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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“1, and that has been seconded by Senator Higgins. Both Senators spoke about the Child Maintenance Bill 2026. I am happy to support that and I look forward to the debate on it. From what the Senators said, it is clear that a lot of work has gone into this and a lot of engagement with the women’s caucus. I certainly hope the Government will be able to see its way to supporting that Bill progressing. Senator Duffy has raised the community futures programme in County Mayo, particularly in relation to Brackloon. This is where the county council supports a local community to devise a plan for its own future and submissions are sought in respect of community needs, opportunities and so on. He quite rightly said that these plans cannot just be sitting on a shelf.”
“One had an anti-bark muzzle. Quite rightly, the Senator asked why Greyhound Racing Ireland inspects itself. If it has not already been done, that might be a question that one of his colleagues might be able to put down directly to the Minister in the other House or it could be one for a Commencement debate in this House. The Senator has also called for a Garda animal crime unit. Again, the Senator may wish to put down a Commencement debate on this matter as well. Senator Cosgrove raised the abuse in the Farrell family and the courageous coming forward of those people in seeking and receiving justice. I commend them on what must have been a very difficult life they had and I hope there is now some peace and comfort for them. Senator Ruane proposed an amendment to the Order of Business of the House that No. 12 be taken before No.”
“I will certainly try to arrange a debate on the issue of domestic violence in the coming weeks. Senator Clonan spoke about Chloe Maher, a young woman who had been a sufferer of scoliosis and who has died. He again questioned and raised issues in relation to Children’s Health Ireland. As the Senator knows, a statutory inquiry has been announced. In the last number of weeks, the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, has announced that Remy Farrell is to be an independent facilitator for the scoping exercise that will form the terms of reference for a potential structure of the inquiry. I hope the movement towards the terms of reference will assist in terms of coming to get answers in relation to these particular issues. Senator Andrews commented on a video circulating from Parteen of four greyhounds in deplorable conditions.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions, starting with Senator Clifford-Lee who raised the issue of violence against women on an all-island basis and commented that some 88% of the women killed on the island of Ireland since 2020 were from Northern Ireland. It is a very damning statistic. The Senator also spoke about the need to address the issue of violence against women on an all-island basis, and the reasons behind this. She referred to the need to break the silence and the cycle of violence, and the causes behind it. Senator Sarah O’Reilly also raised the issue of domestic violence and called for statements on this important issue. Both Senators mentioned Natalie McNally, Amy Doherty and others who have lost their lives in these tragic situations.”
“2, whichever is later, and to conclude after 75 minutes if not previously concluded, with the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes each, time can be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than seven minutes to reply to the debate.”
“3, motion re the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) (Scoping Exercise in Response to Requests from Dignity4Patients) Regulations 2026, the Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 51(3)) (Scoping Exercise in Response to Requests from Dignity4Patients) Regulations 2026, the Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) (Children’s Health Ireland Inquiry into Spina Bifida and Complex Scoliosis Services Scoping Exercise) Regulations 2026, and the Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 51(3)) (Children’s Health Ireland Inquiry into Spina Bifida and Complex Scoliosis Services Scoping Exercise) Regulations 2026, to be taken at 7.15 p.m. or on the conclusion of No.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re the proposed approval of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 4(2)) (Scheme Termination Date) Order 2026, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to conclude at 6.15 p.m. if not previously concluded, with the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed 12 minutes each, time can be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than seven minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, the Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 6.30 p.m. or on the conclusion of No. 1, whichever is the later, and to adjourn after 30 minutes if not previously concluded; and No.”
“I am sure all Members here work very early on a Tuesday, from 8 a.m. or whenever else, and there are those of us who have to drive up from rural Ireland. I am quite happy with a 2.30 p.m. start next Tuesday. We take these from week to week; sometimes there is a 2 p.m. start and sometimes there is a 1 p.m. start. This week there was a 1 p.m. start to facilitate the International Protection Bill and we thought we would have a later sitting. I am quite happy to keep this under review but as it stands I propose a 2.30 p.m. start next Tuesday.”
“I will request a debate on the matter of ageing, palliative care and areas around that. I thank all Senators for their contributions.”
