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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“I am not sure of the exact definition of a city in this country and how that is reached but certainly it is an area I know others have advocated for and she may wish to put down a Commencement debate on that matter as well. She called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Browne, which I will certainly request. D’ardaigh an Seanadóir Uí Chuilinn an maoiniú breise a fuair TG4 sa bhuiséad agus cuirim fáilte roimhe sin freisin. Tá méadú de €5.4 milliún i gceist do TG4. Tá an eagraíocht ag fanacht ar na mionsonraí maidir le neamhspleáchas an seomra nuachta agus na haipeanna, mar shampla Instagram agus X, ach cuirim fáilte roimh an airgead breise ó na hAirí, an Teachta O’Donovan agus an Teachta Chambers. Senators Victor Boyhan and Martin Conway raised the issue of sectoral discussions of the budget.”
“We had statements here on it last week, although it was rushed given the agenda, so maybe we did not have as many speakers as we had hoped. The Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, facilitated those statements. We will have an opportunity again to raise those matters. Senator Alison Comyn welcomed the provisions in the budget regarding the recognition of Drogheda and Dundalk, together with Athlone, Sligo and Letterkenny, as part of the new inclusion of towns in the living city scheme for a carrot and stick approach to tax relief and also to derelict taxes and levies collected by Revenue. She has called for city status for Drogheda.”
“Senator Patricia Stephenson mentioned the Connors family and the ten-year anniversary of the Carrickmines tragedy and fire. She has called again for a debate on Traveller rights. I will request a debate. One of the issues is that it is an area that encompasses a large number of Departments so I will attempt to get a Minister who would be involved. I suppose housing would be the main Department involved, in terms of funding local authorities and so on. Senator Frances Black mentioned the Gaza genocide. She read a press statement from an MP. I did not get the name but she has that on record, I am sure. She also raised the issues in the West Bank and expressed exasperation at the actions of Israel. She again mentioned the occupied territories Bill.”
“The Tánaiste is meeting with Senator Black this week or next week and I hope there will be clarity on that. I certainly have no information at this stage as to whether services are or are not being excluded. The report gave the recommendation from the committee and I have no indication as to when that Bill will be published or made available for drafting. I will raise it with the Tánaiste again but I have no additional information on the timeline of that Bill. Senator Conor Murphy also raised the issue of his party colleague Senator Andrews and the 462 people, including 14 Irish citizens, who were detained in international waters, brought to Israel and sent home thereafter. As I said, they are activists for a good cause.”
“Senator Joe Conway talked of the importance of renewable energy and the good news regarding solar and wind internationally but highlighted inconsistencies, particularly in the United States, and in that China is way ahead on green energy and solar power. I will request a debate in this area because it is an important one. There are positives and difficulties. I am sure that some of the countries powering ahead may not, in certain aspects, have the stringent planning laws we have in this country. It is important and it is welcome to see progress being made on an international scale. Senators Conor Murphy, Frances Black and Nessa Cosgrove raised the occupied territories Bill, which completed pre-legislative scrutiny before the summer break and is in drafting.”
“I thank all the Senators for their contributions here this morning. Senator Mary Fitzpatrick acknowledged the two-year anniversary of the 7 October attack at the Nova music festival in Israel and called for a meaningful ceasefire, the release of hostages, the release of humanitarian aid and a permanent solution in Gaza. She also commented on budget 2026 and invited people to participate in the festival of history in Dublin. I wish everyone involved well. Senator Manus Boyle raised an issue regarding coastal erosion in Inver village where two houses have been impacted. I suggest putting down a Commencement debate. He mentioned the length of the coast in question is 95 m so it may fall under a minor or major works scheme. The Senator might request a Commencement debate with the Office of Public Works on that.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on budget 2026, from the Department of Finance, to be taken at 5.30 p.m. and to conclude at 7.30 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 not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“We are here now and it is important that we condemn what is going on and that we urge all partners in Europe and in the United Nations, and all the countries of the world, to condemn what is going on and to provide safe passage for aid and the release of aid, which in some cases is over the border from Gaza, and to allow humanitarian aid to flow to assist those people who are dying of starvation. It is hard to believe that, in this day and age, we are talking like this about a situation not so very far away from our shores. We have solidarity with those on the flotilla and with what they are trying to do, and solidarity with the people of Gaza.”
