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 26 of 31.
“We all remember the previous foot and mouth disaster in the 2000s, its impact on all sectors and the visuals of that both in this country and across the water. Senator Keogan spoke about the Dáil, which I will leave to others, although I agree with her on the need to establish committees, which was being delayed because of the goings on in the Dáil. She also raised the issue of comments made in this House. The Cathaoirleach might advise on whether, if there is an issue with comments made here, it might be open to contact or write to the Seanad Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight. Senator Maria Byrne raised matters relating to Limerick Lifelong Learning.and commended it on its great work in terms of IT, entrepreneurship and highlighted its work in literacy and learning.”
“We will have a debate soon on small businesses with the Minister of State, Deputy Alan Dillon, but if not then, we can look at an overall debate on crime with the Minister for Justice, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan. Senator Ryan called for a debate with the Minister for mental health regarding timely access to CAMHS, which we have put in a request for. Senator Brady raised the issue of the foot and mouth outbreak in Hungary. I know our Department is monitoring the situation there. There has been no movement of susceptible animals from Hungary or Slovakia to this country since, I think, January. Austria has closed dozens of border crossings with Slovenia and Hungary. There is ongoing monitoring of this situation. The Senator is right to raise it.”
“The Minister, Deputy Foley, has stated that she is deeply disappointed by the overall response from the religious bodies and she has asked them to reflect further on their shared and collective responsibility for the tragic legacy of the mother and baby county home institutions and the intergenerational impacts which endure. She has said she will ask her officials to liaise with the Office of the Attorney General to consider if any further options are available to the State. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Foley, to come in to debate this matter as soon as possible. Senator Crowe raised the issue of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport and its impact on tourism. He called for the Minister for Transport to come in. I will try to get him to come in to address that issue. Senator Scahill called for a debate on retail crime.”
“Perhaps we can look at that at a future date. Senator Boyle raised something I had not heard of, that is, 750 tonnes of blue whiting ending up as fishmeal. I recommend he raises a Commencement matter on that with the Minister to get a direct response. We will, in due course, try to get the Minister in to talk about marine matters as well. From what the Senator has said, it does not make sense to lose that valuable protein-rich food. Senator Boyhan raised the mother and baby institutions payment scheme. The negotiator of the report, Sheila Nunan, engaged with eight religious bodies.”
“It is very difficult to witness the loss of habitat and wildlife given the work that goes on and, indeed, the investment by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, in particular the walkway in Wild Nephin. The Senator also called for a debate on increased investment in the Defence Forces and the dual use of equipment. That might be a topic more suitable to a Commencement matter. I will certainly ask the Minister to come in, in due course, on matters of defence. Senator Rabbitte talked about autism awareness month and the recommendations in the autism report. As the Senator mentioned, the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, is in this House today, but the Senator asked for a specific debate on autism, which I will try to arrange. Previously, when there was a report published by the Committee on Autism, there was a debate in the House.”
“I ask her to raise this as a Commencement matter to get a more direct response relating to additional modular accommodation for the school year starting in September. Senator Noonan talked about the shelving of BER certificates, which were committed to under the Housing for All proposals, and asked the Government not to shelve them. I will have to get an update. I imagine it may be something to do with reducing the burdens on landlords. I understand the Senator's point, as somebody who a long time ago used to scrub the mould off a wall in rental accommodation because I was concerned about the health impact. The Senator also raised the issue of the tragic fires in Wild Nephin National Park, Kenmare and in the Mourne Mountains.”
