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?”
The complete record
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 21 of 31.
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. I will begin with Senator O'Loughlin, who raised a number of issues. She wished those involved in the running of the 160th Irish Derby at the Curragh well. Kildare has a proud history of horse racing. She also mentioned a recent defamation case against Tattle Life, which I had not heard about until recently. I do not think I have been a subject on it, and I hope I will not be. However, those who have and who have been defamed have the right to seek recourse. The Defamation (Amendment) Bill is before the other House, so I am sure we will have an opportunity to debate issues of this nature. Senators called for a debate on the matter. Senator Nelson Murray raised the SME test for the possible upcoming increase relating to the personal injury guidelines, which she spoke passionately about.”
“The Order of Business is Nos. 1 and 2, motions re the continuance in operation of certain provisions of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to be discussed together, 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 and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“I move: That, pursuant to subsection 2° of section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Éireann concurs with the Government in a request to the President to sign the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2025 on a date which is earlier than the fifth day after the date on which the Bill shall have been presented to him.””
“It is something that could be raised through the committee on disability. It is certainly a pressing matter. Senator McCormack raised an issue regarding Portlaoise courthouse. I ask that she put down a Commencement matter to get an update. I hope there is good progress on that in the coming months and years.”
“I have asked the Minister, Deputy Chambers, to come in over the coming weeks in advance of publication of the NDP. That may be an opportunity to raise that matter. I think the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, is coming in to talk about transport matters, maybe the week after next. Senator Duffy spoke about the situation in Westport. I saw that on social media. Obviously, the man in question was making representations but they were not effective. He took matters into his own hands by repainting etc. These should be simple matters for local authorities to get on top of. Ensuring lines are painted, particularly disability markings, should be something that is prioritised. I hope that on foot of the coverage received by the gentleman mentioned, other local authorities will do an assessment quickly on this.”
“I ask that she put down a Commencement matter to get an update and see if changes could be made. If the Minister is open to that, it could be looked at in the finance Bill later in the year. Senator Scahill highlighted concerns about insurance and forestry. I know he had a meeting with Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae, on this matter. I will seek an update from him. There would have to be engagement with Minister of State, Deputy Troy, and others on this. I do not have an answer on how that might go because there may be a significant rise in premiums if that were to happen. That is obviously the way insurance runs. Senator Davitt raised the dual railing of the Dublin to Sligo railway line, and sought its inclusion in the national development plan.”
“I am not sure how planning permission was granted without having adequate water. In terms of the status of the projects there, I ask the Senator to table a Commencement matter with the Minister, Deputy Browne, and she might receive an update on that. I know that in respect of the use of the Apple money, the Government has committed to providing money to Irish Water for critical infrastructure that will allow houses to be built. Irish Water is to come back with plans that will ensure that if we give it €2 billion to however many projects, this will lead to construction. Perhaps Newcastle West could be one of those areas chosen. I do not know, but it is certainly critical we ensure there are more houses built across different towns and villages. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised concerns about means testing for foster parenting.”
“I ask him to table a Commencement matter in order to receive a more up-to-date response on the matter from the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. Senator McCarthy raised the issue of youth gambling and all that goes with that, such as advertising, algorithms and the impact that gambling has on debt and so on. He has requested a debate on this matter and I will arrange that. I commend the then Minister of State, Deputy James Browne, who spearheaded the gambling Act at the time. I will request an update on this from the new Minister. Senator Collins spoke about Newcastle West and a lack of water there. I do not know how planning permission was granted because if it is for a single house, there has to be a letter from Irish Water that it is agreeable to providing water.”
“Senator Crowe, supported by Senator McCarthy, raised the issue of illegal drug use, especially cocaine. The use of cocaine is becoming very accepted by many people. There may be a variety of reasons for this. Lifestyles and the pub scene have changed and there is more partying at home. Also, some people believe that cocaine use is a way of avoiding the excessive consumption of calories, as many people would have done with alcohol. Cocaine use is becoming quite open, unfortunately. I do not have a solution. I will arrange a debate on this matter. We know this is an issue throughout the world with the war on drugs. I will request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O’Connor, on this matter. Senator Brady sought an update on St. Joseph's in Longford.”