“The interception of the flotilla in international waters is a breach of international law and it should be recognised as this. The Tánaiste and everyone else in the Houses are calling for the safe return of all those in the flotilla or for the flotilla to be allowed to proceed to its destination and to deliver the aid to Gaza. This has highlighted the situation in Gaza in recent days. Unfortunately, there are certain people in the world who are not listening and who are turning a deaf ear and a blind eye to what is going on. I particularly wish that there was a stronger message of condemnation from the United States on the situation in Gaza. This is a humanitarian crisis. As we read about the Second World War, this is something that future generations will read about, but we are living through it.”
“I think of the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children, extended families and loved ones of all of the Irish citizens on the flotilla who are worried about their loved ones today. I welcome confirmation from the Tánaiste of the establishment of a dedicated point of contact for the families of those who have been detained on the flotilla. I acknowledge the diplomatic efforts of the Department of foreign affairs, our diplomatic network and our European partners. It is clear that good diplomatic relations are very important at all times and particularly in situations such as this. From time to time, due to various issues, we hear people calling for expulsions of ambassadors. It is important to note that diplomatic relations are very important in all situations and this is no different.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit chuig an Teach chun na ráitis éigeandála seo a dhéanamh maidir leis an méid atá ag tarlú in Gaza agus sa Mediterranean. The purpose of the flotilla was to bring emergency humanitarian aid to Gaza. It is much-needed aid that the vast majority of people in the world want to see delivered. With its journey on the seas in recent days, the flotilla and the publicity it has received have highlighted its necessity and the reasoning behind it, which is to deliver emergency humanitarian aid to Gaza. This publicity has to be welcomed. I acknowledge all of the Irish citizens and everybody else on the flotilla, particularly our Seanad colleague Senator Chris Andrews. The welfare of our Irish citizens is of paramount importance.”
“It is important the maximum cap on the valuation prices be raised. On generational renewal, it is hugely important there is succession and that there are measures in place, whether they be financial tax packages on such matters as the thresholds for inheritance tax or the consanguinity relief Senator Cathal Byrne mentioned. There must be the maximum supports possible. We must look at possible schemes. There was a retirement scheme in the past. There were limitations on it. It was onerous and had certain conditions that were harsh on retiring farmers, which certainly should not be part of a new scheme. Generational renewal is hugely important for young men and women to ensure the lifeblood continues in the farming sector.”
“It is a needed and welcome injection for, in many cases, small farmers or less intensive farmers who have lands on which people cannot grow grain or raise dairy cows, but where the farming is of hill sheep, sucklers or dry stock and it is important that be maintained and protected as part of the multi-annual framework. TB is always a concern for farmers. As Senator McCormack said, farmers have an attachment to cattle and their bloodlines and it is a huge emotional trauma when farmers have to see one or ten cows head off to a factory when it was not planned. Senator P.J. Murphy's point about valuations is also hugely important. There must be proper valuations because beef prices have increased considerably in the past year. Weanling prices have almost doubled. They are certainly heading towards double last year's price.”
“It is a hugely important issue for a relatively small but important number of farmers who farm intensively and are productive and who, because of their role, engage with environmentally sensitive recommendations on farming. That is a requirement when using nitrates. The Cabinet sub-committee is in place and it must achieve results. It is up and running and it is part of the programme for Government. It has important work to do. The areas of natural constraints scheme, formerly the disadvantaged areas scheme, is hugely important to my area of Connemara and Galway west and many parts of the country. The cheque that comes at the time of the National Ploughing Championships is the backbone of farming.”
“Tillage farming is the sector in which farmers have expressed the greatest concern in recent months about its future viability and it is important that measures be put in place. This motion contains a request for additional measures for tillage. I know the Minister, Deputy Heydon, will be fighting that fight with the Minister, Deputy Chambers, and within the Government in the coming hours and days until the budget is finalised. I commend all those in this House who have raised and continue to raise the importance of nitrates, including Senators O'Donovan, Lynch, Cathal Byrne, Brady and P. J. Murphy on this side of the House. They expressed the importance of nitrates. In the previous Seanad, former Senator, Tim Lombard, championed the issue of the importance of nitrates to farmers.”
