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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“He has indicated that decisions are taking far too long and that up to 80% of people who applied for international protection in Ireland were not eligible for asylum. He has also indicated that there were 42% fewer international protection applications in the first three months of 2025 compared with the first three months of last year. I will ask the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, to come to the House to debate these matters. Finally, along with other Senators, Senators Mullen and Murphy expressed sympathy for Pope Francis and the voices of faith. I do not know who I should ask to be involved in that.”
“I think the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, is still waiting for the transfer and delegation of functions so the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, may wish to come in as well. IPAS centres are refused from time to time. There was a refusal in Oughterard in my own county and I know there are other applications pending. I know first hand it is an issue of particular concern in communities in different areas. No one is suggesting, I would say to Senator Keogan, that it is not a real live issue - it is in many communities. I will ask for a debate on the matter. The Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, received approval from the Cabinet today to publish legislation to provide decisions on international protection within three months.”
“I will ask the Minister if he can come to the House to talk on matters of crime. Senator Flynn raised her disappointment regarding the Chair of the Traveller committee. She is right. I had no hand, act or part in that and those decisions were made in the other House. I acknowledge her disappointment. I know from experience that being a member of a committee is as good as being a Chair. I know it does not have the prestige but being an active member of any committee is important. I know the Senator will continue to play an active role as a member of the Traveller committee. Senator Andrews raised IPAS and Senator Keogan raised the immigration protest at the weekend. I will ask the Minister for Justice to come in.”
“By the time they are decided, three, four or five months of the eviction period have gone by, and suddenly the tenant in situ scheme is not available because the house does not have planning or is defective. There are serious issues and I will certainly request a debate on that matter. Senator Sarah O'Reilly asked for a debate with the Minister for Justice on crime issues. Obviously, there has been increased investment in Garda numbers. Where gardaí are allocated is a matter for the Garda Commissioner but numbers have increased. We made changes when the Minister, Deputy McEntee was in the role, which have continued with the increase in the age of retirement and the age at which a person can join An Garda. We have seen an increase in the numbers interested in joining the Garda and hopefully that can continue on through to graduation.”
“The Senator raises valid issues on the sale of Roundup and other herbicides and pesticides over the counter and whether they are being utilised correctly. It is something I will certainly raise with the Minister, Deputy Heydon. Perhaps the Senator may wish to table a Commencement matter on the issue as well. Senator Maria Byrne raised the tenant in situ scheme and the refusal of applications because no money is left. I have had a number of concerns about that myself, including the fact that, even if a local authority or individual is applying, if the homeowner has planning irregularities or if there are some defects to the house, as there have been in some cases, these can take a number of months to be decided upon.”
“I have engaged with our councillor colleagues in Donegal as well and I know it is an issue that is heartfelt there, as it is with former councillors like Johnny McGuinness and his late father Bernard, who was one of the first people to raise these matters a number of years ago. I know there is investment and commitment to investment and that there is work taking place, but there are still issues, some of which the Senator has highlighted. I will ask the Minister if he will come to the House specifically to talk on that matter. Senator Noonan talked about the increase in our water of residue from herbicides and pesticides, which is worrying. I know a lot of investment, education and training for farmers has been undertaken.”
“There have been other examples, but if the Senator wishes to table a Commencement debate, she might get a more immediate answer on this project. Obviously, there is a commitment to pursue this project if it has gone to tender, and it is to be hoped it can be got back up and running as quickly as possible. Senator Comyn raised the potential of the Louth versus Meath final. I know our former colleague in this Chamber, Senator Cassells, would be on the other side cheering and we wish them well. I might pose for a nice picture of the two of them on the day and I will not say who I will be shouting for. Senator Boyle has again talked about the defective concrete block scheme. I have no easy or immediate answer on that matter. I will certainly raise it with the Minister, Deputy Browne, and will ask him to come to the Chamber.”
“That is very interesting and it would be very worthy. Safe Pass is now mandatory on construction sites, with the hard hats and high visibility jackets. Thankfully, these things have helped with safety and it would be a very good idea to roll out similar courses in transition year. This is something the Senator could raise as a Commencement matter or on a future date with the Minister for further and higher education. Senator Ryan raised the matter of Kanturk primary care centre and the disappointment of the community. Unfortunately, these things happen from time to time and tenders fall. It has planning permission and there is a commitment to pursue this project. It is to be hoped it can be got back up and running and retendered.”
