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 29 of 31.
“I move: “That Seanad Éireann: acknowledges: - the contribution that older people have made to Irish society through raising families, their work, both paid and voluntary and their charitable endeavours; - that Irish people are living longer and that this presents opportunities and challenges and that living longer is one of humanity’s great success stories; - the desire for older people to be active and involved in their communities; - that the potential of our older persons is being unintentionally blocked by poor policy and that ageism, loneliness and undetected treatable conditions are widespread; - that Ireland was the first country to be designated age-friendly status by the World Health Organisation in 2019; - the work of charities assisting and advocating for older persons; - the work of the independent Commission on Care for Older People; - that the Programme for Government committed to: - publish, resource, and implement a National Action Plan for long-term care of our elderly; - continue to significantly increase the income disregards for carer’s allowance in each Budget with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of the Government; calls on Government to: - support older people to live at home and in their own communities by implementing the Programme for Government commitments on older persons; - design a Statutory Homecare Scheme to allow people to stay in their own home for as long as possible; - increase home care hours; - rollout the Care and Repair Scheme nationally; - increase the Housing Adaptation Grant; - increase funding for the national Meals on Wheels network and develop a plan to ensure there are supported providers in every town in the country; - expand the Enhanced Community Care programme; - enhance our network of day centres - continue to support Community Healthcare Networks; - increase support for carers – providing training, establishing clearer pathways to services, and improving access to respite; - fully fund the Carer’s Guarantee; - continue to implement the local age-friendly strategies enabling the voice of older people through the Older People’s Councils; - continue to work with The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing to support ageing well in Ireland; - continue to support and enhance the Go for Life national programme for sport and physical activity for older people in partnership with the HSE and the Local Sports Partnerships; calls on Government, in recognising dementia supports, to: - work with the National Dementia Office and key stakeholders to develop a National Dementia Registry to map services, identify needs and the delivery of equitable access to services; - establish 20 new dementia-specific day care centres; - include dementia specific provisions across all new community nursing hospitals; - increase ringfenced home care hours, and funding for dementia intensive home care packages; - double funding for dementia day care at home; - double the number of dementia advisers; - rollout more Memory Assessment Support Services teams; - rollout more early age dementia supports; calls on Government, in supporting the strengthening of our nursing home sector, to: - increase funding for the Fair Deal Scheme and ensure the waiting list does not exceed four weeks; - build more public nursing home beds; - publish the National Treatment Purchase Fund review of pricing systems in early 2025 and work towards an equitable funding model for the nursing home sector; - provide a career pathway for healthcare assistants.””
“No child should be left behind. It is always a concern for parents when they cannot get that class. I sometimes wonder if you are better to ensure that your child is enrolled in the school before declaring that the child has a disability. That seems counterintuitive, but I sometimes wonder whether there are schools that give the cold shoulder to the most vulnerable because it is easier not to accommodate them than to accommodate them. It is a concern. I will call for a debate on that matter.”
“He talked about night-time flights and the impact on the economy. He called for the Minister, Peter Burke, to come in to speak on his brief. I will request that. Senator Ní Chuilinn raised the lack of development checks, which is quite worrying. When I was in school, there were development checks for youngsters at different stages. I know they go on routinely. It is unusual and not right that they would be missed in her area. I ask that she engage directly with the Minister. We will try to get statements or a debate on the matter in this House. Senator Flynn raised special school places. We will try to get a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, on this matter in the coming period. I know there were announcements about special classes recently and think there are to be further announcements too.”
“I know it is something his predecessor, former Minister of State, Paul Kehoe, worked hard on. A Commencement debate might be in order. We will get the Minister in to talk about road funding. Senator Bradley talked about the courageous man who suffered a tragic accident and became an amputee. It is quite astounding that prosthetics would cost that much. I know the Senator is engaging with the Minister on it. Perhaps we can wait and see what she comes up with. I know these things can be looked at in the context of a future finance Bill or changes to eligibility under the social welfare code. As well as dealing with the Minister for Health, I suggest that the Senator deal with the Minister for Social Protection. Senator Davitt welcomed the Minister of State, Deputy Grealish, and Fr. Des Walsh.”