“There are concerns within LEADER companies about the future, about whether the guarantees they had in the past will survive into the future and about whether the programme is going to be removed from CAP. Those are proposals coming from the Commission. I do not know what the end result will be, but ensuring that the CAP budget is at least protected if not enhanced is important. As part of the discussions on the MFF, it is important that the governments of member states, as well as MEPs, ensure there is certainty on the LEADER budget. Tillage is not a particularly major issue in terms of growers in my county, but it is obviously important in the context of the grain and straw produced in parts of it.”
“The standards of Irish farming have to be upheld and the standard of any imports coming from Mercosur countries have to be upheld in compliance with European standards. That is the same for trade with the United States in the context of agricultural products. That is important. The Minister of States role in developing new markets is extremely important. We do not know what the future holds. We need to ensure that all our eggs are not in the one basket and that all our trade is not with a small number of markets. Continuing to expand those markets is hugely important as well. The MFF is hugely important in the context of CAP and LEADER. Senator Murphy mentioned LEADER.”
“I welcome the Minister of State and acknowledge the presence earlier of the Minister, Deputy Heydon. I wish the Minister well in his involvement in the deliberations relating to the budget. The budget is going to be hugely important for the Irish farming sector and rural Ireland. The first point I want to make relates to Mercosur and free trade deals. Free trade deals are important; they are the essence of the world economy. We have seen the ructions caused across the world over the past number of months as a result of the tariffs imposed by President Trump and the reciprocal tariffs that have been implemented. This shows the importance of free trade and trade deals to the world economy. Mercosur could be a positive trade deal, but we need to ensure that standards are protected.”
“We certainly hope that there is a genuine debate on the role of the Presidency and the vision that the candidates have for the Presidency, that the debate is respectful, that the Irish people make their decision, and that we will have a new President in the coming weeks who is someone we can be proud of and who can present a vision for this country here and represent us positively abroad.”
“I am aware that our colleague, Senator Andrews, is in that flotilla and that it has been the subject of drone attacks and is in danger of being intercepted. The Department and the Tánaiste and Minister for foreign affairs are aware of this matter and are deeply concerned by reports of attacks. The Tánaiste has engaged with the EU High Representative and EU counterparts on this matter. We will certainly ensure that consular support is provided to Irish citizens. We will keep monitoring that situation too. Senator Joe Conway raised the presidential election and called out the coarseness of some debate, particularly online, that we have discussed here so often.”
“I know that is not always good enough for parents, who want to know exactly what the plan is. I will certainly raise this. The Senator could perhaps table a Commencement matter but I will request a debate with the Minister on the matter of residential care, because it is very important. Senator Cathal Byrne raised the matter of pupil-teacher ratios and a number of other aspects relating to the funding of education. We will await next week's budget, whether that has all been settled or not yet. I remind the Senator that, as he knows, we have high standards of education with regard to access and quality and we have high PISA scores, which are reflective of the investment that successive Governments have made in education. We need to provide that investment. Senator Ruane raised the global flotilla to Gaza.”
“Senator Lynch raised a serious concern regarding deer wandering on the Macroom bypass since it opened and has called for strengthening of deer management and compensation schemes. I am not sure if there is deer fencing along the bypass. I will raise the matter with the Minister, Deputy Heydon. I know he will be in later on for Private Member's business. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the issue of older persons with regard to residential care. It is something that we all come across from time to time, where we have elderly parents looking after a loved one. They obviously know that they will not be there forever and they are concerned about their adult children and where they will end up. The State often does not have answers except to say that their loved ones will be looked after.”
“I will certainly request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Burke, on the overall issue of tourism, because it is an important economic driver in this country. Senator Curley raised matters regarding the electricity supply, VAT on solar panel batteries, nominal fees for solar panel providers, and grants for batteries. I suggest that the Senator table a Commencement matter because it is quite a specific topic. There are obviously issues relating to VAT laws. There have been a number of requests at different times to remove VAT on different things. There are quite strict criteria. Regarding the other issues, perhaps there could be a debate with the Minister for energy, Deputy O'Brien. I will request a debate on renewables as well in that regard.”
“I suggest that the Senator table a Commencement matter. I have been contacted by people about it. If the offer is not good enough, then it is incumbent on the National Parks and Wildlife Service to look again, but I am not privy to the exact offer that is on the table. I suggest that the Senator table a Commencement matter to debate with the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan. Senator Keogan raised the drop in tourist numbers. She will be delighted to know that Ireland had more tourists this August than last August, according to the latest figures from the CSO, and she has raised a number of concerns relating to this. The world is unsettled. The dollar is weak. Different things like that impact on tourist numbers.”