“The Senator is right to describe Micko as a leader and motivator and someone with a great ability to inspire the young and old all over the country but especially in Kerry. I send my sympathies to his family, friends and neighbours. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Senator Clonan raised the case of Ms Evelyne Cynk and the fact that she is in a difficult position over possible debts the HSE has not provided cover for, and called for answers from the HSE. He might raise this directly as a Commencement debate and see if the Minister will give a more comprehensive response. By raising it here today, the Senator has given impetus, I hope, to resolving the issue. I will take this up directly with the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. Senator McCormack raised the issue of the St. Francis School in Portlaoise.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator Comyn raised public order incidents during daylight hours and the shortage of gardaí in Drogheda and Laytown and asked for a debate with the Minister for Justice, which I will certainly try to arrange. There have been some shortfalls in Garda numbers because of the Covid pandemic and Templemore College being closed at the time but there has been an increase in numbers, not least due to the changes that were made over recent number of years on the advanced retirement age for Garda members and the entry level being increased to 50 years of age. I will ask the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, to come in. Senator Kennelly called for a minute's silence for the late, great Mick O'Dwyer and I would certainly be happy to facilitate that, subject to the Cathaoirleach's agreement.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill 2024 – Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 5 p.m and to adjourn at 6.45 p.m. if not previously concluded; and No. 2, statements on disability, to be taken at 7 p.m and to conclude at 9 p.m. if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“A stand-alone scheme should be provided for a select cohort of active farmers who have suffered damage and loss, allowing them to directly apply for some recompense for additional expenditure caused by Storm Bert. That is my request, which I ask the Minister of State to bring to the Minister, Deputy Heydon, as I will certainly do on behalf of the farmers in the area.”
“I thank the Minister of State for the response and the sentiments expressed. It is unfortunate that the Minister, Deputy Heydon, cannot be here this morning. The reply does not answer the question. It does not state whether it is possible or likely that the Minister will provide a stand-alone scheme for farmers in the Maam-Leenane area. As I have said, I have come here because of the precedent set on the Cooley Peninsula, where a scheme was put in place. In light of the precedent of that scheme, which the Department and the previous Minister sanctioned, it is right and proper that a similar scheme be put in place for farmers affected in the Maam-Leenane area.”
“With higher rainfall and a greater chance of storms happening, there is potential for greater damage across Ireland, which could impact on farmers up and down the country. The Department must be cognisant of this. In light of the precedent of the Cooley Peninsula scheme, it is right and fair that a similar scheme be put in place for the area of Maam and Leenane to compensate farmers for the added costs and disruption resulting from Storm Bert.”
“An act of God, if one likes, in Storm Bert has resulted in accumulated costs for farmers. There is a precedent in the support scheme in the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth which was put in place for farmers after a similar storm there. Only active farmers with herd numbers who were in the basic investment scheme, BIS, were supported. They were able to provide receipts for the damage and loss and the replacement cost of fencing, including helicopter drops, and the loss of sheep and the disposal of carcases. I urge the Minister to look at the issue, accept the precedent from the Cooley Peninsula and put in place a similar scheme for the Maam-Leenane valley of Connemara on foot of the damage caused by Storm Bert. Unfortunately, with the impact of climate change, this could be more likely to happen in the future.”
“The impact of the storm resulted in the destruction of fencing on many upland farms. In many cases, in the first place, reaching those areas involved helicopter drops to bring in the fencing materials to put the fences in place. Thousands of euro worth of damage was caused. It is necessary to replace the fencing. Farmers can prove the fencing was in place because they have receipts for the fencing they put up in recent years. The investment of two or three years ago has been wiped out and the fences must be replaced. Unfortunately, there were also cases of sheep being swept away in the floods. One farmer lost at least 70 ewes, which were drowned or entangled in trees and wire and were recovered the next day. He also had the cost of disposing of the carcases that were recovered.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this matter for the Commencement debate this morning. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, to the House. The west coast was hit by Storm Bert in the middle of the last general election. Many other parts of the country and the UK were also affected. On Friday, 22 November, a deep Atlantic low-pressure system brought extremely wet and windy weather to Galway and Connemara, with 60 mm of rain falling within a short period. Saturated ground, combined with snow accumulation, led to a surface run-off into streams and rivers, which led to a rapid rise in local rivers. The storm resulted in significant levels of damage to roads infrastructure. The run-off of the precipitation caused landslides on some of the hillside areas of Maam and Leenane in Connemara in particular.”
“It is important to put on the record that we have a strong trading relationship with the United States. Ireland is now the sixth largest source of foreign direct investment into the United States. The aviation sector provides one example, with 930 aircraft currently on order with Boeing from Irish-based companies. This represents three years' worth of Boeing's entire output and is worth $130 billion. The top ten Irish employers in the United States employ 115,000 people and in total it is estimated that some 770 Irish-owned companies employ over 200,000 American workers. Trade is a two-way process and we need to continue the diplomatic relations between our two countries. I wish the Minister of State, the Tánaiste and the Government well in the coming weeks.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Chathaoirleach. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit agus an Tánaiste chun an t-ábhar tábhachtach seo a phlé. On Monday, I had the pleasure to attend the announcement in Galway that Datavant, one of the world's leading health data platform companies, is to open a global research and development centre in Galway bringing 125 jobs. I acknowledge the IDA team and the consulates across the United States - the Ireland House model of co-operation with the consulates, IDA and enterprise Ireland. In Galway, we are acutely aware of foreign direct investment from companies across the United States and the thousands employed across various sectors. It is with some fear and trepidation this morning that we are dealing with this matter.”
