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 24 of 31.
“Senator Clonan raised the issue of Louise Hassan and her daughter Caitlin. I have requested a debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley, on the Grace case, the Farrelly commission and safeguarding. I will try to see if she can come in again as soon as possible. Senator Boyhan raised the matter of us getting down to business in respect of the committees and the establishment of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. There will be a motion later in relation to names, including Senator McDowell, and we have to let that process see its course. The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission is an important body in the running of these Houses. We will wait for the outcome of the work before I make any comment about individuals on it. Senator Mullen raised the matter of Haiti and requested a debate.”
“Our condolences to the Senator and his family on the loss of his brother in the line of duty. Senator Craughwell raised an important point on those who have died and those who have been injured in the line of duty. Senator Lynch raised the issue of biomethane facility strategies. It is always a tricky issue. There are many issues, whether they be biomethane or offshore or onshore wind production, where getting consensus is problematic. Many people believe these things are important and necessary. At the same time, when there are issues in a certain community, people have strong opinions on them, and it is the same with solar farms. I will request that the Minister comes in, but if the Senator wants a quicker response, I suggest she tables a Commencement debate on that matter.”
“There has been a deer management strategy group, which relates to the possible impact there on the spread of TB. This is an important issue. I ask all members of the Oireachtas joint committee on agriculture, after their appointment here in the Seanad today, to highlight this, as I am sure they will, as one of the first issues of the work programme. I am sure the Minister will be happy to engage on this matter then. Senator Maria Byrne raised the issue of VAT on sunscreen. I note there are particular rules around VAT and exemptions and there can only be a certain number of VAT rates. This has been raised in the past and perhaps she can table a Commencement debate on this matter. Senator Craughwell raised the matter of Garda Flatley and gardaí who are injured in the line of duty.”
“There are five key pillars to address the current rates of disease: support herds free of bovine tuberculosis to remain free; reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of TB; detect and eliminate TB infection as early as possible in herds with a TB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown; help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity; and reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading TB. The Minister said he hopes to achieve a broad consensus on these issues but that there is an urgency to act also. It is important to ensure any measures adopted are based on the best scientific and veterinary advice and have the best interest of farmers and the agri sector in mind. Last year, some 14,000 badgers were vaccinated or culled, and the expenditure on this programme has doubled since 2019.”
“I will raise that with the Minister for Health as well. Senators Brady and O’Reilly raised the issues of TB and the TB task force. I acknowledge the hours of discussion - the Senator said nine hours and I heard 11 hours – that took place last week on this important matter. I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Heydon. There has been a 36% increase in the number of herds restricted between 2022 and 2024, which means that more families are facing the emotional and financial pressure of TB breakdown.”
“I said last week that player power will probably change these things and that is true but, at the same time, the players have a match to prepare for and it is unfair pressure on them. I hope the Camogie Association can respond to the Senator's request. Senator Duffy raised the issue of credit unions and the reduction in services. I invite him to table a Commencement matter on that issue. I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, as well, but the Senator might receive a faster response by tabling a Commencement matter on the issue. Senator Tully raised the issue of home care workers and the online system they use to submit claims for expenses. It is important that carers, who are low paid, are provided with a simple system for claiming their expenses, which are absolutely necessary.”
“The Senator was nominated by the Irish Conference of Professional and Service Association, which includes the Garda Representative Association, GRA, and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, and I know he is in regular contact with Garda representatives on the ground. His tribute was heartfelt. Senator Connolly raised the issue of Garda remuneration, which is obviously a very important issue. I suggest we have a debate on the Garda and security, in which case we can debate these matters with the Minister at a later date. Senator Ní Chuilinn raised the matter of the Camogie Association and the ongoing, can I say debacle, at this stage in regard to shorts versus skorts. We should certainly take the spotlight and pressure off the players.”
“I will certainly raise those matters, and certainly the matter of the occupied territories Bill with the Tánaiste and Minister for foreign affairs. Senator Comyn congratulated County Louth on winning the Leinster championship. I was going to say, "So do all of us," but I will allow for some exceptions and speak on behalf of the majority of us who like to support the underdog in these things. I am sure the celebrations went well and will not stop any day soon. She also called for a debate on the urban regeneration and development fund, URDF. I suggest she table a Commencement matter with the Minister regarding the Westgate project. Senator Joe O'Reilly, too, spoke about Garda Flatley.”
