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 23 of 31.
“A number of suggestions for a decant or temporary accommodation have been put forward by the school. One of the sites is opposite the Kingfisher in Renmore. Another is the old Corrib Great Southern Hotel site, and another is the building previously owned by Eircom on the old Monivea Road. These sites have been put forward but no one from the Department has come to examine them and look at the possibility, feasibility or practicality of whether these sites would be suitable for a temporary school building while a new school is being built on the existing site. That is the crux of the matter. Progress has been made. In 2022 there was a further step in respect of a project manager being appointed.”
“I certainly welcomed that, but that was, as I said, in November 2021, and the school is still awaiting confirmation of progress for its much-needed school building. Scoil Chaitríona is divided into a junior and a senior school, with nearly 400 pupils in each school. The building is nearly 50 years old and is showing signs of wear and tear like any school building of that age. Indeed, there was a collapse in one of the roofs of the building last year, which obviously impacted on the school. The school has a committed principal, staff and board of management who have advocated for the school for years, and there have been plans for a new school building for over 30 years. I have engaged with my colleague, Councillor Shane Forde, who is a hard-working councillor in the community and is originally from the area.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this Commencement debate. The Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, is welcome. I am delighted to see a Minister of State actually from the Department of education taking an education Commencement debate. I am here to raise the plans for a new school for Scoil Chaitríona junior and senior school in Renmore. I previously raised a similar Commencement matter in, I would say, 2020 and the then Minister, Norma Foley, attended and replied on behalf of the Department. Since then, progress has been made. The Taoiseach at the time and now Taoiseach again, Micheál Martin, went down to Renmore with the Minister, Deputy Foley, back in November 2021 to visit Scoil Chaitríona and to announce a large-scale school building project and the advancement of same under the ADAPT programme.”
“City area chairs in some areas such as Cork city do not get an allowance to chair area meetings. No one has ever raised this issue with me but I have experienced it. It is more of an issue for local authorities but I raise the idea of drivers for cathaoirligh. In a county the size of Galway, someone could be driving from Portumna to Clifden or Carna to Williamstown. He or she is preparing for the next meeting, thinking and may be rushing, within the speed limit, of course. The least cathaoirligh should have is a driver or the option to have one. They may not have to use them every day but perhaps it could be explored in possible reforms. Auto-enrolment for pensions is coming in. Why are councillors not included? Newer members need the certainty of having a set pension.”
“Town councils were not fair but that is not to say they would not have a role. There was concern at the time that the areas surrounding the town councils outside the town boundary suffered and did not get their share when there was a strong town council. As the population continues to grow, will councils continue to increase and at what number do they become unwieldy? The salaries of mayors and cathaoirligh changed in 2014. They need to be looked at again. It is a disincentive to taking up what should be an honourable position. In some cases, they are full-time positions and councillors may have to give up their jobs or cut down hours to take on the role of mayor or cathaoirleach, particularly. I am sure Dubbin City Council and Cork City Council may be different but in other local authorities it is a disincentive.”
“I welcome the Minister of State. I wish him well in his endeavours and with the local democracy task force. I acknowledge the work by his predecessors John Paul Phelan, Deputy Peter Burke and senior Ministers on the Moorhead report. We need it fully enacted. I commend representatives of LAMA and the AILG on their work on behalf of elected members lobbying and making representations. Will the Minister of State provide clarity on town councils? I think he said they would not interfere in the workings of the municipal area. There are large towns that a case could justly be made for but there were town councils with a quota for election of 78 and an electorate of 1,000 in 2004. There were also large towns with thousands in population that did not have a town council.”
“I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the following arrangements shall apply in relation to the sitting of the Seanad on Thursday, 29th May, 2025: (a) Statements on Gaza. Statements on Gaza shall be taken at 9 a.m. and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 11 a.m. The opening contribution of the Minister shall not exceed 10 minutes, the contribution of Group Spokespersons shall not exceed 10 minutes, all other Senators shall not exceed 5 minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister shall be given no less than 10 minutes to reply to the debate; (b) No other business shall be taken unless the Seanad shall otherwise order on motion made by the Leader of the House or such other Senator as he may authorise in that behalf in accordance with Standing Order 18.”
