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 4 of 31.
“She raised a specific issue in relation to an individual who is coming from abroad with the tools he purchased while abroad and who got a customs bill of some €2,000. She might raise that directly with the Minister for Finance. Customs laws are there so I suggest that nothing can probably be done retrospectively. If it is within the law going forward, perhaps amendments could be made to the Finance Bill if she were to engage on this matter or ask her colleagues in the Oireachtas committee on finance as well. Senator Boyhan raised the local government task force. A report will be presented officially to the Minister tomorrow. He commended AILG, LAMA, the CCMA, as well as NOAC, and called for a debate on the key recommendations. It is in all our interests. I know many of us contributed to that.”
“Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised energy credits and the cost of energy and heating. As she knows, a number of measures were put in place in the most recent budget in relation to fuel allowance and the reduced VAT rate for energy credits. These are things that always have to be kept under review as we prepare for the next budget. Thankfully, we are coming out of this winter. There are still maybe six to eight weeks left and while today is a sunny day, we have to recognise it is still cold and these are real issues. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has been doing a lot in getting advice on the best approach to take to target those who are in need of support on this issue. As a member of the committee on further and higher education, Senator Tully raised the issue of apprenticeships and how to encourage apprentices not to go abroad.”
“It is taking advantage of customers, homeowners, households, the transport sector - the Senator mentioned buses - including cars, the HGV fleet and all of that. It is wrong and not justifiable. The Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, has written to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, CCPC, in relation to this. Hopefully, it can intervene and look into this. Retailers are possibly fleecing loyal customers, who have paid their bills over the winter period for kerosene. To treat them in this fashion is just not right. Such retailers have to be called out. As I said, the CCPC is looking into that on instruction of the Minister. The Taoiseach also met the commission yesterday. It is a very important issue. Price gouging is totally not justifiable in any fashion.”
“We have the cross-channel Celtic interconnector, which will provide some energy security as well, but real decisions have to be made, as our economy and population continue to grow, on where we are going regarding energy security and independence. Senator Flaherty raised Horse Sport Ireland and issues regarding price increases there. He has asked for the Minister, Deputy Heydon, to directly intervene. I will ask the Senator to put down a Commencement debate on that matter because it is quite specific. If it is selected, I am sure the Minister will provide an adequate response and perhaps attend himself. Senator Duffy raised the deplorable jacking up of prices of home heating kerosene, and at our petrol pumps, in light of the present conflict in the Middle East. This is totally unjustifiable and absolutely wrong.”
“I have listened to Senators over the last year on a range of projects, when they were generally against wind farms, solar farms, battery storage facilities and onshore or offshore wind. There is a real issue in relation to energy independence. The Senator mentioned offshore drilling. Some years ago, I was Minister with responsibility in that area. We granted licences but a Government decision was made then to stop future exploration on foot of the issue of climate challenge and keep it in the ground. Even if there were licences, either for that or for mining, there is always a campaign against those as well. That is understandable. It is understandable in any community. None of this is easy in terms of energy independence.”
“If the Senator wishes to put down a Commencement debate with the Minister for Transport to see whether there would be a national fund, it would be a worthwhile suggestion to engage with the Department of Transport on that matter. I will request a debate with the Minister for Transport on the overall issue of roads and roads funding. That might be an issue the Senator could raise at that stage. Senator Keogan, as well as raising the issue of Iran, raised energy security and independence. She talked of the carbon tax. The moneys raised by the carbon tax go to quite specific projects, including supplementary welfare, the ACRE scheme for farmers and the retrofitting of homes. In budget 2026, €1.14 billion was allocated to uses of the carbon tax. I will request a debate on energy security.”
“These awards are a great recognition of the work done by individual companies in his county. The Senator raised a valid point regarding road signs, including directional signs, speed signs and their maintenance and upkeep. Ultimately, this is a matter for local authorities. The Senator is right in that there are signs all over the country, as opposed to just in Roscommon, that are twisted, facing the wrong way, sideways, bent over or not visible. As I said, road safety is ultimately a matter for the local authority, as is ensuring visibility of directional signs, road signs, slow down signs and in particular, school crossings and flashing lights.”