“It is absolutely worth considering it, for Grace's case and indeed for all those in care, so that such things do not happen in future. Senator Crowe highlighted the work of the volunteers in the RNLI. I agree with the Senator, acknowledge those volunteers and wish them well in their national fundraising day. Senator Ní Chuilinn raised the matter of primary health care nurses in Dublin 12. Again, I ask that she table a Commencement matter specifically on the area, but I will also raise it with the Minister. Senator Joe Conway talked about the BBC Sounds app and having it taken away. Again this might be an issue that could be raised by the committee on communications that might be coming. It is something that has caused some concern to those who have enjoyed the BBC Sounds app. Senator Scahill raised the issue of Safe Pass.”
“He has agreed to come in, subject to a date. We can have an opportunity to thrash out that matter with him at that time. Senator Collins raised the issue of section 39 workers. The Minister, Deputy Foley, has indicated this is a priority. I will ask her to come to the House. In the meantime, the Senator may wish to table a Commencement matter on the issue. Senator Stephenson raised the Grace case and called for a full public inquiry. I will request the Minister to come to the House to have statements on that matter. Once the committees are up and running in the next few weeks, that may be an issue the representatives on the children's committee may wish to raise and pursue. It would be a worthy exercise. It is a very comprehensive report of more than 2,000 pages.”
“Senator Duffy also raised matters relating to sport. There has been much investment in sports capital funding over the years. The athletics club in Erris can apply in future, if it has not done so. The crux may be the availability of land. It is a matter the Senator has raised, whether there is a scheme to assist clubs in purchasing land, and it is something about which there is uncertainty at the moment. When we get the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, in, that can be raised with him. Senator Ahearn raised the tragic loss of Brónagh English over the weekend. Our sympathies to Ann and Donie Ormonde on their loss. Senator Tom Clonan raised the issue of the triple lock. We have asked the Taoiseach to come to the House at a suitable date. That is between me and the Deputy Leader, Senator O'Loughlin.”
“Senator Alice-Mary Higgins summed up his role and his values - the values of the Gospels as the Vatican said - and that he lived that life with courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. We will remember him later today. I had the pleasure of attending Dublin Castle at the time of his address and visiting him and seeing him at Knock and bringing my mother there at the time. It was certainly an honour to witness him in Ireland on those days. Senator O'Loughlin raised the issue of the Special Olympics. I acknowledge her work as an advocate for the Special Olympics down through the years. She and others have asked for a debate on inclusion in sport. I will certainly ask the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, to come to the Chamber to deal with that. It is a very important role.”
“I have no problem agreeing to Senator Fitzpatrick's request. I thank all Senators for their contributions. Martin Groves is in good company, having been mentioned in the same breath as Pope Francis. I have spoken to Martin and, if he wishes and in his own way, we will see what he is comfortable with in terms of valediction at a future date. He will certainly appreciate all the comments here today. I acknowledge all the tributes to Pope Francis - we will have a minute's silence after the Order of Business - and to all practising Catholics, and indeed some non-practising Catholics, who felt strongly about Pope Francis.”
“and to conclude at 8 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, 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, motion re expressions of sympathy on the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, statements on forestry, to be taken at 5 p.m. and to conclude at 6.30 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. 3, motion re the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the final draft revised national planning framework, to be taken at 6.30 p.m.”
“He led, and this country led, on that matter. Whether this is a road we need to go down, I do not know. We all know that alcohol has harmful effects. Whether that needs to be on labels on bottles, I do not know, but I will certainly seek an update on that matter. Senator Boyhan has talked of the shared island forum, and I wish the Taoiseach well on that. I have written to him on my behalf and on behalf of the Deputy Leader, Senator O'Loughlin, requesting the Taoiseach to come to the Chamber, if possible before the recess, to talk about the shared island forum and our all-island economy. We are awaiting a response to that letter, and it is to be hoped he will be able to facilitate us on that before the summer recess or when his schedule allows.”
“It is an important issue and she spoke about a teacher’s tax credit for the summer programme, which I like. It is a very good idea and I ask her to pursue that. It would make perfect sense if it assists in encouraging more people to come as part of the summer programme. She could perhaps also table a Commencement matter on that. I will certainly also raise it with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe. Senator Keogan raised the issue of labels on alcohol bottles and that we have taken steps alone ahead of, or in isolation from, the EU. I do not know the latest on it. I know concerns have been expressed. I will engage with the Minister on this matter. We obviously do not want to do anything that will jeopardise markets and cause upset to trading partners and colleagues. We led on smoking, through the now Taoiseach, Micheál Martin.”