“Senator Boyhan also raised the issues of therapy services. I will request the Minister for education to come to the House to talk about those matters. He also raised St. John Ambulance and Mick Finnegan. I know Senator Andrews and others have raised this, as has the former Leader of the House Regina Doherty. I will seek an update on that matter. Senator Andrews has requested an update and report on the banning of surgical artificial insemination of greyhounds. I will seek an update on that. I confess I was not aware of that issue. I am familiar with artificial insemination; it happens all the time with cows and other livestock. I am not sure why there is surgical artificial insemination of greyhounds, but I will seek an update on that issue.”
“Senator Boyhan raised the taking of all Stages of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill today. As he knows, this is emergency legislation. It was brought before Cabinet on Tuesday. Pre-legislative scrutiny was waived by the committee and the Bill was published. It went through all Stages in the Dáil yesterday. It is time-sensitive legislation. That is the reason we are taking all Stages in the one sitting. I accept that it would not be normal practice or what I would normally favour but this is emergency legislation. The fact there is a motion for early signature shows the urgency of the matter. It is time-sensitive legislation and that is the reason it is being taken on all Stages today. I will endeavour, where possible, to separate the Stages but this is emergency legislation and that is why we are taking all Stages at one time.”
“Notwithstanding the ongoing WRC negotiations, I hope the commission can examine this issue. Obviously, there are cost implications, but so be it. I hope that if the commission gives a recommendation for new full-time contracts for Oireachtas broadcasters, the Minister will look favourably on that. Senator Boyle congratulated Buncrana on winning an award in the Tidy Towns competition as one of the larger towns. He also wished for participants and spectators to be safe during the Donegal rally and raised the rural water programme. I know the importance of rural water schemes. He raised the issue of Lagan in Donegal and requested further information from the Department. I ask him to table a Commencement matter on that and he might receive a more up-to-date reply.”
“I thank all the Senators for their contributions. I will start with Senator O’Loughlin, who talked of World Music Day and the importance of the harp. We all agree with that. She expressed concern regarding a course in Ballyfermot that has been cancelled. I do not have the specifics on that or the reasons it was cancelled. Obviously, it was due to funding but I am not sure if there were issues regarding tutors or demand. If the Senator tables a Commencement matter, she might receive a more accurate update. The Senator also voiced her support for the Oireachtas broadcasting services, as did Senators Andrews and Comyn. I know the vast majority of Members across both Houses have done likewise and I signed the letter as well. I hope the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission can deal with this.”
“2, earlier signature motion on the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2025, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1 without debate; and No. 3, Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 2 p.m.”
“I welcome the ambassador and wish her well on her national day. The Order of Business is No. 1, Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2025, all Stages, to be taken at 11.45 a.m.; with the proceedings thereon, if not previously concluded, to be brought to a conclusion at 1.45 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 the Government; with the time allocated to the opening remarks by the Minister to the debate on Second Stage not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, and time may be shared, with the Minister shall be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and with Committee and Remaining Stages to be taken immediately thereafter; No.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann expresses its deep sadness on the death of former Senator, Carmencita Hederman; conveys its sincere condolences to her family; and expresses its gratitude for her notable contribution as a Member of Seanad Éireann to Irish public life and for her dedicated service to the people of Ireland.”
“I am not sure if it is the local GAA organisation in Antrim or the Ulster Council that will decide those things. I can contact the Taoiseach to share the Senator's concerns in regard to the allocations. Certainly, St. Tiernach's Park would be a worthy applicant for a large-scale sport infrastructure fund grant or something like that. It is important that it be kept as the home of the Ulster Final.”
“Senator O'Reilly raised the Finance (Local Property Tax and Other Provisions) (Amendment) Bill that is being debated in the Dáil at the moment. We will have an opportunity before the recess to debate this matter and I am sure the Senator will air her views and have the ability to vote on that. The LPT is regarded as a valuable source of revenue and having a range of sources of revenue for the State is important. Certainly, the changes that are being made will be debated. Finally, Senator Gallagher spoke of Casement Park and St. Tiernach's Park in Clones. I know that is regarded as the home of the Ulster final and I wish the Ulster Council well in securing funding for that. Obviously, the shared island initiative has referred to funding for Casement Park.”