“I am not sure if he climbed himself, but he was talking about the inclusive tourist experience for those who are not able, who may have accessibility problems or age or mobility issues. It sounds very interesting and exciting, and a good offering to the community there. Senator Clonan talked about the triple lock and the need for a referendum regarding neutrality. He commended Micheál Martin on his commitment to the rules-based order in his comments in the White House. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy McEntee, on that matter. Senator Mullen commented about the defeat of a Bill on assisted suicide in Scotland by 69 votes to 57. He talked about the need to ensure that supports and care are provided to people who have health issues and maybe have end-of-life issues.”
“I know he was here on 24 February for a Commencement debate on wind energy, but I will request that he comes to the House to talk about roads. It is a serious issue across the country and is not helped by the level of rainfall we have had, not just in the past three months but since last September. We have had some very wet periods of weather. Senator Clifford-Lee raised a number of issues that the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has been dealing with such as MetroLink, the rail expansion and Luas. On the climate side, he has a heavy agenda in terms of meetings overseas as well but I will request that he comes in to talk about roads issues. Senator Duffy talked about the 3D technology virtual experience at the foot of Croagh Patrick.”
“I will request a debate on this matter with the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor. It is an important issue. The Senator mentioned that evidence has been found of increases in drug use on Fridays and Mondays, which would indicate that it is happening during the weekend period. Those statistics provide a certain amount of information for those involved in prevention and in detection. He also commended St. Mary's College in Mullingar on winning the Hogan Cup. Congratulations to the members of the team and their families. Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about the deterioration of roads and called for the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, to come to the House to debate roads funding. She said that he has not been seen much in this House.”
“Senator Cathal Byrne raised the plight of families in Ballyhealy on the Wexford coast where there has been erosion of the coastline. He acknowledged the work of Councillor Frank Staples and called for the direct funding that is required for works at Ballyhealy. I suggest that he should table a Commencement matter to the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Deputy Moran, to see what investment might be available. He mentioned works in Seaview so maybe there could be an extension to those works. Perhaps similar works are needed in Ballyhealy. Senator Scahill raised the finding in a European Drugs Agency report that there has been an increase in ketamine and cocaine in wastewater across Europe and in this country. He spoke about having a discussion on the drugs strategy.”
“She would like to see investment in toilets and accessibility at the forest Park. She has called for statements on the matter. If she puts down a Commencement matter to the Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae, it may be allowed. Senator Nelson Murray referred to Willow Domestic Abuse Services in Navan in highlighting the importance of new refuges and investment in refuge places. I acknowledge that and the €80 million investment into Cuan and refuge services in budget 2026. I know there are ongoing plans to invest this year in new safe homes in Dublin and Louth, in particular, and in a refuge centre in Monaghan. Senator Comyn called for a debate with the Minister for arts on the funding of smaller drama groups. I will request that the Minister come to the House to debate this matter.”
“Senator Andrews welcomed the Cuban ambassador and acknowledged that these are worrying times for the Cuban people. He mentioned that €581 million is to be spent on moving Dublin City Council offices to Camden Yard from Wood Quay. In that context, he raised the maintenance of flat complexes at Pearse House, Oliver Bond flats and Markievicz House. As I understand it, the move to Camden Yard will result in modern energy-efficient civic offices and 300 public homes, and moving from Wood Quay will also allow for in excess of 500 homes on the Wood Quay lands. However, I take the Senator's point on the need to invest in warmer homes and the regeneration of council properties. I will try again to organise a debate on the matter with the Minister for housing. Senator Rabbitte spoke about Coillte's plans for Portumna Forest Park.”