“They even pretend they are somebody else, like a worker for a State company. There are vulnerable people. I would advise anyone who is approached like that to say they will contact their son, daughter or neighbour and take the phone up and ring somebody. We could instil in people that if somebody arrives, they tell them they have to talk to their son, daughter or neighbour before they can engage. It is deplorable that people are taken advantage of. I am not sure what is the exact solution. It is something on which An Garda may be better placed to give advice, but I will ask the Minister for Justice to come to the House to debate that important issue and to see if he can offer any solution. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised issues of autism and the Little Angels special school in Letterkenny.”
“I urge the Senator to contact the Minister directly or table a Commencement matter. Senator Fitzpatrick sought a debate on the future of Dublin. I absolutely agree with her because it is important to have a strong capital city. That is not to take away from the rest of the country, but there is always a balance. I will request a debate on the future of Dublin. I expect that will be with the Minister for local government, but I am not sure which Minister would be involved. I will put out a request on the matter. Senator Kennelly raised the important issue of scammers and the targeting of vulnerable people. It is something I have come across in my time. People come in and tell an elderly person they will cut down a tree or something like that and are paid a lot of money.”
“A solution must be found because it makes perfect sense to use this valuable cohort of drivers. If drivers have reached 70, 71, 72 or 73 years, are medically fit and their eyesight and whatever else is good, they should be able to drive a school bus. Senator Nelson Murray called for apprenticeships in furniture and upholstery, with which I agree. I suggest she contact the Minister directly on the matter as consideration is given to needs every so often. There is a wonderful furniture college in Letterfrack in County Galway. Our colleague, Senator P. J. Murphy, is a past pupil of the college and he went on to do good things in the sector as well. I am not sure whether upholstery is included there but I know that there is a proud tradition of it in Navan so I think the industry has a future.”
“We know the benefit of cheaper tickets. We also saw in recent years, however, where tickets were effectively free, there was a huge demand from people who were not actually using the service but got the tickets. There is always a balance to be struck to ensure the people who get tickets actually use them because they are denying other people a ticket. There are a number of possible solutions, including monitoring usage of a ticket by some sort of app, whereby you could buzz in, as it were. The Minister is very conscious of this matter. I agree with what the Senator said about bus drivers retiring at 70 years of age. It is an issue we have raised in the House. I know that the issue is raised within my parliamentary party and I am sure it is the same within the Senator's party. The Minister is engaging with Bus Éireann on this matter.”
“If it is investment or management decisions, I hope the HSE is on top of this and, on behalf of all families in Longford, is dealing with the issues that have been raised. If the Senator tables a Commencement matter, he may get an update directly from the Minister on what they are doing on it. Senator Craughwell has again raised the issue of search and rescue and the Bristow contract, and the delay in the full takeover of that contract from CHC. He asked who will pay for the gap in service between now and the end of November. I presume Bristow is paying CHC. I cannot imagine the State is paying in addition to what has been agreed under the contract. The Senator may wish to table a Commencement matter on the issue. Senator Murphy O'Mahony talked about school transport, an ongoing issue that has been discussed for a long number of years.”
“I wish its members well in their tenth year and it is to be hoped they match the number of 22,000 people who volunteered last year. Such groups and Tidy Towns groups do very important work throughout the country. I certainly wish Team Limerick Clean-up well. If there is something that can be learned from them, then it is an important lesson for the rest of the country. Senator Brady mentioned St. Joseph's Daycare Centre and a damning HIQA report. I can only imagine what is in the report. We have seen similar issues in other parts of the country. Our loved ones, the most vulnerable, are in these places so we want and expect them to be treated well and that people, services and conditions are good. Whatever issues are highlighted in the HIQA report must be resolved.”
“Senator McCormack talked about the National Ambulance Service, and I extend my sympathies to her and her family. She talked about the ambulance service in County Laois. There has been investment in different areas to increase the number of paramedic training places for the National Ambulance Service. There has also been an increased investment in different parts of the country. I know that western areas have the lowest response times, but new bases have been established over recent years in Belmullet, Tuam and Galway. As needs are requested, there is investment, for example, an additional team in Galway. A number of issues have been raised, such as response times, deployment bases and benefit-in-kind, so I will request a debate on the National Ambulance Service. Senator Dee Ryan talked about the Team Limerick Clean-up.”