“I was on it once and had a Wagon Wheel. That is all I remember. It was some time ago. Senator Andrews proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 11, a Bill to provide for prohibiting discrimination on the basis of a person’s socioeconomic disadvantaged background, for those purposes to amend the Employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status Act 2000, and to provide for related matters, be taken before No. 1 I am happy to agree to that proposal and I am sure we will debate the Bill at a later date. Senator Noonan called for the enactment of the occupied territories Bill. The Government is committed to this, subject to changes that are necessary. He also applauded the network of No Name Clubs in his community and across the country and called for the provision of safe spaces for young people.”
“It is important they are recognised, as we do in terms of volunteering week and various other tributes volunteers receive. Senator McCarthy talked about the Government jet. I will not comment on that. I know there was a full, open and transparent process in relation to the purchase of the Government jet and no gifts will be accepted by the State in that regard.”
“It can be an absolute nightmare for families and individuals if they are subject to antisocial behaviour near them. It can be as simple as noise outside one's home or may extend to the more intimidating aspects of antisocial behaviour highlighted by the Senator. I will ask the Minister to come to the House to discuss the matter. Senator O'Loughlin also raised the future of CAP and a report by her colleague, Barry Cowen MEP. I will see if the Minister is available to come to the House to discuss the future of CAP at a later date. Senator Nelson Murray raised the issue of volunteers. We all know the importance of volunteering and the hours volunteers contribute to society and to their local communities, clubs, societies and associations.”
“He was a former councillor, Senator, TD and Minister and I am sure there will be an opportunity at a later date, subject to the wishes of the family, to pay formal tributes to Paddy O'Toole. Condolences also to the Leddin family on the passing of Kathleen. We express our sympathies, in particular, to her son and former Deputy, Brian Leddin. Congratulations were expressed across the House to Pope Leo XIV. Members wished him well in his very important role. Whoever is Pope has a pivotal role in the world, as Senator Mullen said, as a bridge builder, a peace maker and we wish him well in his role as head of the Catholic Church and on the world stage. Senator O'Loughlin raised the matter of antisocial behaviour, which is prevalent in so many areas.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. It was a day of condolences and congratulations, particularly condolences to the family of Garda Flatley. I would like to join with the Cathaoirleach and Members in expressing my condolences on behalf of the House to the Flatley family on the tragic death of Garda Flatley in the line of duty. As others have said, it is a burden that all Garda families have to carry each day. They all share the hope that their loved ones will return home safely. Our condolences to Garda Flatley's family. Condolences also to the family of the late Mr. Paddy O'Toole, to his wife Jacqueline, and his children Jacqueline, John, Helen and Padraig.”
“3, whichever is the later, and to adjourn at 6 p.m. if not previously concluded; and No. 5, Private Members' business, Parole (Special Advocates) Bill 2024 - Second Stage, to be taken at 6 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“The Order of Business is No. a1, Report of the Committee of Selection, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 1, motion regarding the appointment of members to the Joint Committee on the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish-speaking Community, to be taken on conclusion of No. a1 without debate; No. 2, motion regarding the appointment of members to the Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsman, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1 without debate; No. 3, motion regarding the appointment of ordinary members of the Houses of Oireachtas Commission, to be taken on conclusion of No. 2 without debate; No. 4, Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Bill 2024 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. or on conclusion of No.”
“I know it is not the responsibility of the Minister present, but there is a connection to what can be done in transition year for the benefit of both the third level sector and apprenticeships. Perhaps it is worth exploring that with the Minister for Education and Youth and her Department. We have mentioned issues like safe pass training, health and safety, manual handling, driving lessons and driving theory. A collaboration between the two Departments on transition year could be considered. I ask the Minister to do so.”
