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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“These are all very genuine issues. The Senator is a very active member of the Joint Committee on Defence and National Security. The Minister for Defence is due before the House on 25 February for a debate on security issues. Senator Flaherty referred to Horse Sport Ireland and HR issues. I ask him to put down a Commencement matter on this issue, particularly as it is quite specific. Senator Sarah O'Reilly mentioned AI. We had a debate on that last week. I am not sure if she got an opportunity to get raise some of these issues. She spoke about scapegoating, digital IDs, the banning of social media and watermarks on videos or images, be they on Grok or other platforms. If there are specific issues further to the debate last week that she wishes to raise, she may table a Commencement matter.”
“John Kennedy, a former oncologist. I wish her well in regard to her advocacy on the issue of breast cancer. She also mentioned the cancer dashboard. Senator Scahill mentioned the Cloonfad water scheme. Four times last week, water supplies in the town were interrupted. The Senator referred to the update from Irish Water and the fact that it has indicated that it will replace 5 km of water pipe in the vicinity, which is certainly welcome. There is no certainty in relation to that happening, however. The Senator asked for a debate on Irish Water. I will raise that. Senator Craughwell referred to security issues, particularly in the context of the recent visit by the President of Ukraine, drone incursions, the need for investment, the forthcoming Presidency of the European Union and our ability to defend ourselves.”
“Galway East got five schools on the list and Galway-Roscommon go one. I am sure that was not the official Fianna Fáil view on the matter. I am sure Senator Crowe and Deputies Connolly, Albert Dolan and Daly would all welcome the investment in Galway schools, whether it is for Galway East, Galway West or Galway-Roscommon. Senator Boyle referred to the important role of air travel from Donegal and to concerns around changes being proposed to the service and the impact these could have. I ask him to table a Commencement matter in order to see whether he might get a more detailed response from the Department of Transport regarding what exactly is being proposed, whether things have been set in stone, whether there can be agreement on the matter or whether changes can be made. Senator Costello referred to the recent meeting with Dr.”
“Some 105 projects were detailed to progress to tender and construction over the course of 2026 and 2027, totalling over €1.6 billion of investment as part of the first tranche of the roll-out of the national development plan. These projects aim to deliver 27,000 additional and modernised school places. I acknowledge the Senator's concerns about the absence of schools in Rush from the list. I cannot give a definite answer about why they were not on it. The Senator may wish to put down a Commencement matter. She referred to the Minister's constituency. While Galway got ten schools on the list, there were four in Galway West, including St. Joseph's Special School. That represents 3.8% of the total school projects. I do not think it can be said there was an undue preference shown to the Minister's constituency.”
“D’ardaigh an Seanadóir Curley ceist maidir le Gaeilge sa tríú leibhéal. Tá sé ag lorg díospóireacht maidir leis sin. Labhair mé leis an Aire oideachais. Beidh díospóireacht againn maidir leis an nGaeilge thart ar Lá Fhéile Phádraig sa Seanad leis an Aire, an Teachta Calleary, ach labhair mé arís leis an Aire, an Teachta Naughton, maidir le díospóireacht faoin nGaeilge agus faoin gcóras oideachais. Senator McCarthy raised the issue of Katie Taylor and recent charitable donations she made to Tiglin. He also referred to an issue Senator Andrews raised last week regarding Croke Park. I will engage with the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, on that. Senator Clifford-Lee raised the issue of the school building programme, particularly in the context of investment in her area of Rush and Fingal.”
“Senators Nicole Ryan, Stephenson, Kennelly and Conway referred to flooding and to the State response to it. We will have a debate next Tuesday on the issue of flooding and storm preparation at which time Senators will have an opportunity to raise all the issues that have arisen in recent weeks and other issues relating to flooding. Senator Kennelly mentioned Listowel in this regard. Other Senators mentioned Graiguenamanagh in Kilkenny and other areas. We have seen successful projects as well. Clonmel is a case in point where investment has been made by the OPW. That investment has worked and has prevented additional flooding. Hard solutions can work, but there may be a need for better flood warnings and detection systems. I also refer to the softer environmental possibilities.”