“Perhaps the Cathaoirleach can ask whether inaccurate information, or information that is not up to date, should I say, is being provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Senator Paul Daly quite rightly spoke of farm safety. I know he did raise this matter, and I will request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae and the Minister of State, Deputy Butler. The Senator made a valid point about having two Ministers of State for that issue. There are many topics where something similar would be desirable. I will certainly see if that is possible. The Senator makes a valid point about physical health and mental health for farmers. Senator P. J. Murphy raised the cases in south-east Galway of turf lying wet on bogs because of a High Court injunction from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.”
“He also called for reform of the United Nations, something that I know was debated during the pre-legislative scrutiny of the triple lock Bill in the defence committee, of which I am a member. I will certainly request that. The Senator also called a review of the gender recognition legislation and advanced rights for transgender persons. I suggest he put down his thoughts on that in a Commencement debate to see exactly which points he wants to have pursued. Senator Higgins raised the matter of the EU Council trade agreement with Morocco. I do not have information on that. I am not sure if it would have to come before these Houses to be signed. I will check it out and revert to the Senator. She also raised the issues surrounding international law and the occupation of Western Sahara. I will check whether that has to come before this House.”
“We will have an opportunity in the coming months, once the legislation is published, to debate these very important matters. Of course, the five permanent members of the Security Council presently have a veto in relation to where Irish troops are sent, and that is what the legislation will look to remove. Senator Tully quite rightly raised the issue of asthma and the fact that we have one of the highest rates in the world. Hospitalisation rates are high. The Senator called for a register of those with severe asthma and increased capacity for asthma suffers. I am not privy to what might be in the budget regarding the Department of Health, but I ask her to continue to raise that matter through these Houses and possibly through a Commencement debate. Senator Noonan called for a debate on the UN at 80, which I will request.”
“I will engage with the Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill on that matter. It is hugely important. Senator Maria Byrne welcomed the fact that 18,000 persons are in receipt of the companion pass starting today, the International Day of Older Persons. She mentioned supports for persons suffering from loneliness and all the various initiatives for women's and men's groups, including the ICA, men's sheds and women's sheds, and the importance of those groups in that social interaction for older persons. I certainly agree with that. The Senator also mentioned the high level of dereliction in Limerick city and called for a task force. I suggest she put down a Commencement debate on that matter. Senator Clonan raised the issue of the triple lock and neutrality.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions this afternoon to the Order of Business, starting with Senator O'Loughlin, who mentioned Jennie Poole and her brother, Jason, and his advocacy, and welcomed the positive work that has been done on bringing forward legislation in relation to Jennie's law. I look forward to debating that in the course of the coming months. The Senator also mentioned her work colleague, Chloe Ray, and Leah O’Gorman, who has written to a number of people regarding the use of mobile phones, battery warnings and the use of phones near water. The standard is still that bathrooms should not have electrical outlets for that reason, but she makes a valid point. We will engage with Ministers on that particular issue. Senator O’Loughlin also mentioned the availability of HRT for those with early menopause.”
“50, motion 2, Private Members' business, motion regarding agriculture from the Fine Gael Senators, to be taken at 5.30 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“I join the Cathaoirleach in welcoming the ambassador. We wish him well for Cyprus's national day. The Order of Business is No. 1, Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 1.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 4 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 2, statements on the national social enterprise policy, Trading for Impact, to be taken at 4 p.m. and to conclude at 5.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated for the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed seven minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes each, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No.”
“I believe they could be facilitated on the smaller buses, if needs be, or at least we could start there. There is an opportunity in this regard to provide additional capacity to address many of the issues that have arisen. In some cases, buses are not available, and in many cases drivers are not available. I have dealt with situations where drivers were not available at certain times for a period of weeks, and until drivers or buses were got, the pupils were discommoded. This should be sorted, and I believe the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, will be able to sort it with his colleagues in government.”
“I am sure that the Minister of State and everyone else will know in their hearts that there are issues in this regard, that they should be sorted and that those concerned should be accommodated. To be honest, there could be 71- or 72-year-olds who are fitter and healthier than a 50- or 52-year-old. If they are, follow the procedures and pass the health checks, they should be entitled and allowed to bring children on school runs. I am aware that the Minister of State’s Department, and the Department of Transport through the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, are looking at this, and I certainly hope they can come to a conclusion that can facilitate the over-70s. In some cases, they need to be available for relief driving, which could be for short periods.”