“In other words, allowing people to work as they need rather than it being a case of the number of hours they work pushing them over the limit. By working those extra hours, and if their parents may have earned a little more that year in overtime payments, the combination puts them over the limit, leading to stress, hassle and everything else. Is there a case to be made for abolishing the system of recognising the students' contribution? That would also be a win-win for businesses throughout the country that are looking for staff. I ask the Minister to engage and do some research on that issue. My colleague Senator Scahill spoke here previously about transition year in schools.”
“Our universities do excellent work. They produce top-quality graduates, the foundation of our knowledge economy. Innovation hubs, such as the CÚRAM medical devices hub in Galway, add excellence to the economy across many fields. The contribution of the third level sector has been recognised by successive Governments. We have seen greater investment and we need more for buildings and laboratories which in some cases have antiquated equipment. The motion calls for an investment programme for equipment within laboratories and across our university sector. A reduction in the student contribution fee forms part of the motion and is mentioned in the programme for Government. This is to make third level education more accessible. Is there a case to be made for not including students' earnings during the summer period?”
“The Minister is welcome. He is the third custodian of this Department at Cabinet level since its formation. I wish him well in the years ahead. There has been considerable innovation in recent years, including the creation of the technological universities which have worked very well. We now need to look at the future investment in those, including the borrowing framework for student accommodation within our technological universities. This is a very important commitment in the programme for Government, and I hope it will be fast-tracked. There has been some correspondence with the Minister about the appointment of professors in technological universities. These universities have the opportunity to keep and employ the best minds in their sectors and perhaps even to have joint professorships with some universities.”
“Regardless of that, I urge all farmers to ensure the BISS forms are submitted before the deadline of 15 May. The Senator and the IFA and the INHFA suggested an extension be allowed. Unfortunately, however, there was a threat of penalties. There was a delay for several years and, as I understand it, this undertaking had to be put in place by 1 January. The Minister was under pressure in January to sign us up to ensure we avoided the penalties. It is something that has been brought to my attention, however, and I will engage further with the Minister on the issue.”
“I certainly put questions to him when he was in the House. He would be of the view that there is no impact on farmers and that, in the main, they will be able to continue what they are doing. Obviously, it is important the BISS forms be submitted on time, regardless of anything else, to ensure there are no penalties. Clearly, concerns have been expressed. The Minister assured us, though, and is on record in this House as saying there will be no major impact on farmers. I know there is an issue concerning peat and mineral soils. If one parcel contains above 50% peat soil, then the full parcel is regarded as being peat soil. I have asked if the parcels can be split to ensure it is possible to have separate ones for peat soils and mineral soils. As I understand it, the maps and explanatory letters are to be sent out soon.”
“I recommend that the Senator write directly to the Cathaoirleach, who will be a member of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, to bring this matter forward for debate. Senator Mullen raised harrowing testimony from Haiti. I will certainly request for the Minister to come to the House. Unfortunately, it is a part of the world that does not get a lot of attention unless there is an earthquake, a tsunami or something like that. The testimony the Senator read out from Ms Herrity is certainly harrowing, however, and I will raise this matter with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Senator Cosgrove raised concerns from the IFA in Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon regarding BISS, GAEC 2 and peat and mineral soils. I met with representatives of the IFA on a few occasions. I know they also met with the Minister, Deputy Heydon.”
“Senator Tully spoke about recognition of driving licences between Ireland and Australia. Again, perhaps a Commencement matter might elicit a faster response – or not. This could be raised with the transport committee, but I will raise it with the Minister in any event. What has been suggested makes common sense. As I understand from my time in Australia, they drive on the same side of the road as we do here, so I imagine it should not be a big issue. Senator O’Reilly raised concerns regarding the treatment, pay and conditions of cleaners and broadcasting staff who work in the Houses. This is a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. I am not sure if her party has a member on the commission, but there are Senators from the across this House across a number of groups who will be members of it.”
