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 6 of 31.
“The Minister for Defence will come to the House soon and Senator Craughwell may wish to raise these issues then. The Taoiseach, when Minister for Defence, did engage on the renewal of the Defence Forces and put in place plans and recommendations. We have seen budgetary increases in recent years also. I acknowledge his leadership on these matters. Senator Gallagher raised the issue of local and regional roads funding in Cavan and Monaghan. Local and regional roads funding is due in the coming week. I certainly hope there is additional funding. There is never sufficient funding for roads, certainly with the weather we are having and the issues of drainage and the pooling of water. I certainly look forward to this. Senator Duffy called for supports or grants for columbarium walls for those who are cremated. It is wonderful idea.”
“He also mentioned Donegal Airport's PSO contract and said that it was working well and that there would be a review in three months. He may wish to table a Commencement debate with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. It is ironic that this is on the day that legislation to remove the cap in Dublin Airport is being announced. Not that I have any issue with that, but here we have something positive being done in terms of Dublin Airport and the national economy while, at the same time, there are contract changes that will impact Donegal Airport. Senator Craughwell condemned the Taoiseach's comments about negative noise on defence and security for the EU Presidency. He stated that the Taoiseach had questions to answer. The Taoiseach cannot answer questions directly in the House, although he does come in from time to time.”
“They said that every man needed to have checks for his health and I certainly concur with this. Sometimes, it is the spouse or other family members who might encourage a man to get a check-up. It is certainly a worthy issue and perhaps Senator Davitt may wish to table a Commencement debate or a motion in the House to discuss men's health. Senator Boyle raised the issue of the Letterkenny emergency department. He said that it was under pressure and he spoke about the possibility of industrial action. That would be regrettable. It is important that these issues are highlighted, as he is doing here today. Perhaps he may wish to raise this directly with the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, or table a Commencement debate on pressures in Letterkenny and what the medium-term plan is to resolve them.”
“I advise him that the construction technology centre in the University of Galway is the centre for new methods of construction and he may wish to engage with it on its role. I will certainly request a debate with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, on energy poverty. Senator Flynn is working with the Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers on a Bill regarding sexual images and fake AI. She called for it to be a clear crime to make fake sexual images of individuals. She is working on a Bill and we look forward to her presenting it and for the Second Stage debate and engagement in the Houses on it. I wish her well with it. Senator Davitt, supported by Senator Scahill, raised the issues of men's health and the importance of check-ups for men aged 40 onwards.”
“She may wish to table a Commencement debate to get a more direct response on this matter. Senator Nicole Ryan raised the importance of special needs assistants in mainstream classes and stated that they were being stripped away. She said that principals were afraid to enact appeals because they could risk losing more SNAs. We have approximately 23,000 SNAs, who do very important work. I agree with her on principals feeling threatened and it is not good enough. She may wish to table a Commencement matter and discuss this directly with the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, to get a full response. Senator Noonan raised the issue of modern methods of construction, including industrial hemp, and called for a debate on energy poverty with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien.”
“Senator Clonan raised violence against persons with disabilities and a disturbing report from congregated and community settings regarding safeguarding. Some 71% of complaints regarding safeguarding are in situations where the victims are disabled citizens. We will bring safeguarding legislation before these Houses, which I look forward to. The Senator also raised the issue of peacekeeping, peace enforcement and the triple lock. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, will be in the House on Wednesday, 25 February, to discuss defence issues and Senator Clonan will have an opportunity to raise the issue then. Senator Nelson Murray raised Clann Mór disability service in Navan, which is under financial pressure. She asked me to speak to the Minister, Deputy Foley, and the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, which I will do.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin acknowledged the killing of ten people and the injuries to 29 people in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada. Our thoughts go out to the families of all those involved. We have had many visits to the country by taoisigh for St. Patrick's Day and other such business. Relations between our two countries are very important. Our thoughts go out to all involved. The Senator also raised the new school in Monasterevin, which is an asset to the community. She raised concerns about the old school building, which has been sold to Lidl. She called for the funding from that sale to be made available to the community. She also raised the fact that Moore Abbey is up for sale. A Commencement matter might get a more direct response.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, Air Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 1 p.m. with proceedings thereon, if not previously concluded, to be brought to a conclusion at 2 p.m. by the putting of one question by the Chair which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government; No. 54, motion 1, Private Members' motion regarding maternal mental health supports, to be taken at 2 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours; and No. 2, Private Members' business, Maternity Protection (Child Bereavement) (Amendment) Bill 2026 - Second Stage, to be taken at 5 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“It was across three constituencies, namely, Galway West, Galway East and Roscommon-Galway. The ten schools are deserving. Galway is the second largest county in the country and it includes the full city of Galway. I am sure Aontú across those three constituencies would support the investment in schools in those locations.”
“Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the issue of the transition from primary to secondary school, particularly for those with special needs and expressed concern about where they will get a place next September. If the Senator has specific examples, she can put down a Commencement debate on the matter. In general, places for special needs kids have proven difficult to get but the Department has brought forward the timing of these things. I know from dealing with it a number of years ago that it was drifting on into the summer, which was totally unacceptable, however late it is now. She has also requested a comment from the Minister for education about the ten schools in the Minister's constituency being provided with funding. It is ten schools in County Galway and not in the Minister's constituency.”
“She called for a debate with the Minister for Transport. I wish to acknowledge that a group has been put in place. I think the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, is chairing it. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, when she was in education established that and it is a cross-departmental group with transport. I certainly hope it can find a resolution in relation to this issue. It is a sort of laughable situation, as has been pointed so often across this House. The same people can be denied from being able to drive a school bus but can bring the same children for a tour or something else like that. It does not make any sense and I hope the Ministers will be able to provide certainty on that and be able to change the rules for over-70s, subject to health checks.”
“Senator Keogan acknowledged Councillor Aisling Moran's work in Laois in relation to the cost of housing with approved housing bodies, AHBs, versus county council houses. She also asked where is the coverage in relation to the approved housing bodies and costs. I will request a debate on housing or the Senator may wish to table a Commencement matter on that issue to get a more up-to-date answer. Senator Gallagher raised the initiative regarding the early detection of lung cancer, a very important issue for all different types of cancer. The earlier these conditions are detected, the better the chances of survival. He called for a debate with the Minister for Health in relation to this and I will request a debate on that matter. Senator Tully talked about the over-70s and how one company is to lose three bus drivers.”
“She has called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, on the issue of fibre broadband roll-out around the country. I will request a debate with the Minister on that very important issue. Senator Ahearn called on the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, to publish the local and national roads funding allocations. I certainly believe it is due. It is very important and necessary funding for local authorities. In relation to the progress on our national routes, I know the Senator has been a long-time advocate for the N24 Tipperary to Waterford route via Cahir. I acknowledge his advocacy even when the then Minister, Eamon Ryan, was there and was not pushing on this project as was needed.”
“Senator Andrews welcomed the funding from the Minister, Deputy Foley, for the family resource centres, but acknowledged that Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre was not provided with funding. There was an open call made to all interested parties and I am told that subsequent submissions were evaluated in a process independently chaired by a representative of the University of Limerick. There were ten announcements and five last year as well, which brings the total number of family resource centres from 126 to 136. I hope that additional funding will be provided to assist Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre. Senator Dee Ryan raised the issue of businesses in Limerick city that have difficulties with fibre broadband and people have been let down for a number of months.”
“I did not get a chance to see it but I will watch it back and see what issues can be addressed in terms of the debate. Certainly, from the Senators' testimony, there are issues surrounding patients who suffer from psychosis being held in prisons and different institutions. I will request a debate on that whole area. Senator Boyhan also requested a debate on the inspectorate's report from Mountjoy Prison, which was published on 4 February. Senator Duffy raised the case of Margaret Loftus, who will provide testimony in the audiovisual room tomorrow. If I get a chance, I will pop in. He described the bravery of Margaret as a domestic abuse survivor and acknowledged the work of those involved. I think Senator Tully was involved in facilitating that. Margaret will be joined by representatives of Women's Aid as well.”
“She highlighted the concerns of local people, which I can imagine, with a small Garda station and a population of 15,500. I am not sure exactly how many gardaí are assigned to that area. She said that a Garda station is required. She might put down a Commencement debate on that matter to get a direct response from the Minister. Senator Nelson Murray spoke about the need for a State-backed scheme for those who have been denied flood insurance. I acknowledge her advocacy on this matter and her recent meeting with the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, on it. She called for a debate on the matter as well. I will request that. I acknowledge her advocacy on all issues of insurance. Senators Boyhan and Ruane raised the "RTÉ Investigates" programme last night.”