“I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the order of the Seanad on 2 April, statements on international trade and international relations shall be brought to a conclusion at 10.45 a.m., and Commencement Matters shall be taken immediately thereafter.”
“Therefore, they are paying the full whack, which could be the equivalent of a mortgage payment, a significant amount of money. Could any support be put in place for parents, be it a tax allowance or whatever, in the forthcoming budget? Those parents would rather be in the core funding model and have the benefit of a reduction in fees, but they are not in it because there are no alternatives in certain areas. I have come across this in Galway city. Such parents are put to the pin of their collar and are most likely paying mortgages and significant childcare fees. Something like a tax allowance would benefit those parents.”
“I thank the Minister. I acknowledge the level of investment in the Department of children in the years since its establishment in 2011. I concur with many of the comments made by previous speakers on this important sector. Having engaged with parents, providers and SIPTU over the years, I welcome the additional funding, JLC process and employment regulation orders that have been established to put support under the sector. It is hugely important that we provide minimum rates of pay and additional funding of up to €45 million in a full year. That will be of benefit. I refer to those providers not under the core funding model, including those which were under it and then left. Some parents do not have a choice; they were in that care system or there was no alternative.”
“Before moving to the Sinn Féin group, I welcome to the Gallery the Dublin branch of the British Transport Pensioners Federation. I hope they enjoy the day and the hospitality. They are welcome. I understand the Sinn Féin speakers are sharing time.”
“I welcome to the House the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Norma Foley. The Minister will have ten minutes, group spokespersons will have ten minutes and all other Senators will have five minutes.”
“in accordance with Standing Order 31; ( c ) Standing Order 32 shall stand suspended; ( d ) 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; ( e ) The Seanad on its rising on Thursday, 3rd April, 2025, shall adjourn until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 8th April, 2025.”
“I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the Seanad on its rising on Wednesday, 2nd April, 2025, shall adjourn until 9 a.m. on Thursday, 3rd April, 2025, and the following arrangements shall apply: ( a ) Statements on International Trade and International Relations . Statements on International Trade and International Relations shall be taken at 9 a.m. and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 10.30 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 ) Commencement Matters shall be taken at 10.30 a.m.”
“It was somewhat contentious legislation but it is the law of the land now. It is important that the issues in that legislation that relate to the replacing of the JPCs are proceeded with as quickly as possible. If the Senator puts down a Commencement matter for the Minister, Deputy Jim O’Callaghan, perhaps he will see the most up-to-date data on that. If not, we will try to get a debate on the new policing model and Garda numbers with the Minister at a later date.”
“If the Senator has particular cases, he can raise them directly with the Minister and Department, but the starting point is the local authority in terms of ensuring applications have been lodged and the relevant Department has adequate funding to try to fund all projects or as many projects as possible that come in from the local authorities. Senator Keogan spoke about the Ombudsman's report on the national paediatric review of child deaths. All deaths are tragic, especially child deaths. This is a matter for the Coroner Service. Where there is suspicion, matters are dealt with via autopsy. If she has a specific issue, I will certainly raise it and I will ask for a debate on the Ombudsman’s report with the relevant Minister. Senator Boyhan spoke about the policing service for the future and local community safety partnerships.”
“I wish Jason’s family the best as they deal with these difficult issues over the coming months. I know from experience that hospices do tremendous work, as does the HSE, in fairness, liaising with families to provide the best pathway to allow people to die with dignity and, where possible, in their own homes if that is their wish. If Senator McCarthy engages with his local hospice, it will provide a clear outline. Senator Duffy talked about piers along the Mayo coast, including Ballina, Lacken and Killala. Local authorities have staff to deal with these issues, provide plans and apply to the Department for funding.”
