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 22 of 31.
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re the restoration of a Bill to the Order Paper, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 - Second Stage, to be taken at 1 p.m. and to conclude at 3.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, those of group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 3, Private Members' business, Child Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation Material (Amendment) Bill 2022 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 3.30 p.m.”
“If in the future we are to have these things, which have in some ways become necessities for children, we need to ensure we can afford the insurance premiums and that the payouts are not excessive. We need to continue on the path we have been on in recent years to ensure we realise this.”
“Concern has been expressed over litigation fees in dealing with these cases. The less the courts are involved, the better, if payouts and premiums paid are to be reduced. Overall, much positive work was done by the previous Government and the one before that. We need to continue to improve the outcomes for consumers up and down the country, be they private individuals who want to ensure their cars or the businesses that are creating employment and, as Senator Murray highlighted regarding her business, providing leisure opportunities for children and parents alike. We realise the importance of the simple things we could take for granted, including the bouncy castles at fairs and shows, and all that go with them.”
“According to a report by the Irish Cancer Society, three in every five people affected by cancer find it difficult to access financial products such as life insurance and mortgage and income protection insurance. This is a real concern for families given that one in three of us will get cancer in our lifetime. I welcome the commitment in the programme for Government to legislate for this right. I hope it will be a priority because cancer sufferers and those who have recovered from cancer deserve the same protections as everyone else. People cannot get a mortgage without first having life insurance, so this is a necessity. The Injuries Resolution Board has worked but can be strengthened. The resolution of cases outside the courts has been positive in reducing payouts, which is to be welcomed.”
“This leads one to believe that car insurance premiums would also drop but that has not happened, which begs the question as to why. The Garda's use of this technology has acted as an incentive for motorists who, heretofore, were not insuring their cars to insure their vehicles. Why then has the cost of premiums not fallen as a result? The extension of the review of the personal injury guidelines to every seven years is a sensible proposal. Excessive increases would be avoided if a review were carried out every seven years rather than every three years. That is an important measure. The prioritisation of legislation providing for a right to be forgotten for cancer survivors has been discussed in these Houses and elsewhere.”
“Issues flowing from that included the establishment of an office to promote competition in the insurance market, the introduction of new personal injury guidelines, the making of perjury a statutory offence and the introduction of a duty of care in legislation enacted in 2023. All these actions are positive in terms of providing certainty for the market but on the understanding and in the belief that they will reduce insurance premiums. While there has been some stability at different times, we have not seen the level of success we would like in terms of premiums. In May 2024, An Garda Síochána launched a new system to identify uninsured vehicles. That system has been a success because the number of uninsured vehicles has dropped.”
“The Minister of State is welcome. I acknowledge the work of my colleague, Senator Nelson Murray, in drafting this Private Members' business and advocating for businesses up and down the country that face issues with insurance. Insurance has been a huge issue in this country for some years. In fairness, the Government has done a lot. The 16.7% increase recommended for personal injury guidelines is excessive. I fully concur with Senator Nelson Murray on that. A lot of good work has been done by Governments in recent years. For example, the Cabinet committee gave a focus to insurance issues and the measures in the action plan for insurance reform were implemented.”
“That is part of the vision that was outlined in the masterplan on that day in Galway. That level of dignity is a requirement. I therefore ask the Minister to prioritise the provision of additional beds for Galway once the masterplan is approved. Professor Kerin has done tremendous work to showcase and highlight the needs of the west. There is a masterplan and I ask the Minister to continue to promote it and ensure investment in University Hospital Galway for all cancer patients.”
“I also acknowledge that the overall five-year survival rate is high but it is lower for those who are assessed and diagnosed at a later stage. There is ongoing investment and research and there are fundraising efforts, which the Minister witnessed and commended. There is the work of the Lambe Institute. I acknowledge all those impressive people who were there to showcase their work and research in Galway on that day. I wish to discuss the requirement to locate a cancer centre in the Galway region. A first stage of that would be improved access and the improved dignity of treatment. I say that because patients in Galway must seek treatment through the emergency department because there is no stand-alone cancer centre. To have a cancer centre we need investment in additional beds - protected cancer beds.”
