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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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 30 of 31.
“I know there will be a passing loop at Oranmore station, but we need to consider doubling the track into the city and from Athenry into Oranmore to allow for commuter rail and to allow for the possible creation of commuter rail stations at various locations between Oranmore and the city. It would complement the existing services from Limerick and Ennis into Galway city. The motion mentions the reinstatement of the western rail corridor, of which I am a big supporter. I acknowledge the work of West on Track over the years in supporting work on the western rail corridor. It is fair to say there is now a strong commitment to the reopening of the track from Athenry to Claremorris and the protection of the line on to Sligo. We need to see actual works on that. We have seen the investment in Foynes and the physical work that has taken place.”
“The Minister is welcome. I thank my colleagues in Fianna Fáil for tabling this Private Members' motion this afternoon on the very important area of transport. It is clear that there has been considerable investment over the years and the decades but many more projects need to be brought to fruition. It is important that we see progress not only on delivery but also in terms of the planning. For those that have not been delivered, there needs to be at least a route and a plan towards their delivery. The Minister mentioned the welcome investment in Ceannt station, Galway, which will be a game changer in the delivery of improved rail services for the city and the region. Hopefully it can allow for the expansion of the use of rail, including the commuter services from Oranmore into Galway city.”
“For future events, if they can look at bringing back recently retired staff who are able to go out, as the ESB staff were, it would be positive to have boots on the ground responding to the challenges and getting people reconnected as soon as possible. I commend the Minister and I hope he can take up some of those issues.”
“We cannot prevent storms but we can ensure our response is as good as it can be. One would also be concerned with the trees that did not fall. Many of those trees will be now weakened by the back and forth and swaying of severe storms. They could fall more easily in the next storm, even if it is not as severe. There are many ongoing issues. It was a great relief to all of us who suffered power outages for the power to come back. It was very difficult for those who were waiting for ten or 11 days, particularly if they were also out of water. Some of the agencies can do better, such as Uisce Éireann and Eir. They need to look at their staffing levels on the ground in terms of maintenance and response.”
“Given that full commercial forests were felled, whether they be private or Coillte forests, it will have a huge impact on the raw material that is so badly needed for the construction sector in the future as well as profits. There was a timeline to harvest that timber to ensure it is of use going forward. I think the State did well but more could be done for the future. It is important that we learn lessons that would ensure we have a more co-ordinated response and preventative actions are put in place to keep our power lines clear. Perhaps they were better in the past, and maybe for a period of time after this storm there will be an amount of work done and then they will be forgotten about again. That is a danger. There needs to be an ongoing review and ongoing maintenance to keep the lines clear.”
“They were not there quick enough in terms of the immediate response. In that case, you would need to be able to identify hubs for future events that would have generator backup that could be up and running the next morning if a storm happened that night. Then you would have the facilities, the ability to be in a warm place, phone charging facilities, the ability to make a cup of tea, a shower facility and all that goes with that. It is important those will be put in place as well. The forestry industry suffered severe damage and knock-on losses because of the storm. We need to look at the implications so we do not have a repeat and also look at possible help for forests to regrow.”
“There has to be a more co-ordinated approach between ESB, Eir and local authorities to ensure the roadside hedges are trimmed, roadside tees are cut back where they are impacting and there is considerable leeway left in forests as well. In new forestry plantations, there is a sufficient margin - I think it is a sufficient margin but maybe it is not. However, certainly in older lines, it is clear there is not. The local authorities had a co-ordinating role and they were involved in the establishment of the hubs or, as Senator O’Loughlin said, perhaps the communities initiated those first and the councils followed on. But look, everybody is learning from these things. Hubs could only be put in place in some places, if they did not have generators, when the electricity came back.”
