. There is a debate at the environment committee today on this matter and on the reduction of salmon returnees to our waters. There are a number of issues, including climate change and warmer waters, so salmon have to go farther and are at greater risk of predation, such as by seals, as they return. There are also issues of water quality. We look forward to that debate at the committee today.”
“A lot of concerns have been raised with me locally on the proliferation of vape shops. Since they are classed as retail, as I understand it, there is no requirement in relation to planning or change of use but there are efforts being made through legislation to introduce licences to ensure that vape shops have to have a licence to open, with perhaps other changes in relation to signage, colours and everything else there also. Senator Collins made a valid point in relation to it. Vaping was always talked about as an alternative to smoking rather than an attempt to bring people into smoking. She raised a valid point in relation to the implications there for her as a former smoker. Senator Dee Ryan expressed her sympathy to the Faulkner family on the passing of Scarlett and, subsequently, Jason.”