“I welcome the comments by the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, that this is a concern and he will raise the treatment of undocumented Irish people with the US President, Donald Trump, when he visits Washington DC. The Minister for foreign affairs, Helen McEntee, has said that a small number of Irish citizens, fewer than a dozen, in similar situations to that of Seamus Culleton have sought help from Irish embassies. It is a very serious issue for those families. I certainly hope that the engagement between the embassies and consulates in the United States will take place and that Mr. Culleton will be returned to his family. The Senator also spoke about the use of Shannon Airport. I will request a debate on that matter as well. Senator Comyn raised the rise in crime in east Meath and Laytown.”
“I will request a debate with the Minister for justice on the matter. Of course, it is up to the Garda Commissioner to decide where garda allocations are made, but obviously we would hope that there would be balance in these things. Senator McCarthy talked of homelessness, housing policy and the need to deliver homes for people across the country. I will request a debate on housing again. He also mentioned the new marina in Greystones and an issue regarding fees and a court outcome. I ask him to request a debate on that. I am not sure exactly which body is responsible for that. Is it the local authority? I presume it is not the Department of the marine. He might put down a Commencement debate on that matter. Senator Stephenson raised the case of Seamus Culleton, who has been detained by ICE for some time.”
“Senator Mullen spoke about CyberSafeKids, the screen-free world and how we need to move towards the banning of phones in classrooms and perhaps the banning of social media to under-16s. I will request a debate with the Minister on that whole area. Senators Boyle and Scahill raised garda appointments to Donegal and Roscommon, respectively. As we know, 167 new gardaí were attested last week, with one appointed to Donegal. I think Senator Scahill said none were appointed to Roscommon, although he does point out that it is historically a very safe county. Both Senators spoke of the need to bring back gardaí who may be from the Senators' home counties. In fairness, from my experience, especially where one has a partner, a child or whatever, returning to your home county is looked favourably upon. That is to be acknowledged as well.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions, starting with Senator Rabbitte who spoke about Internet safety day. I acknowledge the comments of Senators McCormack and Mullen on this matter. Senator Rabbitte spoke about the Data Protection Act and the fact that section 30(6) has not been enacted. She called for a law on the sexual exploitation of children being dressed as adults for the purpose of gratification. She called for a debate with the Minister. I will request a debate on that. Senator McCormack, in that vein, talked of Coco's Law and how Sinn Féin has a Bill in the Dáil today on the issue of AI, deepfakes and statutes of limitations. That would have been discussed at Cabinet today. I do not have an answer as to what decision the Cabinet made on that.”
“with the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, any other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, the Health Information Bill 2024 - Second Stage, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to conclude at 6.15 p.m. with the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, any other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, statements on apprenticeships, to be taken at 6.30 p.m. and to conclude at 8 p.m. with the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, any other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 3, statements on Storm Chandra, to be taken at 8 p.m. and to conclude at 9.30 p.m.”
“There could be issues if we allow a system whereby it is too easy for an applicant, be it the HSE or a private entity, to put in additional information. There has to be a statutory process. I hope that on this occasion the HSE is able to resubmit quickly and get that project moving.”
“Sometimes, people end up being housed in different counties, which is hugely upsetting for them and their families. I will request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, on his plans for housing for the elderly in particular. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the issue of planning delays. There is a process that once a planning application goes in, a check is carried out to ensure it is valid. In general, such checks can identify immediate problems. It is unfortunate that an error or omission was not picked up in this case. I do not know how much time was lost but I am sure the HSE will be in a position to resubmit that application very quickly. There is a validation process, an approval process and a period for submissions, etc.”
“I am a former member of that committee. We have had a number of debates in this House on this matter over the past five years. There certainly are issues. I have suggested that recently retired dentists who may not wish to perform procedures could be encouraged - and paid, obviously - to perform checks in schools and highlight dental issues. The Minister spoke recently at a dental forum and mentioned encouraging people who have recently graduated to spend a period working in this country. I will again request a debate on this hugely important matter. Senator Tully referred to housing and co-operation with the HSE and local authorities in respect of the housing waiting list, especially regarding disabled citizens, those with autism, etc.”