“Eir did not do that, as far as I understand - certainly in my area. There is a small number of staff dealing with big geographical areas. Even before the storm, it was evident on the sides of roads. In many parts of my area, there were cables falling on the ground, trailing on the ground and tied into trees to keep them away from the road. The basic infrastructure that Telecom Éireann would have been able to look after back in its day is not being looked after to the same degree. It is no fault of the people on the ground because it is clear there are not enough of them; they are operating in a wide geographical area. We hear reports that some 1 million trees have fallen between power and telecom lines, which will obviously have an impact.”
“Whether it be pumping stations or treatment plants, they were not ready for these power outages. The lack of generator capacity in the facility to seamlessly switch seemed to be present in many cases. We cannot have a situation where homes are left without water and electricity for prolonged periods. One of them is bad enough; to have two at the same time was very troubling for families, particularly larger families, who have higher water demands. However many days we are on since the storm, we still have complaints about phone outages and broadband outages across the country. Eir is doing the best it can as broadband providers. It is clear there are staffing issues within Eir. It was not ordered or not in a capacity to rehire recently retired staff to deal with the aftermath of the storm like the ESB was able to.”
“The impact of fallen trees both on general lines and those through forests is a problem that needs to be addressed. That can be done with physical work to ensure that trees close to power lines are removed. There is no easy way to do that, unfortunately. We also have to look at the actual infrastructure in terms of the physical poles and pylons around the country. Unfortunately, there are poles that were weak, aged and shattered easily, not just in this storm but also in a previous storm we had before Christmas in Connemara, where snow on top of power lines caused poles to snap. The storm also exposed issues with the water network. It is clear there was not the capacity to change over from electricity to generators in many plants. Even if they had generators, they did not have the capacity to switch over quickly and easily.”
“I know from experience the level of work done in my own local community as well as in other communities. Great credit is due to the emergency services and local authorities, who showed their value in terms of preparedness. Crises bring out the best in bodies and it is important to acknowledge that, and in communities as well. I pay tribute to the ESB. It had a very tough job. It was getting very frustrating at the end for people who had gone past day four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten, in some cases. It had an amount of work to do to clear away fallen trees and, in some cases, fallen forests over power lines. I also acknowledge the work of international crews who came in, as Irish crews have gone abroad in times of crisis to other European countries. It is important to note that the storm exposed weaknesses in our power network.”
“Some people would be doing foolish things such as testing their strength against the wind and perhaps be out trying save roofs, sheds, different bits and pieces, and things like that. Thankfully, it happened in the middle of the night. The aftermath pushed all services to the pin of their collar and it is worth reviewing, not in a critical way but in a preparative way, for the next storm. It would be safe to assume that, with climate change, the weather and our storms are getting worse. Therefore, we have to be able to learn lessons and be better prepared for the next storm. I acknowledge the work of local communities and of farmers, landowners, homeowners and neighbours who cleared roads and cut trees where they were able and where it was safe to do so immediately the next morning.”
“I welcome the Minister and congratulate him on his promotion to his new role. Storm Éowyn brought some of the most severe winds we have ever experienced since records began, with speeds of 184 km/h recorded at Mace Head and Carna in County Galway. At that point, the recording equipment stopped and lost power. Thankfully – if there is something to be thankful for – the storm happened at night when the majority of people were in bed. I join the Minister in the commiseration expressed to the family of Kacper Dudek, the young man who lost his life tragically in County Donegal, who was coming from work at 5.30 a.m. Were the storm to have happened at this time of the day, people would be out and about.”
“I move: That, in pursuance of Standing Order No. 109 of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the following members be appointed to the Committee of Selection: Senators Garret Ahearn, Victor Boyhan, Pat Casey, Paul Daly, Seán Kyne, Maria McCormack, Fiona O’Loughlin, Joe O’Reilly, Lynn Ruane, Patricia Stephenson.”
“I move: That, in pursuance of Standing Order No. 110 of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the following members be appointed to the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight: Senators Garret Ahearn, Pat Casey, Paul Daly, Laura Harmon, Alice-Mary Higgins, Maria McCormack, Michael McDowell, Fiona O’Loughlin, Joe O’Reilly.”