“Therefore, it is important that engagement continue and that local management work with the local representatives, who have suggestions and ideas on transport routes. Senator Byrne has raised the closest-school issue. I have come across students who, because they chose not to go to the local school, were deemed ineligible for transport to their second-closest school. They were within the thresholds in relation to distance but because they chose not to go to the closest school, they were ruled out. That is slightly different from the point Senator Byrne has raised, which related to students excluded or precluded from attending a school. However, I certainly agree with his comment that this should be looked into, because it was outside the control of the parents in question. I want to talk about the over-70s.”
“Some positive changes have been facilitated locally through engagement with management through various channels. I acknowledge that. Changes have been made to the first pick-up points and end points of routes. Smaller buses have been rerouted to allow for ten children to be picked up in a rural area. That has had a positive impact for those children and particularly for their parents in terms of peace of mind, safer commuting and all of that. It must be acknowledged. That does not happen quickly. It happens as the result of engagement and if one is raising an issue now, it may be next year before changes can take place. Even if that is the case, it is something that could be laid down for the future, and that is a positive.”
“The Minister of State is welcome. I thank him for facilitating us in the Seanad with statements on an important and topical issue. It is raised every year. I agree that the overall experience is positive. We often do not hear from the people who are happy and do not have an issue. That is a part of life. Many children are brought to school every day without any issue. There are always concerns around the students who are not attending their nearest schools and those who fall just outside the thresholds for primary and secondary and all of that. My experience has varied in different years. Though well-intentioned, the removal of those a number of years ago led to an increase in demand despite the good intentions to pursue something desirable.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann: - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Dr. Martin Mansergh; - 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 am not sure exactly what happened in this case but I will speak to the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and draw her attention to Senator Flaherty raising this matter. Senator McCarthy raised the issue of voluntary return allowances for asylum seekers. The Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, was before the House last week so I am not sure we will be able to get him in again, but if the Senator raises this matter in a Commencement debate, he might be able to get a fuller response on the Government's plans in this whole area. This is part of a package of measures the Government is initiating in respect of asylum.”
“Unfortunately, there is such a high rate of suicide among men, particularly young men, that there certainly needs to be concerted effort by Government and by us all. Senator Flaherty raised a matter that is - or was, I am not sure - before the courts and the outcome of the verdict. There is a process in relation to school places and the reporting of information, so I am not sure what happened in that case. I dealt with cases, as I am sure we all have, where schools have lost teachers based on the data they provided, including that there was not enough or it was insufficient. A case was in the news this week in County Clare where a school is one pupil short of keeping the school open. Rules are laid down.”
“I will request that debate as soon as possible. Senator Scahill raised the issue of apps for older people, particularly in relation to technologies and vending machines. I will certainly raise that. The Senator is on the Committee on Artificial Intelligence. I am sure he will continue his work in relation to whatever recommendations will come from that. If he puts down a Commencement matter or talks directly to Iarnród Éireann about the situation, it might improve, but he talked about technology that is 20 years old. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the matter of men's health, particularly mental health supports, facilities for men and out-of-hours supports. Again, I will request a debate on mental health services at the earliest opportunity. It is a very important area.”
“Senators Dee Ryan, Maria Byrne and Martin Conway raised the situation in the mid-west. Unfortunately, it is a hospital that has suffered a lot of publicity for overcrowding over the years. When I was a member of the health committee, there was a special meeting of that committee during the previous Oireachtas on this. I welcome the publication of the report. All three Senators talked of the recommendations that have been expressed. It is important that the Minister, obviously, and the Government agree on a path forward as quickly as possible in the interests of people in Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and the extended area. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, because it is of importance and a number of Senators from the general area would like feed into that debate.”
“It is not a case of one person leaving, getting the house ready and handing over the keys. In many cases, that retrofitting piece is responsible for the delays. I will request a debate on housing, to include retrofitting. Senator Comyn raised the tragedy in Drumgowna and Tallanstown yesterday in the O'Connor family. Obviously, there is a Garda investigation. The Senator painted a picture of a family that was well known, liked and respected. It was an absolute tragedy and our thoughts go out to all involved, the extended family, neighbours and friends in the area. Senator Boyle raised the case of a young girl with type 1 diabetes. I have asked him to table a Commencement debate on the matter or to speak directly with the Minister, Deputy McEntee, on the assessments needed.”