“Not everyone has that, perhaps, be they male or female, and we have spoken before about the issue of loneliness and things like that, although it is slightly different. I acknowledge the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. I hope to see advocacy for, and promotion of, the role of women in farming and the agricultural sector. Senator Martin Conway called for a debate on the future of retail. I will request that the Minister, Deputy Burke, come before us for such a debate. The Senator commented on the sad news about the liquidation of EuroGiant and the loss of employment for 600-plus individuals. I hope they find employment close to home. Senator Dee Ryan referred to the comments of the Irish Dental Association's CEO, Fintan Hourihan, at the health committee and outlined her particular concerns regarding Limerick.”
“Now that the additional information has been submitted by Galway County Council on behalf of the city and the county and as a result of the fact that An Coimisiún Pleanála has decided not to request an oral hearing, we can have a decision on the ring road soon. I acknowledge the message from Karen Ronan, the CEO of Galway Chamber, on this matter during the week. Senator Murphy O'Mahony raised the issue of women in farming. I acknowledge both her interest in this matter and the important role women play in their own right and as part of the family structure as well. In most cases, farming is not just about farmers themselves, be they male or female, because there is the structure of a family around that.”
“The Senator is a strong advocate for the project and has spoken on many occasions about the need for that road, as have I and a majority - I will not say all - of the politicians from the city and county. The local authority has been a strong advocate as well. As the Senator knows, this is not just a road; it is part of the overall transportation strategy. The previous bypass was just a road project, but this is a transportation project. It includes the additions that have either been put in place and that are in progress in Galway, including BusConnects and a number of other initiatives.”
“Senator Collins referred to the decision to increase the pay of some of our CEOs and called for a debate on the waste of public money. I will request that. The Taoiseach is on record as saying that salaries for CEOs are set by an independent body and reflect recruitment challenges and the need to retain talent. Senator Boyle referred to Garda numbers in Donegal and is looking for the Minister to come in. I am conscious that deployment is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, but, obviously, resourcing in that regard is a matter for the Government. I will request that the Minister come to the House to discuss policing in general. If the Senator wishes to have a debate on Donegal specifically, he may wish to table a Commencement matter. Senator Crowe alluded to the ongoing saga of the Galway city ring road.”
“Senator Fitzpatrick also referred to the weather we are having and commented that those in Dublin who want to get out of the rain may wish to go to the premiere of Eureka Day at the Gate Theatre. Róisín McBrinn, Colm O'Callaghan and the team at the Gate are to be commended on this play, which is being performed here following successful hit runs in London and on Broadway. Senator Craughwell again raised the issue of defence and defence funding. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, is due in the House on 25 February to discuss matters relating to defence. The Senator also raised concerns about cadet pay. He acknowledged that the Government has increased qualified entry pay for enlisted ranks. As a result, there is certainly a better career trajectory than there was a number of years ago.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator Fitzpatrick started by welcoming the recent Cabinet decision on Grace's law, which will ban the use of scramblers in public places. She acknowledged that the Minister for Transport will propose regulations to implement a total ban on scrambler use in public places and strengthen the existing enforcement powers of An Garda Síochána, with the intention of closing off any cases where scrambler use may previously have been legal outside appropriate off-road settings and to enhance powers of seizure to reduce the number of seized vehicles that end up back on the roads. We will have an opportunity in the coming months, following the publication of the legislation, to debate that matter.”
“The Order of Business is No. 54, motion 1, a Private Members' motion regarding a shingles vaccination programme, to be taken at 12.15 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“I know that the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, will work with the Minister, Deputy Naughton, who represents the Galway West constituency. I will be engaging with her, with the Tánaiste and with the Minister for public expenditure, Deputy Chambers, to make sure that this and other projects move forward speedily towards construction.”
“I thank the Minister of State for the response. I am heartened by the fact that the Government will engage on projects such as this one. There are always projects which, for whatever reason, either fall off a list or are delayed. Money may be freed up as a result. There is capacity within the system, and I will certainly be working with the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Deputy Harris, to ensure that additional capital funding is released. I urge the Tánaiste to engage with the Minister for public expenditure, Deputy Chambers, in order to ensure that capital funding is released for projects once they get to the appropriate stage. I appreciate that there is some work to be done yet in terms of the Bish, but it has secured planning permission. It now has to get the stage 2b approval by the Department of education.”