“I am not exactly sure whether the application has been made to the local authority or the Department of sport. The Senator may wish to table a Commencement matter. The sports capital grant scheme is opening again. However, the Senator may perhaps be looking for something separate from that process, particularly as, I presume, it will be the end of this year or the beginning of next before that process is completed and the awards made. As a result, she may wish to table a specific Commencement matter to which the Minister for sport can reply. Senator Scahill referred to the successful attendees at enterprise week in Roscommon. I certainly wish them well at the national awards. The Senator is a strong advocate not only for Roscommon but also for enterprise.”
“The Senator mentioned a specific issue concerning St. Bernard's therapeutic centre in Fethard and the removal of specialised supports for foster carers and children. The centre was previously downgraded in 2021, but now consideration is being given to moving it to north Cork. It is quite a specific issue, so the Senator might table a Commencement matter in order to get a more complete response from the Minister, Deputy Foley. It is an important issue. Senator Stephenson referred to civil legal aid, the Legal Aid Board and the proper resources. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan. The Senator may wish to table a Commencement matter in order to get an earlier response. Senator Comyn referred to a fire at Marley's Lane and the impact on Drogheda Boys and Girls Football Club. A committee has come up with plans.”
“Senator Clonan said he does not mourn his loss. As I said, however, we are a neutral country. There was a call for a debate on the matter. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, will be in the House to debate matters of international affairs in the coming weeks. That was planned before current events. It is clear that the United Nations has not been working and that President Trump, unfortunately, has not been paying any heed to the organisation in his second term. He has a cohort of people around him who are of the view that they can do whatever they wish in conjunction with Israel. The situation is very complex. I am not sure what the solution is. We will have a debate on the matter in the coming weeks. Senator Ahearn raised the very important issue of foster carers awareness week. He is a strong advocate for fostering and foster carers.”
“I thank all the Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin, who was supported by Senators Boyhan and Costello, commented on the LAMA awards. It sounds like a very successful night. The Senator mentioned that 533 projects were submitted. She made the very sensible suggestion that the Ceann Comhairle host a reception for LAMA. I will certainly pursue that with the Ceann Comhairle. I also acknowledge, as Senators Boyhan and Costello did, South Dublin County Council being the successful winner. Senator O'Loughlin also raised the events in Iran, as did Senators Clonan, Murphy, Keogan and Higgins. The situation is hard to fathom. From my engagement on the issue and on the basis of press reports, the horrific human rights abuses in Iran over the past number of year by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei certainly cannot be defended.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, International Protection Bill 2026, Second Stage, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to conclude at 6.45 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all over Senators not to exceed five minutes, time can be shared and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 2, Health Information Bill 2024, Committee Stage to be taken at 6.45 p.m. or on conclusion of No. 1, whichever is the later.”
“Nuair a bhí an t-iarAire, Damien English, sa Roinn talmhaíochta agus Roinn an rialtais áitiúil, fuair sé aighneacht ón Ard-Aighne faoi seo. Dúirt an tArd-Aighne go bhfuil cearta ann, cé go bhféadfaí nach cearta oifigiúla iad, a chaithfear a chur san áireamh. Tá a fhios againn go bhfuil an grúpa sin, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA, anois i gceannas ar na rudaí seo. Tá sé tábhachtach do mhuintir na Gaeltachta agus do mhuintir Chonamara. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil an tAire ar an eolas faoin ábhar seo. Tá sé tábhachtach i gConamara agus trasna an chósta Ghaeltachta.”
“Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil ról ar leith ag an údarás agus go bhfuil na figiúirí is déanaí atá foilsithe go maith. Caithfimid é sin a rá. Is mian liom ábhar amháin eile a lua. B'fhéidir go bhfuil fadhbanna i Maigh Eo freisin maidir le bainteoirí feamainne agus ceadúnas feamainne, ach níl aon dabht ach gur cheist fhíorthábhachtach í i gConamara faoi láthair. Tá faitíos ar mhuintir Chonamara maidir leis na hiarratais atá déanta ag Arramara Teoranta, seanchomhlacht an údaráis atá ina chomhlacht príobháideach anois, le haghaidh ceadúnais fheamainne thart ar chladaigh Chonamara. Tá cearta ag daoine áitiúla feamainn a bhaint. Tá cearta ag cuid acu atá leagtha síos sna folios agus rudaí mar sin. I gcásanna eile, b'fhéidir nach bhfuil na cearta sin leagtha síos go dlíthiúil, ach tá siad ann.”