“Senators Noel O'Donovan and Pauline Tully referred to roads funding and the condition of roads in Cork and Cavan. Senator O'Donovan called for additional funding for maintenance and drainage, discretionary drainage funding and investment in the N71, which is the only national route in Cork South-West. He stated that he has tabled Commencement matters on the issue. I will request a debate on our national road network and on local county roads in particular. Senator McDowell remembered his late friend and colleague, the former Deputy and Senator Máirín Quill and her sister Ita. He remembered Máirín as a dignified person who was kind, well read and sophisticated and who was particularly interested in those in need. Senator McDowell stated that you could not meet a more gentle, sweet-natured person. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.”
“I thank all the Senators for their contributions this evening. Senator O'Loughlin acknowledged the number of events for St. Brigid's Day, especially in Kildare. The Senator also commented about the sad passing of Vivian Carroll. He was a stalwart of Newbridge and Kildangan. May he rest in peace. His family and friends are in my thoughts. Senator O'Loughlin also welcomed the fact that Grace's law, which proposes to ban the use of scramblers in public places, has been approved by Cabinet. The Minister proposes to introduce a total ban on scrambler use in public places and to strengthen the existing enforcement powers of An Garda Síochána. We look forward to the legislation progressing to publication and to it being debated by these Houses.”
“3, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a Council decision on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, of the agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the transfer of passenger name record data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 2, without debate; and No. 4, Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2026 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken on conclusion of No. 3 and to conclude after two hours, if not previously concluded, with the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, those of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, those any other Senators not to exceed five minutes, and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on inland and marine fisheries, 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, those of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, those of any other Senators not to exceed five minutes, and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply; No. 2, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of the agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the transfer of passenger name record data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime, to be taken at 6.30 p.m. without debate; No.”
“In response to Senator Higgins's points, quality is important, which goes without saying. Any accredited laboratories have that quality in-built, which is important. As I said, the Minister has laid down this important area, the progress that has been made, and the objectives, vision, energy and enthusiasm that she has for this area. There is great excitement about what is happening and what can happen. She referred to the Lambe Institute. I was there with her. It does excellent work. In her response that day, she certainly showed the importance of research and development in all areas of science and medicine, and the great work that Professor Kerin and others on the team do, with enthusiastic students and others working in that area. I thank the Minister for being here and for her support for this motion.”
“I thank the Minister for being here, but also for her enthusiasm, interest and excitement in relation to genomics and genetic testing, and for the updates she has given on the national genomic processing units opening on 16 February, and the national genomics medical centre. These are positives in this whole area and the Minister quite rightly outlined the possibilities of AI doing a better job than a human being. While we do not want that in every area, perhaps, it is certainly exciting in medicine and diagnostics. The possibilities are certainly welcome. The Minister also highlighted the importance of protecting our GDPR standards and the existing domestic excellence and self-sufficiency that we have. She talked about the importance of the State owning our own data.”
“It is quite a simple proposal and would make sense, especially with respect to the data protection and turnaround times. We have some fine private and public companies that are able and accredited to do this work but, unfortunately, with procurement as it stands, they are not in a position to bid. I am asking that this be examined and that the Minister look at the possibilities and the benefits for turnaround times, cost-effectiveness and data protection from using more of our own companies.”
“It makes perfect sense that the highly sensitive data these labs are dealing with would be better protected within this country rather than having us rely on overseas laboratories. I am asking and urging the Government to co-ordinate a national plan to increase the level of in-country genomics testing to include accredited commercial laboratories in future procurement processes in line with public procurement directives to ensure open, competitive and cost-effective delivery and to review the cost and delivery models for genomic laboratory testing to improve patient outcomes, maximise value for money, reduce reliance on overseas providers and support the development of a domestic public and commercial infrastructure and workforce to provide sustainable, high-quality genomics testing for Ireland.”