“The Tánaiste will be in the House on Thursday to discuss the issues in Gaza. I will certainly request a further debate on Ukraine in the coming weeks.”
“The NTA will be before the transport committee today or tomorrow. I do not know whether there will be an opportunity in that regard, but I expect there is a lot of interest in that particular matter. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the tragic case of Shane O'Farrell. I welcome the fact there is to be an apology today. I do not know whether the Minister will make any other announcements. I certainly hope so but I do not know. I cannot speak for him. I welcome the fact the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, is making an apology to the family of Shane O'Farrell. Senator Craughwell raised the ongoing war in and invasion of Ukraine and called for a debate. I will certainly ask for a debate. Despite all the other incidents across the world, in particular in the Middle East, we cannot forget the situation in Ukraine.”
“Part of the issue is that some of the functions lie with the Department of Rural and Community Development and others, in terms of animal welfare, with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. However, I will ask the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to come to the House to address the issues of the welfare of dogs and dog breeding establishments. Senator Maria Byrne talked about BusConnects. I am surprised a local business park would not be connected as part of BusConnects. It would appear to be quite an obvious issue. She may wish to put down a Commencement matter to raise the issue. Part of the problem is that Ministers are not directly involved with these matters. The NTA is directly involved and, therefore, it is sometimes not answered by a Minister. It is an important issue.”
“I do not believe the intention was in any way for anybody to make profit out of it but to encourage full recycling of materials. That is why the incentive of the initial levy is there. It is fully recoverable if you return your can or whatever. I can request a debate. However, if the Senator wishes to put down a Commencement matter, she might get a more direct and immediate response. Senator Andrews raised the issues of dog welfare and animal welfare. I apologise for missing his briefing today. It is an issue in which I am interested. I was at a committee meeting at the time that was on. The State is going to amend the regulations and incorporate an appeals mechanism. That is important in regard to the XL bully, which is banned. I will request that a Minister would come in.”
“There is still an issue with some Ministers of State getting their delegated functions, which has gone on for far too long. I have brought this to the attention of the Government. It is hoped that will be sorted soon to allow many Ministers to come to the House to talk about their specific areas of expertise. Senator Ryan also talked about the visit by the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, to Limerick. It sounds like it was a busy, productive and worthwhile engagement over that day. Senator Collins raised justice issues and concerns about happenings in Newcastle West. She requested a debate with the Minister for Justice and I will certainly request that as well. Senator Keogan requested a debate with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, on the issue of the deposit return scheme. The scheme is certainly well-intentioned.”
“While we had a debate recently on road safety, I will request the Minister for Transport, Deputy O’Brien, to look again at this. It is possibly an issue that can be raised at the transport committee. If the Senator is not a member of that, she can engage with her colleagues in order that the issue can be pursued as a work item there. Senator Boyhan raised the discussions today on the local democracy task force. He asked for a debate on the Housing Commission reports, which I will certainly request with the Minister, Deputy Browne. Senators Clifford-Lee and Dee Ryan spoke of alcohol addiction and addiction services for women, and they called for a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor. I will certainly request that with the Minister of State.”
“Senator Ryan also called for a debate on youth and youth work, which I will certainly request. Senator Fitzpatrick also requested a debate on the issues of youth. She talked about Cabra for Youth, the strategic five-year plan and the need for friendly spaces for young people to live their lives in. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley, in that regard. Senator Costello raised the fourth annual Street Feast. I congratulate the people of Tallaght on what sounded like a wonderful weekend. I know a number of Street Feasts will be held in different parts of the country over the coming weeks. In Galway, we have one in Moycullen on 6 or 8 June and I will look forward to that. Senator Comyn raised road fatalities, particularly among vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. Unfortunately, they are all too common.”