“I agree with Senator Kennelly that it would be a wonderful idea to suggest having a civic reception for Jessie Buckley, possibly in Kerry but wherever she may wish to attend. It would certainly be a fitting tribute for a history maker and someone who will inspire a whole new generation of women and men to get involved in acting. Senator Boyhan acknowledged the work of Tesco Ireland and Bord Bia in opening the door for small Irish businesses to sell into the United Kingdom. There are rising opportunities for new markets. He called for a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Grealish, on the matter of new markets and I will request that. He also acknowledged Ambassador Fraser in the UK and the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, for organising the events in Westminster for St. Patrick's Day.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin commended all those involved in the St. Patrick's Day festival in County Kildare, particularly Newbridge, and around the country. She also mentioned the meeting between the Taoiseach, Deputy Micheál Martin, and President Trump and commended the Taoiseach on his handling of the meeting. She also paid tribute to the late Dolores Keane. May she rest in peace. I extend our sympathies to her family and friends. The Senator also acknowledged Jessie Buckley for winning the best actress award, as well as the drama festivals in Kildare and Rathangan. Senators Kennelly and Comyn also commended Jessie Buckley, the first female Oscar winner from Ireland.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, the International Protection Bill 2026 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 3.45 p.m. and to adjourn at 7.45 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 2, Private Members' business in the names of Fine Gael Senators, the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) (Work Equipment) Bill 2026 - Second Stage, to be taken at 7.45 p.m., with the time allocated to the debate not to exceed two hours.”
“If applications come in now that claim they are not impacting on the traditional rights, will they be adjudicated on by MARA or left in abeyance until such time as this new policy comes into being?”
“I thank the Minister of State and welcome what he has laid out regarding the policy being produced. When this is eventually published it will give guidance to MARA and those applying for licences. In the meantime, I am sure the Minister of State does not want to talk about any individual licence application. If somebody were to apply for licences at the moment, how would they be treated? As I understand it from MARA, no new licences have been granted since March 2014 because of legal concern at the time. The advice of the Attorney General at the time was that those legal concerns related to the granting of foreshore authorisations in a manner that impaired the rights of persons with traditional harvesting rights for that same part of the foreshore.”
“What plans does the Minister of State have to engage with MARA? Does he have powers to direct it in relation to exemptions for seaweed harvesting?”
“Tá MARA ag rá nach bhfuil aon ghá ghníomhaíocht bhreise a dhéanamh ar bhunús an chiorcláin ó MARA má tá méid beag feamainne á bhailiú, ach má tá daoine ag baint agus ag bailiú feamainne le haghaidh úsáid tráchtála nó méid mór le haghaidh úsáid phearsanta, ní mór dóibh iarratas a dhéanamh ar cheadúnas úsáide ó MARA. Tá na rudaí seo fíorthábhachtach. Níl sé soiléir céard atá ag teastáil le bainteoirí feamainne. Tá faitíos orthu ó thaobh na gceart traidisiúnta atá acu agus cén impleacht a bheas ar na hiarratais ó na comhlachtaí móra. Ní mór doibh iarratais a dhéanamh nó ceadúnais a úsaid ó MARA. MARA is charged with responsibility for seaweed rights but there is some confusion at the moment about the rights of the traditional seaweed harvester, particularly those that are not laid down under folios.”
“Dheimhnigh an tArd-Aighne go bhfuil ceadúnas ag teastáil chun feamainn a bhailiú nó a bhaint, cibé acu a bhfuil an chuid den chladach faoi úinéireacht phríobháideach ag daoine a bhfuil cearta eile bainteach le baint feamainne acu nó nach bhfuil aon chearta aige nó aici ar chor ar bith. Dheimhnigh an t-Ard-Aighne freisin go bhfuil tosaíocht ag sealbhóirí cearta atá ann cheana féin thar iarratais nua or ceadúnais. Tá MARA den tuairim nach bhfuil ceadúnas ag teastáil le haghaidh bailiú nó baint méid beag feamainne ar bhonn neamhtráchtála le haghaidh úsáid phearsanta.”
“I also understand that it contacted the Department requesting that it would consider drafting regulations in terms of the low-usage impact of seaweed harvesting and that that would be exempted from the requirements to hold a licence under section 7 of the MAP Act. Seaweed is a valuable commodity and a valuable resource but it also has enshrined in it certain traditional rights. As some people have said, it is treated as being like the field of war. Bhí MARA an-chúramach ina anailís ar an Acht MAP chun cearta na páirtithe go léir a chosaint. D'iarr sé ar chomhairle ón Ard-Aighne.”
“That confirmed that a licence is required to collect or harvest seaweed where the person who privately owns that section of the foreshore holds other traditional seaweed harvesting rights or holds no rights at all. It also confirmed that existing rights holders have priority over new applications for licences and any licence being issued to a new harvester will be on the basis that, should a party with traditional private seaweed rights that can be proven subsequently come forward, the licence to the new harvester will be rescinded. It has also taken the view that the collection and harvesting of small volumes of seaweed on a non-commercial basis for personal or domestic use does not require a licence.”