“It is a worthy thing to do in advance of next year's budget. Senator Joe Conway spoke about driver behaviour and I absolutely agree. We see it every day on our roads. We had a discussion a number of weeks ago about road safety. The Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, was here at that time. One of the main topics raised when I am out canvassing and knocking on doors is speed through villages, on country roads and everywhere. It is a real concern people have. There is always a call for traffic cameras, speed bumps, rumble strips and those kinds of matters. It is an important issue. I will ask the Minister to come to the House to talk about crime and such matters and I hope to include something on Garda enforcement and the role of local authorities.”
“The Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, funding was announced a few weeks ago by the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. I am not sure whether there will be any supplementary roads funding, but I think we would all support additional funding for local authorities for roads maintenance. There are always projects that need to be done and I certainly support the call for additional funding. Senator Boyle spoke about the National Ambulance Service, NAS. It is an important and worthy topic. Paramedics do amazing work. They are the first point of contact for illness and tragedies. It is a matter for the Department of Finance. I have invited the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, to the Chamber to talk about matters of tax and the economy and the Senator should continue to apply pressure as we advance towards the next budget.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions on today's Order of Business, starting with Senator Goldsboro who raised matters pertaining to the Department of Education. I will ask the Minister to come in for a debate on matters of special education. A lot of progress has been made by her and the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan. They have made a good start and I hope they will continue that work. I will ask the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to come to the House to talk about funding for the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. This year's budget was set last year, so starting a debate now about the next budget is important. Senator Goldsboro also requested funding for storm damage for local authorities. She mentioned the N62 at Horse and Jockey.”
“It is important that funding is provided to progress a scheme to protect residences near the Owenglin and the riverside of Clifden. I thank the Minister of State.”
“I think of the Owenglin River in Clifden, where there would be examples of flooding having happened. The second major scheme I want to talk about is the Clifden scheme. There was a major flood there a number of years ago when the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, was in charge. There were a number of reasons that flood happened but it was a monumental rainfall event. Can we look at leaky dams, as they are called in Scotland, which are upstream to stop the water from flowing down as quickly and to encourage storage of water for a time during the initial downpour? Can that be looked at in places like Clifden and elsewhere? Will the Minister of State provide an update to me, in his own time, about the Clifden scheme? There have been concerns about whether that would be cost-effective.”
“Is that something the Minister of State might take up, if possible? I concur with some of the comments about waters, cleaning and removing debris. It is important, and I say this as a former Minister of State with responsibility for Inland Fisheries Ireland, that any works be done with the permission of Inland Fisheries Ireland and within season. We cannot advise anyone to do something that will result in them ending up in court. There are examples of trees falling into rivers and being left there. They are no one's responsibility. The owner cannot take responsibility. The rivers are not owned by the State. They are riparian rivers. Who can go in and remove a tree if it suddenly creates a bit of a dam that can give rise to consequences when a major flood occurs?”
“I am sure there will be another storm and another flood if that storm coincides with high tides. One of the issues that came up on the canvass in Galway city was the possibility in the meantime, while we are waiting for these things, of floodgates being provided in respect of homes in the Claddagh area of Galway city. I am not sure what the cost of a floodgate is, but it is considerably less than the amount of money being spent on consultants and various reports. Is that something the Minister of State might look into? Could those homes that are occupied and that do not have their own defences be provided with floodgates, be they at the doors or at the gates of the properties? They could go some way towards providing peace of mind and, hopefully, alleviating the impact of flooding.”
“I congratulate the Minister of State on his role with responsibility for the Office of Public Works. I wish him well. The Minister of State might remember being down in Galway city a number years ago when he announced funding of over €9 million for the Galway city flood defence works. That scheme is progressing, unfortunately like many others, very slowly. The Corrib go Cósta project is to assess, design and deliver a viable, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable flood relief scheme for Galway city. When I raised this issue some two years ago in the House, I was pretty much told it would be a decade before the scheme would be completed. That is sort of run of the mill for major flood defence schemes. I am ware that it is an environmentally sensitive area, but that is no good when the next storm comes.”
“Obviously, the Department does not negotiate budget matters on the floor, but the Senator's colleagues can raise the matter in the finance committee, if he is not a member, once committees are established. It is an important issue. I am not sure why it is not in the programme for Government but, as I said, it will be subject to negotiations regarding the budget.”