“There are private companies, I am sure, across the country that would be in a position to provide speedier results and with which the data might be better protected rather than our having to rely on laboratories overseas in countries such as the UK, the United States, Germany, Spain and Finland, to which approximately 20,000 genetic tests are sent every year. This reliance on overseas laboratories results in associated cost inefficiencies, extended turnaround times and fragmented funding and delivery models, and some of these oversea laboratories are not EU-accredited. I find that strange and it is difficult to understand how they are, therefore, part of the system.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the House to debate this matter, which is quite specific. We are a very advanced country. We pride ourselves on the capabilities we have, our positive results in relation to health, our medtech sector and foreign direct investment in medtech, and the growth of artificial intelligence and what that can do in healthcare. There is so much positivity about our healthcare. Genomics is essential to the future of healthcare, including diagnostics, personalised medicine and population health management, yet the failing we have, or certainly the concern that has been raised with me and others, relates to the fact we have to send so much of our testing abroad. One could ask why more of that is not done within the country and whether that can be changed.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann: acknowledges that: - genomics is central to the future of healthcare, including diagnostics, personalised medicine, and population health management, and that expanding domestic capacity would provide faster turnaround times, leading to improved patient outcomes, enhanced data governance, and more sustainable cost structures; - strengthening domestic expertise aligns with the Savings and Productivity Programme’s objectives of driving efficiencies, reducing expenditure, and improving compliance with procurement frameworks; - some accredited commercial domestic laboratories are capable of providing additional capacity of high-quality genomic testing services to both public and private healthcare providers; - reliance on overseas laboratories incurs high shipping costs, potential fluctuating international pricing and potential delays that increase downstream costs through prolonged hospital stays and delayed treatment; - fragmented domestic provision and inconsistent procurement practices prevent Ireland from capturing economies of scale, delivering consistent quality, and achieving value-for-money in genomics testing; - personalised data arising from testing is highly sensitive and should receive the highest level of data protection and by testing domestically, Ireland has the ability to uphold data protection and security standards in a way we cannot fully control with overseas laboratories; - current procurement frameworks, including Prior Information Notices, limited to public sector laboratories, risk excluding competent cost-effective accredited commercial providers, undermining transparency, competition, and value-for-money for the taxpayer; notes that: - Ireland currently relies heavily on overseas laboratories in the UK, US, Germany, Spain, and Finland, with approximately 20,000 genetic tests sent abroad every year; - this reliance on overseas laboratories results in associated cost inefficiencies, extended turnaround times, fragmented funding and delivery models; - some of these overseas laboratories are not EU accredited; urges the Government to: - develop a coordinated national plan to achieve 50 per cent in-country genomics testing by 2030; - include accredited commercial laboratories in future procurement processes in line with Public Procurement Directives to ensure open, competitive, and cost-effective delivery; - review the cost and delivery models for genomic laboratory testing to improve patient outcomes, maximise value-for-money and reduce reliance on overseas providers; - support the development of domestic public and commercial infrastructure and workforce to provide a sustainable, high-quality genomics service for Ireland.””
“It is quite a specific issue so perhaps she should put down a Commencement matter initially and see if she can get a direct response from the Minister in question on what the plan is, what the rationale is, what can be done and whether there is more the Government needs to do that would require financing. Senator Rabbitte raised the need for a minor injuries unit in Galway to serve our large population. She might put down a Commencement debate as well on what plans there are. There are plans for an elective treatment centre in Merlin Park and the surgical hub there is nearing completion. Perhaps that can be encompassed in that process.”
“We will have further discussion on the matter in the coming months as that Bill goes through drafting, publication and debate in these Houses. Senator Nelson Murray talked of the town centre first plans for Enfield and has requested that the Minister, Deputy Calleary, come in. She might put down a Commencement matter on exactly where these plans are at. The Minister might be able to engage with Meath County Council to see what can be progressed and if there is something his Department can initiate. Senator Murphy O'Mahony raised the pensions issue within An Post.”
“He talked about the drop-off in the number of cattle and sheep slaughtered in the country. It is partly the drop in the numbers of calves and lambs being born but also the increase in the live trade, especially in cattle. It is obviously something that has to be monitored. However, there is a direct correlation between the supply of livestock and the prices farmers receive. Farmers, or at least cattle farmers, have been receiving good prices for the last year, partly due to the reduced supply. Senator McCarthy talked about the general scheme of the apartment defects Bill and an amendment he has in relation to the report to ensure taxpayers will not bear the full burden and that those who were involved in the construction of defective apartments will at least bear some of the responsibility.”
“The right to work is available after six months of waiting for the first decision on your application for asylum and I certainly hope the three men can come off their hunger strike and allow processes to continue. I hope they stay safe and well, especially on these nights. Senator Andrews talked about the Cuban people, the economic blockade by the US and the possible threats. One thing about the Trump Administration is that it is upfront about what it is going to do, so I expect there will be something happening in Cuba and certainly the Secretary of State has a long-term ambition in relation to that area. The Senator might put down a Commencement debate on the matter or raise it with the foreign affairs committee through his party. Senator Boyhan raised Bord Bia and the importance of trade missions, which we all agree on.”