“[...] We envisage a Cancer centre at the level 4 hospital at GUH with ambulatory centres across the region. This is a key priority, empowering it to respond to increased demand, new and innovative technologies, ensuring that patients in the Saolta catchment have equitable access to high quality facilities, close to home and world renowned cancer care leading to enhanced patient outcomes. That is what Professor Kerin has been advocating for some time. As the Minister will know, people in the west have lower outcomes for cancer than those in the rest of the country. I welcome the commitments given in the programme for Government, such as, for example, ongoing investment and the extension of the age for screening.”
“The Minister is welcome. I thank her for agreeing to come to the Chamber. I made the request on foot of Senator Costello's request. It is an important debate. I thank the Minister for coming down to Galway recently to meet the team. She got a positive and uplifting presentation from Professor Michael Kerin. I commend his work. To quote his own words in the Cancer Centre Annual Report 2023: The quantity and quality of care provided in the context of ever increasing demand and poor infrastructure is extraordinary. [...] We are dedicated to working collaboratively with our academic partners to advance education, research, and training to improve patient outcomes and support the development of highly skilled multidisciplinary teams across the network.”
“I hope the Minister follows up on all the commitments he might have made. I am sure he will. Senator Sarah O'Reilly referred to farmers not being able to draw down certain grants and called for the Minister for Agriculture to publish results. I will raise that with the Minister. The Senator might raise this as a Commencement matter.”
“However, on the price of tickets, someone has to pay for Páirc Uí Chaoimh, notwithstanding the €30 million investment the Fine Gael-Labour Government put in back in the day. Senator Curley raised the issue of EV charging points. A total of 53 EV charging points were announced nationwide, but none for Galway. I will certainly ask why that is the case. Perhaps there is a plan for a large number for Galway at a future date, maybe 54 for all of Galway or something like that. It is certainly a very real issue, and I will take it up. The Senator also raised a number of issues regarding Portumna and Coillte. Perhaps he could table a Commencement matter on that. Senator Dee Ryan talked about the visit by the Minister, Deputy Lawless, to the University of Limerick and the various other events that took place across Limerick.”
“He had passed away and the poster was looking for any family or relatives. These are really tragic situations. There is a debate tomorrow on institutional care. While the Senator may not have time in that debate because I am sure he will have a lot to say on other matters, he could raise this issue and see if the Minister would address it. I will certainly have a word as well. Senator Murphy O'Mahony mentioned something about Cork winning a match or something. I congratulate Cork on their victory in the Munster final. The Senator raises valid points regarding the price of tickets, the length of the season and all of that. She has called for a debate with the Minister for sport. I will certainly raise that.”
“I know we recently had a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, on this but the Senator might be able to raise this specific case as a Commencement debate. Senator Costello gave very positive testimony regarding Liam Nugent, alternative pathways and career progression. I wish him well in his career. Senator Cathal Byrne raised the Wexford campus proposal and sought clarification on some remarks the Minister, Deputy Lawless, made. I ask that the Senator put down a specific Commencement debate on the matter to get a more comprehensive response. Senator Boyhan raised the specific case of men and women who were illegally farmed out and who are now elderly and vulnerable. I recently saw a picture of a gentleman somewhere in London posted online along with his name. He was originally from Sligo.”
“These might be flexible bus services run within local communities or by a number of publicans. The Senator has called for a debate and I will certainly request it. Senator Duffy raised a number of matters regarding TII. While his points are very valid, under the Roads Act 1993, Transport Infrastructure Ireland has a say in respect of national routes. It has the ultimate say under law, but the Senator makes valid points on active travel. He could certainly raise this with the Minister to see if the Roads Act could be changed to allow for local authorities to be involved in those sections of national routes that are within towns. He mentioned Ballina. Senator Andrews raised the specific case of Robert Brady and his ongoing mental health issues. It is a very specific case the Senator might raise as a Commencement debate.”
