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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Every one of 1,542 lines we hold for Seán Kyne, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 10 of 31.
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. We started with Senator O'Loughlin who raised the issue of international Human Rights Day with particular reference to Ukraine, Gaza, the West Bank and Sudan. Senator Joe Conway made reference to South Sudan and the issues there. He called for a debate on the matter. The Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, was in a number of weeks ago and I asked him to make reference to South Sudan. Unfortunately, there was a small turnout for that debate but I will raise that matter with the Minister for foreign affairs. Senator O'Loughlin also raised the issue of youth theatre and Crooked House. I ask her to submit a Commencement debate on that matter because it is quite a specific issue.”
“and to conclude at 10.30 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, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“and to conclude at 2.45 p.m., if not previously concluded, the motions shall be discussed together, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed five minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed five minutes, all other Senators not to exceed three minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than five minutes to reply to the debate; No. 4, Mental Health Bill 2024 – Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 4 p.m. and to adjourn at 6.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 5, Local Government (Support for Elected Members) Bill 2024 – Second Stage, to be taken at 6.30 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours; and No. 6, Social Welfare and Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System (Amendment) Bill 2025 – Second Stage, to be taken at 8.30 p.m.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 1.30 p.m. by the putting of one question by the Chair, which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down and accepted by Government; Nos. 2 and 3, motions regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) (Revocation) Scheme 2025 and the Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) (Revocation) Scheme 2025, to be taken at 1.45 p.m.”
“I move: That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or the Order of Business today, No. 3 will now conclude at 5.20 p.m., if not previously concluded, by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to recommendations, include only those set down or accepted by the Government.”
“Senator McCarthy remembered Trevor Deely who has been missing for 25 years and his family who have suffered for so long in his absence and our thoughts are with the family today. He also raised the issue in the Ringfort housing development in Rathmolyon, which Senator Nelson Murray raised a number of weeks ago as well. I will seek an update on that situation as well.”
“I will seek additional information, and if it is in order to have a debate, I will arrange it. Senator Craughwell raised the issue of drones. There is a meeting of the defence committee tomorrow about that matter and we will see whether we can make progress on it. Senator Martin Conway raised safety issues on the N67. I will request a debate with the Minister for Transport or the Senator may wish to table a Commencement matter on it. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the issue of disability activists, the role of the disability sector and budgets. There has been an increase of €600 million this year in disability budgets and I hope it will make a difference to the important work that takes place.”
“I have said here before that most political parties, and probably all, are supportive of increasing renewable energy, but how that looks in practice is a difficult issue, whether it is onshore or offshore. Finding suitable sites onshore is extremely difficult. However, she is right about the pushing out over many years of the wind farm guidelines and I will request an update from the Minister on that. Senator Joe Conway acknowledged the report from DCU about burnout and stress among teachers and requested a debate, which I will request from the Minister, Deputy Naughton. Senator Conor Murphy raised Nos. 1 and 2 and indicated his opposition to them. I confess I do not have all the information I need on that, so I suggest that Nos. 1 and 2 be postponed until tomorrow.”
“I am not sure exactly where that would be followed up but we will request a debate with the Minister for foreign affairs on this matter. Senator Gallagher raised the N53 between counties Monaghan and Louth, which passes through County Armagh, and the need for funding. He suggested shared island funding. I will request a debate with the Minister for Transport. As it is quite a specific issue, he might raise it as a Commencement debate. Senator Noonan spoke about water quality and called for the Minister to come to the House debate the issue of water quality and the nitrates directive. He also acknowledged the fundraising of Down Syndrome Ireland and said that, unfortunately, it is doing the work of the State in providing speech and language services. Senator Collins raised the issue of wind farm guidelines.”