“The Minister, Deputy McEntee, initiated a review of this when she was Minister for education and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, is also dealing with it on the Department of Transport side. I am hopeful there can be a solution for this because it is crazy and daft, as the Senator said, and a matter of urgency. I will keep up the pressure on that matter and I hope we can make progress on it. Senator Tully requested a debate on the sectoral plan for education and youth, with particular regard to the youth component, and spoke of a lack of ambition. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Naughton, on that matter. Senator Ruane talked about the White Paper on direct provision, the campaign to abolish direct provision and three men who have been on hunger strike for 16 days seeking the right to work.”
“Flood-plains, which were once seen as negative in the context of the enhancement of agriculture, clearly existed for a purpose. They were nature's way of regulating water flow. There can be a combination of hard engineering, which is necessary to protect homes, and nature-based solutions to reduce the flow of water. I will request a debate on this matter. I suggested a nature-based solution for a Clifden plan but it was deemed not to be feasible or practical for the river there. Senator Fitzpatrick also mentioned the CSO figures on housing that are due and commented on the positive views on the homes that will be available at O'Devaney Gardens. Senator Murphy raised the issue of over-70s driving buses and what he said made a lot of sense. The issue has been brought to the House in the past and we hope there will be progress.”
“I thank all the Senators for their contributions this morning. Senators Fitzpatrick, Clonan, Noonan, Sarah O'Reilly and Martin Conway raised issues relating to storm damage and the response to it. Reference was made to the merits of engineering solutions and nature-based solutions, as referred to by Senator Noonan. I will request a debate on this matter. Senator Fitzpatrick commended the work of the ground crews, the councils and Uisce Éireann and referred to the supports that exist. Senator Clonan spoke about preparing for major emergencies and requested a debate. Senator Noonan commented on the possibilities associated with nature-based solutions. In Scotland, there are such things as leaky dams to slow the rate of water flow.”
“The Order of Business is No. 52, motion 1, Private Members' business, motion regarding health procurement, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude at 12 noon, and notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders the proposer and seconder should be given no more than eight minutes, the contribution from the Minister shall not exceed 15 minutes, all other Senators shall not exceed five minutes and the proposer shall be given three minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 1, Mental Health Bill 2024 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 12 noon, and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after two and a half hours by the putting of one question from the Chair which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government.”
“Those were the practical issues relating to this Bill. This came up at public meetings, including one where an elderly man asked if we were trying to stop him from burning turf. I told him absolutely not. He could buy turf from his neighbour. He could steal turf and burn it. That is not the issue here. There is a broader issue and Senator Boyhan is correct. I also came across homeowners and people who were out of power for 17 days with air-to-water systems and all of that. There are broader issues here. Under the regulations and plans, anyone who has turf and can buy it legally is entitled to burn it and there is no prohibition on that. That needs to be said and acknowledged.”
“The Minister of State is welcome, and I acknowledge the sentiment of this amendment. This relates to regulations a number of years ago on air pollution, smoky coal and the impact that was going to have on the sale of turf. There was a lot of hoo-ha at the time and a lot of valid and genuine concerns, but also a lot of misinformation. The Government, we and Fianna Fáil backbenchers had robust meetings at the time with then Minister, Eamon Ryan, about these issues. It became quite clear that this was not in any way an attempt to stop people burning turf or wood. The issue related to smoky coal and the practicalities of that, and how smoky coal could not be sold under the regulations in certain communities. The only way that could be done was for turf and other products not to be sold on forecourts, online or things like that.”
“The Taoiseach spoke at the memorial here in Dublin and said the Holocaust is to be taught in schools. We all accept the horrors of the Holocaust during the Second World War but that does not excuse a repeat of a holocaust like that or a genocide such as we are seeing in Palestine. The Senator quite rightly again talked about the treatment of Palestinians and the need to separate the Jewish religion from the actions of Prime Minister Netanyahu. Senator Ruane called for a debate on the ending of direct provision. There is legislation due before the Houses soon. There may be an opportunity there but I will request a debate. Our Senators proposed a Private Member's motion and there were statements at the start of the last term but I will request an update from the Minister for migration on that area.”