“While things have improved, there certainly is a way to go in ensuring there is adequate infrastructure and that the range concerns people have as a deterrent to purchasing EV cars can be rectified. I will certainly ask for a debate with the Minister for Transport and the Minister for environment in that regard. Senator Joe Conway mentioned the Iranian situation and the awarding of the Palme d’Or to a director there. I will certainly have some engagement with those in the free Iran movement and I wish them well in that regard. The Senator mentioned there was cause for hope and I very much agree. Senator Ryan has sent sympathies to the people of Liverpool. We all join with the people of Liverpool who are watching over loved ones. Hopefully, all those impacted by the incident yesterday will survive.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. I will start with Senator O’Loughlin, who commented on her meeting in Athy with Jane Sanders and suggested that Bernie Sanders be invited to address the Seanad. It would be a matter for the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight, CPPO, at a later date to determine whether that was in the offing. She also commended the Civil Defence on its 75th anniversary and raised the tragic case of Fiona Pender, as did Senator Clifford-Lee. Our thoughts are with Fiona’s family nearly 30 years on from her disappearance. We hope there will be closure in that case in the coming days and weeks. Senator Manus Boyle raised electric vehicle, EV, infrastructure. I appreciate it is an issue.”
“3, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the extension to the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021, to be taken at 6.30 p.m., with the time allocated for the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed five minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed two minutes each, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than five minutes to reply to the debate.”
“I welcome the ambassador and wish him and his people well for their national day. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the arrangements for the sitting of the House on Thursday, 29 May 2025, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, statements on the local democracy task force, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to conclude at 6.15 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 ten minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No.”
“However, you can certainly incentivise people to stay. There may be other issues as to why people wish to leave, some of which may relate to the crisis relating to housing. It is fair to say that the latter may be a consideration. It is a valid point, and I will raise it with the Minister for Health. Senator Byrne referred to post offices and his meeting with the postmasters' union. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, on that. I believe the Minister is still waiting for the transfer of delegated functions relating to his Department. I will certainly request that he come to the House to discuss the issue of our post office network.”
“That will give the Senator an opportunity to raise the matter. I will alert the Minister of State in advance to the fact that the Senator may wish to raise it. Senator Craughwell raised the issue of the Iranian regime. He referred to the fact that he met with representatives of local groups here in Ireland and the UK that are advocating for a free Iran and against the regime there. It is harrowing testimony regarding what is going on in that country. I will raise the matter with the Tánaiste. I am sure the Senator will also raise it at the joint committee on foreign affairs. Senator Mullen raised the issue of GPs, nurses, midwives and those who, quite rightly, benefit from a high standard of education and who wish to use the education they receive elsewhere. This is a difficult one in that you cannot prevent someone from leaving.”
“The Senator is right in that someone can spend more time travelling than providing care to an individual. I will certainly request a debate regarding home care packages. There have been issues in the past relating to funding, but it is more likely now that there are issues as regards getting staff to fulfil the hours allocated. That is a very important issue. Senator Andrews referred to the Sandymount special school and the two rooms that are out of action there. I request that he put down a commencement matter in order to obtain a more immediate response on that. Senator Conway talked about the important role of city and county councillors and the fact that they are not recognised when it comes to payment for sick leave. This is a valid point. The Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, will be here next week to discuss local democracy.”
“I imagine the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, is assessing the advocacy from the European Commission on this matter. We have a number of weeks to respond. I am sure we will hear the Government's view in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the Senator may wish to table a Commencement matter in order to see if the Minister can provide a more up-to-date response. Senator Boyle raised the important issue of home care packages and the demands on home carers. Some of our elderly and, indeed, not so elderly may have the luck of having loved ones and family around who can be of assistance. Some do not, however, and are totally reliant on home care packages and home care assistants, who can be under a huge level of pressure with regard to times allocated and the amount of travel in which they have to engage.”
“We will request a debate on the matter. Senator Ryan referred to the transition year experience for students throughout the country. In the main, transition year is a positive experience and it is important that it be used in a positive fashion. It should not be there as a gap year or a doss year. Great suggestions have been made as to what could be done in transition year - whether in respect of driving lessons, Safe Pass courses or different things relating to placement in industry or businesses - to allow students to mature and use their experiences in a positive fashion for the future. The Senator also talked about the cost involved. The Minister for education will be here in the coming weeks. The Senator might wish to raise this topic at that point. Senator Keogan spoke about the hate speech legislation.”
“I know they try to manoeuvre routes as best they can, but that is certainly the first point of engagement. I will also request a debate with the Minister, Deputy McEntee, on this aspect. Senator McCarthy talked about the depressing statistics regarding women who have been killed in this country. Some 275 women were violently killed between 1996 and the murder of Aisling Murphy three years ago. The Senator is correct; these are awful statistics. He called for a debate on the matter. There is work being done by Cuan, the new agency under the remit of the Department of Justice that is dedicated to tackling and reducing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The former Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, prioritised, pushed for and supported the setting up of the agency. I wish Cuan all the best with the very important work it does.”