“It is an issue that has been discussed for some time. The RSA recently carried out a review into the matter. That is complete. The last word from the Minister is that she is engaging with the Minister for Transport and with Bus Éireann to see if a solution can be found. It makes absolute sense to allow 71-, 72- and 73-year-olds to drive buses if they are medically fit. Senator Crowe called for a debate on the drop-off in pub sales. I note the drop in alcohol consumption in the country and the lifestyle and cultural changes in respect of pubs. More people, particularly younger people, are drinking at home. Drink-driving measures are obviously a major deterrent in rural areas. There is no likelihood of that changing. Alternative initiatives are needed.”
“Perhaps the Senator is engaging with some of her colleagues on that. I note that a survey last year stated that Dublin ranked as one of the slowest cities in the world as regards traffic and congestion. That spurred the executive and councillors to look at changes to the roads. Senator Clifford-Lee called for a debate on BusConnects. I will certainly request that from the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. Senator Boyle called for the recognition of a course in thatching. Again, raising the matter as a Commencement debate may allow him to get a more specific answer but I will certainly raise it with the Minister. I presume it is a matter for the Minister of State with responsibility for heritage, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan. Senator Collins raised the ongoing issue of those over 70 not being allowed to drive buses. I absolutely agree.”
“One of the issues is that Traveller supports are across multiple Departments. Finding a Minister to cover all those areas would be difficult, but I will certainly put in a request. Senator Comyn raised the new HQ for LMETB, which is planned for Drogheda. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, will be in the House on Thursday to discuss education. There may be an opportunity to raise the matter then. Otherwise, it could be raised as a specific Commencement debate. Senator Kennelly called for the reinstatement of SouthDoc services in the north Kerry area. Again, as this is a specific issue, the Senator might request a Commencement debate with the Minister for Health on that matter. Senator Keogan talked about declining footfall in Dublin city. That is more a matter for Dublin city councillors and the council executive.”
“RPZs will remain capped at either 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. To activate new apartment construction for the rental market, the 2% cap will not apply to new apartments constructed after a specified date. That is what has been agreed by Cabinet. This will take time to go through, and we will have an opportunity to debate that matter. Senator Noonan referred to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice and the 2030 targets, and called for a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, which I will arrange. The Senator also raised valid points regarding the Madleen and its seizure, and the ongoing difficulties in getting absolutely necessary aid into Gaza. Senator Flynn called for a debate on Traveller mental health and Traveller matters in general. I will request that this happens.”
“The Senator has called for a debate with the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, which I will organise. Senator Nicole Ryan referred to derelict houses and the statutory time limits for derelict houses. Properties are protected under the Constitution, so there may be legal issues with what she is proposing. There are two choices – either the carrot or the stick. The carrot is schemes like the Croí Conaithe, in the context of which a great deal of good work is done regarding grants for vacant and derelict properties. We want to see that enhanced. The Senator also referred to rent pressure zones, RPZs. As Senators know, the Government has decided that RPZs will be retained and expanded nationally to cover the nearly one fifth of the country that is not currently covered.”
“The report on RTÉ shines a spotlight on the these services, which is unfortunate because, as Senator Rabbitte said, there are many wonderful carers, staff and facilities out there. I will request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donnell. Senator Nelson Murray referred to Wellman International, which, unfortunately, has gone into examinership. Some 215 people are employed by the company. The unions have stated that a new owner should be sought. Senator O’Reilly also raised this as a Commencement matter. I hope she got an adequate response. I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, as well. Senator Craughwell raised numerous matters, including the triple lock, Defence Forces funding and the Air Corps. He is a member of the health committee. We have a meeting regarding Air Corps services next week.”
“I thank all Senators for their contribution, starting with Senator Rabbitte. The Senator was joined by Senator McCormack in raising the shocking report on nursing homes on RTÉ. I have requested a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donnell, who has called on HIQA to start a review of all nursing homes operated by the group involved in the wake of Wednesday’s “RTÉ Investigates” programme. HIQA’s chief inspector stated that it is taking escalated regulatory action in the nursing homes identified and will take any necessary additional actions with the providers to ensure safe and effective care and support to all residents. What we saw was unacceptable. Those with loved ones in nursing homes rightly cherishes them and wants them to be cared for and loved.”