“There will be an opportunity then and hopefully some men will turn up as well, if we are allowed in on that occasion, although I am sure we will be. I have addressed Senator Conway. Senator Boyhan talked about the Planning and Development Act and asked specific questions about implementation and getting a hard copy of this Act. I will try to get information on those matters for him. Senator Duffy raised the very difficult case of young Mike Henry. My heart goes out to his family. I am not qualified to give an opinion on a specific medical case. I suggest Senator Duffy raise it directly with Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, to see what can be done. I can only imagine the heartbreak of parents in how to look after young Mike Henry, and I certainly hope progress can be made on this matter soon.”
“The previous Government introduced the basic income for artists. It is important that is continued. It is being looked at. It was brought in as a pilot and it is being reviewed. It is important that is maintained and continued. Regarding funding of the Arts Council, it has responsibility on how it spends the funding. It chose to spend €6 million in that manner. I am sure it was not its intention and that it got out of hand. Clearly, responsibility lies with it. We will have the Minister, Deputy O’Donovan, here at some stage to speak on the Arts Council. Senator Flynn requested a debate on women's health. There will be a debate next week. The Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, will be in to talk on women's health to mark International Women's Day.”
“I will ask the Minister to come in as part of an overall discussion on housing. Senator Ryan talked about the local authority purchase and renovation loan and called for the Minister to come into the House. I will mention that as well. Senator Lynch talked about the status of a building identified for Youthreach in Macroom. I know the Senator put down a Commencement matter. Maybe she could put one down again because it is the quickest way to get a direct response on a specific issue within her area. Senator Noonan made an important contribution regarding the COP16 biodiversity talks and called for a debate on biodiversity. I will ask Minister of State, Deputy O’Sullivan, to come in and speak on that. Senator Harmon talked about her concern for artists and that they may suffer because of issues in the Arts Council and the overspending.”
“I agree that if something could be done internationally on debt forgiveness, it would make a huge difference. I will ask the Minister to come into the House at some stage on that matter, or Senator Stephenson could put it down as a Commencement matter. Senator Boyle raised a specific issue in the village of Fahan. It might be an idea to raise this directly with the local authority. I am unsure whether he is talking about national, regional or council roads. Clearly, there is a need for a comprehensive plan. It might be best to raise that directly with the directors of services in Donegal County Council in the first instance. Senator Black called for a debate on the defective concrete blocks grant. There is a scheme there, which is working in some case, but clearly there is a lot more that needs to be done.”
“We will get the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, in at the earliest opportunity but if the Senator wants a specific reply on that matter, it might be an idea to put down a Commencement matter on it. Senator Tully asked about a school extension. Again, it might be in order to put down a Commencement matter. I will also try to raise the matter directly with the Minister. Senator Stephenson talked about overseas aid, debt funding and debt forgiveness, and it would be great if it were possible across the world. She is right that it does put a significant burden on countries' ability to use their own resources. Therefore, they become more reliant on overseas aid, which has been cut by the United States and by certain other governments from time to time.”
“It is a shame to see those stone walls being flattened by storms. As was said, there may be elderly farmers who may not be in a position to restore them. I will discuss that with the Minister, Deputy Martin Heydon, and see if he and the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, can come up with something on that. Senator Keogan called for a debate on housing and how it relates to immigration and migration. I will seek a debate on that matter at the earliest opportunity. Senator Kennelly raised the issue of flooding along the River Feale last November and its significant impact on the town of Listowel and other areas. I ask the Senator to put down a Commencement matter to get a direct response.”
“The Clean Industry Deal looked at three challenges: climate change, competitiveness and the dependency on critical raw materiels. It is an issue in the EU and I know it is dealing with it. Perhaps we will get an opportunity to deal with matters of climate change over the coming weeks as well. Senator Rabbitte talked about safe routes to school and active travel. She rightly stated that certain minority groups and vulnerable people should have rights as well in relation to day care centres or respite houses. I totally agree. I will raise that with the Minister. Senator Murphy, supported by Senator Malcolm Noonan, raised the matters of built heritage and stone walls. Galway, Clare, Mayo and Roscommon are synonymous with stone walls. They are a wonderful part of our heritage, going back hundreds of years.”