“-----Deputy Harris and the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne. The latter addressed these issues. He respectfully disagreed with the notion that the triple lock is a threat and that Russia does not have a veto under the triple lock. He maintained clearly, as does the Government, that Russia and the other permanent members of the Security Council have a veto against Ireland's peacekeeping policy. That is the reason for the proposals to change the triple lock. Senator Andrews spoke about the betting tax. I do not know exactly. I asked the Minister for Finance to come to the House to talk about all matters in his brief. That may be an opportunity to addressed that matter. If the Senator had raised it as a Commencement matter, he would have got an answer from the Department of Finance, which would have come from the Minister's office.”
“We are continuing to engage with our European colleagues about the tariffs and removing whiskey and other associated products. I do not know exactly who called that meeting. I think it was organised by France. I am not sure if it was an official EU meeting but I will try to get clarity on the matter. Senator Conway talked about integrating Muslim children in our schools. It is important that all children be integrated and that we learn to understand the different religions in this country. I know that work goes on. I acknowledge that we are approaching our Easter festival, which is the central festival of the Catholic church. It is important that we do not forget any religion when discussing these matters. Senators Black and Sarah O'Reilly have raised the triple lock. We had a debate last week.”
“All I can ask is that the Senator continue to engage with TII and the directors of services at the council about progressing these plans. Senator Tully raised an important issue relating to sexual violence. There was a recent court case and I commend the brave woman for her testimony. That case dealt with the rape that she was subjected to. I will ask the Minister to come in to talk about sexual violence. I commend the work of, as the Senator mentioned, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and all rape crisis centres across the country. Senator Keogan mentioned the Mercosur deal. We are very much committed to getting the best possible deal for Ireland. I know the Minister, Deputy Heydon, is in the United States meeting the Secretary of Agriculture.”
“We wish the Tánaiste well in his engagements with Howard Lutnick, the US Secretary of Commerce, over the course of today and the next few days. Senator Boyle again raised issues relating to the stretch of the N56 from Inver Bridge to Bruckless and its impact on safety. I know there were announcements last week or the week before about Transport Infrastructure Ireland funding. I am not sure if there was any good news in that for the N56. I know there will be greater funding for national roads towards the end of the decade than at the start. That was the agreement under the previous Government, which had a greater emphasis on public transport than road infrastructure. As we progress towards the end of this decade, there will be greater funding for national roads.”
“-----and the NTA, but the county councils have a role, too. It is an important and valuable scheme and we want to see greater investment in it. I will raise that with the Minister for Transport. Senator Craughwell talked about the important issue of tariffs. Senator McCarthy raised the matter, too. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is in the United States today. He has stated: We are here to keep the lines of communications open with US political and business leaders as well as share insights and engage. During the visit I will be emphasising our desire to find a negotiated solution between the EU and US on tariffs and that I am fully supportive of Commissioner Šefčovič’s work. I will make the point that the European Union is ready right now to negotiate.”
“That is possibly why the standards are being considered. If there are international standards, there are always outliers. Clearly, if Ireland is an outlier, then we need to be able to use the most up-to-date data about our emissions. I will ask one of the Ministers, Deputies Heydon or O'Brien, to come to the Chamber to discuss this matter. Senator Linda Nelson Murray, supported by Senator Boyle, talked about the safe routes to school programme. When this announcement, more than 1,000 schools applied. Different tranches have been done over the years. The most recent tranche in November involved 141 schools. There is clearly an appetite and demand. If a school is not picked this year, then parents, the board of management, teachers and principals will ask where it is on the list and when it will be picked.”
“Senator Cosgrove talked of Marian, may she rest in peace, and her daughter Martha in the context of dense breast tissue. The information provided by the Senator is very interesting information. I was not aware of it either. It certainly makes sense that 3D mammograms and breast ultrasound scans would take place in those cases where there is dense breast tissue. I will certainly raise this matter with the Minister. Perhaps the Senator could also table a Commencement matter in order to get a more direct response. Senator Paul Daly talked about the interesting and positive news in relation to greenhouse gas emissions and lower figures in this regard that are now evident here. Ireland has a grass-based food, beef and dairy system that is different from those in other countries across the world that involve more intensive feeding indoors.”
“I have come across some cases where, for example, a council will not buy a house under the tenant in situ scheme because it had a thatched roof. There is an issue in relation to insurance costs. Obviously, the cost of insurance relates to the risk. Insurance companies have made a judgment on the greater risk from relating to thatched houses. This is a real issue of concern. I am not sure where to go with it but perhaps if the Senator put down a Commencement matter then the Minister of State with responsibility for heritage, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan, might be able to shed some light on possibilities. There was a news story during the week of a school in Portnoo in Donegal that is involved in training the next generation of thatchers. That is a positive development. It was on the RTÉ website during the week.”