“There is a job of work to be done there as well. I will raise this matter with the Minister for agriculture. The Senator may wish to table a Commencement matter on the subject as well. Senators Kennelly and Scahill referred to the school transport scheme. Senator Kennelly referred to the north Tralee route that serves the Lixnaw and Abbeydorney areas and that is relied upon by 19 families and 29 students. The Senator also referred to the advocacy of Councillor Aoife Kennelly in respect of this issue. I suggest that he table a Commencement matter on the topic. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy McEntee as well. Senator Scahill also raised this issue in the context of local knowledge. I encourage him to engage with local inspectors on where the demand lies.”
“I will certainly ask the Minister, Deputy Foley, or the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, to come to the House to debate this matter. Senators Stephenson and Flynn commented on Traveller Pride Week and called for both a debate and accountability on this matter. I will also request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley. Senator Daly talked about blackgrass being placed on the list of noxious weeds and the responsibility of local authorities in this regard. I agree that the onus falls on farmers under GAEC 8, but given that there can be a proliferation of seeds from noxious weeds into farmland, there is also an onus on local authorities. Irrespective of the list, it is evident from touring around the country that there are noxious weeds which are not being dealt with, whether it is ragwort or thistles.”
“Senators McCormack, Bradley and Andrews referred to assessments of need. The reform of assessments of need is absolutely vital, particularly as they are not working for the children involved. That said more than 4,100 assessments were completed in 2024, an increase of 30% on the previous year. Recent data shows that this upper trend is continuing, with more than 1,400 assessments completed in the first three months of this year. That represents a 65% increase compared to the same period last year. However, at the end of March, there were more than 15,000 assessments overdue for completion. This is not good enough. The current model means that therapists spend up to a third of their time carrying out assessments rather than delivering therapies to children. This is an area that needs to be reformed. It is a top priority for the Government.”
“These matters were debated some time ago in the context of the public health Bill. The Senator referred to various amendments that may be necessary, another matter I will certainly raise. The Senator congratulated the Mayo Relay for Life on its work in raising funds for cancer research, and commended local councillors Peter Flynn and Brendan Mulroy. Senator Boyhan congratulated Billy Alexander on achieving gold at the Chelsea Flower Show. We pass on our congratulations to Mr. Alexander and wish all those who will be participating at Bloom, which starts next week, well. The Senator commended the National Botanic Gardens on the work being done there. Senator Boyhan also commended a Tallaght community group on the film "We Will Not Sit Down and Be Quiet", which was shown yesterday in the audiovisual room.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach agus leis na Seanadóirí go léir as ucht an mhéid atá ráite acu. Senator Fiona O'Loughlin talked about the cancellation of maternity services at Athy Primary Care Centre. I will raise that with the Minister of Health. The Senator may wish to table a Commencement matter on that topic to get a more immediate response. She also talked about the success of the DEIS programme. We will have the Minister for Education and Youth in the House in early June for a debate on all education matters. The Senator should be in a position to raise matters regarding DEIS at that point. She also called for a debate on the EU-UK summit, which we will certainly pursue. Senator Duffy raised issues relating to vaping, the proliferation of vaping shops and product placement. I will raise these with the Minister.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 9(2)) (Amount of Financial Contribution) Order 2025, to be taken at 1 p.m. and to conclude at 2.15 p.m., if not previously concluded, with 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 two minutes each, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than seven minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 2, Private Members’ business in the name of the Sinn Féin Senators, Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 – Second Stage, to be taken at 3 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“I am not sure if the Commission President is accountable to these Houses or what the legal niceties are, but I think it would be more appropriate to raise it with the Commissioners or, indeed, the Members of the European Parliament.”
“Senator Noonan proposed that No. 9, which is the Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill 2025 - First Stage, be taken before No. 1. I am happy to agree to that request as well. Senator Scahill raised the issue of the wild gorse fires in Roscommon. I commend all the firefighters and first responders on tackling those fires, and I wish to show solidarity with and sympathy to those who have lost or suffered damage to their property. I will certainly request a debate with the Minister on the matter. Obviously, it is disappointing that SACs and areas of conservation have been damaged. Senator Keogan issued a request for the resignation of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. I cannot agree to that or support that call but the Senator is free to request a debate on the matter.”