“Ba cheart go mbeimid in ann a rá ag deireadh an Rialtais seo go bhfuil dul chun cinn déanta againn sa chomhthéacs seo agus go bhfuil méid áirithe tithe tógtha i gConamara, Maigh Eo, Dún na nGall, Ciarraí, Corcaigh agus áiteanna eile mar gheall ar an gcomhoibriú atá luaite agam. Caithfear talamh a ainmniú agus a cheannach, nó talamh ón údarás a úsáid, cead pleanála a fháil agus na tithe a thógáil, go mórmhór tar éis an chinnidh go mbeifear in ann scéimeanna séarachas sealadacha a úsáid. Más féidir leis an Aire leanúint ar aghaidh le rud éigin mar sin, sílim go ndéanfaidh sé an-difríocht. Tá sé ceart go leor a bheith ag caint faoi, ach caithfimid é seo a dhéanamh ar son na Gaeltachta. Is é sin an rud tábhachtach. Tá fostaíocht fíorthábhachtach don Ghaeltacht.”
“Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil sé leagtha amach i bplean an Rialtais go mbeadh ról ag an údarás ó thaobh tithíochta de. Cé go bhfuil an-suim sa mholadh seo, níl an t-údarás i bhfabhar go mbeadh ról aige tithe a thógáil gan comhoibriú leis na comhairlí contae. Tá sé ráite ag na comhairlí contae ar an lámh eile nach bhfuil a lán de na scéimeanna séarachais atá ag an údarás feiliúnach chun tithe a thógáil ag úsáid an infreastruchtúir sin. Tá sé tábhachtach - i nGaillimh, mar shampla, agus in áiteanna eile freisin - go mbeadh an comhoibriú sin leis an gcomhairle contae, leis an údarás agus le hUisce Éireann.”
“Tá cinneadh déanta ag an Rialtas, agus cuirim fáilte roimhe, go mbeidh na comhairlí contae agus conraitheoirí príobháideacha in ann scéimeanna tithe a thógáil le scéimeanna séarachais sealadacha agus nach gá fanacht do scéim mhór. Tá sé sin tábhachtach chun deis a thabhairt don chomhairle contae agus do na conraitheoirí príobháideacha tithe a thógáil. Caithfimid i bhfad níos mó a dhéanamh, mar atá ráite sa Teach roimhe seo, in áiteanna cosúil leis An Tulach, ina bhfuil TG4. Tá a lán rudaí thart ar an áit sin - TG4, Cúla4, Fíbín, scoil, séipéal, tithe, agus eastát leis an údarás freisin - agus ba cheart go mbeadh scéim séarachais ar fáil ionas go mbeifear in ann tithe a thógáil sa cheantar beag sin. Déanfadh sé sin ciall ar mhaithe le tithe sóisialta agus tithe ar phraghas réasúnta freisin.”
“Ag an am céanna, is le daoine áitiúla an chuid is mó de na tithe seo, agus tá siad ag déanamh cúpla punt. Tá an choimhlint sin ann. Seachas an milleán a chur ar aon duine a bhfuil Airbnb aige, ba cheart go mbeimid, agus táimid, ag cur na hinfheistíochta agus airgead caipitil ar fáil chun tithe a thógáil i ngach uile áit sa tír, ina measc na Gaeltachtaí. I nGaeltacht Chonamara, mar shampla, tá scéim séarachais sa Spidéal ach, seachas sin, níl a leithéid sna háiteanna eile. Tá a lán fáthanna nach bhfuil dul chun cinn ag cuid acu. Baineann cuid acu le cúrsaí pleanála, mar shampla i gCloch na Rón. Bhí fadhb le tamall fada ar An gCeathrú Rua maidir leis an suíomh agus bhí orthu tosú arís ar shuíomh eile a ainmniú agus dul tríd an bpróiseas sin.”
“Leis sin, cuirim fáilte roimh na figiúirí a luaigh an tAire, a thaispeánann go bhfuil méadú suntasach tagtha ar na figiúirí éilimh do chúrsaí Gaeilge sa Státseirbhís ó 163 in earrach 2022 go dtí 600 anois in earrach 2026. Is léir ón gcéatadán sin go mbeidh deiseanna ar fáil d'fhoghlaimeoirí agus daoine a bhfuil suim acu an Ghaeilge a fhoghlaim síos an bóthar. Beidh daoine laistigh den Ghaeltacht agus taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht sna Gaelcholáistí ag breathnú ar na rudaí seo agus ag rá leo féin go bhfuil deiseanna fostaíochtan trí Ghaeilge sa Státseirbhís agus san Eoraip. Tá sé sin fíorthábhachtach. Is í an tithíocht an t-ábhar is práinní trasna gach uile áit sa tír, agus sa Ghaeltacht freisin. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil coimhlint ann anois maidir leis na Airbnbs. Tá feachtas láidir ar bun faoi sin.”