“Nuair nach raibh an Tionól sa Tuaisceart ag feidhmiú thar na blianta, bhí fadhb ansin. Tá fadhb eile ann anois, áfach, mar gheall ar an mbac atá an DUP ag cur ar an maoiniú seo. Níl sé féaráilte do mhuintir na Gaeltachta. Tá an t-airgead anseo ag an Rialtas chun caitheamh ar son na Gaeilge agus ar son grúpaí áitiúla. Ba cheart go mbeadh muid in ann an t-airgead sin a chaitheamh. Beidh deis ag Seanadóirí é seo a lua leis an Aire, an Teachta Calleary, a bheidh sa Teach an tseachtain seo chugainn maidir le ráitis do Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Senator Alice-Mary Higgins talked about climate matters and the ten hottest years on the record over the last ten years. She talked about her concern about the downgrading of the EU's role in climate issues.”
“We will try to get a debate on the issue. Senator Craughwell again raised the issue of search and rescue. I will try to arrange for a Minister to come to the House on that issue. Senator Conor Murphy talked about the great funding being provided under the shared island fund and cross-Border initiatives. He talked about branding, collaboration and amalgamation in respect of North-South tourism products. Perhaps the North-South Ministerial Council could have a role and I will raise the matter with the Ministers in question. Luaigh an Seanadóir Cosgrove rudaí maidir le maoiniú Fhoras na Gaeilge agus d’aontaigh an Seanadóir Conway léi freisin. Mar iarAire Stáit na Gaeltachta, tá na fadhbanna atá ann leis na blianta anuas maidir le maoiniú Fhoras na Gaeilge ar eolas agam.”
“I know that the supports they get from the Department of agriculture, as well as some of the local authorities, have increased in recent years. Senator Brady raised the issue of TB, which I know is a scourge on farm communities and causes great upset in the many cases where a large number of animals have to be culled from a herd because of positive testing. The Senator raised issues and sought some information. Perhaps he could ask a Deputy to submit a parliamentary question in respect of the figures. Otherwise he could raise the matter with the Cathaoirleach as a Commencement debate. I will certainly discuss the matter with the Minister for agriculture. I know it is a serious issue. Senators Craughwell and Higgins raised the issue of the triple lock. They have a difference of opinion on the issue, which is right and healthy.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin raised the matters of roads funding and bridge rehabilitation works. She asked for more specific funding for bridges. She will have an opportunity to raise the issue with the Minister. I will try to organise a debate on roads funding at some stage. The Senator also raised the issue of agri-climate rural environment scheme, ACRES, payments, which has been ongoing for a number of years. Delayed payments have created challenges for farmers who expect payments that do not come. I will raise the matter with the Minister, Deputy Heydon. The Senator also asked for a debate on issues pertaining to animal welfare. She mentioned the great work done by the My Lovely Horse charity. I commend all the animal charities.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re appointment of members to the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion re appointment of members to the Committee of Selection, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, statements on the response to Storm Éowyn, to be taken at 1.30 p.m. and to brought to a conclusion at 3.30 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 and 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; and Private Members' business No. 12.”
“I will request that the Minister of State come in to speak on issues such as therapies and assessment of needs. Senator Gallagher talked about the lack of prison spaces and the expansion of the community service programme. He might raise this as a Commencement matter or he can put it to the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, who will be in the Chamber shortly to discuss related matters. Senator Higgins spoke about former Senator Lynn Boylan being deported from Israel. On the front of every Irish passport is a message from the Minister for Foreign Affairs asking that the bearer of the passport be afforded the right to travel, etc. Israel is a sovereign country that shall determine its own immigration policies. At the same time, Lynn Boylan is an elected representative of this country and an Irish citizen.”