“Senator Harmon raised student accommodation and rent increases. I would say I am very sure that the Minister, Deputy Lawless, is on the side of students and wants to ensure there is an increase in the provision of student accommodation for students up and down the country. Senator Scahill raised issues on small towns losing financial institutions. This is a very important issue. The loss of a bank, a credit union or an ATM impacts hugely on any business. I certainly welcome the changes enacted recently with regard to access to cash. I will request a debate on this matter with the relevant Minister. Senator Stephenson spoke about the weaponisation of sanctions regimes and the breaking of international law. I am not sure we can have a debate on international law.”
“I do not think, in the context of sentiments internationally, that it was the wisest thing to attempt to proceed with renaming it. Senator Nelson Murray raised the issue of health insurance, called for increased competition in the market and spoke about what has been done in the sector. I will certainly engage with the Minister with responsibility for insurance on this. Senator Duffy raised URDF and RRDF funding, particularly in relation to Ballina. Any engagement has to be through the schemes, and the applications come from the local authorities. It is beholden on Mayo County Council and Ballina municipal district to engage with local residents, local stakeholders and elected representatives on any proposals, particularly ones that are far reaching or impact on businesses. I will certainly engage with the Minister on this matter.”
“Senator Boyle quite rightly gave a safety warning in relation to our roads and the dangers of drink driving, driving under the influence of drugs, the use of mobile phones, speeding and the non-use of seat belts. Certainly we hope that people throughout the country and those coming home for Christmas have a safe holiday and safe Christmas period. Senator Andrews quite rightly spoke about increasing antisemitism and the attitudes therein. He also mentioned Herzog Park and gave out about some of the commentary on it. I do not think there is any point in rewriting history. I know there are certain sensitivities regarding the renaming of public spaces. Perhaps there needs to be a formal procedure and policy on the matter.”
“She also raised the possibility of imaginative thinking regarding the reimbursement of tolls in Drogheda. Perhaps she can raise this at the transport committee or table a Commencement debate. Senator Brady acknowledged the passing of the former Senator, TD, MEP and Minister, Paddy Cooney. Our condolences to Mark, Michael, Edward and Catherine. As the Cathaoirleach said, we will have a minute's silence tomorrow for Paddy Cooney. Senator Boyhan raised the commission of investigation into the handling of historical child sexual abuse in day and boarding schools and the inquiries, and called for a debate on these in the new year. I will certainly request this from the Minister, Deputy Naughton.”
“It was well intentioned, no doubt, but I am not sure it was wise. Senator Cosgrove requested that No. 14, the National Minimum Wage (Inclusion of Young Persons, Apprentices and Interns) Bill 2025, be taken before No. 1 and I am happy to support this. Senator Black raised the Local Government (Support for Elected Members) Bill 2024, which is on the Order Paper for tomorrow. I look forward to the debate and getting the response of the Minister on it. She also raised concerns about the eviction of artists from Ormond Art Studios. I ask her to table a Commencement debate on it because it is quite a specific issue. Senator Comyn commended the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, and the Minister, Deputy Browne, on the emergency funding following the accidental breakage of the Christmas lights in Drogheda.”
“They also acknowledged the issue of water quality, as did Senator Noonan, and that there are still challenges to do with water quality. I acknowledge that as well. I compliment the Minister, Deputy Heydon, in particular because I know he has done an amount of work from the get-go in engaging with ministers for agriculture, the Commissioner and various stakeholders on this issue over the years. Senator Keogan raised the issue of extremism and talked about a recent survey. I am not sure how that was initiated or carried out. There are proper methodologies in relation to sampling and reports such as this. I certainly hope the methodology was correctly carried out. Senator Keogan raised the video from the Department of housing. I would have to say I am not sure if that was the best use of funding.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin complimented the success of Local Link. I certainly agree with that. She called for a debate on the issue of rural transport. We will try to arrange that in the new year. The Senator also acknowledged the ban coming into effect in Australia, which should be in effect at this stage, on social media sites for under-16s and requested a debate on the issue. The Senator also called for a debate on the need for additional secondary schools in the commuter belt area, particularly in her county of Kildare. I will try to arrange that. Senators O'Donovan, Cathal Byrne and Noonan raised the issue of the nitrates derogation. Senators O'Donovan and Byrne acknowledged the role of the Minister, Deputy Heydon, and the successful negotiations on extension of the nitrates derogation.”