“Is the list that has been produced the final say for the next two years? Will there be additions? Will further capital be released from the Minister of State's Department? Will his Department be working with the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Deputy Harris, and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Deputy Chambers, to secure additional capital funds for projects such as this? I am sure the Minister of State could list off a number of schools in his area and others across the country. I look forward to his response.”
“Tá buntáiste mór don chathair agus Ollscoil na Gaillimhe leis na pleananna atá aontaithe chun an Bish a aistriú ó Nun’s Island go dtí Dangan agus an talamh in Nun’s Island a thabhairt don ollscoil. I acknowledge the advocacy the school has engaged in over the years in terms of the planning process and in garnering the support of local representatives. I have been contacted by the chairperson of the board of management, Mr. Kieran Kavanagh, the principal, Ms Sarah Gleeson, and the parents' council co-chair, Ms Stephanie Rea, who are obviously disappointed that the school is not on the list. This disappointment is shared by many parents and pupils and, indeed, those who hope to attend the Bish over the coming years. I know that new schools are expensive. I get that there is not an endless supply of funding.”
“That is testament to the high regard in which the school is held. In light of demographic changes, there is obviously a growing demand for secondary school places nationwide. In Galway city, there definitely is such a demand. Under a land exchange agreement with the University of Galway, the school secured the Dangan site in exchange for the lands at Nun’s Island, which would be strategic in the heart of the city. This is a key enabling element of the university's regeneration plans for major city centre development. Tá chuile duine sa Bish fíor-mhíshásta nach bhfuil an scoil ar an liosta a d’fhoilsigh an Roinn an tseachtain seo chaite. Tá cead pleanála faighte aici agus tá suíomh aici freisin. Tá éileamh do ranganna breise sa chóras dara leibhéal i nGaillimh.”
“Joseph's Patrician College, Galway, which is better known as the Bish. The Bish is an excellent school. It is held in high regard, and Bish boys past and present are rightly proud of their school. The school worked for many years on the relocation plans relating to a new 1,000-student campus in Dangan, which received planning permission in 2024. Currently, the Bish educates 750 boys on a site that is constrained and that was designed for 450 pupils. There are no outdoor sports facilities. The school is in the heart of the city. It is difficult to provide specialist teaching spaces, student support and special education needs facilities, which, as the Minister of State knows, are now standard and expected. For the 2026-27 academic year, the school was oversubscribed by 250 places.”
“I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for choosing this matter. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of education, Deputy Moynihan, and thank him for coming here this morning. I would like to acknowledge the national development plan investment package for education of some €1.6 billion, which is part of a €7.6 billion capital plan up to 2030. I also acknowledge the investment in four schools in Galway West and the ten across County Galway. The four in Galway West are St. Joseph’s Special School, Scoil Mhuire in Maigh Cuilinn, Clifden Community College and Coláiste Cholmcille in Indreabhán. Understandably, there is always disappointment among schools that are not included on these lists. I have been through this many times in the past when lists have been produced. One such school project is St.”
“I hope the ongoing scrutiny by the Committee of Public Accounts and the review the Minister of State will be enacting as a commitment in the programme for Government will bear fruit.”
“I understand the review is being carried out of fisheries by-laws in force for ten years or more and their continued application, in particular how the EU fisheries directive is or is not being applied in the case of pike. Those are some of the key points. The Minister of State knows as a former Member of this House that I have raised particular issues on inland fisheries. I will not go there. There have been some results on that, and I hope that the scrutiny the Committee of Public Accounts is now giving to the Comptroller and Auditor General's reports on Inland Fisheries Ireland will have positive impacts. Nothing I did was a witch hunt. It related to good governance of a State agency and State organisation.”
“Basically, you can remove smaller pike, but you cannot remove a pike longer than 85 cm, which are the larger pike and the hens that are going to lay all the eggs. In response to a parliamentary question last year, the Minister stated he is carrying out a review of by-laws 806 and 809 of 2006. These relate to protection of pike. Those were put in place in response to fishing of large pike and taking them out of the country in big freezers to Germany and elsewhere. That came in at that time for a specific issue. Now you have a situation where those same large pike are being protected. They are the ones causing the predation and reducing the allowable catch, which means the Minister of State possibly has to go out to defend bringing in by-laws for reduced catches of trout. This is the contradiction.”
