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 14 of 31.
“We are always very conscious in every budget of ensuring our older citizens are looked after, whether it be through increases in pensions or different allowances, the reduction in the VAT on gas and electricity or the changes to the means test for carers, which is hugely important as well. The Senator also welcomed the Finnish delegation. I acknowledge the presence of the Finnish delegation earlier, which included the speaker of the house and a number of MPs, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in Galway on Monday along with the Minister of State, Deputy Grealish. Senator Brady raised the matter of fox hunting and quite rightly stated it is not a sport. We are a long time from "The Irish R.M.", which was set during the time of the gentry. We are long gone from that. Fox hunting is necessary to control foxes.”
“People sometimes use the opportunity to make a statement or to write something funny that, and I disagree with Senator Craughwell, often can get reported in the media, with a photo taken and put up. That is everyone's choice but I would encourage people to come out and vote. I will request a debate on this matter in the future. I know there was a motion in the other House about franchise and the future so I will request a debate on this as well. Senator Scahill raised the matter of the telephone and broadband allowance and called for a debate in regard to older persons and their supports, and I will request that.”
“Some 3% of Irish people donate blood and there currently is only about 5.8 days' supply at the moment. We would like to get the supply to seven days' worth. I acknowledge both Senators for their donations. It does save lives. That is food for thought for everybody here. Senators Keogan, Mullan and Craughwell discussed the issues of presidential elections and expressed differing views on the rights and wrongs of spoiling one's ballot. There are spoiled ballots in every election. Some people do not know they are spoiling their vote because with our single transferable vote system they may be doing things wrong. There are also people who spoil their ballots deliberately. There are also things written on ballot papers such as "None of the above" or whatever.”
“Again, these have been knocking about for quite a while, so I will again request them from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Senator Harmon expressed sympathies to the family of Michael Calnan, may he rest in peace. She also called for an extension of presidential voting rights to Irish citizens abroad. This would obviously require Government decisions, debate and a referendum for it to happen. It does raise the question, of course, of the numbers of voters who would be involved, how far we would extend such a right and if we would have more people outside the island with a vote than on the island in certain elections. That would have to be considered. Senator Nelson Murray, supported by Senator Mullen, encouraged people to donate blood.”
“As I said before, pretty much every political party in their manifestos for the last decade and more has referred to the need to increase renewable energy generation in this country. Whether this involves wind farms or solar arrays, there are certainly issues in terms of local communities, and this is understandable. The Senator has called for a possible offshore wind installation at Foynes. There is nothing to suggest that such turbines would not also be objected to, as they have been in my area of Connemara. These are tricky issues, but I will again request a debate on the whole area of renewables with the Minister, Deputy O’Brien. Senator Collins also called for the publication of the new guidelines on wind farms.”
“I understand that the Garda public order unit in full riot gear, the mounted police unit, the dog unit, the air support unit and water cannon were deployed at those events yesterday and that the Garda had intelligence that violence was being planned. A call had issued to a number of divisions outside Dublin, and members of the force from Kildare, Laois and Waterford responded and travelled to Dublin to support the policing operations. There has been a call for a debate on this matter and I will request it from the Minister for justice. Senator McCarthy also raised the issue of cybersecurity and called for a debate on this matter. I will request that as well. Senator Collins raised the issue of wind farms and two action groups in her area. This topic has come up on a number of occasions. There is no easy answer to it.”
“Senator Ahearn acknowledged the inclusion of County Tipperary in Lonely Planet’s annual review of 25 top destinations. We obviously know of the beauty of County Tipperary. Food producers were a key issue raised. The Senator spoke about the increasing number of tourists in Cahir and Cashel, where we have the Rock of Cashel, of course, which is phenomenal. When tourists fly into Shannon Airport and Ireland Airport West Knock on the way to Galway, we can send them on to County Tipperary after they leave. Senator McCarthy, supported by Senator Craughwell, raised the issue of what took place at Citywest and the protest that happened after a man appeared in court after being charged with the sexual assault of a girl. Our sympathies go to her and her family on what she has gone through.”
“Go raibh maith agat. I also welcome the ambassadors to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. I thank all the Senators for their contributions this morning. Senator O’Loughlin acknowledged the new role for Séamus Boland of Irish Rural Link and Macra na Feirme. We wish him well in his new role with the European Economic and Social Committee. I have no doubt that he will do a tremendous job. She also welcomed the advocacy of and progress made by Jason Poole and his sister regarding Jennie’s Law. I wish that undertaking well too. The Senator called for a debate about local government staffing, which I request from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Senator called for additional staff for County Kildare. I have no doubt that many other local authorities have needs as well.”