“I am not sure the Taoiseach knows what will be raised or said at this stage. It depends on how it will go. We all hope it is not a repeat of what we saw recently. It is a ceremony, a tradition and a time to raise issues. I know a previous Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, raised the issue of migration when he was there for the first time. I am not sure how that is going to play out. Regarding other Ministers and what they may or may not say, I remember when I did St. Patrick's Day trips in my time that a booklet was issued by the Department regarding messages, as it were. I am not sure exactly what will be raised. I know the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, will be here later for statements on the diaspora. Perhaps he might wish to comment on this matter. Senator Byrne talked about the Oilgate to Rosslare road project.”
“No, we got rid of them all. They left you. I will take responsibility as best I can for that. Senator Duffy raised the tragic fatality of James Moyles. We remember him and his family. He talked about safety on our national routes. I know he has engaged on that. TII funding is due. I am not sure if an application has been made for that project. Funding is available through low-cost accident schemes and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. I ask the Senator to continue to engage through the local authority and the directors of services to see what can be done there. We will try to get the Minister for Transport in at some stage to talk about overall projects and roads funding. Senator Alice-Mary Higgins talked about the trip to Washington. I do not know what will be raised or said.”
“Wastewater is a significant part of the jigsaw that is in increasing our supply of housing and allowing for private, affordable and social housing. Senator O'Reilly talked about the rural regeneration programme and the shortfall of funding. I know the figure in Cavan was up by 11% this year, which was certainly welcome news. On that point, I am pleased to say that my local road in Clydagh is being resurfaced this week, which was great news locally. There is some 800 m of blacktop surfacing, which was great news for the locals.”
“I know from time to time that inspectors look at different options and perhaps change to accommodate the maximum number of students by changing the route. You can never please everybody but you can please the maximum number and ensure that the local route suits them. Senator Cosgrove spoke about the regeneration in Sligo and the Cranmore development. It is good to hear the good news that the Senator mentioned. She also talked about the funding for a local community centre. Perhaps she could table a Commencement matter to get a more direct response. Senator O'Donovan spoke about wastewater funding and the Dunmanway scheme. It is regrettable to think that there are issues with the capacity or standards of something that was built in 2013. We will try to get Ministers in to address housing.”
“I will ask the Minister, Deputy Browne, or the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, to come into the House to talk about the rural planning guidelines. Senator Comyn raised issues of mental health. She has talked about Save Our Sons and Daughters, SOSAD, and the interim funding required. Senator Tully raised this during the week. Perhaps both Senators could table a Commencement matter. It might be picked. I will certainly ask the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, to come into the House to speak on the important issue of mental health. It is a valid point. It is important that the helpline led by the SOSAD volunteers remains active. Senator Scahill talked about school bus routes and input by parents associations. I suggest that the first port of call might be the local inspector. Engage with him or her and see what is needed.”
“I know the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, launched the small-scale local festivals and summer schools schemes this week or last week. That might be an avenue. The maximum there is €5,000. The Senator has made a reasonable request. Perhaps he could table a Commencement matter to see if the Minister could look at something larger regarding ceoltas festivals. Senator Boyhan raised the matter of Irish speakers, planning permission and the rural housing guidelines. It is a valid point. For two hours on Sunday night, I was at a meeting in Indreabhán about rural planning and housing, organised by Bánú, which has set up committees around Gaeltacht areas relating to the provision of housing for Irish speakers.”
“More on-site student accommodation will free up the market elsewhere in our cities and towns. That is important, too. Senator Black raised the issue of military neutrality and called for a debate. I will ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to come to the House. Senator Paul Daly raised the EU budget and CAP funding. He is right that we do not have the committee set up, which is important because these things would be teased out, the work programme would be dealt with and agreed, and the Chair and secretariat would invite in different Ministers and officials to raise issues like this. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Heydon, to come in to talk about the preliminary work on the CAP budget. Senator P. J. Murphy raised the issue of funding for traditional music festivals and the county ceoltas competitions.”