“I look forward to a debate. The Deputy Leader and I have invited the Taoiseach to come in, which will likely be in September, but I am sure he will engage on that matter as well. Senator Byrne raised the matter of childcare places and I will certainly request a debate with the Minister. There was a scheme recently which gave grants to certain businesses for additional places. I have been contacted by some groups that were engaging with leases of property rather than having ownership and that was deemed not to be suitable. That was the advice given to the Minister in terms of a lien on the property or whatever. There may be a need for some fine-tuning on that to allow for properties to be built on leased land but I will certainly request a debate on that.”
“Senator O'Donovan raised the issue of the mussel farm off Kinsale and put on record his opposition and that of Councillor Marie O'Sullivan to that venture. As was rightly said, it is at the appeals stage with the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board, which is an independent body to determine appeals against decisions of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on aquaculture licenses. I have seen some of the footage on social media and I know there is widespread opposition. The ALAB will be doing its job in assessing that. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about the memo that is going to Cabinet soon regarding the Dublin city task force, which I certainly welcome. I am not sure which Minister will be overseeing that. I am told it is the Department of the Taoiseach and at the highest level. That is welcome. It is a good initiative.”
“I understand it consists of community, voluntary and environmental groups, businesses, unions, research institutes, academic committees and members of the Cabinet and the Committee on Budgetary Oversight. There is a large cohort of individuals there but if Senators have any suggestions for any changes to that, I am sure the Minister will hear those out. Senator Daly raised the issue of planning exemptions for slurry storage. I will seek an update from the Minister, Deputy Browne, on that matter. I am not sure whether all the exemptions that are being discussed will be lumped together towards the end of the year. I know changes will be made to some of the exemptions on housing and a number of other exemptions have been included with that but I will ascertain this from the Minister.”
“Senator Comyn raised the case of Kyran Durnin, who was missing for two years during which his absence was not noticed, which is hard to fathom and credit. An Garda Síochána has stated he is presumed deceased. We certainly hope the Garda can, if that is the case, recover his remains and that it will be some comfort to all who knew and loved him. Senator Scahill raised the issue of the craft beer sector and called for a debate on this matter. Responsibility for tourism now lies with the Department of enterprise so I will request that the Minister, Deputy Burke, come in to debate this matter. Senator Keoghan raised the issue of the national economic dialogue, which is led and chaired by the Minister, Deputy Chambers.”
“Senator Andrews raised the issue of Oisín, a neurodivergent child and he also raised the issue of school places in Dundalk. I will request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, on school places. The challenges faced by children with special needs in getting school places are very important. I understand there will be announcements again regarding additional places, as there have been over the last number of months. Senator Stephenson raised issues regarding hate speech and the contact made from the European Commission on Ireland's hate speech laws. I know we have the Prohibition of Incitement To Hatred Act 1989. There were attempts to reform that which were not proceeded with but obviously the Minister is analysing the communication from the European Commission on that matter.”
“That might be a way to go about that. Senator Mullen raised vape shops and concerns regarding the sale of psychoactive substances. I am not sure of the latest on that. We have passed an amount of legislation relating to vaping. More legislation has been planned. If there is a criminal matter in this regard, I will certainly raise it with the Minister for justice. Senator Mullen also raised issues pertaining to my colleagues in government and Senators Fitzpatrick and Daly have dealt with that so I will have to leave that between them.”
“Senator Boyle spoke about festivals and the importance of festivals such as the Rory Gallagher Festival and its value to the local economy, which I absolutely agree with. Regarding the sources of funding, he is right. I know there are small-scale festival funding applications and local authorities provide funding to certain festivals as well. With rising costs, particularly of insurance and the like, some festivals are under pressure. Again, it is volunteers who are organising and running these. If the Senator put down a Commencement debate there might be a more detailed response forthcoming. It requires engagement across a number of Departments, including the Department of tourism, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.”