“4, Private Members' business, Domestic Violence (Free Travel Scheme) Bill 2025 - Second Stage, by the Cross-Party Group, to be taken at 6.30 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“I too welcome the ambassador and wish all Austrian citizens here a very happy national day. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the order of references of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, Defamation (Amendment Bill) 2024 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 1.15 p.m. and to adjourn at 4.15 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 3, Housing Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 4.30 p.m., and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 6.30 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by Government; and No.”
“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 has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 7th October, 2025.”
“I move: That, in pursuance of Standing Order No. 111A of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the following members be appointed to the Seanad Select Committee on EU Scrutiny and Transparency: Senators Garret Ahearn, Victor Boyhan, Pat Casey, Alice-Mary Higgins, Garret Kelleher, Eileen Lynch, Michael McDowell, Conor Murphy, Malcolm Noonan, Anne Rabbitte.”
“Senator Duffy paid tribute to a number of clubs and individuals in Ballina. I hope he gets down to join some of the celebrations towards the end of the week. All those involved in sport in the town of Ballina, be it judo or any other, do their community proud. I wish all involved in Ballina good for the week ahead.”
“He called for a debate and wants changes, particularly in relation to the sports capital grants. The Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, and the Minister, Deputy Foley will be in on the first week we are back after the break to discuss the disability strategy. The Senator may have an opportunity to raise it then. That is an all-of-government strategy encompassing different Departments. There might be an opportunity to raise the issue at that juncture. Senator Boyhan paid tribute to Peter Finnegan and so say all of us. As a former Government Chief Whip, I worked with Peter in the other House. As well as being an absolute gentleman, he is a thorough and dedicated public servant. I wish him well in his retirement, which I suggest is at a young age. I expect he has other things in mind.”
“As I have said plenty of times, I have ten aunts and uncles in Boston, as well as uncles and aunts in New York, Los Angeles, Perth, Manchester and London. I am only one person. That is a huge diaspora around the world and it is evident of what has gone on throughout our history. He also raised the attitudes to people coming into this country. There are grave concerns in relation to how people are being treated. It has to be said that others have different opinions on that as well. Senator McCarthy raised the issue of homelessness. He quite rightly said that the homeless figures are not faceless; they are human beings, including children. He called for emergency measures. I will again request a debate on homelessness. Senator Martin Conway raised the issue of people with disabilities, particularly those involved in sport.”
“I certainly welcome the increase in the number of those in training, the two intakes per year, and the changes made in the time of the former Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, to the Garda entry and retirement ages. I certainly think this has made a difference in terms of the numbers applying. Senator Joe Conway raised the issue of Waterford Airport and spoke about the difficult period it has endured. He spoke about a new partnership, as agreed by members of Waterford City and County Council, and I hope this bears fruit and that Waterford Airport has a bright future in terms of connectivity. Senator Craughwell raised the history of emigration from Ireland to the US, UK, Australia and elsewhere.”
“I think he knows what is going on there anyway and I certainly hope the site can be maximised and that there is mixed development, a sense of community and facilities provided for the locality. Senator Gallagher spoke about the trauma of Breege and Stephen Quinn on the 18th anniversary of the murder of Paul Quinn. I have read and listened to Breege in particular in the past. It is a very harrowing case. If there was any case where justice needs to be done, and those involved in the heinous act brought to justice, it is this. Senator Dee Ryan spoke about policing in Limerick city and called for a debate with the Minister. I will certainly request this. As she knows, policing numbers are a matter for the Garda Commissioner.”
“Senator Fitzpatrick raised the importance of breast cancer research and the continued need to fundraise and support it. It is a very worthy cause. A number of charities are involved in raising funds. Professor Michael Kerin and the team at the Lambe institute in Galway do tremendous work on advocacy and research. It is very important. Senator Andrews raised the issue of social and affordable housing targets, and the development of the Irish Glass Bottle site which has been going on for some time. I do not have an update on it but perhaps I will direct Senator Andrews to table a Commencement debate as it might be the way to get the most up-to-date information.”