“We want to see all council accommodation retrofitted and insulated over the coming years. Senator Harmon spoke about student accommodation. As a former president of the USI, she is obviously well briefed on these issues. I did not get a chance to meet the students from Galway - maybe it was the full USI - but there has probably been more progress on student accommodation in Galway than other parts of the country. A total of 674 beds were opened in the Dunlin facility, 429 in Goldcrest and 394 off-site in the Westwood. That is progress but we would like to see a situation where we can maximise the amount of student accommodation. We recently changed the rules regarding technological universities, which should assist. We want to see projects across all technological universities.”
“Of course, all persecutions are to be condemned. Unfortunately, there are very evident cases in different parts of the world. She also talked about the NGO sector and called for a debate with the Minister for public expenditure on waste. Unfortunately, there are examples, which she and others have highlighted over the past number of years, relating to specific issues. I will invite the Minister for public expenditure to a debate on that matter. Senator Andrews raised Pearse House and the flat regeneration programme. He talked about the conditions within Pearse House and other areas. There are ongoing issues of retrofitting within local authorities. I do not have an update on that particular project but he can table a Commencement matter and he might get a more direct response about it.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. Today started with Senator O’Loughlin, who spoke of Network Ireland’s all-Ireland business programme as well as her local drama festival. She called for a debate on solar farms as part of a wider programme on energy, for which I will ask the Minister, Darragh O’Brien, to come to the House. Senator Boyle talked about Dunkineely National School on a national road. The TII funding should be due. I am not sure whether an application has been made, via the county council's engagement with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, regarding safety works. If not, the matter could be progressed within Donegal County Council with the director of services in respect of applications for a national road. Senator Keogan raised issues related to persecution of Christians.”
“and to be brought to a conclusion at 4.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared and the Minister is to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 28.1 - Private Members' business, motion regarding care, supports and enhanced provision of services for older people, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the diaspora, to be taken at 1.30 p.m. and to be brought to a conclusion at 3 p.m., if not previously concluded, with time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, statements on women’s health to mark International Women’s Day 2025, to be taken at 3 p.m.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I am somewhat disappointed that there is not more detail, but I understand the Minister of State is here on behalf of the Minister. I would like to see progress on this issue this year. I would like to see a firm commitment to works starting this year on this extremely important section of road. As I said, we have seen what can be done and we want the same between Oughterard and Maam Cross as we have from Bunnakill to Maam Cross. I ask the Minister of State to bring this request back to the Minister. I would like to see a commitment to funding being provided this year. Perhaps the Minister of State is able to advise when the full amount of national road funding will be provided and if funding for national roads in the 2025 roads programme will be higher than it was in 2024.”
“The issues surrounding the National Parks and Wildlife Service and its unusual role as part of the planning application has been agreed following approval from the service. Where is this at now and what is the next stage that will result in construction of this badly needed road for the benefit of the residents of Connemara and tourists alike?”
“The plan, as I understand it, was to carry out improvements to a similar level doing 5 km at a time. This section of road has an unusual planning history. It got planning permission a number of years ago but one of the conditions was to have engagement with the National Parks and WIldlife Service, NPWS, at different stages. That was something the NPWS did not request or particularly want. It had not been something it received in the past. After some back and forth, the council requested an amendment to the planning condition and sought agreement from the NPWS for its support to the amendment to the planning application. That happened. The service wrote to the county council and that went back to the board. The road project has planning permission. We have seen what can be done.”