“Baineann sé le heacnamaíocht an cheantair ó thaobh mná tí agus na coláistí samhraidh, agus tá sé tábhachtach ó thaobh todhchaí na teanga freisin. Cuirim fáilte roimh sin agus an infheistíocht bhreise d'Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil ról lárnach ag an údarás maidir leis an nGaeilge agus maidir le dul chun cinn na teanga. Aontaím leis an Aire go bhfuil an sprioc earcaíochta - an 20% - atá leagtha amach in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 uaillmhianach agus fíordúshlánach. Tá sé tábhachtach go mbeadh sprioc ann, agus go mbeimid in ann labhairt le daoine trasna na tíre agus a rá go bhfuil na deiseanna anseo agus go bhfuil an sprioc seo ann. Táimid ag déanamh na hinfheistíochta agus táimid ar son an chéatadáin seo ó thaobh na hearcaíochta.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire chuig an Seanad chun na ráitis seo a thógáil. Aontaím leis an Seanadóir Mullen ar dtús báire go bhfuil tábhacht ar leith ag baint le tithíocht sa Ghaeltacht, ach freisin le hinfheistíocht sa Ghaeltacht ó thaobh infreastruchtúir. Leis sin, cuirim fáilte roimh an infheistíocht a rinne an tAire agus a Roinn i gCé Inis Oírr. Is infreastruchtúr fíorthábhachtach é don oileán agus do thodhchaí an oileáin. Cuirim fáilte roimh an bhfógra oifigiúil maidir le tosú na hoibre tábhachtaí sin. Maidir leis an maoiniú sa bhuiséad deireanach, fáiltím roimh an infheistíocht. Thug an tAire cuairt ar Choláiste Lurgan agus is eol dúinn go léir an infheistíocht atá curtha isteach ag an Roinn sa togra sin. Tá caint le blianta ar an togra tábhachtach sin.”
“Again, it is important to know what is out there, in terms of who is using our airspace, and as Senator Craughwell has quite rightly mentioned on numerous occasions, it is important to know what we are going to do about it if we find out that people are using our airspace. In terms of relationships, the use of the French navy and air force has been mentioned in the context of our European Presidency. Are those sorts of partnerships something that we will be looking to in the medium term?”
“Like any pre-legislative scrutiny process, we had good scrutiny and engagement on this whole area and put forward a number of suggestions. On recruitment, I acknowledge that the number of recruits in the Naval Service is increasing and I welcome the maritime security strategy. I apologise for not getting to the launch of that strategy earlier today. We have vast sections of the ocean and it is important that they be defended. We must increase the spend and the capabilities to defend not just our waters but also the infrastructure therein. That is being taken seriously and we must have continued investment in recruits and ships that are capable of defence and fit for purpose. I welcome all of that, which was outlined by the Minister. I also welcome the investment in radar.”
“The committee also recommends that proposals to increase the number of Defence Forces personnel allowed to be dispatched or deployed without Dáil oversight under the provisions of head 6 be revised to include, at a minimum, oversight provisions by the joint committee on defence and national security and the joint committee on foreign affairs and trade. The joint committee also recommends that the proposal to increase the number of Defence Forces personnel allowed to be dispatched or deployed be amended to include a specific requirement to provide information to the joint committee on defence and national security on any decision taken around those provisions and that the legislation should specify a time limit for the furnishing of such information. Those are just some of the recommendations of the committee. We had a good debate.”
“There has been discussion at the joint committee of whether there could be a role for the General Assembly in the context of resolutions. I know such resolutions are non-binding but there may be some way around that. Any proposals to send troops on a mission would have to comply with international law and the UN Charter but we need something firmer in relation to resolutions and the role of the General Assembly. That would certainly be welcome as a safeguard. We have set out under head 6, subhead 3 the circumstances and conditions in which Defence Forces personnel might be deployed.”