“First, I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for choosing this Commencement debate. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley. The Foreshore Act 1933, was replaced by the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 as it relates to this matter of seaweed. Schedule 7 to the MAP Act sets out maritime usages in relation to seaweed and the harvesting, distribution or removal of seaweed whether grown or rooted on the seabed or deposited in or washed up thereon by the action of any one or more than one of the following: tides, winds and waves. Therefore, the view of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA, is that the harvesting and collection of seaweed requires a licence from MARA. I understand senior counsel's advice was obtained to ensure it has the correct interpretation of this.”
“I am trying to organise a debate with the Minister and Ministers of State from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to discuss seaweed. It is a wonderful product that has great uses but there is concern on the part of traditional seaweed harvesters about a private company being able to look for and get licences to harvest this resource.”
“Some of them are marked on the folios of landowners, while others are not and are passed down through the generations. Different families know where their seaweed harvesting rights are. When Deputy Kieran O'Donnell was Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, he stated that advice provided by the Office of the Attorney General in 2018 to his Department was that these rights were to respected and that where they apply, a licence under the Foreshore Act 1933 is not required by the holder of that right in order to harvest seaweed, and nor can any other entity be licensed under the Foreshore Act to harvest seaweed in an area where existing formal or informal rights to harvest seaweed already exist.”
“Seaweed is a wonderful natural product that provides vitamins and minerals like iodine. It is used in seaweed baths and cosmetics and as an agri-fertiliser. It is a valuable commodity for coastal communities and has rightly been very much protected and cherished as part of the heritage of coastal communities. Tá imní ar bhainteoirí feamainne agus úinéirí talún i gConamara maidir lena gcuid cearta feamainne mar gheall ar iarratais do chúig shuíomh dhifriúla ón gcomhlacht Arramara. Is táirge nádúrtha í an fheamainn le go leor úsáid, bia, leasachán nó cosmaidí ina measc. Tá cearta feamainne ag cuid de na húinéirí talún marcáilte ar a gcuid folios. Tá cearta eile thar na glúnta. Tá sé seo deimhnithe trí chomhairle ó Oifig an Ard-Aighne. Seaweed rights are rightly protected and cherished.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann: - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Tony McKenna; - conveys its sincere condolences to his family; and - expresses its gratitude for his notable contribution, as a member of Seanad Éireann, to Irish public life and for his dedicated service to the people of Ireland.”
“I am not sure of the specifics of this case but where someone is clearly identifiable and in a state where she has been assaulted or in other cases where a person might be in a state of undress or something like that, the legislation needs to be strengthened.”
“I am sure the Senator will be raising his concerns on Second Stage regarding what additionality could be included in that Bill. Senator Harmon mentioned the "Prime Time" programme that was aired last night. I did not see it but I read about it the day before. There was an anonymous interview and images of a girl in a vulnerable state being circulated. It has become so easy now for images to go viral and it is not good enough. The Senator has written to the Chair of the further and higher education committee regarding policies we can put in place. There has been legislation in relation to revenge porn and things like that.”
“It is quite evident for all to see but is within the law and a change would be needed. If drinks companies are not changing there will have to be a tightening of the law on this. Senator Martin Conway raised a public health issue regarding vaping and welcomed a memo to Cabinet yesterday from the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. I hope to see progress on that issue. I do not have the details of how much work was done in terms of the pre-legislative scrutiny of the health committee on this. Both he and I are former members of that committee but I am not sure what additional work was done on that issue over the past year and what proposals are contained in the memo. I look forward to the Bill being published and debated in these Houses.”
“The Minister for Finance is in charge of VAT but the Minister for Transport would have the input as to whether the reduced VAT rate can be accessed. She may wish to put down a Commencement debate with either Minister to see if we could make progress on that in advance of the next Finance Bill. D'ardaigh an Seanadóir Kelleher an stair maidir le tabac agus an obair reachtaíochta a rinne iar-Rialtais chun an dlí maidir leis a athrú. Tá a fhios ag chuile dhuine an ról atá ag tabac i ndrochshláinte agus fadhbanna sláinte sa tír seo. D'ardaigh an Seanadóir freisin ceist maidir le alcohol sponsorship agus deochanna 0.0. It is a real issue. We know that drinks advertising is banned but if the brand name and 0.0 is put on the drink, that is a way of getting around it.”