“The Moycullen bypass opened in December 2023. It has alleviated traffic in the evenings and has benefited residents of Moycullen, Rosscahill, Oughterard and indeed, all users on that road. In 2020 and 2021, we saw the start and completion of the N59 Maam Cross to Bunnakill upgrade. That covered approximately 5 km of road. For anyone who has driven it since that has been a huge improvement and it is such a pleasure to drive compared to the road section preceding it and after it. It has improved road safety enormously for drivers, cyclists, residents along the road and landowners. It really is what we should strive to see along the whole road in terms of improved sight lines, drivability, comfort and greater overtaking opportunities. The next phase committed to was from Bunnakill to Claremont and Oughterard, which is 10 km.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this Commencement Matter. Cuirim fáilte roimh an tAire Stáit, an Teachta Buttimer, agus déanaim comhghairdeas leis as ucht an ardú céime atá faighte aige. Tá a fhios agam go mbeidh sé anseo ar feadh tamaill agus ag déanamh sároibre ar son an Rialtais agus mhuintir na tíre. I want to raise the matter of the N59 road in Connemara. The N59 is the longest road in Ireland. It stretches from County Sligo through County Mayo into Connemara and around to Galway city. The Galway section stretches from Leenane to Clifden to Maam Cross and into Galway city. It is a beautiful road. The section from Leenane to Clifden is part of the Wild Atlantic Way. It is an important road. It is the only national secondary road we have in the Connemara area. Improvements have been made to it over the past few years.”
“I find it strange that the report still cannot be used to provide justice to a member of one family because it cannot be used in litigation or to attribute blame. Where does that family go to get justice in that case? I do not have the benefit of having been a member of the transport committee where all of this may have been teased out. There is a lot in it. These things are not done lightly. I know there was a European Commission case and a report initiated way back and these are the recommendations but I have issues and concerns about what we have before us today. That is not the fault of the Minister of State because this predates his position but there are issues that could be looked at and questions that could be answered.”
“Section 21 deals with mutual assistance in respect of member states, which makes sense. Section 21(1)(c) provides that the MAIU can "delegate, on a case-by-case basis by mutual agreement, to another Member State the task of leading a marine safety investigation". Would that be reciprocated? Is it a case of an Irish ship, for example, having an accident in Spanish waters and the Spanish authorities being able to delegate to the MAIU and vice versa ? That would work. Collaboration in that case would be important. The Bill sets out provisions regarding powers, search warrants and investigations. The MAIU has full authority to search and enter a private dwelling, subject to a warrant from a District Court judge. It has full, nearly Garda-type powers of investigation. I believe that is right if the board is to follow up on matters.”
“Section 19 provides: "It shall not be the purpose of a marine safety investigation to attribute blame or fault." The investigation would determine what happened but could not say whose fault it was. I do not follow how that works. Using the simple example of two ships colliding, with a loss of life, how does one issue a report detailing that accident without saying that ship A or ship B is to blame? I do not see how that works or makes sense. Section 19 continues: " ... the MAIU shall report fully on the causes of a marine accident regardless of whether fault or liability may be inferred from the findings." The board would talk about ship A and ship B, how one was straying off course or whatever. It would be laying out the facts but would still not able to say that ship A or ship B was at fault.”
“Section 16 of the Bill refers to marine safety investigations. It reads: The MAIU is not obliged to conduct a marine safety investigation in the case of a very serious marine casualty involving only— (a) ships operated by the State ... Why is that the case and will a different body carry out that investigation? The section continues: "unless they are crewed and carrying more than 12 passengers". Who will carry out investigations if there fewer than 12 passengers and why is this distinction being made? The section also refers to "inland waterway vessels operating in inland waterways". On the issue of notifications, there is a requirement on different bodies to notify the MAIU where an accident takes place, such as the harbour authority, the Coast Guard and the Marine Survey Office. I certainly welcome all that.”
“One was to ensure that the accident investigation reports of the marine accident investigation unit were prohibited from being used in criminal and civil proceedings. I do not know the back-and-forth discussion on that. It is likely that it was to ensure that people co-operated with it without fear of the information being used in litigation, but surely the purpose of investigation is to get all the information and have it in a report. For example, I am thinking of a family of someone whose life was lost because of a collision. If the MAIU believed there was negligence and issued a report to say there was negligence, the family of somebody who may have died would not then be able to use that report in terms of litigation. Would they have to initiate their own report? What avenue do they go down to get justice?”