“Luaigh sí freisin go raibh díospóireacht as Gaeilge san olltoghchán in 2011 ach bhí Gaeilge ag an am sin ag Enda Kenny, Micheál Martin agus Eamon Gilmore. Is é sin an fáth go rabhthas in ann dul ar aghaidh le díospóireacht ag an am sin. Nil Gaeilge líofa ag Heather Humphreys ná Jim Gavin. Is é sin an fáth nach mbeidh díospóireacht ann. Beidh siad in ann ceisteanna a fhreagairt faoi chúrsaí Gaeilge as Béarla. Sin a mbeidh siad in ann a dhéanamh. Senator Keogan raised the NOAC report - NOAC is the oversight body for local authorities - on vacancies in social housing and the costs and delays associated with that. Unfortunately, there are delays that are too long. Many local authorities, when there is a vacancy, take the opportunity to do deep retrofit and that takes a long time.”
“I have no doubt the Minister, Deputy Harris, and his Department are monitoring the situation and will liaise with relevant individuals. We hope the flotilla is allowed to pass through and deliver its much-needed aid to the people of Gaza. D'ardaigh an Seanadóir Ní Chuilinn seirbhísí nuachta TG4 agus tá sí ag lorg go mbeidh téarmaí tagartha agus feidhmeanna TG4 neamhspleách. Aontaím go hiomlán lena tuairimí. Molaim go n-ardaíonn sí an cheist mar ní i dtosach suíonna chun freagra níos iomláine a fháil. Luaigh an Seanadóir Flynn an easpa díospóireachta sa toghchán uachtaránachta. Le bheith féaráilte do TG4 agus RTÉ, tá muid i lár phróiseas uachtaránachta. Is próiseas dlíthiúil é. Níl Gaeilge líofa ag an triúr iarrthóir atá ag seasamh sa toghchán.”
“We can all agree to that. Senator P.J. Murphy as a commercial beekeeper raised the issue of the Asian hornets' nests located in Cork and explained the delays and problems that will arise if there are discoveries of hornets next year. He called for a retrospective derogation for the use of technology to track and monitor hornets' flights to their mother colony. I suggest he table a Commencement matter on that to get a fuller response from the Minister of State with responsibility for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Deputy O'Sullivan, because it is an important issue. Senators Tully and Black raised the flotilla to Gaza. Our colleague, Senator Andrews, is on that and has called for strong public support for it.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions, the majority of which raised the untimely passing of Dr. Martin Mansergh. We will have an opportunity to agree a motion later expressing condolences and sympathy with his family and with our colleague, Senator Clifford-Lee, on the passing of her mother, Mary. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse. Senator O'Loughlin raised the 20-point peace plan between the United States and Israel. I certainly hope it will yield the results we all desperately want. I have stated often that there is only one person Prime Minister Netanyahu will listen to, ultimately, and that is President Trump. I hope agreement can be reached for all citizens of Gaza and indeed the wider area. The Senator also commented on her recent trip to Ukraine and expressed solidarity and support for the Ukrainian people.”
“and to conclude at 8.10 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to opening remarks from the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed two minutes, time may be shared and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“I concur with all the Cathaoirleach said in relation to Dr. Martin Mansergh, who was a man of immense talent. I extend my condolences to his family, loved ones and his colleagues in Fianna Fáil. The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on school transport, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to conclude at 6.15 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to opening remarks from the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed seven minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, time may be shared and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 2, statements on auto-enrolment, to be taken at 7 p.m.”
“How does the Minister of State rely on figures without having the backup data for how those figures for funding were arrived at, which is the case going back over 20 years?”
“It is one factor but it is an important factor and is the basis of the argument here, which is that it does not cater for the role of Galway city as a regional capital. It relates only to the population living in the city and not the population that it serves, many of whom are from the county, and the many who come for healthcare from Mayo or Donegal who also use the roads and the services. That is the whole point. I do not think it relates to the actual role that Galway city has as a regional capital. This is why I believe the model is flawed. I know from experience in Galway County Council as well that the Minister of State's Department was unable to actually explain how the baselines were derived or what the model was that made it up.”