“They also wished the Lopes family and baby Diego well. I certainly acknowledge all of this. Senators Keogan and Sarah O'Reilly raised the tragic case of a young girl who was raped. The Minister for children, Norma Foley, has tasked the national review panel, which examines serious incidents involving children in care, with carrying out an investigation. She said it is a very worrying case but she is limited in what she can say due to the Garda investigation. There was also the case of the Ukrainian man. These investigations are ongoing and our thoughts and sympathies are with all of their families on what are tragic circumstances. Senator Comyn paid tribute to Maura Geraghty from Collon in County Louth and her children and grandchildren. May she rest in peace.”
“Of course there are three candidates on the ballot paper. There may be opportunities in the future to speak about the franchise and the methodologies of getting on the ballot paper. Perhaps we can have too few candidates but I also suggest we can have too many candidates in presidential elections such as this. Senator Curley spoke about the World Butchers' Challenge and the importance of craft butchery apprenticeships. He called for additional funding. Perhaps he can table a Commencement debate on this as it is quite specific. I am not sure whether it is for the Department of further and higher education or the Department of agriculture. Certainly it would be a worthy Commencement debate. Senators Ní Chuilinn and Andrews commended Pico Lopes and wished him well playing for Cape Verde in the World Cup.”
“Croí does great work in rolling out awareness and checking, be it at marts or football games. It is very valuable screening work. Senator Scahill also raised this and spoke about the volunteers, the fundraising and the 5 km walk in Roscommon. Of course, there is one in Salthill as well. It is a worthy issue for discussion and perhaps we will have some sort of motion on the issues of heart health and stroke. Senator Clonan raised the issue of the presidential election and expressed concern about the spoil the vote campaign. He rightly said there are people with disabilities who go to great effort to get up and get out and make themselves available to lobby and advocate, while other people will choose to spoil their votes in this election. He has railed against this and I certainly hope there is a good turnout for the election on Friday.”
“I thank all the Senators for their contributions this afternoon, starting with Senator Rabbitte and Senator Scahill, who both raised the issue of Croí, and we know the valuable work it does in support of those who suffer from a heart condition, whether that be stroke, heart failure or heart attack. Both Senators are right that there is a need for greater awareness of the differences between a heart attack and heart failure and of the signs of stroke and what can be done. They mentioned a range of possible symptoms, such as fatigue, indigestion, pain, nausea and sweating. We probably all say we have those from time to time, but in many cases they are signs that people can be suffering from heart disease, and if there are concerns, we encourage people to get a check-up and to get seen by their GP.”
“53(2) and to conclude after two and a half hours, 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 ten minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“and to conclude at 6.30 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, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 53(2) Private Members’ business, motion regarding the cost of childcare, to be taken at 6.30 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours; and No. 4, Housing Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Second Stage, to be taken on the conclusion of No.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the appointment of members to the Seanad Select Committee on EU Scrutiny and Transparency, 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 Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025, back from committee, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, statements on higher education, to be taken at 5 p.m.”
“Caithfidh muid leanúint ar aghaidh leis an infheistíocht sin sna blianta amach romhainn i tréimhse an Rialtais seo. Our comprehensive social welfare budget looks after our pensioners, our disabled, carers, jobseekers and so many others, including working families and the bereaved, in addition to mothers through child benefit and supports. There are so many other areas that I could cover, but time is limited. We have a country with a bright future and challenges that can be overcome due to people, our membership of the EU, the strength of our economy, our commitment to capital investment, the buffer of money set aside and a stable democracy that cannot be taken for granted.”
“The increase in the research and development tax credit to 35%, which will, in turn, increase investment and employment in pharma, medtech and engineering over the coming years, needs to be acknowledged. Our indigenous SMEs will benefit from the increased thresholds allowing access to research and development credits. While it was not possible in this budget to change tax thresholds, including those relating to inheritance tax, we need to keep pace with rising wages and house and property values over the course of this term in government. Disability budgets and the recognition of support for carers have been central to budget 2026. These were much needed and deserved. Our carers are unsung heroes in every community. Tréaslaím an infheistíocht a rinne an Rialtas i mbuiséad 2026.”
“I acknowledge the valued and skilled role played by IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta in protecting and growing jobs across the State. Investment by the Government in these organisations is very important. The work done by Ministers in trade delegations and by our embassies, consulates and the Ireland House model is to be commended. Investment in next-generation foreign direct investment sites and advanced factories is hugely beneficial in attracting investment from overseas. The expansion of our technology centres and investment in our universities are key drivers in the context of the skilled workforce that we need in order to attract jobs of the future.”