“I will draw his attention to the two issues she raised, of which I was not aware. It is important we have free speech and that a publicly funded space is available for all sides. That is a fair assessment of the issues. I certainly will draw the Minister's attention to them. Senator Murphy O'Mahony requested a debate on disability issues. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, to come to the House. A number of Senators have asked in recent weeks for a debate on the challenges for families and the pressures they are under. People come to our offices on behalf of their loved ones, whether small children or adult children, because they are worried about their future. Those children could be in their 50s or 60s. It is a real issue.”
“Fianna Fáil will put forward a motion on transport during Private Members' business tomorrow, which might provide an opportunity for the Senator to raise that matter with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. If not, the Senator can put it forward as a Commencement matter. Senator Comyn spoke about a second railway station for Drogheda. Again, she might make that case tomorrow during the Private Members' business motion put forward by her party. If not, she might consider raising it on the Commencement debate. Drogheda is one of Ireland's largest towns and many people have advocated for it to have city status. I am sure the Senator will continue that fight, as well as for its inclusion under the fairer fares scheme, in the House. Senator Keogan requested that the Minister for the arts come to the House.”
“There may be a case for reviewing that and certainly for upping the figures, and I know the Tánaiste has mentioned that, but I cannot comment as to who or at what level that Government source was. Senator Casey would have to ask the author of the article. Senator Flaherty requested that the Minister for housing come to the House to discuss positive numbers in regard to the Croí Cónaithe scheme. He called for a debate on housing as soon as possible in order that the Minister, Deputy Browne, can give an update on his priorities as a new Minister, taking on board, of course, the programme for Government. Senator Cathal Byrne raised a specific issue regarding bus services in Enniscorthy and called for a designated town service.”
“Senator Pat Casey spoke about a newspaper article written by Fionnán Sheahan in which "a government source" is reported. I am not sure who the Government source is. The Senator would have to ask the author who that Government source was. I do not believe it was any senior Minister who said that. National policy, as Senator Duffy talked about, as well as the figures and the OPR, determines the levels and amount of land that can be zoned. In the past, there were concerns of overzoning of land. That was changed and tightened up by previous governments. The Office of the Planning Regulator has a role now, together with the national planning framework, which determines the total number of homes that are allowed within different parts of the country. That is broken down then to the local area plans.”
“I will ask for a debate with the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, on this matter. I know he recently met with Eir and broadband operators to discuss the issues and their plans for the future. It is certainly a very important issue. Senators Manus Boyle and Noel O'Donovan raised issues of flooding. Flooding can be so traumatic for communities. They feel helpless. The power of water, whether it be in a town or elsewhere, coming down at them is very difficult and traumatic. On the specific issues, if the Senators want to put down a Commencement matter on specific updates on their local towns, whether it be Killybegs or Ballinascarty, they could do that. We will request an overall debate with the Minister of State, Kevin Boxer Moran, as well regarding flooding and Government responses to it.”
“I am not sure exactly when a Bill would be brought to Cabinet on this but I will certainly ask the Minister. The Senator suggested increasing the minimum number that could be deployed as an alternative or as a possibility. I will certainly raise that. Senators Ollie Crowe and Sarah O'Reilly talked about broadband access. This is a hot topic across the country. In Galway County Council yesterday, the issue that arose among councillors was broadband access following Storm Éowyn. We will have an opportunity tomorrow to discuss the fallout of Storm Éowyn and to look to the future. The Minister, James Browne, as I understand, will be in tomorrow. I understand that responsibility for communications will transfer from one Department to the Department of the Minister, Patrick O'Donovan, in the near future.”
“The Office of the Planning Regulator was set up for a specific reason in the context of previous planning tribunals, but I know the question has been raised on numerous occasions as to whether it is in tune with what is needed in terms of our local area plans and the zoning of land. Senator Craughwell talked about experts on defence, and he has pedigree as one, as do Senator Clonan and others. Senator Craughwell talked about the triple lock and neutrality, as did Senators Clonan and Higgins. The Minister and the Government are examining options and proposals. Some would say time and world events have overtaken the triple lock; I know Senator Craughwell would disagree respectfully. I will ask the Minister to come in at the earliest opportunity to discuss these things.”