“I will raise the matter with the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and ask him to engage with the Senator. State agencies should at least meet with Oireachtas Members on request with regard to local issues. I will request that meeting be expedited. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the matter of the ICCL guidance being circulated to schools. Senator Mullen also raised this issue last week or the week before. The only bodies that can give guidance like that to schools are the Department of education and the boards of management. It is certainly not right if information that is not factually correct is being circulated or given to any parent. I will ask the Minister for education to have a look at that. Senator Craughwell quite rightly spoke about the Holocaust. Yesterday was Holocaust memorial day.”
“Senator Boyhan thanked the Government for the possible issuing of a State apology to the victims of abuse in State-run institutions. I will have to leave that to the Taoiseach. I am not familiar with any package that has been agreed. I will wait for the Taoiseach to make an announcement on that. A number of people have raised this matter in this House and in the other House. Those who were on hunger strike will also have had an impact on the delivery of any package of supports. Senator Tully again raised the issue of the 109 bus. I acknowledge that she has put down a Commencement debate at my suggestion but that this has been refused by the Department as it is not considered to be within the remit of the Minister. Bus Éireann is to facilitate a meeting but that has not taken place yet.”
“I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Browne, in relation to this issue. Senator Andrews spoke about Katie Taylor, who he called a sporting icon, a description I agree with, and rightly talked about Government investment in a wide variety of sporting events. No decision has been made on supporting a Katie Taylor fight in Croke Park. I am not familiar with the issue. The Senator may wish to put down a Commencement debate on the matter. The former Minister of State with responsibility for sport, Michael Ring, was a huge support of boxing, as is Councillor Gerry Coyle in Belmullet. I am not exactly sure whether an application or request has been made or whether the Minister has not engaged. The Senator might put down a Commencement debate but I will raise the matter with the Minister as well.”
“Senator Kennelly is right about the tenant in situ scheme. It is a good scheme but there certainly have been issues in relation to how it operates. I have come across situations where a decision has been made and the county council has agreed to purchase a house but it takes three or four months for the council to assess whether the house has planning permission and whether the standard of building is up to scratch and the council then suddenly decides three or four months later not to progress the purchase because of structural issues, issues with planning or whatever else. That person will have waited four months hoping and assuming that the tenant in situ scheme application would be successful and is then left a couple of months away from eviction. There are real issues with that.”
“11 is the introduction of a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Maternity Protection Act 1994 to provide for postponement of maternity leave in the event of the death of a child of a relevant employee, and to provide for related matters. I support the amendment and wish the Senator well in progressing the Bill. Senator Duffy raised the issue of the ambulance service in Belmullet. I ask him to put down a Commencement debate. I know two new bases were built in the west, in Tuam and in Mulranny, County Mayo. That was probably a decade ago. If there is need for additional expansion in Belmullet, the Senator might put down a Commencement debate. He is right that it is a sparsely populated community but it is important that response times in the area are adequate. I wish the Senator well in progressing that.”
“I do not know if there is a town plan for that community, how the land is zoned or whether there are other lands that could be purchased for the community. I know there are grants available for playgrounds under LEADER and other schemes. I am not sure whether the CLÁR scheme applies to that area. There are sources of funding available. There is a fund for community centres where land is owned or purchased by the community. Perhaps the Senator could engage with Meath County Council, as I am sure she has, and with the Minister to see what progress can be made in that town. Senator Nicole Ryan proposed that No. 11 be taken before No. 1 on the Order of Business. No.”
“They have been under the Indian deal but there are concerns in that regard with respect to the Mercosur deal. That is the reason the Government decided to vote against that deal. There were concerns among consumers about Brazilian beef, which is not farmed to the same standards as this country's beef, and about antibiotics and hormones entering the food chain, irrespective of how small the quantities were. That is the reason the Irish Government made that decision. Any trade deal has to be in the national interest before it is agreed and signed by Government. Senator Nelson Murray mentioned the village of Kilmessan and concerns about the possible loss of its playground as the result of the land, which is privately owned, being sold. The Senator called for a debate with the Minister for children.”
“This will enhance the work of the National Ambulance Service. There is also a cross-Border element to that. The Senator may wish to table a Commencement debate on that matter to get a more direct response. I think what he mentioned makes sense. Donegal is a huge county geographically and has areas where population is sparse, as well as urban areas. It would be of huge benefit. The Senator may wish to table a debate on that matter. Senators Keogan and Lynch both raised the issue of trade deals, the Indian deal announced yesterday and the Mercosur deal. Senator Keogan talked about the importance of the national interest. In general, free trade and trade deals are to the benefit of both communities. However, as Senator Lynch said, it is very important that food standards are protected.”