“It is based on the Commission case and the Clinch recommendations, but was there any particular issue or fault on the part of the marine investigation casualty board? Was there any failure on its behalf that resulted in it suddenly being taken out of the equation, having been there since around 2000 or 2001? Regarding independence, the previous regime had a board and now it will be under the Department of Transport, with a chief investigator and several other investigators. Therefore, I presume oversight will be with the Secretary General of the Department rather than a board. I just wonder how this improves independence, which is the issue at stake. Amendments were made on Committee and Report Stages as well.”
“Okay. Some of them were there. The report made recommendations on the Department of Transport establishing its own investigation unit. It seems counterintuitive to talk about a body having more independence by putting it back under the Department rather than having it on the outside. Ordinarily, we would say we wanted a body to have more independence by removing it from the control of the Minister and the Department and having it outside. As I said, I find that rather counterintuitive, but that is the recommendation of the Clinch report and is best practice, as it were, under the European Commission. I refer to this in the context of the case the Commission has taken. However, is that the only reason?”
“I wish to make it clear that I have not had any engagement or contact with the marine investigation board or its members or had the benefit of sitting on the transport committee Senator Craughwell sat on in respect of this Bill. Was there an issue with or concern regarding the board's independence? I find it a strange matter, given both the European Commission's decision and the Minister of State's own statement that the new body would "be independent of any person or body whose interests could conflict with it." It begs the question of whether a previous conflict was uncovered and raised concerns, leading to this Bill. Clearly, the European Commission deemed it so. Senator Craughwell said the Clinch report was not published, but the Bills Digest we received on this Bill refers to the Clinch report's recommendations.”
“The Minister of State acknowledged in his contribution that he wanted "to take this opportunity to acknowledge Ireland’s robust, internationally recognised maritime safety regime." He also stated: "We are among the best performers of IMO member states under the IMO member state audit scheme, which rigorously examines the maritime safety functions of the State, including accident investigation." Based on that, one could ask why we were changing things at all and why doing so was necessary if our performance was so good. There was a European Commission judgment or case against Ireland regarding the independence of the marine casualty investigation board.”
“The Minister of State is welcome. I congratulate him on his appointment. I remember all those who lost their lives in maritime accidents across the country - those whose bodies have been recovered and those whose remains, unfortunately, have not been recovered. I imagine it is a very personal and tragic issue for all families of those who have lost their lives. Maritime safety, like safety in any industry or profession, is important.”
“I move: That, in pursuance of Standing Order No. 180 of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the Bills which lapsed by reason of the Seanad General Election, January, 2025, and are set out in the Schedule to this motion, shall be restored to the Order Paper at the stage specified in the Schedule below:”
“I move: That the Leader of the House be called to reply to the Order of Business no later than 55 minutes after the proposal of the Order of Business; the contribution of each group leader shall not exceed three minutes; the contribution of every other Senator shall not exceed two minutes; and the reply of the Leader of the House shall not exceed ten minutes.”
“These are very difficult decisions that are being made and President von der Leyen is responding to real threats and looking at the need for Europe to increase its defence spending to combat these real threats.”
“Senator Higgins raised issues regarding the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, and again I will ask for a debate with the Minister on this matter. She also raised the topic of the comments and actions of President von der Leyen in relation to what she called the rearmament of Europe. Of course, we all wish the Continent did not even have to consider going down this route. It is, though, dealing with particular challenges, including the threats, the real invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the recent comments and decisions by President Trump concerning withdrawing support from Ukraine. There is a grave concern, therefore, that Ukraine could be run through by Russia if it does not have support from the European Union.”
“There have been recent changes in relation to the use of CCTV, where there were delays for some time over the use of data, etc. I think this has been rectified. It is up to the local authorities to continue to enact, to monitor and to enforce, as well as to continue monitoring operators who might be up to no good and providing cheap removal services without having the relevant licences to tip. Senator Craughwell asked for a debate on the issue of Garda and Army pensions, which I will try to agree to. Senator McCormack raised the issue of special school places in County Laois and the particular case of Sofia and her son Isaac, who has been home-schooled. I will again ask for a debate in relation to special education.”