“if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed five minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed five minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed three minutes each and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than five minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 51, motion 1, Private Members' business, motion regarding insurance reform in the name of Fine Gael Senators, to be taken at 6.45 p.m. and with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“I join the Cathaoirleach in wishing the ambassador a good national day and celebrations. I wish him and his people well. The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on breast cancer services, to be taken at 4.30 p.m. and to conclude at 5.45 p.m. if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed three minutes each and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than seven minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, motion regarding the recommendation for a Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations on an agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Kazakhstan on readmission, to be taken at 5.45 p.m. and to conclude at 6.45 p.m.”
“Before I move to the next speaker, I welcome members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Plymouth branch, and Professor Catherine Shannon, who are guests of Deputy Paul McAuliffe. I hope you enjoy the Deputy's hospitality for the rest of the evening. I hope you enjoy the proceedings.”
“The Minister should look back to the successes of his predecessor's action plan for jobs. Thankfully, we do not need an action plan for jobs at the moment but that is not to say we should not be thinking about job creation and maintenance in the future. An action plan for competitiveness would be very welcome. I wish the Minister well in his role in the years ahead.”
“The airport site is a land bank. If the intention is to dispose of the property, it would have to be subject to councillors' approval. The site is too valuable to be left in limbo. If it can be used in full or in part for job creation, that should be explored. I welcome the Minister's commitment on the programme for Government commitments on the action plan for competitiveness and I also welcome the fact that he has brought this forward. It will be dealt with solely within his Department. Although he will be liaising with other Departments, it is important that it be under one Department. The Department of business is the obvious place for it. The Minister, although he will be liaising with the other Departments, will be ensuring the measures are fast-tracked, approved by the Cabinet as quickly as possible, and subsequently implemented.”
“The shortfall in accommodation is part of our competitiveness weakness and it is a genuine issue. It is important to be cognisant of it if trying to encourage expansion and future investment in the country,. The Minister is cognisant of it, as indeed are we. For several years in Galway, we have had ownership of the old Galway Airport site. It is in the ownership of Galway county and city councils. There has been a lot of talk about the plans for the 118-acre site. There has been a lot of discussion about a master plan for it. The latest soundings seem to indicate it may be offered for sale to the Department or IDA Ireland for future investment in the region. I wanted to draw the Minister's attention to that but I am sure he is aware of it. We know about the importance of having land banks. The Minister has mentioned this here.”
“My colleague Senator Linda Nelson Murray has touched on the importance of insurance and insurance reform, on which Fine Gael will have a Private Members' motion in two weeks' time. There is the competitiveness of the country as a whole but there is also the competitiveness of different regions. Coming as I do from Galway, I believe the challenges and pressures there differ from those that may exist in the Minister's home area, Mullingar, and elsewhere. The review of the national development plan will be so important to the future development of the country, including rural and regional areas. Others have touched on the investment that is necessary in Irish Water and the use of the Apple tax, as long as it is available, to deliver accommodation.”
“I welcome the fact that Ireland was fourth in the IMD world competitiveness ranking in 2024 but, as the Minister has said, we must not be complacent and should always aim to be ranked one higher or at least maintain our existing ranking. In that regard, the measures Deputy Burke has taken since becoming Minister have been important. They have been important in sustaining small businesses, including in relation to the timeframe for the implementation of the living wage, which was extended. Further changes to statutory sick leave have been postponed and we are keeping our statutory sick leave entitlement at five days. It is a matter of providing certainty to businesses, which were crying out for it with regard to certain issues, including auto-enrolment. I acknowledge the commitments in the programme for Government on competitiveness.”
“I welcome the Minister and thank him for coming to the Chamber today to discuss the important issue of competitiveness. I wish him well in his portfolio. It is safe to say the economy is strong and the employment statistics are very strong; however, as others have said, we must not be complacent. The threats from global uncertainty and tariffs from the United States have to be taken seriously. I am aware that the Minister has had a number of trade missions. The St. Patrick's Day visits, although sometimes frowned upon, play a very important and beneficial role in reaching out across the world, including to the US in this instance. Competition and competitiveness are important.”