“I know there are roles available to the class of 2026 where retirements and promotions have taken place or new service development but they always had certainty and now with the change it seems they are being treated the same as everyone else in the HSE rather than having a distinctive promotion or guarantee of a permanent job. I will request a debate with the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, on the National Ambulance Service. I thank the Senators for raising this important issue. Senator Craughwell welcomed the flight being chartered. He also stated that the troops in Lebanon are professionals and are safe and that if they were in danger they would be removed from harm's way. Senator Sarah O’Reilly has raised the issue of the VAT rate charged on HVO. Perhaps she could table a Commencement matter.”
“We have seen new bases in Galway. I do not have the figures for County Roscommon but clearly there is an issue. To see the level of achievement of the 19-minute target reduce over the winter period is worrying. I will request a debate with the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, on this issue. We have seen investment. Senator McCormack raised the issue of paramedics. I met with the paramedics yesterday and I know they have always had full-time jobs, as I understand it. I will request a debate on this matter as well.”
“Luaigh sé freisin na fadhbanna le hiompar ola tríd an Hormuz Strait agus an ceantar sin agus na himpleachtaí a bheidh aige sin ar thalmhaíocht agus bia. D'iarr an Seanadóir orm díospóireacht a eagrú leis an Aire talmhaíochta. Déanfaidh mé mo dhícheall é sin a eagrú. Senator Scahill, supported by Senator McCormack, raised the National Ambulance Service. This is a vital issue. Representatives of the service attended a meeting of the Joint Committee on Health during the previous term and I was present. We have seen some progress. The western part of the country has the slowest response times because we are the most scattered but we are absolutely no less deserving of care and assistance than any other part of the country. I know in the past there was investment in new bases in the west, in Tuam and Mulranny for example, to try to assist.”
“Senator Boyle called for a debate with Irish Water on a reservoir in a locality where there are up to 600 homes and the reservoir was not built for that. He may wish to put down a Commencement matter with the Minister for housing. It may or may not be accepted under the rules but I know he will continue to engage with Irish Water on the ground. There were similar situations previously whereby we were able to build a new reservoir beside the existing one and double the capacity. By the sounds of it more than that would be needed and there would have to be a significantly larger reservoir built. I am sure Senator Boyle will continue his advocacy with Uisce Éireann on that issue. D'ardaigh an Seanadóir Joe Conway an ghéarchéim sa Mheánoirthear agus cogadh na Stát Aontaithe agus Iosrael in aghaidh na hIaráine.”
“Perhaps Senator Flynn may wish to table a Commencement debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley, on it. She is the Minister involved in childcare and may be able to put pressure on the Minister, Deputy Browne, to develop a scheme for childcare facilities in Donegal and elsewhere. Senator Costello raised the issue of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, DMD, and the fact that proposals were now with the HSE drugs decision-making entity in terms of progressing the availability of a drug that could impact and assist those - mainly boys - who are suffering with DMD. I look forward to engaging with that debate. The Senator may wish to table a Commencement matter in order to receive an update on the progress on that, or any timelines.”
“We have seen some results of this. Of course there is a need to try to elect more women in local politics in particular. I suppose there is an issue there, in that we have a lot of incumbents and until such time as those incumbents retire at local level, there is not always an opportunity for women to get elected. All parties are trying to encourage more women, and rightly so, in this regard. Senator Flynn raised the issue of 100% redress and how it was forgetting the necessity to support our crèches and childcare facilities. She stated that there were 25 buildings in Donegal that did not have remediation plans. I am not sure whether they are all privately or publicly owned, and maybe they may be a mixture. I will request a debate on the issue.”