“It is a mandatory condition associated with the basic income support for farmers. Ireland succeeded in getting two deferrals up to January this year but the Commission made it clear there will be no further extensions. The standard has to be in place before the basic income support for farmers scheme opens for applications. That said, the group today have particular concerns regarding the inclusion of peatlands and mineral soils together in one parcel. If there is more than 51% peat in that parcel, the parcel in its entirety will be treated as peatland. That should be looked at again. I will engage with the Minister on that matter. Senator Brady discussed fly tipping, which is a scourge in rural areas on farms, boglands and woodlands, and in many of our scenic areas.”
“The allocation of gardaí is a matter for the Garda Commissioner but in relation to overall number, the Government is recruiting. Templemore was closed during Covid. The Minister at the time, Deputy McEntee, made changes to the ages of recruitment and retirement. We are trying to increase the number of gardaí and, therefore, Cork and elsewhere will get their share of gardaí as recruitment continues. Senator O'Reilly spoke about the protest by the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association, INHFA, outside the Department of agriculture. I attended there earlier. The Minister, Deputy Heydon, who I hope will be able to meet the delegation from INHFA, stated we have a legal obligation under the good agricultural and environmental practice for the protection of wetlands and peatlands.”
“Of course, the answer was no because you do not know who is coercing whom in those situations. It is an important issue. I will ask for a debate on that. Senator Boyle raised an issue regarding Milford primary school. I ask him to submit a Commencement matter to get a more detailed answer as to where that school is at. Senator Tully sought a debate on mental health and mentioned SOSAD in Cavan and an SLA is being worked out over the next six months. I will ask for a debate on that matter with the Minister. Senator Kennelly asked that the Minister of State, Deputy Boxer Moran, come into the House to discuss flooding. I will try to get him in but for a more specific debate, the Senator can submit a Commencement matter if he has not already done so or keep renewing it. Senator Harmon spoke about gardaí in Cork.”
“Senator Bradley spoke about the Little Angels special school in Letterkenny. It is an important issue - nine children are facing not having a place in September. That can be put forward as a Commencement matter for a more detailed response. Senator Keogan asked for a debate on Tusla and, as she called it, its shortcomings. I will ask the Minister to come in to talk about that and make statements on Tusla. Senator Rabbitte spoke about domestic violence and women's refuges. A lot of work has been done in relation to Cuan. Some counties, unfortunately, still do not have refuges. We need to be able to respond to those. A number of years ago I visited the refuge in Galway with the Minister at the time, Deputy McEntee. I recall rather naively asking if residents can have friends or relatives come in to visit.”
“The most important thing we can do is ensure the plans we have are put in place and enacted and that we do not incur those fines. The climate advisory council and such keep our feet to the fire in relation to our commitments. That is what they do. They were set up by government to ensure that government is kept under pressure on behalf of the Irish people to deliver on commitments. Senator Murphy O'Mahony called for a debate on farm safety. I will ask the Minister. This time of year, calving is at full steam. There are associated dangers for farmers at calving time, particularly on suckler farms. The mother always protects her baby and she sees the farmer as a threat in those cases and can react. It is important farmers are conscious of the dangers during calving season. It can never be highlighted too much.”
“Senator Andrews spoke about people in Gaza starving owing to Israeli blockades. I know that four truckloads of aid funded by Ireland are waiting in Jordan to get into Gaza with critical supplies, including food. It is vital that this aid be allowed to flow. We also need to ensure that the ceasefire holds and that the hostages are released as well. We are continuing to monitor that very important situation. I will ask the Tánaiste for a debate on this important issue. Senators Noonan and Higgins spoke about the potential fines of up to €26 billion as outlined today by the Climate Change Advisory Council. I will ask the Minister for the environment to come in for a debate to discuss the report from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and the Climate Change Advisory Council. There is a lot of food for thought on those issues.”