“Again, I will request a debate with the Minister for Education on that matter. Senator O'Donovan also raised the issue of VAT at 9%, on which I will request a debate. Obviously, the programme for Government contains commitments in respect of VAT and it will be a matter for the budget. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, will be in the House next week to discuss the economy and that would be an opportunity for Senators to raise the issue with him. Senator Cathal Byrne raised the issue of a functioning taxi network and requested a debate with the Minister for Transport. I will request that debate. Senator Nicole Ryan proposed that No. 8, which is the Pregnancy Loss (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 - First Stage, in the names of the Sinn Féin Senators, be taken before No. 1. I am happy to agree to that amendment.”
“She is right that we are still seeing people paying high premiums while the amount being claimed has reduced. There are strong commitments in the programme for Government on a variety of initiatives, including additional competition within the market. The Senator is right about what has been done over the past five years to cause premiums and payouts to fall. That is to be welcomed. I will request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, on the matter. Senator Comyn raised a matter regarding water safety and I will request a debate. It makes eminent sense to encourage youngsters to learn to swim as early as possible. An ability to swim would make a difference in terms of saving their own life and perhaps being able to save other people. Senator Boyle raised the issue of school secretaries and caretakers.”
“However, I will reiterate the calls made across parties and across the House today for a debate on Gaza, and I concur with the sentiments and views expressed across the House on the matter. Senator O'Loughlin asked for a debate with the Minister for Defence on the pay and conditions in our Defence Forces. She mentioned the lance corporal rate. I will request that of the Minister. I congratulate Mr. Aaron Kearney and Ms Sandra Daly on taking up their positions as president and vice president of PDFORRA, respectively. The Senator also called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley, regarding ten years of marriage equality. I note that and will request that debate at the earliest opportunity. Senator Nelson Murray raised the issue of insurance, including motor insurance.”
“I note, for example, the early agreements between Leo Varadkar and Pedro Sánchez on holding Israel to account under Article 2 of the EU-Israel association agreement, being a signatory to the ICJ case taken by South Africa, the support for the UNRWA and, obviously, the recognition of the State of Palestine, which has garnered cross-House support. I note that other countries have come to the table in this regard. There is a new Prime Minister in Canada, so there may be a refocus on that, and that is to be welcomed. I note, tentatively, some commentary from President Trump that may question the relationship or issues with the ongoing relationship with Israel. If that transpired, it would be very welcome.”
“It is unbelievable that only five trucks carrying aid were allowed to enter Gaza yesterday when 500 or more were needed. The blockade of emergency aid is a form of war crime; there is no doubt about it. As Members have expressed, to have a situation of the possibility of 14,000 children dying in the space of 48 hours from famine and abuse is difficulty to fathom. While people may disagree, I think Ireland and the Irish Government, including Simon Harris and, before him, Leo Varadkar, have shown solidarity and been to the fore on this. However, people are right, as more can and needs to be done.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. I will start with the common theme that was expressed across the House by Senators Joe Conway, Andrews, Stephenson, Black, Boyhan, O'Donovan, Tully, Harmon, Craughwell, Nicole Ryan, Noonan, Cosgrave, Collins, McDowell and Sarah O'Reilly regarding the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. I requested a debate on Gaza. I did so again this afternoon before the Order of Business. There is a debate on tomorrow, which I understand both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste will be attending and addressing. I will bring our request to the Tánaiste as Minister for foreign affairs and defence. Senators will have seen some of the media reports and the commentary from the Taoiseach regarding the events. He has expressed his disbelief about what is going on.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on driving test waiting times, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and conclude after one hour, if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed five minutes, the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and the contributions of all other Senators not to exceed two minutes, on which time may be shared, and the Minister to have not less than five minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 2, Private Members' business from Fianna Fáil, Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill 2024, Committee Stage, to be taken at 5.45 p.m. and to adjourn after two hours, if not previously concluded.”