“I thank the Minister for being here and accepting the invitation and for his contribution. I welcome the guests of Senator Aubrey McCarthy, Paul and Cheryl Fox and Brenda Lawlor from the Euromovers association. I hope they enjoy the Senator's hospitality for the rest of the evening. I also welcome Deputy Richard O'Donoghue and his guests to the Chamber. Finally, I welcome the Cathaoirleach and his guests to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery and wish them well for their day here.”
“Before we move on to the next speaker, I welcome the guests of Senator Goldsboro, who are students and teachers from Lisnamrock National School in County Tipperary. They are very welcome and I hope they enjoy the day. I also welcome Karen and Grahame Cotterill, guests of Senator Mark Daly. I hope they enjoy the Senator's hospitality during the course of the day.”
“I suggest that he propose a Commencement debate on the matter, which is very important, particularly when we have such high levels of employment. It is difficult to find people to do the valuable work of some of our social schemes, including Tús schemes, which are hugely important. Eligibility is an issue that is often raised. Where we can, we should try to maximise participation on these schemes across rural and urban Ireland.”
“It is not just an issue of financial matters but one of equality. The group has engaged with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, and the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Deputy Foley, and has advocates in both Houses on this matter. Perhaps colleagues on the finance committee could examine it and see if it can be raised as an issue over the coming weeks, before negotiations and more detailed work on the budget take place. Finally, Senator Duffy has raised the issue of the Western Care Association and wished it well on its official opening. He raised eligibility issues with the rural social scheme. I do not have an update on what has been planned but it is certainly very important. He has sought information in the past on Tús as well.”
“Senator McCarthy talked about end-of-life care and bereavement. Delivering compassion in our system is an important issue, which many of us here would have had experience of with our own families and loved ones. Most people would wish to be able to die in comfort in their own home. Where the State and family can facilitate that, it is the least that can be done. I compliment Senator McCarthy's advocacy on behalf of his good friend and hope that he has comfort in his final time. I will raise this and see if we can have a debate on this matter as well. Senator Sarah O'Reilly talked of EDIT and the campaign group in respect of inheritance tax. I was at the briefing in the audiovisual room yesterday, where the group made very valid points about their concerns that they are discriminated against.”
“Senator Clonan raised J1 visas, which are an important issue for so many Irish youngsters and students. It is a sort of rite of passage to go to the United States on a J1 visa. My niece went to Chicago last week and I had a nephew in Berkeley last year. It is important. A month ago, either the president or somebody senior in the Union of Students in Ireland talked about the concerns and advised students to take down posts that may be problematic for them. As Senators know, the United States is a good friend of Ireland, but it is their country and their rules. I certainly hope that the J1 visa and its future are not under threat. I hope that these issues will be raised in the engagement between our two countries at the highest level and that there will be no issues with the generations of Irish youngsters who go to the United States.”
“Still, an important process was gone through. Senator Fitzpatrick commended all involved in enhancing the Royal Canal. I would like to join with her on that. Senator Craughwell raised the issue of the triple lock and air traffic controllers. I know he is a member of the Committee on Defence and National Security, as I am. I know these issues will be discussed with regard to the work programme at our meeting tomorrow. We will have time to arrange such debates on the air traffic controllers. We are carrying out pre-legislative scrutiny on the triple lock at the moment. Senator Dee Ryan spoke about Twilight Thursdays. I wish the participants and all who will enjoy the safe spaces across Limerick well. I extend my compliments to the night-time economy manager. I wish them well in all that goes on there.”
“It is an important issue. It is difficult to solve but it is a real issue. As the Senator said, you can be as lonely and disheartened in New York city or Dublin city as you can be up a bóithrín or a mountain. It is a real issue. If there is a possibility of having a debate on that report, I will certainly try to organise that. Perhaps Dr. Swanick might be invited back to debate that if possible. Senators Gallagher and Fitzpatrick raised the issue of Shane O'Farrell and the apology. I commend the Minister, Jim O'Callaghan, on his advocacy and his apology in the Dáil yesterday to the family of Shane O'Farrell. I commend the long-standing advocacy of Shane's parents, Lucia and Jim, and the family who were present. I know they have had many difficult years. I hope that yesterday was some comfort but obviously it will not bring Shane back.”