“The Senator also indicated he would like the Minister for Justice come to the House to discuss Garda numbers. I will request that. While allocations are a matter for the Garda Commissioner, the Minister could highlight those issues to the Garda Commissioner. Senator Cosgrove talked about Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Volunteers with the Irish guide dog association do tremendous work. The Senator spoke of very worrying cases of discrimination in both hospitality and public services. I will raise that matter with the Minister to see what can be done because it is important that people have a good quality of life and blatant discrimination is dealt with. Senator McCarthy talked about a good friend of his, Jason, who has a terminal illness and will be facing palliative care. This is a very serious issue.”
“Some weeks ago, the House debated a Fine Gael Private Members’ motion on this very important matter. I will ask that the Minister come to the House to discuss caring and home care. Senator Tully raised the autism and AsIAm and asked for an update on the legislation. I will try to get an update for her. Senator Brady talked of his home area in Drumlish and Ballinamuck, and a series of worrying closures or threats of closure, which he is quite right to highlight. I do not have an answer for him. There are a number of issues. I urge the Senator to engage with An Post directly in respect of the post office. Obviously, the pub is a private matter. Hopefully someone else will take over that establishment, which, as the Senator said, is important for the local community.”
“I will ask the Minister for foreign affairs to come to the House to debate that issue. Senator Kennelly talked about a waiting list for elderly people and carers. That is a concern because our elderly deserve the best. A number of years ago, the issue was funding of home care hours. The issue now is getting staff to provide the hours. The Senator might have a different view locally in Kerry but across the healthcare sector there is an issue with getting staff. I know from dealing with cases in my area that it is just impossible to get people to implement the hours needed to do very important caring work. I know of a company where managers are out doing the work themselves because they cannot get people in. There has to be greater work on that issue.”
“Senator Scahill talked about the student enterprise programme. Congratulations to all the schools in Roscommon on their successes and best wishes to them in the national final on 8 May. Great work is being done across our schools in a wide variety of areas, which the Senator highlighted. Senator Craughwell talked of the women of Afghanistan and Iran. In the western world, we like to think and acknowledge that the rights of women and minorities improve with each generation and that with each decade there are additional rights and wrongs of the past are highlighted and improved upon. It is regrettable that, compared with even the 1970s, the rights of women have gone backwards in certain parts of the world where women had more rights then than they have today.”
“I commend his own work as part of the previous Government with regard to greater advocacy for heritage, an area close to his heart, and to investment, whether in our national parks or wildlife services or in our built heritage. I will call for a debate on those matters at the earliest opportunity. Senator Paul Daly spoke about worrying cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Europe. I will ask the Minister if he is in a position to come to the House, or I will at least make him aware of the Senator having raised the matter. We all remember 2001 and we certainly do not want any threat of that. It is important to raise awareness to those who might be travelling. If it is to a stag weekend in Slovakia, they would not be thinking about foot-and-mouth disease but there are consequences if they bring it home. I will raise that.”
“The Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, will be before this House on Tuesday, so I am sure Senator Clonan will have an opportunity to raise that case. He could also contact the Minister of State in advance to get a fuller response. Senator Andrews asked for a debate on dog welfare and, indeed, animal welfare. I will try to arrange that. He talked about enforcement for puppy farms. There have been significant initiatives to try to improve funding and legislation relating to puppy farms and dog breeding establishments. I will certainly ask the Minister with responsibility to come to the House. Senator Noonan talked about investment in culture and heritage.”
“A colleague raised a matter in the other House where somebody who had been in an accident waited four hours at the side of the road for an ambulance. That is not good enough. It should not be tolerated and people deserve better. The Senator might put forward a Commencement matter about the specific case and should certainly engage with the National Ambulance Service. Its teams have, at least in my part of the world, had good engagement with Oireachtas Members. Even online, issues are raised relating to what plans the service has to invest. However, the Senator is right to raise this important matter. Senator Clonan talked about the case of a young boy who has a number of serious conditions - autism, cerebral palsy and scoliosis - and has called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley, on disability.”