“I have no doubt the Minister has read, familiarised herself with and noted the recommendations from the joint committee on defence and national security. I will now point to a number of them. The committee recommends that Ireland continue to take a lead role in UN reform and the use of the Uniting for Peace resolution mechanism at the UN General Assembly. This represents an attitude of "if we could, we would". We would all like to be able to reform the United Nations. Ireland has engaged in that and will continue to do so, but it requires agreement. It is a worthy objective because the UN Security Council is not fit for purpose and that is why the triple lock, as the Minister stated, is not deemed to be suitable to continue with.”
“I note the announcement in recent days that Ireland is to buy hundreds of new armoured vehicles and artillery pieces from France, which will significantly expand the capability of the Army to conduct on-island defence. The planned deal, which is expected to be worth more than €600 million, will involve the biggest investment in army equipment in the history of the State as part of a military modernisation programme. It also involves acquiring primary radar and systems to monitor Irish airspace. All of that is very necessary and very welcome. It is good to see that level of investment on the ground. The Minister mentioned the general scheme of the defence (amendment) Bill and the triple lock. The Oireachtas committee, of which I am a member, had a number of weeks of engagement on that Bill.”
“That will not happen today or tomorrow but we have to move in that direction. We want to be able to be proud to go to a European Council meeting with everybody else and show that we have increased our spending and investment and that we can stand on our own two feet in relation to the security of our island and the infrastructure that is so critical for the European Union. The Minister has laid out her vision and that of the Department and the Government on this and that is hugely important. That ambition is there and the increase in spending is clear. The Minister has mentioned the need to strengthen Ireland's defence by increasing investment in enhanced capability by 2028. We have seen increased investment under the national development plan, which, again, is very welcome.”
“It contains proposals for an urgent upgrade to radar and sonar systems to protect the 75% of European cables that pass through Irish waters while maintaining Ireland's neutrality. It proposes that we engage in enhanced partnerships with friendly nations, which will strengthen Ireland's resilience while preserving our independence and enhancing our humanitarian role and values. The Minister attended the launch of that document and has engaged with Young Fine Gael on it. Most people are in agreement that we need a new era for defence. We have seen in the plans that have been published and the strategies we are publishing a determination to take this country's defence capabilities much more seriously than we have done in the past. We have to be able to stand on our own two feet.”
“It mentions the importance of cybersecurity and national security intelligence, which must be treated as equal, to land, sea and air defence. The document calls for increased budgets to acquire additional military capabilities, a national recruitment drive and improvements in pay and training. It contains proposals to create a national cybersecurity defence command within the Defence Forces and a national security council under the chairpersonship of An Taoiseach to bring a whole-of-government approach to this area. It also calls for reforms at UN level to make peacekeeping missions more effective and flexible and for the removal of the triple lock to allow Ireland to make an even greater contribution to peacekeeping.”
“I am a member of the Oireachtas committee on defence and national security and we visited Gormanston in County Meath recently. I am aware that the Minister has also visited Gormanston since taking up her role as Minister for Defence. Again, the level of investment going on there is good to see and that is reflected not just in the figures she has given but in the work on the ground and the changes being made to the environment for new recruits. I welcome the respect that it shows to the profession, which is so important for the security of the State. The Minister recently attended the launch of a document on defence by Young Fine Gael, which sets out a vision of reform that redefines Ireland's defence position, protects its role in peacekeeping and strengthens its humanitarian role in the world.”
“The Minister is very welcome to the Seanad. I thank her for taking time out to update us on defence matters. I know she has a lot of responsibilities in her other Department as well. I acknowledge her recent visit to Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa in Renmore, County Galway, where she awarded the distinguished service medals to the chaplain, Fr. Paul Murphy, Private Ciara Shanahan, Corporal Daniel Padden and Private Dylan Geraghty. It was great to see the ceremony and the excitement, particularly among family members of those who acted so heroically that day. Of course, Fr. Murphy was the victim of an attack and I commend him on the graciousness of his forgiveness. The Minister also opened the new officer accommodation unit in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa. It was great to see investment in such high-quality accommodation, recreation rooms and so on.”
“I move: That Seanad Eireann - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Mary White; - conveys its sincere condolences to her family; and - expresses its gratitude for her notable contribution, as a member of Seanad Eireann, to Irish public life and for her dedicated service to the people of Ireland.”
“She said it can be incredibly lonely, particularly for people who are not able to live in student accommodation or in a town or city centre. This is a real issue and a real concern. We are increasing the supply of houses and this includes student accommodation. It is a great asset to a university if it can have student accommodation on site. Universities, in conjunction, with the Government are seeing increases in the amount of student accommodation being provided. We hope to continue with this. I will raise Senator O’Reilly’s concerns with the Minister, Deputy Lawless.”