“I hope the sun shines, there is a good crowd and people appreciate their local community, whether it be in Tallaght or elsewhere. Senator Mark Duffy spoke about the challenges of the housing crisis in Mayo. That is replicated across the country. He made very important points about the county development plans, local area plans, the Office of the Planning Regulator, the Minister and zoning decisions being overruled. As I understand, the Senator has put down a Commencement matter. I urge him to continue to put down that Commencement matter - maybe the Cathaoirleach's office might look favourably on it - and to raise the matter directly with the Minister. It is a specific issue as regards the Ballina town plan but it is replicated in other areas. I have come across it in Galway and other areas.”
“I will raise the matter with the Tánaiste and leader of our party. I am not sure when the committees will be established. There have been a number of calls relating to disability, drugs and Traveller rights. I will ask for the Senator's request to be included. I commend her work on the issue, as well as that of former Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, who did a lot of work as Vice Chair of the committee, and all of the members who participated. Senator Costello spoke about the Tallaght parade returning, and I wish all involved well in their endeavours on St. Patrick's Day. It is important the work of volunteers, sports clubs, local authorities and everyone involved in the St. Patrick's Day parade in the community is acknowledged.”
“Senator Joe O'Reilly spoke about the importance of the St. Patrick's Day visits to showcase all that is positive. He asked that the Minister of State, Neale Richmond, who has responsibility for the diaspora and international development, comes to the House. I will try to arrange that debate. It is an important issue in the run-up to St. Patrick's Day. Senator Malcolm Noonan spoke about craft practitioners. I am not fully aware of the issue at stake. Perhaps he could request a Commencement debate on the topic. I will raise the issue with the Minister, Peter Burke. Senator Eileen Flynn spoke about the recognition of Travellers as an ethnic minority. Legislation to that effect was passed by the Houses in 2017. She called for the continuation of the special committee on Travellers and Travellers' rights.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions today. Senators O'Loughlin and McCarthy spoke about the Ukraine war. We will have a minute's silence tomorrow after the Order of Business to mark the third anniversary of the war. I urge Members to be in attendance. I will bring forward the larger point on a debate with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and for Defence on what is an important issue. The €6 million in funding for the just transition was mentioned. I believe Kildare did quite well out of that funding, with some €1.9 million in total. The aim of that funding is to rebalance employment opportunities. A debate on eating disorders was also sought, and I will ask for that in the future. It is possibly linked to mental health issues and is a real issue for many people who are suffering.”
“The Order of Business is No.1, statements on community safety, to be taken at 5.15 p.m., with time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not exceeding ten minutes, group spokespersons not exceeding ten minutes and all Senators not exceeding five minutes. Time may be shared and the Minister is to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“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, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, up to six Commencement matters may be selected by the Cathaoirleach for discussion on each day the Seanad sits up to and including 6th March, 2025.””
“All those experiences have moulded Maria into the caring and compassionate colleague and person who she is today. Coming from a business and hospitality background, Maria has experience across a number of briefs in the Seanad. She served as our party's spokesperson on education and skills and finance. The skills and knowledge gained over these years will stand her in good stead as Leas-Chathaoirleach. Above all, Maria is a Senator who has the respect and good regard of our colleagues across the Chamber. She is approachable, a good listener, very fair and balanced and has all the qualities, attributes and skills to make an exceptional Leas-Chathaoirleach. I am delighted to propose Maria Byrne to be Leas-Chathaoirleach.”
“I move: "That Senator Maria Byrne be elected Leas-Cathaoirleach." It gives me great privilege to propose the name of my good friend and colleague Senator Maria Byrne for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach. I would like to acknowledge Senator Byrne's mum, Helen, who is watching online, and give a special mention to her aunt and uncle, Teresa and Paul, who are also watching in. Maria has long political experience. She is a former member of Limerick City Council, to which she was first elected in 1999. She served as mayor of the treaty city from 2010 to 2011. She is an experienced Senator and is in her second full term. She also won a by-election in the previous Seanad. As a result, she is used to the ups and downs of political life.”