“4, the Mental Health Bill 2024 - Committee Stage (resumed) to be taken at 5.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 8 p.m., if not previously concluded.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) (Revocation) Scheme 2025, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) (Revocation) Scheme 2025, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1 without debate; No. 3, Finance Bill 2025, a certified money Bill - Committee Stage, to be taken on conclusion of No. 2 and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 4.50 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to recommendations, include only those set down or accepted by the Government; and No.”
“The vote could not proceed until the Leas-Chathaoirleach was here. When she came in, the doors were to be locked. Those are the rules. The Cathaoirleach or the Leas-Chathaoirleach has to be here for a vote to proceed.”
“I confess I was not here when the vote was called. When I arrived here, I did not bang on any doors. I went to open the door and it opened. The Leas-Chathaoirleach was not present in the Chamber. How can a vote proceed if neither the Cathaoirleach nor the Leas-Chathaoirleach is present?”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 27th November, 2025, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 79(2)(b), which, not later than 16th December, 2025, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 84, and Standing Order 86(2) shall accordingly apply.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann – - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Donal Carey; - conveys its sincere condolences to his family; and - expresses its gratitude for his notable contribution, as a member of Seanad Éireann, to Irish public life and for his dedicated service to the people of Ireland.”
“I will request a debate on social housing and matters relating to the housing stock owned by Dublin City Council and other local authorities. It is important that there is proper maintenance of facilities across all local authorities. I will certainly request a debate on that matter as well.”
“It is necessary, as well as good public transport, bus shelters, bus stops and all of that as well. I will request a debate on the matter as well with the Minister. Senator Flynn raised her concerns about defective concrete blocks. She called for a debate. Next Thursday, as I understand it, at 3 p.m. we have Second Stage of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill 2025. The Senator will have an opportunity to raise issues concerning Donegal, Mayo and elsewhere on that very important issue. Senator Andrews raised Dublin City Council properties. I acknowledged his continued raising of this matter and his concerns, in this case relating to Beech Hill Villas in Donnybrook.”
“There are other towns where there is so much to offer but there are difficulties with access and parking. It is important to acknowledge that parking is necessary, especially for the elderly, the disabled and those who want to do a short shop, for example to go in and out to the dry cleaners, as the Senator said, and elsewhere. If you have to drive around looking for a space, you are not encouraged to come back. Car parking must be to the fore of the vision local authorities have for town planning and to ensure there is sufficient parking. Where necessary, paid parking is an option. Many towns that have a charge offer free parking in the run-up to the Christmas period, which is so important for retail. It is an area of which local authorities have to be very mindful and ensure the view does not prevail that parking is not necessary.”
“I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, as well in the near future. He also raised the issue of waiting lists for cataract treatments, including 3,600 people in Galway. I did not see that report from Councillor Higgins. I will certainly engage with her on it and try to organise a debate on the matter as well. Senator Cosgrove called for a debate on child poverty. The Taoiseach has put a lot of emphasis on child poverty. The child poverty unit is in his Department. I point to such things as the increase in the fuel allowance, children's allowance and the hot school meals programme in recent years. That is not to say that a lot more does not need to be done; it does. I will request a debate on child poverty as well. Senator Nelson Murray raised the town of Athboy as an example.”
“I encourage people to contact the SEAI or their local representatives, councillors or Members of the Oireachtas to engage on those issues. It is important that people keep warm. The fuel allowance was increased in the last budget, as was the pension for elderly. Senator Boyhan raised the important matter of the investigative work of the Irish Farmers' Journal on Brazilian beef, something that has been talked about not just here but in other parts of Europe in terms of the importance of the issue. The Senator referred to the extensive fact-finding mission place by the Irish Farmers' Journal and the IFA and the report relating thereto, which has been published and which was the subject of a discussion at a private session of the committee of which the Senator is a member. I will urge people to look at that and to engage on the matter.”