“When will the Minister of State have plans to pursue that? I go back to scientific advice. The allowable catch in our inland fisheries is based on scientific advice from within the Department and I acknowledge that. However, there are the Clare river by-laws that propose to put in bag limits for trout because of pressure on the numbers. Of course, there are pressures on the numbers of trout when you have large pike eating all before them at the mouth of the Clare river. When I was in the Minister of State's position I fought valiantly for a by-law that was signed by my successors Richard Bruton and Seán Canney. It became law, albeit for a brief period before being challenged in the courts and falling. It relates to removing the limit on the size of pike that can be removed from the western lakes.”
“I welcome the indication of the Hague preferences and the legal advice or opinion that has been sought on that. In relation to the Presidency of the EU, does the Minister of State intend to raise the issue of the Common Fisheries Policy? It is often cited that when we joined the European Union we lost the sovereignty of our seas. Is there a need for a reset or at least the opening of a discussion on that matter? I turn to Inland Fisheries Ireland. Part of the programme for Government is the independent review. I welcome that the Minister of State will look at and start that once the new chief executive officer of Inland Fisheries Ireland has been appointed. I have a question on another commitment in the programme for Government regarding the protection and recognition of the great western lakes as salmonoid waters.”
“The Minister of State is very welcome. I thank him for agreeing to come in to discuss the marine and inland fishing sector. I will not dwell too long on the marine sector because my colleagues have covered that very well. Regarding the scientific advice of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, that is, of course, something that we have to abide by and agree on. However, that only works is everybody abides by it and there is no illegal fishing by third countries and no illegal fishing of our valuable mackerel stocks. That is my concern in relation to all of this. How do we know who is abiding by the rules and who is not? How do we know whether other countries and boats are abiding by the rules in our waters? That is the concern.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann: - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Máirín Quill; - conveys its sincere condolences to her family; and - expresses its gratitude for her notable contribution as a member of Seanad Éireann to Irish public life and for her dedicated service to the people of Ireland.”
“I will certainly request that the Minister of State come to the House for a debate. I am not sure that the priorities have been fully finalised, but perhaps it would be an opportunity for Members to raise issues that they would like to see as part of that. I will request a debate with the Minister of State.”
“I know this has been raised a couple of times in the House. I am delighted that clarity has been provided to the effect that there is no legal obligation or requirement regarding people's preferred pronouns. As I said in my original response to Senators Mullen and Sarah O'Reilly, it is a matter for the Department of Education and Youth and boards of management to issue circulars. Doing the latter is certainly not the responsibility of NGOs, and certainly not those funded from abroad. Senator Conway raised the issue of businesses and flooding, welcomed the changes made by the Cabinet and called for both a national conversation and a debate with the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs on accession countries and our Presidency of the EU.”
“Senator Andrews referred to sulky racing and the recent unfortunate and deplorable scenes where a horse was whipped and kicked to get up after racing on Dollymount Strand and on a national road. The Senator called for those involved to be reported or to report themselves. I certainly concur with him in that regard. Of course, sulky racing is illegal without authorisation, but there are issues of enforcement that certainly need to be brought attention to An Garda Síochána. I agree that anybody with dashcam footage should make it available to An Garda Síochána. I acknowledge all involved, namely My Lovely Horse Rescue and the local vet who was involved in putting the poor horse out of her misery along with her unborn foal. Senator Mullen referred to the Irish Council for Civil Liberties' Know Your Rights campaign and disinformation.”
“Senator Ahearn rightly raised the important role of family carers, the work they do for their families and, in many cases, for neighbours and friends and the saving to the State. He mentioned a number of issues, including the possibility of tax exemptions for carer's allowance and carer's benefit and other changes that could be made to tax credits. I will request a debate with the Minister for Social Protection on this important matter. I know this that the letters issued recently did give rise to some concern. Carer's allowance and carer's benefit are and always have been taxable. Carers were required to submit annual returns, so the change is that this onus will be taken off them. I know the wider point the Senator is making with regard to whether there should be tax exemptions on that. I will request a debate on the matter.”