“I and my office have made contact with the Minister, Deputy Foley, and her Department to arrange to have statements on the Grace report, which is a very large document. I understand there have been complaints about its formatting and readability. There is no doubting the seriousness of the issues at stake and the competence of the commission of inquiry. The matter deserves a debate in this House. I will request that again. Senator Keogan raised concerns regarding the NCT. If she wishes to table a Commencement matter, she may get a faster response. However, I will raise the matter with the Minister for Transport. Senator Scahill congratulated Dr. John Bosco Conama, and I join with her in doing so. The latter has a strong pedigree and is a strong advocate for and has made a great contribution to the deaf community. I wish Dr. Conama well.”
“I will raise the issue with the Minister, to come in and talk about the search and rescue issues. Senators Margaret Murphy O’Mahony, McCormack and Andrews raised the issue - I will not say debacle, but perhaps that is what is - of skirts versus skorts, and players wishing to be able to wear what they want, including shorts. It is, as I understand, an issue for the Camogie Association. I hope that, as has been suggested, it can bring forward its review or recommendation on this. I am great believer in player power. I am sure that if the players join and become united on this matter, they can effect change. I will raise this with the Minister for sport. Senator Rabbitte raised the Grace report.”
“We need to ensure that the review of the TB testing regime looks not only at the cost relating to the disease but also at its impact on livelihoods and animal welfare. I will raise that with the Minister as soon as possible. Senator Craughwell commended all involved in the event at Arbour Hill, and I agree with him on that. The Senator also referred to the issue of the search and rescue contract, which he has raised on numerous occasions. He was a member of the defence committee in the previous Oireachtas and I understand he would like to be a member the next iteration. I am sure he would like to raise the matter at that juncture. The Senator also referred military radar. I understand procurement of military radar is likely to begin this year.”
“He asked for a debate on the matter, for HHC's addition to the list of controlled substances and for the HSE to advise on this. As I understand it, this drug made its way into Europe in 2022 and, perhaps, to these shores somewhat later. I will ask for a debate on the matter. If the Senator wishes to table a Commencement matter, he might get a faster response. I am not sure if the Senator will be on the health committee. If not, he could talk to his colleagues to see whether this could be progressed through the health committee as well. It is an important issue and I will raise it up the line. Senator Brady talked about the cost of TB to farming. The number of reactors has increased, doubling, I think, from 20,000 to 40,000, and there is a grave concern that it will increase further. The Minister is very conscious of this issue.”
“As the Senator knows, there was a Cabinet subcommittee on water quality the aim of which is to press for the nitrates derogation to continue. It has very important work to do. The Tánaiste is chairing that subcommittee. We will see what comes out of it. I will ask for a debate on that matter at the earliest opportunity. Senator Ruane raised section 7A of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act and a review regarding the buying and selling of sex. I will ask the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, to come to the House to debate that matter. Senator Curley referred to HHC, which is a synthetic vape drug that can be legally bought and advertised. The Senator raised concerns regarding seriously psychotic episodes resulting from taking this drug.”
“Senator Conor Murphy raised the issue of voting rights and the presidential election and asked to speak to the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste. The Taoiseach has been invited to attend the House, it is hoped before the summer recess, subject to getting a date. Certainly the Senator will have an opportunity to raise that with him. This will be an issue that will also be raised at the committee on foreign affairs. The Senator is right to say there is no commitment in the programme for Government to any more referendums in the lifetime of this Government. Senator Noonan talked about water quality, redesign of ACRES, and flexibility for farmers. He also talked about the WaterMARKE programme led by Professor Cathal O’Donoghue from Teagasc. He raised some important issues regarding water quality.”
“I am aware the Senator will be appointed to the health committee and I am sure this issue will be raised by him at that committee during the course of its term. Senator Boyhan raised the issue of the local government and democracy task force and the issue of the Housing Commission report. The Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, is due in the House on 27 May, as I understand. He was due in earlier but was called away to an EU Council meeting. The Senator will have an opportunity to raise issues regarding local government and democracy at that juncture. With regard to the Housing Commission report, we had the Minister, Deputy Browne, in the House recently, but I will see if he can come in again as soon as possible regarding the Housing Commission report.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions here today. Senator O'Loughlin and Senator Nelson Murray raised the issue of insurance. I know certainly that Senator Nelson Murray has been a strong advocate for insurance reform, the limiting of unjust claims and, as result, trying to keep insurance costs low for businesses. I will ask the Minister to come in to the House to have a debate on this very important issue. Senator Boyle again raised the issue of the National Ambulance Service and gave the testimony regarding the poor unfortunate individual from Kilcar for whom it was three hours and 40 minutes after an accident before they reached the hospital. That cannot be accepted. I will ask the Minister for Health, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, to come to the House for a debate.”