“A number of people have mentioned them over the recent period. I will request a debate on the issue. Multiple factors contribute to road deaths. They are always tragedies for families and communities and are then not spoken about until the next tragedy. Unfortunately, there is always the next tragedy on our roads. I will request a debate on the matter. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised issues relating to an advert from a Department on the use of open fires and stoves that cause health issues. I am not here to tell anybody not to light a fire. If that is the means of heating people have it is important that they light fires and keep warm. There are Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, grants for various insulation schemes, in particular for those in receipt of the fuel allowance.”
“She requested that we contact the Minister for Health, Deputy Jennifer Caroll MacNeill, regarding a meeting with North East Sepsis Awareness. I will raise that with the Minister. Senator Comyn raised the issue of recreational spaces and acknowledged their importance. She referred to Wolf Tones GAA club in Drogheda and the connection fees for the upgrading of water services. The Senator is asked for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Browne. Perhaps if she could put down a Commencement matter, she could get an up-to-date response. We had a debate on Uisce Éireann recently. I will request that the Minister, Deputy Browne, come to the House to discuss the matter. Senator Scahill raised the Vision Zero project which deals with the bigger picture of road deaths and their causes and impacts. The Senator mentioned e-scooters.”
“Senator McCarthy commended all involved in yesterday's joint sitting attended by President Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena. The Senator also mentioned Brendan and Emmett, two friends of his who were supported in dealing with their addictions by Tiglin and who have come out the other end and recovered. Senator McCarthy noted that recovery is possible. I acknowledge that. I commend the work of Tiglin and wish Brendan and Emmett well for the future. Senator Tully raised the very important issue of sepsis. I join with her in seeking to raise awareness of the condition. She mentioned North East Sepsis Awareness, which reach reaches out to inform people of the symptoms of sepsis. She also spoke about post-sepsis syndrome, which I had not heard of. Many sufferers can have symptoms for months or years.”
“It is important to note that because bluetongue is spread by midges, the spread of the disease is much less likely in winter and early spring. Firm action is being taken to carry out enhanced and targeted surveillance to discover whether the disease is here. We hope it is not. Continued vigilance is needed. I will request a debate with the Minister. Senator Boyle raised concerns regarding the courthouse on Tyrconnell Street in Donegal. The latter is an historic building in the heart of the town. It has been closed for some time. The Courts Service has moved its operation to Ballyshannon. I request that the Senator table a Commencement debate on the matter because it is quite specific. I share his concerns. I tend to agree because the longer services are out of a town, the more difficult it is to bring them back.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions on the Order of Business. We began with Senator Murphy O'Mahony, who congratulated Deputy Emer Higgins on her appointment as Minister of State with responsibility for disability and asked for her to come to the House to lay out her plans regarding the sector. I will certainly request that the Minister of State come here at the earliest opportunity to lay out her vision for her role. The Senator also requested a debate with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, on bluetongue. The Minister has indicated that he is working closely with his Northern Ireland counterparts to ensure that a collaborative and supportive approach, building on the very close relationships already in place in respect of animal disease control North and South, continues to be taken.”
“54, motion 2, Private Members' business in the name of the Sinn Féin Senators, motion regarding Irish unity, to be taken at 5.30 p.m. with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“I will propose a motion at the end of the sitting in memory of the late Donal Carey. I sympathise with his children Leonora, Joe, who is a former Member of the Lower House, and Donal junior. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025 - referral to committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1 and to adjourn at 1.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 3, Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 – Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 2.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 5.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No.”