“Senator Boyle raised the issue of the National Ambulance Service, which is an important issue in rural Ireland, rural towns and urban areas. It is quite clear that over a long number of years, response times in the west have been below average. That is just a fact. There have been improvements and there has certainly been investment by successive Governments over recent years. There are new ambulance bases, I believe, in Belmullet and in Tuam, County Galway. There is an additional crew in Galway city. The Senator is right to advocate for County Donegal. It deserves the same level of response times as any other part of the country. I acknowledge that in the most isolated rural communities, there are, unfortunately, high wait times.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions, starting with Senator Fitzpatrick, who acknowledged World Autism Day. I join her in acknowledging the important celebration of children and adults with autism. Senators O'Mahony and Tully also raised this matter and talked of the strengths and challenges faced by many in the autistic community. We acknowledge the work of all members of the autism committee in the previous Dáil and Seanad, which will return in this Seanad and Dáil as well. Senator Fitzpatrick also congratulated all 12,000 participants in the Dublin city half-marathon and expressed concern about what is likely to happen later today with tariffs from the United States. She highlighted that countries in the European Union need to stand together, which is an important point.”
“and to conclude at 5 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. 5, Private Members' business, Air Navigation and Transport (Arms Embargo) Bill 2024 – Order for Committee and Committee Stage, to be taken at 5.30 p.m. and to adjourn after two hours, if not previously concluded.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion on the report of the Committee of Selection, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, motion regarding the arrangements for the sitting of the House on Thursday, 3 April 2025, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of No. 1; No. 3, statements on childcare, 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. 4, statements on housing, to be taken at 3 p.m.”
“No more than rural bus services, enhancements of the adequacy and frequency of services will assist in the context of use. Senator McCarthy talked about the tariffs, which I have addressed, and the impact in the context of pharma and drugs in particular. He will have an opportunity to raise the matter on Thursday. Senator Duffy referred to pyrite and mica, which are issues of concern. He called for an expediting of the review and an expansion of the scheme. The Minister, Deputy Browne, will come before the House tomorrow and I am sure he will expect some Senators to raise the issue of mica. If the Senator does not intend to speak, he might ask our spokesperson on housing, Senator Murphy, to raise this matter directly with the Minister.”
“If the Senator has a specific case, he might raise it as a Commencement debate. However, we will try to get the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, in on that issue. The Senator is right; it is an important issue in terms of providing adequate cover and inspection checks in schools. That has fallen off in recent years and that can have long-term effects on dental care. Senator Craughwell again raised the issue of the triple lock and neutrality. He may raise those matters tomorrow with the Tánaiste. That would be the best opportunity. Senator Cathal Byrne raised rail services, particularly the Rosslare, Enniscorthy and Wexford service to Connolly. I am not sure whether he got an opportunity to engage with Irish Rail. He might put down a Commencement debate and the Minister might be able to give a more direct response on that.”
“I find in my area that if you provide a bus service every two hours, people would want it every hour, and rightly so. If it was every hour, they would want it every half an hour, and rightly so. If it was every half an hour, they would want it every 15 minutes. The more services you have, the greater the frequency, and the more routes, the better use they get. That frequency of service, in conjunction with bus shelters to provide a level of comfort to people waiting, is important. I will certainly ask the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, to come in to talk about that. Senator Scahill raised dentistry services. We had a number of debates on this issue at health committees through the years. There have been many concerns over the dentistry service. I will ask for a debate on that matter.”
“Senator Noel O'Donovan raised the issue of Keelbeg pier at Union Hall. I know he has spoken directly to the Minister but perhaps if he puts down a Commencement matter he might get a more direct response from the Minister with regard to a commitment on this. The Senator is right; it is an important issue and it was raised at a public meeting. The best way is to get a more direct response is through a Commencement debate. Senator Stephenson talked about rural transport in Kilkenny. I know representatives of the NTA were in Leinster House today. I do not know whether the Senator had a chance to speak with them directly but we will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, to come in to talk about rural transport. It is an important issue.”
“Certainly, were that to continue it would be worrying. Senator Manus Boyle talked about occupational therapists in Donegal. He might raise that directly as a Commencement matter at a later date. We will try to get the Minister in to talk about a number of issues on the health side of things. For a more immediate response he might put down a Commencement debate. Senator Sarah O'Reilly talked of Cavan hospital and her concerns that all 19 maternity hospitals now are providing terminations. I respect the Senator's personal convictions. She is, of course, right to raise those convictions here. However, there have been commitments by the Government that there would be geographical availability of termination services following the repeal vote and that is now provided in terms of all maternity services providing terminations.”