“Senators Clonan and Craughwell again raised issues regarding the triple lock. I understand the Tánaiste brought proposals to the Cabinet today and in time we will know exactly what those are. Regarding pre-legislative scrutiny, there would have to be a proposal if we were to remove pre-legislative scrutiny for that issue. Today, the Tánaiste asked why we should ask Vladimir Putin for his permission as to where Irish men and women can go on peacekeeping missions and pointed to how the UN Security Council had not found itself in a position to mandate a new peacekeeping mission since 2014 even though that was not because the world had not needed peacekeeping. This is an issue that will generate considerable debate. In response to Senator Clonan, I certainly have no plans to impose guillotines on this very important legislation.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions on the Order of Business. Senator O'Loughlin raised a number of issues, including congratulating the new Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Rossa Mulcahy. We all join her in wishing the Irish team well at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin. She also raised issues regarding biodiversity and section 39 workers. I will ask if we can get a statement on those matters at a later date. Senator Nelson Murray spoke about St. Ultan's school in Meath and made a very interesting proposal regarding whether we needed transport managers for a number of schools in terms of the bus escorts. It is an important issue and perhaps she might like to raise it as a matter on the Commencement. I will also raise it with the Minister for Transport.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the Order of Business, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion regarding the restoration of Bills to the Order Paper, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1, without debate; and No. 3, the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill 2024 - Second Stage, to be taken at 5.15 p.m., 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, with the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“I know that there has been a commitment from both Government parties, which is very welcome. It is something I would like to see progressed. As I have often said at doors and on radio, if we get planning permission, I am confident that we will build the Galway city ring road but we cannot build anything without planning permission. I certainly hope to see progress on that over the course of this year.”
“If that could be improved in conjunction with initiatives relating to school runs and things like that so that those buses are used throughout the day, that would be very welcome. People might say it is counterintuitive to talk about the Galway city ring road, but the Galway city ring road is pivotal in freeing up capacity in Galway city for public transport needs. As long as cars that do not need and do not want to go through the city are going through the city, we will not have the capacity needed to allow for proper public transport networks and everything else that is needed, such as pedestrianisation, improved cycle lanes, improved cycling capacity and public transport routes within the city. I think that would be absolutely vital. I know that project is still with An Bord Pleanála.”
“Every town and village that has a main route should have the comfort of a bus shelter. The local authorities need to be funded and the NTA needs to assist in that provision. There are 12 bus shelters across County Galway which are very welcome. Most of them are in place now. We need to see that replicated every year to make the experience more pleasant for commuters. There has been investment in the Local Link service. It is very welcome to have that service reliable. Again, there is no shortage of possible additions to routes that could be looked at. It would be very important in rural communities for people who do not drive or who maybe can drive but do not want to drive and want to be able to socialise. There are services for which there is demand but which are very infrequent.”
“Perhaps it is something he will be looking at. There are certain models in Coventry, for example, and there is capacity to look at very light rail between Oranmore and Galway and Barna and vice versa . I wish to speak about BusConnects and local bus services. Obviously, there are BusConnects plans for Galway. We have had some investment in bus lanes over the years. I know that the Dublin Road scheme has gone to and been approved by An Bord Pleanála. I hope to see progress on that. It will involve some disruption during construction but the project will be very important in improving the bus capacity in Galway. If the buses are frequent, reliable and comfortable for passengers, they will be used. Comfort also includes proper bus shelters, which we have seen in certain areas in towns, but much more could be done across the country.”
“We need to see machinery on the ground of that old railway line and we need to see the investment. It is an obvious project. There has been too much debate about greenways versus railway. It is now clear that this needs to be used to reopen the railway line and to have the commuter service along with facilities for park and ride at Tuam, Claremorris and elsewhere to free up the roads and provide a much more pleasant journey for commuters into Galway city than they have at present and also to link up with the Limerick line. I am fully supportive of that project. The Gluas light rail or very light rail for Galway has been mentioned. I know there was a commitment relating to a feasibility study which has indicated that there are possibilities there. I am not sure if that has crossed the Minister's desk yet.”