“I welcome commitments in the budget to invest in our electricity grid, which will be a key driver of future development. We await the new housing plan with keen interest, as well as our rural housing policy. I worry about the delivery of private housing in rural communities away from cities and larger towns. Some small developers I have engaged with say it is not viable for them to build in the smaller settlements away from the urban centres. A comprehensive examination as to why that is the case is required and a solution needs to be found. Agriculture, as an indigenous industry, played a key role in our economic recovery after our last recession. Together with tourism, it was identified as a sector that could increase productivity, employment and revenue for the State. Another key sector in our economy is our multinational sector.”
“Capital infrastructure in defence and across all Departments is key to our medium- to long-term development and sustainability. Our national development plan review is critical to our future. We had a key, positive debate here yesterday on the all-Ireland rail review and the projects relating thereto. I hope to see progress on key projects such as the western rail corridor, including the extension of services from to Claremorris and Athenry, serving Tuam. That would be a huge positive for our region. Irish Water has done tremendous work in delivering many projects, but more investment is needed. So many smaller settlements have no or limited housing potential due to the absence of wastewater infrastructure. Investment is critical.”
“Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam. Ireland has used its voice over many years to promote peace in conflicts around the world. We are all hopeful that the current peace plan for Gaza will achieve all that is set out in it, namely the full release of hostages, including the remains of those who were killed or died in captivity, the flow of humanitarian aid, a permanent ceasefire and a move towards a two-state solution. In the context of Ukraine, we continue to provide non-lethal aid to citizens. We continue to support the many who have been given shelter here since the conflict began. Let me turn to domestic affairs. We must have a mature debate on our capability to defend both ourselves and key Irish and European infrastructure that comes ashore here.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Taoiseach chuig Seanad Éireann. Gabhaim buíochas leis as ucht a bheith linn ar maidin chun cur i láthair a dhéanamh dúinn faoi chúrsaí sa tír seo agus trasna an domhain. Tá sé ráite go minic ag daoine liom, nuair a chastar orm iad, go bhfuil an domhan trína chéile faoi láthair, go háirithe in áiteanna cosúil le Gaza, an Bruach Thiar, an Úcráin, an Liobáin, an tSiria agus an Éimin. Tá guth láidir ag an tír seo, agus tá muid á úsáid san Eoraip, sna Náisiúin Aontaithe agus i gcruinnithe foirmiúla le hambasadóirí agus polaiteoirí ó thíortha trasna an domhain. Uair amháin, bhí coimhlint ar an oileán seo. Tá stair fhada maidir leis an gcoimhlint sin agus an réiteach. Bhí a lán daoine páirteach sa turas sin. Is cuimhin liom an ról a bhí ag iarBhall an Tí seo, Martin Mansergh, a fuair bás le déanaí.”
“I also acknowledge the West on Track community organisation, which drove the project in a determined, professional and focused way, as well as my colleagues, Councillor Peter Feeney, the Minister of State, Councillor Michael Connolly and others in the region. Of course, Dr. John Bradley, who passed away recently, played a pivotal role as well. While Claremorris is the first phase, we need to progress this to Sligo and onwards towards Donegal. This is a great opportunity to connect the Atlantic corridor in terms of rail infrastructure.”
“I hope I get an invitation to the turning of the sod, whenever that is, which I hope is soon. The redevelopment of Ceannt Station is very welcome and it is great to see the increase in capacity and number of platforms. I see the review indicates double-tracking the line between Athenry and Galway, and I wonder if there is a timeframe for that work. There is no better builder of balanced regional development than good infrastructure. Along the Atlantic arc we need good roads, good grid capacity and good rail service. The review is very welcome. We need to see it implemented as a matter of urgency. I acknowledge the Western Inter-County Rail Committee and all the local authorities, from Clare to Donegal, that have supported the cause of the western rail corridor and done much to preserve the alignment and track.”
“It is seen as a strategic, proper, sustainable investment. The next stop is Tuam and Claremorris, and it is very heartening to see the next phase of the western rail corridor included in the strategic review. Tuam, with a population of 10,000 and a hinterland of tens of thousands more, will be connected to Galway, Dublin, Limerick and Mayo by train. The station in Tuam, with its large land bank ,will be focused on investment, transport and business, fitting for the largest town in the county. Its residents will have an alternative mode of transport to Galway if they want to avoid the traffic jams around the city. Thousands of people from north Galway and south Mayor travel to Galway every day for college, work, healthcare and business. This takes too long, but at last, the decision to turn north from Athenry has been made.”