“The Order of Business is No. 48, motion 1, Private Members' business in the name of the Fine Gael Senators, a motion regarding higher education, to be taken at 5.15 p.m., with the time allocated for the debate not to exceed two hours.”
“Yes, I know, absolutely, but it went too far, and I think they are feeling the backlash on that now. However, the Senator is right, of course, that there is no comparison between their comments and the atrocities in Gaza. Senator Comyn raised the issue of special school places as well. I will request a debate on that matter as soon as possible.”
“Senator Andrews raised the issue of Kneecap and Netanyahu. He criticised the Taoiseach with regard to talking about Kneecap. The Taoiseach answered a question. As I understand it, he was asked a question about this matter. While there is no doubt that Benjamin Netanyahu has gone too far and atrocities have been committed in Israel, Kneecap's comments that the only good Tory is a dead Tory is not something we need to go into.”
“There is a specific Cabinet subcommittee now on water quality, which is linked to the whole issue of the derogation. It is an important area in terms of ensuring we continue to maximise food production where it can be while respecting and protecting water quality. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Heydon, to come to the Chamber to have a debate on that very important matter. Senator Collins called for the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to come in to talk about the delays and appeals in domiciliary care. I do not think we have had the Minister in yet to talk about issues regarding social protection, so I will certainly invite him in to talk on those matters. Senator Sarah O'Reilly referenced the UK Supreme Court ruling regarding women and the definition thereof, which I note. I will say no more.”
“I will certainly request that the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, come in to talk about issues of Garda, policing and crime, which is an issue that is raised quite a bit in the House. I wish the Senator well in terms of continuing to advocate for additional resources in her county. Senator Costello paid tribute to a good friend of hers, Johnny Fox, who initiated the Darkness into Light scheme. Certainly, as she said, it is a global phenomenon now. It raises awareness of mental health issues and raises funding for Pieta House. It is a very important initiative worldwide. Senator O'Donovan raised the issue of the nitrates derogation and the reduction in nitrogen thresholds in certain parts of his county, including around Timoleague. Of course he is right. The farmers are doing the most to improve water quality there.”
“We had the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, in the Chamber recently, but I will ask again. They are looking at a number of initiatives, including additional financial supports and fast-tracking of teaching qualifications, but there are shortages. Some of them may be linked to accommodation, as the Senator quite rightly said, especially in Dublin and other areas. I will, therefore, ask for a debate on that matter. Senator Tully raised the Grace case and asked the Minister to come to the House. This was raised yesterday as well. I will certainly ask the Minister, Deputy Foley, to come to the House to talk about the Grace case in particular, but also with regard to adult safeguarding and the safeguarding of children. Senator Nelson Murray called for more gardaí in County Meath.”
“I will certainly raise those matters regarding the website and I will ask the Minister to come to the House to look at the issue. Senator Duffy raised concerns regarding schoolchildren in Crossmolina who are not being afforded the availability of a bus to bring them to primary school. He can table a Commencement matter with the Minister to get a more immediate response and certainly ask that she come in to talk about issues of school transport anyway. I know it is an issue that has been raised in the House on many occasions. Senator Keogan spoke about unfilled school places, particularly in special schools, and there were several other contributions today regarding special education places. Senator McCormack raised the issue of commitments in schools in County Laois. I will request a debate.”
“I thank all the Senators for their contributions this morning. Senator O'Loughlin raised the important issue of concern on the global lay-off of 20,000 employees by Intel. We certainly hope Intel in Kildare is not impacted. The Senator has called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Burke, on competitiveness. Senator Stephenson also called for a debate on the issues of the minimum wage and the delay to the putting in place of the living wage until 2029. The Minister has indicated a concern regarding the living wage being increased in employment now, particularly for vulnerable sectors such as retail and hospitality. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Burke, to come in to discuss those issues. Senator O'Loughlin also raised the good news regarding fairer fares.”