“I thank all Senators for the contributions here this morning starting with Senator O'Loughlin who congratulated Naas on being deemed the best-kept and cleanest town according to the IBAL survey. She rightly commended volunteers for their work across many communities over many years. She is right, of course, that it can take a long time for certain villages and towns to get to the stage where they win awards but that journey has to be, and is, recognised in these awards. She also spoke about the importance of family resource centres and also the lack of them in her own county of Kildare. She has called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley, and I will certainly raise that with the Minster.”
“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, 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; and No. 50, motion 1, Private Members' business in the name of Fianna Fáil Senators, motion regarding enterprise matters and business supports for small and medium enterprises, to be taken at 5 p.m. and the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on food promotion and new markets, to be taken at 2 p.m. and to conclude at 3.30 p.m. if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to opening remarks by the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten 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; No. 2, statements on the Farrelly commission report, to be taken at 3.30 p.m. and to conclude at 5 p.m.”
“It is back in with An Bord Pleanála at the moment but it is hugely important with regard to our western region and Connemara. Finally, on the investment by Irish Water, I know it will hopefully be getting some of the Apple money and will be tasked with investing in areas that can deliver housing. That is hugely important because there are so many communities across the west and the country that have the potential to grow but do not have the proper infrastructure in place. Continued investment in Irish Water, ensuring that it spends that money wisely for the development of homes, is very important and that is why the collaborative all-of-government approach, the work of the Cabinet collectively and the review of the national development plan will be vital. I wish the Minister well in his work over the years ahead.”
“The ongoing investment in Údarás na Gaeltachta is important, and I wish the Minister well on that. The Minister mentioned the western rail corridor, and I welcome that. I know he is a strong supporter of that, as am I and many other Members in this House. I know the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Canney, is as well. It is hugely important that we deliver that project. We spent a lot of time carrying out reviews, analyses, a business case and everything else. It should be one of the simpler projects to deliver, initially to Claremorris, then to Sligo and then to Donegal. It makes perfect sense and it will be so important for the region. The Galway city ring road is something that has been spoken about for so long. It is a major project.”
“With regard to Senator Conway, and I know he has left the Chamber, he did not mention the transformative Waterford North Quays development, which I think is the largest public infrastructure project at present outside of Dublin. It will involve new transport hubs, a sustainability bridge and a greenway. It is worth over €200 million. I commend the Ministers of State, Deputies John Cummins and Mary Butler, on their advocacy and work on that, as well as the councillors and team in Waterford City and County Council. Tá sé ráite go minic agam go bhfuil an t-ádh orainn san iarthar go bhfuil an t-údarás ag feidhmiú ar son na réigiún sin agus ag tacú leis na háiteanna fíorbheaga agus leis na comhlachtaí atá ag obair ar son na n-áiteanna sin. Tá sé sin fíorthábhachtach.”
“Compare that with the eastern and midland region, which has 49.3% of the population but has 66.5% of the investment in public tenders over €1 million and 75% of the share of investment in public tenders worth more than €20 million. I know changing that is in not in the Minister's gift, and I am not pretending it is. It is not even in the Government's gift because State agencies are involved in the investment decisions that are made as well. I know the review of the national development plan will be hugely important in that regard but I think those figures are stark. Nobody is suggesting that the areas with the highest population should not get the most investment but the disparity between the regions is quite stark.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire chuig an Seanad chun labhairt faoin ábhar tábhachtach seo. I thank the Minister for accepting the invitation to come in and talk about this very important issue. I wish him well in his role because his success is important for the region. I know the Minister attended the Northern and Western Regional Assembly briefing last week, where a graph was shared on investment and the differences between the regions. The northern and western region, having 17.6% of the population, had 9.9% of the share of investment in public tenders worth more than €1 million and 5.7% of the share of investment in public tenders worth more than €20 million.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann expresses its deep sadness on the death of former Senator, Liam Fitzgerald; 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.”