“I know there is a website, agrikids.ie , which helps to promote farm safety. I encourage all Members to be cognisant of and try to promote that in their communities. Senator Lynch talked about the widow's pension and concerns regarding the inability to draw down two social welfare payments. I suggest that she tables a Commencement debate with the Minister on that matter. It is an important issue and she has raised valid points. She might talk with colleagues on the social protection committee to see if that can be raised. The first port of call would be a Commencement debate with the Minister, Deputy Calleary. Senator Boyhan talked about the Samaritans. I was at their launch last week. He has talked about the work done by Dr. Keith Swanick on the report on loneliness. I was at the launch of that report five years or so ago.”
“If there are issues in that regard, they may be raised with both the Attorney General and the Minister as part of the drafting and the legislative process. Senator Andrews put forward compelling concerns regarding abuse at St. John's Ambulance and Dr. Shannon's report. He talked about the systemic failures. I understand that the Minister, Deputy Foley, has stated that she has no plans for an inquiry into this matter. I will raise it again for a debate in these Houses. Senator Paul Daly raised child safety as the summer holidays approach and all those children who will be out and about on farms, where there are hazards. As well as great enjoyment and a great upbringing, there can be hazards on our farms. He talked about the primary school art exhibition to promote farm safety.”
“He stated that Galway County Council has taken ownership of it but does not have money to run the facility, which begs the question of why it took ownership and the Office of Public Works did not take ownership. As needs be, I suggest that he table a Commencement matter to see if the Office of Public Works could get involved in ensuring that this important facility for the local community, and part of our heritage, is reopened. Senator Mullen talked about international surrogacy and the forthcoming amendment to the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024. There is still some way to go on that Bill. It is being drafted and is some way off. He raised concern about Part 8 of the existing legislation and whether it is compatible with an EU directive.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions this morning, starting with Senator Rabbitte, who gave sound advice ahead of the bank holiday weekend and indeed ahead of the summer to those who will be swimming to take care, be safe, abide by signs and to swim near lifeguards. It is important that people take care over the weekend and over the summer. She quite rightly talked about the possibilities of advancing the curriculum with regard to swimming. We should certainly have a debate on that matter when there is an opportunity. Senator P. J. Murphy talked about Dunguaire Castle in beautiful Kinvara, a very scenic location, which quite rightly gets many tourist stops.”
“, 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. 3, Private Members' business in the name of Cross-Party Group Senators, Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill 2025 - Second Stage, to be taken at 6 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“I welcome the ambassador and wish her and her people living in Ireland and across the globe on Sweden's national day. The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on Ireland's economic outlook to be taken at 2 p.m. and to conclude at 3.30 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 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 competitiveness to be taken at 4.30 p.m. and to conclude at 6 p.m.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his attendance today on behalf of the Department and for offering to take this further within the Department.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his reply and for offering to take this back to the Department. The Minister of State mentioned a further review of all decant options within the red-line boundary of the current school. Perhaps the Department is looking at facilitating the existing pupils within the existing site boundary. I am not sure whether that is feasible but, if the design team feels it is, that is progress and a solution. However, the school must be kept abreast of those developments as it is in limbo. There is good news and progress and a design team has been appointed, but there is concern regarding where the decant or temporary relocation will take place to allow for progress on the badly-needed new school building.”
“Will a representative of the Department visit the school to look at the options it is proposing, including the Corrib Great Southern Hotel and the old Eircom building?”
“In June 2022 the Minister announced the tender process to appoint a project manager had been completed and that the first step for the project manager would be the tender competition for the appointment of a design team for a number of school building projects. Those projects were to include junior and senior schools for Scoil Chaitríona. The Minister stated the Department would shortly advise school authorities of further developments in respect of these appointments. That was in June 2022, under the ADAPT programme. The school is in limbo. There is good news on one hand, in that redevelopment of the existing school is on the ADAPT plan, but before that can happen a temporary site for the school to move to in the interim must be found. Is there any update from the Department on the identification of that site?”