“and to conclude after 90 minutes 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 and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Bill 2024, Second Stage, to be taken at 1 p.m. and to conclude at 2.30 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 and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, Private Members' business, Protection of Retail Workers Bill 2025, Second Stage, in the name of Fianna Fáil Senators, to be taken at 3 p.m., with the time allocated to the debate not to exceed two hours; and No. 3, statements on diverting young people from criminal activity, to be taken at 5 p.m.”
“Relating to the review of the development plans which are necessary to come to. These cannot take two years. A measure must be put in place to fast-track those in order that if there are to be an extra 500 people in a certain town, it can be done quickly and not take years to review plans, strategies and everything else like that.”
“It would be a game changer and I have been a long-term supporter of it. Galway city is the earmark for the minimum target population of 122,000 by 2040. This would be an increase of 36,000. It is a tall order when one considers the traffic issues around the city and the lack of progress on the Ardaun concept, which was a new town that was envisaged back when Adamstown was being envisaged and commenced in Dublin. It is a new town immediately to the east of the city near where the motorway ends. We have not seen a lot of progress on this to be honest about it. One of the main necessary drivers to develop it would be a wastewater strategy encompassing that whole area and places like Athenry, Oranmore, Clarinbridge and Craughwell. That will take pressure off Galway city and allow it to develop as well.”
“We must upgrade the N17 links within Galway and Sligo. We also must reopen the western rail corridor. We have talked about it for long enough. We need to see action on that very quickly”
“It now ranks as one of the bottom 20 regions across Europe out of 300 regarding infrastructure and the gap between the northern and western region and our other two regions is actually growing. We are launching this new framework from a poor starting point. It is a challenging task to remedy that situation. We need to discriminate positively towards the northern and western region in terms of policy and resources. It is a sad state of affairs that we have two of the more prosperous regions in the EU and beside them we have an area in transition. That imbalance must be corrected. Galway serves as the regional capital for the north-western region and involves a movement of people for business, education and health services daily. We simply must improve the transport links north and south.”
“I also welcome the focus on linking the growth centres within the regions, such as Galway to Sligo to Letterkenny and Cork to Limerick, to mention just two. The framework's vision of improved transport links leading to better economic and social outcomes is welcome. It is not new thinking but it is good to see it as part of policy. Turning to the west, the northern and western region is a region in transition. This means it has gone backwards regarding its status within the EU regions. That is not to say that every part of it. One could look at a town like Athenry or at Galway city and argue they have not gone backwards. The region as a whole, however, has. It is disappointing.”
“The framework also recognises the crucial contribution made by rural areas and that they are central to the economic and societal development of the country. Initiatives like the national broadband plan have given a new lease of life to rural communities. Flexible working has provided opportunities for people who live at home to commute one or two days a week, as necessary. This has been a game changer for many communities. We need to continue the investment in our towns and villages to ensure that they are attractive places to live. The various rural development funds such as the rural and regional development fund, RRDF, have been central to this work and underpin the provisions in this framework.”
“I welcome the Minister of State and the review of the national planning framework being legislated for. The 2018 framework provides a basis for review and revision. It allows us to guide and tweak policy, based on the needs of 2025, while at the same time not reinventing the wheel. We need to plan for the million or thereabouts extra people that we will have in the country between now and 2040, never mind those who are already here, who we have to house, employ and care for. This is a very significant challenge. We all accept that growth is guaranteed and that we must manage it. We need to spread it out across the country to create and sustain communities, while at the same time ensuring that our five engines for growth, the five main cities, are able to drive economic development and be centres for innovation and creativity.”
“I move: That, as a tribute of respect to the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, Seanad Éireann sends an expression of its profound sadness and sympathy on the death of The Holy Father to His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.”
“Okay. I hope the Taoiseach will come to the House before the summer recess. This is a matter the Senator may wish to raise. He does raise valid points on the importance of faith. There are many people of faith both in words and in deeds as well, which is important.”