“They are found in many different places within our communities, including community centres, public buildings and, in certain parts of the country, old telephone boxes. They are very important. The Senator raised an important question as to who looks after defibrillators once they are in place in the context maintenance, checking warranties and ensuring that they are functioning. I am not sure where to go with that matter, but I will certainly follow up with the Minister for Health to see who has direct responsibility. The Senator also referred to the ongoing issue of telephone outages that are impacting on so many people's lives and to the various broadband and Internet outages that resulted from the recent storms. Again, we will have an opportunity next week to talk about issues pertaining to Storm Éowyn.”
“Senator Scahill talked about the Courts Service and Roscommon courthouse. Again, this is a very important issue locally in Roscommon. I ask the Senator to submit a Commencement matter in order to get a more direct response from the Minister for Justice. Senator McCarthy referred to the very regrettable case of an arson attack. I am sure that matter is under investigation by the Garda, so I do not want to say anything further. However, I did read about what happened. I agree with the Senator about the value of the horse racing industry to this country, both in the context of direct employment and its importance to the rural economy. Senator Brady touched on a very important issue relating to defibrillators of which I was not aware. We know the importance of defibrillators as lifesaving pieces of equipment.”
“There is the MC1t form that consultants can issue. It can be expedited for those with a prognosis of less than 24 months, although that may not work in all cases. If there are specific cases, the Senator can bring them to the Minister’s attention or raise them in the House on a Commencement debate. Similar to Senator Ruane, Senator Clonan raised the issue of an important Oireachtas joint committee, namely, the Joint Committee on Disability Matters. I agree about the maintenance of that committee. We normally have our parliamentary party meeting on a Wednesday evening but we had it yesterday evening instead, so I will raise the issue directly with the Tánaiste again. Similar to the committee on drugs, I see absolutely no reason why this committee would not continue because it does vital and important work.”
“If there was a loss of gas supply, it would affect many parts of the country, so we always have to be conscious of energy security. I will try to arrange a debate on the topic of energy security. Senator Stephenson referred to the lifting of the triple lock. Any proposals would come before this House for debate. I will try to get the Minister to come to the House to discuss defence matters, and I am sure the Senator can raise those issues then. Obviously, plans or suggestions to lift the triple lock are based on foreign powers having a veto on Irish defence policy by virtue of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. That is the reasoning behind it, as the Senator knows. Senator Maria Byrne raised an issue that she has raised previously regarding terminal diagnoses and the issuing of medical cards.”
“ACRES is one of the schemes that have caused problems in recent years, in some cases giving money to farmers and then taking it back again. What is worse than not giving something to people is giving it to them and then taking it back. Unfortunately, a number of farmers were caught in that way. There are delays in payments. We have heard the excuses regarding IT systems since before Christmas so it is time for those issues to be sorted out. I will certainly raise this with the Minister, Martin Heydon. Senator Kennelly raised the Shannon LNG project. The Government is examining the issues pertaining to it. I understand a preliminary analysis by the Government shows that floating storage would be the most appropriate approach to the supply of gas. We are at the end of a pipeline. We saw in recent weeks what a loss of electricity could do.”
“Ivan has been very efficient in his role in the Seanad. Senator McDowell also spoke about an all-party motion on Ukraine. Different groups are being set up with their leaders and whips. Over that period of time, as groups meet to talk about schedules and so on, there will be an opportunity for a debate on that topic. I agree with the Senator regarding the unbelievable sentiments that were expressed yesterday by President Trump blaming the Ukrainians for starting the war, which is hard to fathom. Senator Cathal Byrne raised the issues of disability and speech and language therapists, in particular, three vacant posts in New Ross. It might be an idea for him to table a Commencement matter to get an update on those posts. We will arrange a debate on disability as soon as possible. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the issue of ACRES payments.”