“As I understand it, this is a UEFA-organised tournament and it has sanctioned it. I do not believe there is any evidence of the FAI being pressurised by the Government. I have not seen it. However, this is something Senator Andrews could raise in a Commencement debate with the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan. Senator Stephenson, due to her unavailability later on for statements on International Women's Day, listed a number of statistics and issues of concern regarding women's rights and women's healthcare. I look forward to the debate later on. There is always more that can be done and I know legislation was passed by the former Minister, Phil Hogan, on gender quotas linked to financial penalties on parties as a way to encourage, or perhaps should I say "force", parties to put more women on Dáil election tickets.”
“It is important to acknowledge that there are situations where there are no places or a lack of places in certain communities. There is a need for this public investment. I welcome it. Senator McCarthy raised an initiative between Tiglin and the Simon Community with Safetynet Primary Care. It is a wonderful initiative with regard to assisting those who are homeless or living on the margins and delivering medical interventions. I welcome the important work that he has highlighted today. Senator Andrews requested a debate with the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, in the House regarding the Israeli football match and called for visitors and guests to be security screened at the game if it goes ahead. He declared that he wished it not to go ahead. He acknowledged the views of the FAI and congress.”
“We have heard from consumers and it is important to call out what I called yesterday war profiteering and price gouging. Loyal customers paid their bills over the winter period for kerosene and are now being hit with unjustifiable increases. The CCPC is looking into this. Senator O'Loughlin acknowledged Special Olympics Ireland, the thousands of volunteers and the launch this Thursday of the games, which will take place from 18 to 21 June in Dublin. She also wished Newbridge well in its autism-friendly town initiative and there is a meeting there tonight. Senator Kennelly acknowledged the investment in terms of access to childcare places, particularly for children aged one to three years, in the early learning sector, the building blocks programme and the initial roll-out of investment to eight buildings.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis na Seanadóirí go léir as ucht a gcuid tuairimí agus moltaí ar maidin. Senator O'Loughlin, supported by Senator Craughwell, raised the situation in the Middle East regarding the charter flights and acknowledged the work of the Government, including the Minister, Deputy McEntee, on this. I certainly hope it will be the first of many such charter flights to bring vulnerable people out of possible harm's way. Senator O'Loughlin also raised the issue of price gouging at the pumps, as did Senator Brady and others. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, CCPC, has been contacted by the Minister, Deputy Burke, and by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste. We can all see with our own eyes what is happening.”
“57, motion 1, Private Members' Business, motion on the implementation of the accelerating infrastructure action plan, in the name of Fianna Fáil Senators, to be taken at 7.15 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“4, statements to mark International Women’s Day, to be taken at 4.30 p.m. and to conclude at 6 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 eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 5, statements on special needs assistants, to be taken at 6 p.m. and to conclude at 7.15 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than seven minutes to reply to the debate; and No.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 12.45 p.m.; No. 2, Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1 and to adjourn at 3.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 3, Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Second Stage, to be taken at 3.30 p.m. and to adjourn 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 eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No.”
“Some of it is obviously cross-departmental but as regards housing it would be a matter for the Minister, Deputy Browne, and in relation to play facilities it would be for the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan. I know the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, was visiting part of the inner city a number of weeks ago. Demand for additional facilities is an ongoing issue.”
“If there are more grounds at Bessborough, then the zoning of that should be looked at. That will be a matter for the councillors in that area. However, as I said, there are a number of objections going into that. It will be for An Coimisiún Pleanála to decide on that. Senator Andrews had Ava and Harris in and talked of the concerns in relation to some of the flat complexes, as he has done on numerous occasions and stated that residents of the inner city deserve more facilities and more initiatives related to road safety and that so much is lacking within the inner city areas. I will request a debate on our capital city. I will request a debate on that matter and will see whether the Minister, Deputy Browne, will come in on that matter.”
“The Senator and I, as well as the Cathaoirleach and Senator Maria Byrne made presentations to the task force some months ago and had questions and answers on the matters after it. I look forward to the key recommendations and more importantly, to the Government's response and the implementation of those key recommendations. I will request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, in due course once, when he has initially received and digested that report. Senator Harmon, supported by Senator Higgins, has raised the issue of the Bessborough decision. I heard an interview on RTÉ last Thursday when driving home. I am not privy to the details of that. I am not privy initially to the zoning of that land. Was it zoned residential or was there a debate on that?”