“We need longer trains to cater for the demand and, obviously, longer platforms. For too long, passengers in the first phase had to stand for long periods because we did not have the extra carriages. Oranmore station was built as part of phase 1. It is now an extremely busy station with a packed car park and work under way to facilitate a second platform and provide a public transport corridor to Galway for the new Oranmore suburb of Garraun, which has plans for large housing developments. Last week, the underpass was completed to help increase the capacity of Oranmore, and a multistorey carpark is also planned. None of this would have happened without phase 1 of the western rail corridor. It was criticised at the time. Those who advocated for it and supported it were laughed at. There is no one laughing now.”
“Looking closer to home, I have been a long-term advocate for the western rail corridor, as has the Minister of State, who has led the charge on this, along with people like Éamon Ó Cuív and Pauline O'Reilly. It is important that we acknowledge those because there were some difficult times, and I have to say there were some nasty online campaigns as well over the years. That was not pleasant. Phase 1 of the western rail corridor reopened in March 2010 and, after a slow start, understandable in terms of the economic situation at the time, we have seen a growing service. More than 70,000 journeys took place in 2024, far above the levels anticipated during the planning of this. I look forward to investment in some of the stations in phase 1, which was previously inadequate in terms of the length of the station platforms.”
“The Minister of State is very welcome. First, I acknowledge and commend both the Department of Transport and the Government on commissioning the all-Ireland strategic rail review and the advocacy of the then Minister, Deputy Ryan, and that of the Minister of State. The review is a coherent document and it gives us a picture of where we are at the moment and where we can get to in that vision, which is important for our rail network. The renewed investment in the country's rail infrastructure is very welcome. For too long it was a case of closures and retrenchment. Now it is a case of acknowledging the sustainable and dependable mode of transport that is rail. If we look at where we are at in Europe, we have more to do. The investment received and the work that has been done is hugely important.”
“At its sitting on 15 October 2025, Seanad Éireann passed the following resolution: That Seanad Éireann expresses its deep sadness on the death of James Doolan, 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.”
“It has been going on for ten years and the issue at stake is the need for a national strategy. Senator McCarthy raised the Defamation (Amendment) Bill. This is ongoing in the House. The next substantial piece of business will be on the Bill. It might be in order to raise the matters to which he referred directly with the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan. He has been very generous with his time and has been here on all occasions when the Bill has been discussed. We have three hours scheduled for that important Bill today.”
“The report suggested, or recommended, an increase in the minimum wage this year. There are also increased insurance, energy and food costs that all impact on small businesses' ability to keep their doors open and to assist in the bottom line. The winter fuel payment has been continued and it has been enhanced this year to include a new cohort. There is an increase in the pension, along with the VAT reduction for gas and electricity being maintained for the next five years, which is important for older citizens. Senator Duffy raised the issue of wind turbine development and called for wind farm guidelines. This has been requested for a long number of years and it has not been forthcoming. I advise the Senator to put it down for a Commencement debate with the Department of the environment.”
“The Senator mentioned the fact that, as well as a person's house crumbling, there may be storms raging outside. There is a real life issue and I certainly hope there is continued drawdown of the grants that have been made available and the financial resources that have been put into this. The work is ongoing across Donegal and other areas. Senator Joe Conway expressed concern over the 9% VAT rate proposals. The Minister, Deputy Burke, was here yesterday. I am not sure if the Senator got an opportunity to raise this with him directly. A decision was made within the Government on this. There are many small retailers and small businesses that are being put to the pin of their collar in relation to rising costs. We all support that staff should be paid the minimum wage.”
“It is important that we, and particularly those who suffer from epilepsy and have survived serious issues, continue to advocate, as they do, and raise awareness in relation to the particulars of epilepsy. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the issue of the Private Member's motion on defective concrete blocks brought forward by Deputy Charles Ward in the Dáil today. There is a debate going on and I am not sure what the outcome of that will be. I am not sure of the exact wording of that. Changes were made to that scheme over the years to make it more applicable to the rising costs. There was an increase of 10% last October to the values in the scheme and the cap was increased to €462,000. The ancillary grants and the square footage grant were increased as well. Certainly it is an issue that continues to impact on people's lives.”