“I ask him to raise a Commencement matter directly to see whether he gets a response on that matter. Senator Joe Conway talked about housing and how plumbing is not regulated. The Minister, Deputy Browne, will be in the House tomorrow. If the Senator contacts the Minister's office today to say he will be raising this tomorrow, he might get an answer on that specific matter. Either way, he could raise the matter tomorrow. Senator Ollie Crowe raised the passing of the great author, Ken Bruen, may he rest in peace, and also the worrying CSO figures on tourism and the drop in tourist numbers. I do not have an answer in regard to why exactly that has happened. The Senator asked for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke. I will certainly do that. The world is in a bit of flux at the moment. Maybe that is impacting travel.”
“The Senator talked about the restoration of local democracy and town councils. Many cost-saving measures, including the reduction in numbers of elected officials, were taken at the time. Numbers on many local authorities in some of the smaller counties were reduced. Many town councils were on a much smaller scale than that in Drogheda. In the case of some very small towns, it perhaps did not make sense they had a town council. There will be a review and I will invite the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, to come in to talk about that matter and tell us what plans there are. As the Senator said, they are committed to under the programme for Government. Senator Ahearn again raised the issue of the N24 Limerick to Waterford road, particularly the Cahir to Waterford section. He regrets there was no funding allocated last week.”
“9 would be taken before item No. 1. I agree, and look forward to the Bill on sex for rent, which is obviously something we cannot tolerate. It is a matter that comes to attention from time to time but has not been legislated for. I look forward to the progression of the Bill. Senators Ruane, Andrews and Craughwell talked of the policing of the vigil. Policing matters are for the Garda and the Garda Commissioner, but I will bring the Senators' concerns to the attention of the Minister for Justice. Senator Comyn, I am sure unintentionally, linked Oliver Cromwell and Phil Hogan. I would have to express concern about such a linkage. The year 1649 was a long time ago but its events were more significant, with respect to our colleagues from across the water who happen to be in the Gallery.”
“There may be impacts on employment, taxes and everything else. Tariffs will have a knock-on effect on everything, as the Tánaiste said, in the programme for Government. It is likely to impact on the next two budgets, including the budget that will be announced in the autumn, depending on the severity of the tariffs, the reciprocation and everything else. It is a grave issue. I understand the Tánaiste this morning brought a memo to Cabinet on this important matter. Subject to what is announced by President Trump tomorrow, Senators will have an opportunity to debate the issue with the Tánaiste on Thursday morning. Senator Tully asked for the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to come to the House to talk about delays in social welfare appeals. I will ask him to attend. Senator Harmon asked for agreement that item No.”
“I absolutely agree with everything she expressed, including her concern that such a thing can happen and that the privacy of someone's accidental passing can be put forward in such a fashion with the sharing of such personal information. I will ask the Minister to come to the Chamber to talk about this and other issues. Senator Keogan, like others, talked about tariffs. Senator McCarthy also spoke about the issue in his contribution. The Tánaiste will be in the House on Thursday morning and Senators will have the opportunity to bring forward these matters. There are grave concerns about the possible impact of tariffs. Senator McCarthy talked about pharmaceuticals and the possible impact on them. Our exports could decline by approximately one half if a 20% tariff is applied. That is of grave concern to everybody.”
“I thank Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin referred to fairer fares. I congratulate all the commuters in Kildare, Newbridge, Drogheda and other areas who will benefit from the reduced fares. I acknowledge the Senator's advocacy on this matter over a long number of years. She also mentioned the Allenwood Day Care Centre, meals on wheels and existing services. I suggest that a Commencement matter may get a more direct response on those issues. She also mentioned catfishing and I look forward to the progression of that Bill in due course. She is right that catfishing exploits people's vulnerability and loneliness. Senator Nelson Murray talked about inquests. She obviously did not name anyone but shared a heartfelt, personal and difficult story for the family involved.”
“I join with the Leas-Cathaoirleach in congratulating Jeremy on what we assume is a promotion to new pastures. I thank him for his service and friendship over the years. I wish George the very best of luck and welcome him to his promotion here as well. The Order of Business is No. 1, Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill 2024 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to adjourn at 6.15 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 2, Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill 2023 – Committee Stage, to be taken at 6.15 p.m.”