“There should be an informed and proper debate on it. There are many experts in this field. If there are others who are opposed for some reason, let them bring those arguments forward. That is the role of society and of a legislative process. That can be thrashed out. While I understand the decision that was made by the Government, I think this Bill is worthy of quicker debate, analysis and enactment for the safety of the children of this country.”
“If children consume energy drinks in school, is that something that should be looked at? That is not sale but consumption. There are a lot of things that could be explored as part of pre-legislative scrutiny. That is the word I was looking for earlier. It is a very important issue. There are children who, unfortunately, may have an irregular heartbeat or something for whom a small stimulant can be fatal. There are also children who would absolutely benefit from not consuming these drinks for their own health. Senator Keogan has described very clearly the science that is out there. This could be further explored as quickly as possible as part of pre-legislative scrutiny. I ask the Minister of State to further engage with the senior Minister and the Department to see if this can be expedited and pushed towards pre-legislative scrutiny.”
“This is part of the programme for Government, as has been said. It is a very worthy issue. There are issues as regards sale versus consumption. A child's mother or father could buy a drink - legally, presumably - and give it to the child, of course, and then that is parental responsibility or parental choice. You see sometimes on social media, "Do you realise that this can of soft drink contains ten, 12, 14 spoons of sugar?" or whatever it is. It is hard to believe it. We talk about labels on alcohol and I see there is still debate on that matter. Is it time for labels like that? I think most people know what a spoonful of sugar is. If there are ten spoonfuls of sugar in something, a label of that type on a product is worthy. Parents can see it. Schools and education have an important role as well.”
“I commend Senator Keogan and the other Senators on this Bill. It is a very meaningful, well-put-together and well-drafted Bill. I commend her, the others and the team behind this. I know the Minister of State does not sit at Cabinet and, like all Private Members' business and all legislation, Bills such as these go to Cabinet for discussion and decision. That was where the decision was made, and neither I nor I am sure anyone else here is privy to those discussions, or indeed whether there were discussions. I know from my brief time at Cabinet that some things are not discussed in as much depth as others. This Bill is worthy of discussion and scrutiny as part of pre-legislative scrutiny in a committee. The committees are up and running. The Government could and should look at the Bill.”
“Before I move to the next speaker, I welcome the students and staff of Skerries Community College who are here this afternoon. They are guests of Deputy Grace Boland. I hope they enjoy the day and learn a lot about our Houses of Parliament. They are all welcome.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, to the Chamber. The Minister of State will have ten minutes, the group spokespersons will have ten minutes and all other Senators will have five minutes.”
“However, there are people who may wish to pay by debit card and do not have cash on them at that juncture, whether that is the purchase of a takeaway, haircut or whatever else. There are a number of cash-only businesses. As I said, in terms of playing devil's advocate, I wonder whether the right to be able to pay with a debit or credit card is a similar right for consumers. In the past, when people had to collect their pension in cash or whatever else, there was a security risk and a risk to people's safety. Is that something the Minister of State has concerns about when he refers to access to cash and access via a debit or credit card to pay for goods and services?”
“The Minister of State is welcome. I welcome the Bill. It makes perfect sense. The move to technology is not going to be reversed, but it is important that people have the right to use and be able to access cash in a location as close as possible to their home. During Storm Éowyn when the systems shut down and shops did not have access to tills or credit and debit facilities, cash was the only form of tender that was accepted. It was absolutely vital in those cases that people had access to cash to buy a loaf of bread or a bit of milk and meet their basic needs. The premise of the Bill is important. I very much welcome section 5 on access to cash criteria. I will play devil's advocate, however, and others have expressed a view on people having the right to pay with cash. I fully agree with that.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann, in accordance with section 8(3)(b) of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Acts 2003 to 2024, appoints the ordinary members of the Commission as follows: Senators Robbie Gallagher, Joe O’Reilly.”
“I move: That, in pursuance of Standing Order No. 119 of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the following members be appointed to the Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsmen: Senators Chris Andrews, Paraic Brady, Joe Flaherty, Aubrey McCarthy.”
“I move: That, in pursuance of Standing Order No. 116 of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the following members be appointed to the Joint Committee on the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish-speaking Community: Senators Joe Conway, Shane Curley, Seán Kyne, Evanne Ní Chuilinn, Nicole Ryan.”