“There is also the zoned land tax. The Senator talked about active farmers, who are very important. The Government has been clear on the need to exclude active farmers from the zoning tax. As I said last week, it is my view that lands should not be zoned while being actively farmed without the tax. It is a case of having the lands dezoned, and that policy was there. This is a very important matter. The Senator also talked about the Housing Commission and An Bord Pleanála. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, to come before the House to discuss those matters. Senator Collins talked about thatched houses, which are part of our built heritage. They are not as common as they once were. As a result, it is important they are protected.”
“I am also not sure whether the Minister was able to give any reassurance or response in respect of it. I will raise the matter with the Minister of State, Deputy John Cummins, to see if he can get involved, perhaps by coming to the House to discuss this very important issue. We had over zoning over many years in respect of which there was no control. When I first served as a councillor in 2004 and 2005, hundreds of acres in small and medium-sized towns were being zoned. There was a change in policy to try to regulate what was happening but perhaps it went too far. We need to ensure that we have land zoned not for the sake of it and not to benefit somebody but, rather, to ensure it is serviced and available. We have a mixture of zoning, serviced sites initiatives and investment in services to make sites available for planning.”
“Obviously, there is an impact on the 110 people who are living with this progressive disease. I will raise the matter with the Minister for Health. Senator Boyhan referred to the national planning framework. There is a lot to debate here. The Minister for Housing was in last week. I am not sure if the Senator was present or if he got the opportunity to raise this matter.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions this morning. We started with Senator Ní Chuilinn, who had a very interesting proposal for co-locating EpiPens with defibrillators around the country. We know the important role defibrillators play in saving lives. EpiPens clearly have a very important role as well. This is an interesting proposal. I will consult with the Minister with responsibility for food safety, depending on who has responsibility, to see if the proposal is either practical or possible. In the meantime, the Senator may wish to raise this as a Commencement matter. Senator Costello spoke about givinostat, which is a drug that assists with slowing down the progression of DMD. Will the Senator put down a Commencement matter in order that she may get a quicker response?”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on flooding, 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; and No. 4, Private Members' business from the Labour Party, Prohibition of Advertising or Importuning Sex for Rent Bill 2025 – Second Stage, to be taken at 3 p.m. with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“The Senator might table a Commencement matter to see if he can get clarity on the issue and whether the Department and Minister have any plans to deal with it, because it is a valid concern that the work and decisions made by the Houses of the Oireachtas to reduce the marketing of alcohol would be circumvented in that fashion.”
“Senator Craughwell has raised the grave concern of threats against Taiwan. The world is in such flux now. It is a grave concern that the good people of Taiwan would be targeted by China. I will ask for a debate on the matter with the Tánaiste as soon as possible. Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke of the issue of sepsis in hospitals. Unfortunately, having known people and their families who have lost loved ones in their teenage years and younger to sepsis, it is of grave concern. The Senator might table a Commencement matter. When the committee on health returns, perhaps it is an issue that the committee will look at. Senator Kelleher raised the issue of a loophole under one of the health Acts relating to alcohol consumption and 0.0% products. He gave statistics about this. It is a valid point.”
“I will raise it with the present Minister too. I know it is a decision more for Bus Éireann than for the Department but it is nonsensical, as I have said so often, that the same bus drivers are prohibited from doing the school run but can collect the children and bring them to a sports event while working for a private company. It does not make any sense but it is a rule that Bus Éireann has. If dealt with, it would make such a difference. Senator McCarthy has welcomed the approval of the national planning framework. I hope we will get a chance to debate it in this House. He also raised matters relating to inheritance tax laws. We will try to have a debate on issues with the Minister for Finance at a later date. In the absence of that, perhaps the Senator can table a Commencement matter.”
“It is now in its 15th year and I wish it well in its endeavours. It is great to see that community coming together on such an important issue. Senator Andrews raised issues of animal welfare. I do not know where the zebra came from. Did it escape? Was it bred privately? Was it bred in one of our zoos or wildlife parks? I do not know where the zebra came from but if there is a need for legislation to tighten up animal welfare, then that should certainly be looked at. The Senator is right that it is an animal welfare matter and I will ask for a debate on animal welfare as soon as I can. Senator Gallagher raised the issue of Bus Éireann's mandatory retirement age of 70, a matter that has been raised on numerous occasions over recent years with the previous Minister for Education, Deputy Norma Foley.”