“Senator O'Reilly spoke about her recent meeting with SMA Ireland about muscular atrophy and the new drugs that are available in the EU. For a more direct response, she might submit a Commencement matter on this question and see if the Minister's office will be able to provide information. Senator McCarthy raised issues regarding the tax rate on low-cost investment funds and indexed funds. The only change that could happen there is via the Finance Bill. Perhaps in advance of that, he could engage with the Minister for Finance and provide suggestions, or indeed submit a Commencement matter for a more direct response. Senator Andrews also raised the case of Nicola Fox and I will try to raise that with the Tánaiste's office again today.”
“Senator Andrews mentioned the emergency legislation. There will be an opportunity to debate that in these Houses tomorrow and in this House on Thursday, as I understand. Obviously, there are supports for individual homes such as the croí cónaithe grants of up to €70,000 for derelict houses and there are grants for vacant houses as well. Obviously, housing is a major priority. That is why the Government is enacting the proposed changes that were recently announced, such as the changes to the RPZs set out in the emergency legislation. Certainly, we must have a continued focus on delivery of housing of all types, whether it be private, social, affordable, student accommodation or from approved housing bodies as well.”
“Senator Ryan raised issues pertaining to youth services and called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley, on the expansion and funding of youth services. I will certainly request that from the Minister. Senator Brady talked of the independent agrifood regulator and the recent fall-off in beef and lamb prices. He is a member of the agriculture committee and I am sure it will have the regulator in at some stage as part of its work programme. Other than that, he could raise it as a Commencement debate in the coming weeks. I will speak with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, about whether he will be able to come to the House to address these matters. Senator Craughwell raised issues regarding vacant houses and apartments. Senator Andrews referred to the Raise the Roof protest later on today, and he was supported by Senator McCarthy.”
“Senator Murphy O'Mahony spoke about the importance of beaches to our well-being and called for the wider roll-out of the blue mats that are available at certain beaches. I recently saw a scheme that is working somewhere in north Mayo. It is especially important for people who have a disability and she called for funding for this as well. Senator Byrne raised a particular 6 km stretch of the N25. Again, this is a very important issue. He talked about 12 fatalities over the last 12 years. It certainly sounds like it was a very packed debate full of emotion, sincerity and calls for action. Maybe he will raise that directly as a Commencement debate. There may also be an opportunity during statements in this House or at the transport committee.”
“The Senator has expressed the view that the review should lead to an extension of these services. The Minister, Deputy O’Brien, is due in here in the coming weeks to discuss public transport so it might be an opportunity to raise those matters. Senator Duffy raised a forestry matter in Ballycastle. He is working with local councillor Jarlath Munnelly on those matters. There is concern locally from some homeowners and in the community as well regarding a 30-acre site that is proposed to be planted. The Senator might put down a Commencement debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae, to see whether he will get a direct response. Senator Conway called for a debate on all matters of defence, especially our Naval Service, and I will arrange that.”
“Those are matters for the other jurisdiction. She expressed concern that such changes could happen here. Obviously any changes in laws here would be a matter for these Houses and in some cases a matter for the people via referendum. Senator Collins spoke about the need to extend maternity and paternal leave for those who have twins and triplets. It is an interesting proposal. Perhaps she might put it down as a Commencement matter to see whether she can get a direct response from the office of the Minister, Deputy Calleary. Senator Boyle expressed congratulations to a number of local organisations, including the Donegal footballers. He has also called for the extension of TFI projects locally. TFI has been a wonderful success across the country in terms of rolling out local services.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach. I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator O’Loughlin raised recent deaths, including in the Air India crash and those of Melissa Hortman and her husband in the United States, and she expressed her sympathies. She also called for debate on post offices, having recently met the postmaster and others in Rathangan post office. I will try to arrange that with the Minister, Deputy O’Donovan. Senator Nelson Murray raised streaming devices and TV coverage of GAA games. She called for a debate with the Minister for sport, which I will try to arrange. I certainly agree with her on making streaming available for everybody. Senator Keogan raised issues across the water in the UK in relation to grooming gangs. She mentioned changes being proposed in abortion laws there.”