“They also get up early in the morning, go to work and make a living. We need to protect those jobs. That is what those incentives and that VAT change are about. It is not to benefit any major subset; it is about ensuring jobs are protected in the economy, and I welcome that. I also welcome the VAT retention on gas and electricity bills, which was extended. When you do something, it has to be continued if the benefit is going to continue. People perhaps do not appreciate it is there because it is built in, but unless the Finance Bill reflects Government intention to continue something like that, it would be lost. I welcome those initiatives. There are a lot of other positives in this Bill which we may refer to on Committee Stage.”
“We have had debates in this House for years about the 9% VAT rate since it was introduced by Fine Gael and the Labour Party back in 2011. It was used to spur the hospitality and tourism sector to encourage job growth. That worked as part of the Action Plan for Jobs. Those were some of the initiatives. Since then, we have had proposals and it has been repeatedly pushed back up and brought back down. We have annual debates in both Houses and I am sure within our own parliamentary party and others. This has now been settled. It is a settled tax policy for the lifetime of this Government and we will not revisit it over the lifetime of this Government. We need to focus on other areas rather than expending a lot of energy and time on that. The hospitality sector is a huge employer of students, young people and those with full-time jobs.”
“On VAT on apartments, from engagement with the people actually building houses, and developers are not nasty people, it is not a nasty word, and by God do we need them, they say this has been positive and will encourage more construction of apartments. We know there are thousands of outstanding apartments with planning permissions which we all want to see built. We want people to get the opportunity to own and rent over the next number of years. Anything that can spur on construction and increase the supply of all types of homes, whether they be private, affordable, social, student accommodation or cost rental, is to be welcomed. I also welcome the changes in relation to student accommodation. More is needed over the lifetime of the Government and the rolling out of the new housing plan.”
“I have said often, if tax thresholds are not increased every year, every second year or where possible, it will mean people on lower wages end up paying higher rates of tax. To stand still, you need to increase the thresholds as wages rise. I know that was not possible on this occasion but it is important that, over the lifetime of the Government, the commitment in the programme for Government is maintained, as the Minister of State said, as long as the economy remains strong. There are challenges and outside threats such as tariffs and other things. It is important we ensure tax thresholds increase and the burden of tax is reduced over time. I welcome the commitments on the USC to ensure those on the national minimum wage do not pay in excess due to the increase in the wage.”
“I welcome the Minister of State. I acknowledge the former Minister, Paschal Donohoe, who has set sail for pastures new and his role in stewarding the finances over nearly a decade as Minister for Finance and Minister for public expenditure. He has left the State in a better way than it was when he came in in terms of balanced budgets, surpluses and money set aside for rainy days. The definition of rainy days is another matter. There are always challenges, issues and things we can spend money on but we also have to prepare for those we do not know, like pandemics. Who had heard of Covid five, seven or ten years ago? There are unknowns. The Minister of State said "we will stand by our programme for Government commitment to make progressive changes to income tax, if the economy remains strong". That is hugely important.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development Act 2024 (Modification) Regulations 2025, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 18th November, 2025.”
“I will request that the Minister, Deputy Heydon, come to the House to discuss those issues. Senator Curley commended Ms Aoife Noone on her Think Smart Cyber programme on the dangers of the online world. I certainly will raise that with the Minister. He also mentioned the community safety fund. I will request a debate on the whole area of online safety.”
“It is hard to believe that residents living only 5 km from the city centre are being discommoded in the fashion she described, with people waiting an hour and 45 minutes for a bus. The Senator might put this forward for discussion on the Commencement debate. She could also engage with the Cathaoirleach of the transport committee to see whether representatives of the NTA could be brought in quickly to deal with this specific issue. That might be in order because it is an important matter. I have read some of the information on it online. Changes are being proposed but, clearly, people in the locality are not happy with the service. The Senator is right to raise it. Senator Gallagher requested a debate with the Minister for agriculture on the caps on farmers whose livestock has been destocked by TB and on the Mercosur deal.”