“He might table a Commencement debate specifically on this matter to get an up-to-date response from the Minister on whether it is on the radar and the agenda, whether it has been put forward by the local authority and whether it might be included for next year. Senator Craughwell spoke about an event in Belfast that acknowledged the work of the blue light sector in relation to search and rescue. He commented that a similar event is due in the Republic. He also acknowledged the commission for survivors in Northern Ireland reaching out down South with regard to anybody down here who may have been a resident in an institution in Northern Ireland. This is a very important issue. Senator O'Reilly raised the rite of passage of students going to universities.”
“I will bring to the attention of the Minister the concerns raised here in relation to it. Senator Duffy raised the possible merger between Aurivo and Dale Farm in Northern Ireland. Perhaps he might table a Commencement debate. I am sure the Minister is across this and aware of it, and would be very attuned to any negative impact on people here in terms of the cross-Border nature of the merger. Senator Kennelly raised the positive measures and announcements regarding local and national roads funding in Kerry of €65 million. He is concerned about a section of the N69 that has not been included and called on the Minister for Transport to review it.”
“Senator Maria Byrne welcomed the proposals and decisions brought to the Cabinet yesterday by the Minister for tourism, Deputy O'Donovan, on turning the old rugby museum into a museum to acknowledge the role and achievements of women. It is certainly a very good suggestion. Senator Byrne may wish to elaborate on it next week when we have statements on International Women's Day. Senator Collins, supported by Senator Kennelly, raised the loss of jobs in Abbeyfeale at Kostal. I understand 140 jobs have been lost and this is of grave concern to the workers themselves and their families. I understand there are still 360 jobs in Kostal, which is very important, and this includes the Mallow plant which is not affected. It has very much been a mainstay of employment in Abbeyfeale since 1981.”
“If somebody is in a nursing home and was not seen by a doctor in the previous month, an autopsy will be required. This is something we came across in my family. It does cause delay and concern. Senator Daly is right that we have a great tradition of showing great respect for the deceased in this country. I certainly would not like to see the delays that happen across the water and elsewhere in relation to funerals taking place. There are other issues, such as the availability of priests for Christian burials and everything that goes with them, but that is another matter. I will request a debate with the Minister for justice on the delays with pathology and autopsies.”
“I look forward to the debate and the response from the Minister. Yesterday the Cabinet agreed what is called a "considered opinion" and this, in my name, outlines the reason for declining Second Stage. It is a sensitive matter and a matter of great importance. For that reason, the Cabinet has decided to provide a considered opinion to make it quite clear why it is reluctant to support the passage of the Bill. We look forward to the debate later on with the Minister. Senator Paul Daly raised a very important issue in relation to pathology services and autopsies. It is something I have considered. As he said, we all go through these situations. From time to time many families will experience delays. Circumstances may deem that an autopsy is required.”
“I am happy to support this proposal. Senator Stephenson raised the ongoing issues in Ukraine and the supports that are necessary, particularly for children in relation to mental health. She acknowledged the importance of dialogue. We had a tribute yesterday when the ambassador was here and we agreed a motion in the names of a number of Senators. We will keep it on the agenda. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, is due in the House in March to discuss foreign affairs matters. We will keep open the possibility of having a debate on Ukraine itself. Senator Stephenson also raised eating disorder awareness week. I will seek an update from the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. Senators Black and Boyhan raised the Institutional Burials (Amendment) Bill 2022, which will be before the House later today.”
“Senators Clonan, Cosgrove and Fitzpatrick raised special needs assistants and spoke about the recent changes and pausing. They acknowledged that there will be no reduction in the number of special needs assistants for the next school year. Budget 2026 funded an additional 1,700 SNAs for this year, bringing the total figure close to 25,000. We all know the invaluable work that SNAs do and obviously the letters from the NCSE caused particular concern and annoyance. The Minister, Deputy Naughton, and the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, will be in the House next Wednesday for a discussion on SNAs. Senator Andrews acknowledged, as did many other Senators, the passing of Mary White. I will move a motion later in memory of her. He also asked that No. 13, Planning and Development (Provision of Public Housing) Bill 2026, be taken before No. 1.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin expressed her condolences to the Frisby family in Waterford and Naas on the recent passing of Brian and Grace in an accident. She also spoke about denim day for dementia and the role of the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland. She also acknowledged Ireland Reads “Get lost in a good book” day. Senator O'Loughlin also raised an issue regarding metal nitrous oxide canisters and I ask her to table a Commencement matter on this as she may get a direct response from the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. Senator P.J. Murphy proposed that No. 12, Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) (Work Equipment) Bill 2026, be taken before No. 1. I am happy to support this.”