“First, I join with the Cathaoirleach in expressing my sympathies to the family of the late Liam Fitzgerald. The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on balanced regional development, to be taken at 6 p.m. and to conclude at 8 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 ten minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“I move: That, in pursuance of Standing Order No. 180 of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the Planning and Development (Stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems) Bill 2024, which had reached Second Stage prior to the Seanad General Election, January 2025, be restored to the Order Paper.”
“I support any call for the provision of additional facilities that do such excellent work. If there are specific proposals, the Senator can raise them in a Commencement debate. He can also work with other politicians to try to progress projects in specific areas.”
“Given that it is another jurisdiction, I expect it would have to be direct intervention at ministerial level. To be honest, I am not sure whether the Minister would be allowed to do that, but I will certainly discuss it with him. Senator Joe Conway declined an invitation from the US Embassy. He read into the record his reasons for that. I acknowledge that. Although I have been here a while, I do not think I have ever gone to the US Embassy. It is not for a particular reason but I do not go on the embassy circuit. I respect the Senator's decision and his putting it on the record as well. Senator McCarthy raised the one in four people with mental health issues and the ongoing necessity for funding for some of the good projects that are needed in various parts of the country.”
“It is unusual that the council would be running out of funding at this time of the year. Perhaps the Senator could table a Commencement debate on it. I have not come across it in Galway at this early stage of the year, so perhaps there is a specific issue in that regard which she could raise. Senator Stephenson called for a debate on Gaza, the detention and seizure of the Madleen flotilla and Israeli war bonds. There is a debate in the other House today and the Minister will give an update on the matter. I will request ongoing debates on those matters. Senator Andrews raised the case of Nicola Fox, an Irish citizen imprisoned in the UK, and sought intervention on it. I will request an update from the Minister but I am not sure what he can do. The Senator might wish to table a Commencement debate on the issue.”
“If she sends me on the details, I will certainly raise Olesegun's case with the Minister. Senator Paul Daly asked for a follow-up debate on the impact of Storm Éowyn with the Minister, Deputy Calleary, or the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan. Now that the latter has his communications portfolio transferred, he might update us on the communications network that was so badly impacted by Storm Éowyn. I will request those debates. Senator Keogan called for a discussion on sexual ideology. I will try to provide that. She could table a motion as well or request a debate under Private Members' business. I will also request such a debate. Senator Tully raised funding issues for Cavan County Council concerning the housing adaptation grants and housing grants for older persons.”
“I will raise it with the Minister and see if he is able to come in and debate this matter. Senator Conor Murphy rightly raised the riots in Ballymena, which are racially motivated. He referred to the rumour mill regarding accusations and rumours that can unfortunately get out of hand and that can, at times, be misleading. That may certainly be the case there. Senator Murphy also raised Casement Park. The Government has promised more than €50 million for the project. He is correct that there have been significant delays in the project and inflation has added to the cost and that there may be a need for additional funding from the GAA and local authorities. I welcome the commitment from the UK Government in that regard. Senator Cosgrove raised the specific case of a young man doing the junior certificate.”
“She may have tabled Commencement debates previously on the specific issue of the two buildings she mentioned, including the post office. She might get a more direct response. Senator O'Reilly raised the fact that Wellman International in County Cavan has gone into examinership, 240 people are unemployed and there may be a possibility of an alternative buyer. I will raise the matter with the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke. It is a very serious issue for the people employed there and their families in the locality. I hope an alternative buyer can be found. Senator McDowell raised an issue that was raised by Deputy Kelly in the justice committee and called for a debate with the Minister for justice on the practice of entrapment and other issues concerned with the very specific case that he raised and put on the record.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. I will start with Senator O'Loughlin, who rightly expressed her condolences to the Austrian ambassador on the tragedy that unfolded in Austria yesterday. Perhaps the Cathaoirleach will endeavour to write on behalf of the House to His Excellency. Senator O'Loughlin also expressed concern at the loss of LGBT rights in places like Hungary and called for a debate with the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs. I will try to arrange that. Michael McGrath is Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law and he will have a pivotal role there as well. The Senator also raised issues relating to the Curragh camp. I can make inquiries of the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence.”