“I will certainly raise that with the Minister for Health. There has been investment in the ambulance service over the years but there are low response times in certain parts of the country. Unfortunately we will always hear of cases where somebody has had to wait an inordinately long period of time. I will request a debate on the National Ambulance Service. Senator Ahearn raised the issue of the motion of confidence, as did Senator Scahill. Senator Scahill also raised the matter of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, SUDEP. It is worth raising notice on that and providing coverage on it. The Senator said there is a need for a national strategy. Perhaps the Senator will table the matter for a Commencement debate.”
“I know the Senator will continue to pursue that and keep an eye on those supermarkets in the coming weeks. Senator O'Donovan raised the motion of confidence and called for the Minister to come to the House regarding infrastructure and Uisce Éireann. A lot of work is being done by Uisce Éireann but certainly there are a lot of plans needed as well as a lot of reinvestment. There is a lot of investment in water and wastewater, which is absolutely vital for house construction and compliance with EPA guidelines. I will certainly request a debate on that with the Minister for housing. Senator Collins raised the issue of the National Ambulance Service and talked of best practice. The Senator spoke about the charity called CRITICAL and the work it does in bringing in doctors and training volunteers.”
“Senator Boyhan raised the issue of the hunger strike by those who were in residential care. The Senator has called on all of us to continue to highlight that, which I am sure we will. He called for the necessary issues in relation to medical cards or pension recognition payments to be addressed. I will certainly continue to do that. Senator O'Reilly also raised the issue recently. Senator Brady raised the price war in supermarkets in relation to milk. We know how hard farmers have to work and particularly the liquid milk producers throughout the winter. It is a high-cost business. Using milk as a sort of a loss leader has a direct impact on the suppliers and it devalues the very valuable product our farmers work so hard at. I certainly hope they can come to sense on that matter.”
“All athletes who from a young age pursue a sport, be it track and field, swimming or whatever, put their bodies through a huge amount of physical work, with early starts, diet, weight training and everything else. They should be rewarded. In this case, decisions may have been made for financial reasons and that is a matter for that person. I certainly hope that, whatever happens, his health is not impacted going forward. Senator Ní Chuilinn also raised the motion of confidence, and she told us the good news about the Loreto Centre, with the allocation of €65,000 in funding. I know the Senator will continue her advocacy in respect of the centre because it sounds like it is not a foregone conclusion that it will continue. That advocacy is needed to ensure the valuable work the centre does will continue.”
“It was very moving and she is a very brave person in raising the issue and making other parents aware of sepsis. A younger child, and in this case a child with Down's syndrome, may not be able to explain what is going on or how they are feeling as easily as other children would. It is a very worthy issue. Ms Colum is looking for additional training for staff and is advocating for that. Senators Paul Daly and Evanne Ní Chuilinn spoke on Ann Woodlock and her gold medal. I wish her well on that. She certainly sounds like a wonderful lady. Senator Daly has also called for a debate with the Minister for sport on the use of drugs and the enhanced games. He mentioned the much-reported case of Shane Ryan. I am not here to defend that case.”
“I am not sure if the Senator got an opportunity to put down a Commencement debate on this matter for a more direct response. Obviously, that would be an issue for Dublin City Council and the Department of housing. The Senator mentioned the preservation order and the lack of additionality. If there are issues, as the Senator said, in relation to mould and so on then in my view that would certainly be a strong enough case for redevelopment. I urge the Senator to take this up directly with the Department via a Commencement debate. Senator Cosgrove raised the case of a young girl with Down's syndrome, a very special girl, who died from sepsis. I listened to the interview with her mother, Claire Colum, yesterday on "Today with Claire Byrne".”
“It will be up to the other House to decide in relation to that. There will obviously be a thorough debate over the course of two hours on that. From experience at Cabinet and knowing other Ministers who have gone through this, it is a personal strain on them but it is part of the democratic process as well and we respect that. Senators Craughwell and Joe Conway raised the issue of defence spending and the €1.49 billion being spent on defence. They called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Harris. I will request that debate. Senator Craughwell also raised the issue of the motion last week in relation to head and neck cancers and his personal experience with his daughter Rebecca. I wish her well in continuously living with the issues that have occurred with her. Senator Andrews raised the Pearse House redevelopment.”