“3, ráitis maidir le Seachtain na Gaeilge, to be taken at 6 p.m., to conclude at 7 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed six minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than six minutes to reply; and No. 4, Private Members' Business, Institutional Burials (Amendment) Bill 2022, Second Stage, to be taken at 7 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on defence matters, to be taken at 2 p.m. and conclude and to conclude at 3.30 p.m. if not previously concluded, with the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, and all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time can be shared and the Minister to be given no less than ten reply to the debate; No. 2, Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, Committee Stage, to be taken at 3.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 5.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; No.”
“He talked about some of the impacts and clinical signs in relation to animals that are suffering from bluetongue, and said that a single bite from a bluetongue-affected midge can cause a new bluetongue infection. Once the bluetongue virus enters the midge population, eradication becomes very difficult and requires high vaccination uptake. A pregnant animal that becomes infected can pass the infection on to their newborn calf. When these calves are born weeks and months later, they are infectious. All of this is quite worrying as we approach the summer months and warmer temperatures, and what may lie ahead for our status. The Minister talked about the impact on trade and some of the mitigation on that. It is worrying. The role of the Minister and his Department in being proactive on this is really important.”
“I know it is spread from a midge bite and then from biting another animal so I wonder whether there is any indication there. With infection, the high-risk period will be during the warmer months. Thankfully in this sense, but unfortunately in other senses, we have had anything but warmer months. We have had very wet and windy weather. Has that wind actually impacted the midges travelling across? Is this something that is particular to these stormy periods? I think it was in 2024 that Dr. Eoin Ryan from the Department of agriculture presented at a Teagasc conference on the whole issue of bluetongue and talked of wind dispersal of infected midges.”
“The Minister talked about vaccinations. What is the prognosis in relation to when the Department would actually mandate or more strongly encourage vaccination of animals? Is it restricted to a certain geographical area following a confirmation of an outbreak? What plans or what monitoring do the Department have for that? With the veterinary work, are there proactive veterinary investigations to ascertain the possible spread of the bluetongue? In terms of blood sampling work, the Minister mentioned the blood testing works from culled cows. Is that across the whole country or is that confined to the risk areas at the moment? In relation to the cases of infection that have taken place, what has happened those animals and their health?”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the Seanad for these statements on bluetongue. This is a worrying time. My colleague Senator Brady has raised concerns on many occasions over the past year about the possibility of bluetongue arriving, and it has arrived. The Minister mentioned the cases in counties Wexford, Wicklow and Louth. Is there interconnectivity or commonality between Wexford and Wicklow, and indeed Louth? Is that a fresh infection, with the possibility of wind-borne midges arriving via the UK? The Minister has rightly emphasised that there are no public health risks associated with bluetongue. It is important to put that on the record. He has talked about the biting of one animal and the impact that can have. Unfortunately, now that Ireland has lost its disease-free status it has ramifications for trade.”
“She talked about regulations being considered by the Minister, Deputy Foley, and the possibility of rates and other issues she felt were not necessary. She may wish to put down a Commencement debate on the matter but I will request a debate on the whole issue of childcare with the Minister, Deputy Foley, as well. Senator Higgins has again raised Ukraine and the need for the championing of international law and the UN Charter. Senator Martin Conway also called for a debate in relation to Ukraine. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy McEntee. I think she is due in over the next couple of weeks anyway for a debate on foreign affairs, and she will be in the House tomorrow on defence matters. I thank all Senators for their contributions this morning.”
“Senator Cosgrove also spoke about wages not being high enough for people to pay rent. I know that the pressures people are under are intense. The new legislation will provide security of tenure to residents and so forth. I will call for a large debate on housing with the Minister, Deputy Browne, to discuss these matters. Senator Joe Conway also raised the issue of road safety and called for a change in driver behaviour. I know he made suggestions or recommendations last week during the debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Canney. All of these things are in the mix in terms of what initiatives can be taken. Senator Tully raised the issue of childminding and pointed out that childminders were in the audiovisual room last week.”