“Senator Tully spoke about the income thresholds for county and city council housing, particularly people on the working family payment being pushed over the threshold. I have requested a debate with the Minister for housing on the overall housing plan, which will give an opportunity for the Senator to raise this issue. In the meantime, she may wish to put forward a Commencement matter. Senator Comyn congratulated Nicola Pierce on winning An Post history book of the year for Great Irish Wives , which details the lives of women married to famous men, and wished her well with the sales of the book. The Senator also mentioned that President Zelenskyy, in his acting days, visited Drogheda eight years ago. Senator Ní Chuilinn made a strong contribution on the campaign regarding the Chapelizod bus service and the changes that have been made.”
“I am happy to accede to that and I wish the Senators well in the Second Stage debate on Thursday. Senator Lynch referred to the turning of the sod last week by the Minister, Deputy Calleary, for construction of Rylane community centre. She raised concerns about water and wastewater connection fees. The Senator might put that forward as a Commencement debate. It is a matter for Irish Water but the Minister would have oversight of it. Senator Boyle has concerns that Meentinadea National School in Ardara, which was built in 1932, has been excluded from DEIS status. I ask that he propose this rather specific issue for discussion on the Commencement debate. I will raise the need to review criteria with the Minister, Deputy Naughton.”
“I will request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, on the regulations if that is in order. Senator Craughwell called for a debate on neutrality. I will request that the new Minister come to the House to discuss the importance of our being a militarily neutral State. Senator McCormack raised concerns that the persons who ended their hunger strike after 51 days are now threatening to resume the strike, which is very regrettable. I will raise the matter with the Taoiseach to see why relevant Ministers have not engaged, as the Senator said, and request that they do so. Senator Rabbitte has proposed that No. 12, First Stage of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2025 in the names of Senators Rabbitte and Paul Daly, be taken before No. 1.”
“Senator Boyhan expressed solidarity with all of those who are working here and thanked them all. Senator Paul Daly raised issues regarding memorandums of understanding with the universities in Ukraine and Irish universities as well. I acknowledge all who thanked and congratulated everyone involved in the joint sitting today. Senator Fitzpatrick also raised issues of concern to SMEs, including the cost of doing business, and the need for a debate. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke. Senator Maria Byrne expressed concern regarding e-scooter regulations and noted that parents need to be warned about what is allowed and what is not allowed. This issue was raised a couple of weeks ago as regards Statutory Instrument 199 of 2024.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions on the Order of Business. I will start with Senator Fitzpatrick who rightly congratulated all involved in the organisation of today's events for the joint sitting in both Houses with President Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena. The Senator expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and mentioned the importance of the non-military aid being given and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Many other speakers concurred with those sentiments. Senator Keogan raised issues regarding corruption and asked if there is any concern about Irish moneys and where they went. That would be a matter, presumably, for the foreign affairs committee or the public accounts committee. The Senator might raise it with her representatives on those committees.”
“The Order of Business is No.1, motion re proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Planning and Development Act 2004 (Modification) Regulations 2025, back from committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, Mental Health Bill 2024, Committee Stage, to be taken at 7.15 p.m. and to adjourn at 9.15 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 3, Finance Bill 2025, Second Stage, to be taken at 9.15 p.m. and to conclude at 11 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, those of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, those of all other Senators, whose time may be shared, not to exceed five minutes, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“You hear stories of hundreds employed in the past in places like Rossaveal in the fishing sector, and boatloads of fish coming ashore. That is not the reality now unfortunately. I acknowledge the work that has gone into this motion and look forward to the Minister of State's response on this and his plans going forward.”
“The concerns expressed in this motion regarding third nations is hugely important because there is a view that third nations, including Norway, have too much sway on our waters and the fish stocks. It is important to recognise that agreeing a motion like this today strengthens the Minister of State's hand in terms of the work he has to do on behalf of the Department, the fishermen and the State. Therefore, the motion is important. I also acknowledge the investment that has taken place in ports across the country. There is always more to do, no more than on our road network or our schools. A pipeline of further development is always needed. I acknowledge, as I have done before, the work of the former Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and his work in Rossaveal, County Galway.”