“It was good to see that both communities are growing and how that growth and progress is made and impacts on people's lives has to be acknowledged. Senator Paul Daly raised the decision by the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, to decouple doors and windows from the retrofitting scheme to allow people to avail of those. I acknowledge the lengths of time surveys and decisions on BER assessments can take. The Senator quite rightly talked about the importance of the residents of those homes, particularly those who have health issues. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, on that matter. Senator Boyle welcomed the deployment of four new helicopters for air ambulance cover. He called for one of them to be based in Finner Camp, which has a central location in Donegal.”
“I would like to acknowledge the work of Tiglin, Cuan Mhuire, the Rutland Centre and others that are involved in helping those who are addicted to drugs to rehabilitate themselves. I will request a debate on this matter as well. A lot of good and necessary work is being done to assist those who have issues. Senator Murphy raised the ESRI report on the North and South and the growth rates in the North and South and disputes the view that the North would be a drain on finances in a united Ireland, so he has commended the report. Economic growth on both parts of the island benefits both. There is that whole cross-Border trade. We have a soft Border and cross-Border trade is hugely important. A strong Northern Ireland is of benefit to the Republic and vice versa .”
“He also called out in particular Scoil an Chroí Naofa, a DEIS school in Ballinasloe, which is dealing with extreme disadvantage. He commended former Senator Aisling Dolan, Councillor Alan Harney, Councillor Marie-Thérèse Duffy and others in relation to the progression of this hugely important project, I know the planning permission was received in 2023 and I wish to acknowledge the Senator's own work on progressing that project. Senator McCarthy talked about an interview on radio with Professor Jo-Hanna Ivers, an expert in addiction studies. She talked about the rapid rise in cocaine use and the damage that can be done. She spoke about the need and importance of health-led approaches and the need for people to be able to rebuild their lives.”
“It is important that there is that balance and they do not ignore the fact that there are people who prefer to buy online. It is important that when they do, that they can buy online from Irish companies as well. There is a dual issue there but I will request a debate with the Minister on that. Senator O'Loughlin also welcomed the inclusion of the Curragh Community College, St. Anne's Special School, the PBS and the Cross and Passion school, Kilcullen, in relation to the announcements regarding the national development plan for education today. I wish all the principals, boards of management, teachers' associations and parents' associations well in progressing those projects. Senator Scahill also welcomed the NDP announcements on the 105 projects and 27,000 additional modernised school places.”
“I thank all the Senators for their contributions this afternoon. I will start with Senator O'Loughlin, who quite rightly acknowledged the role of St. Brigid, the only female patron saint, and wished everyone well for St. Brigid's Day. She acknowledged the previous Government's announcing of a new bank holiday and the choosing of St. Brigid's Day as an additional national holiday, and her and others' role in that. She also talked about the network meeting with representatives of the Kildare Chamber of Commerce, Peter Mahon and Ruth Murphy, about indigenous businesses and those on our main streets and high streets and side streets. She is quite right that we need to support those businesses, but also of course that those businesses need to embrace the online world.”
“if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, time may be shared, all 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, Air Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 1 p.m. and to adjourn at 2.30 p.m. if not previously concluded; No. 2, statements on the nitrates derogation, to be taken at 2.30 p.m. and to conclude at 4 p.m. if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, time may be shared, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 3, Mental Health Bill 2024 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 4.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 7 p.m. if not previously concluded; and No. 4, statements on artificial intelligence, to be taken at 7 p.m. and to conclude at 8.30 p.m.”
“I welcome the level of investment but there is a lot more that needs to be done. The Minister has the ambition and the Government, through the commission on renewal, has the blueprint in relation to that and the budget to go with it.”
“From talking to people, both in these Houses and elsewhere, it is a huge honour and something that attracts recruits to the Irish Defence Forces. We have that proud record, notwithstanding the decisions in relation to UNIFIL as well. I was watching online a former UK Secretary of Defence talk of the hollowing out of defence forces over 20 or 30 years, even in the UK, . It is something that perhaps Europe was never, or certainly since the end of the Cold War was not, investing sufficient in our defence and that level of co-operation which is absolutely needed. We have seen the threats that are going on which very few countries on their own in Europe would be able to withstand without the support of others as well. We have to be able to stand on our own two feet or be seen to do it.”
“That has been somewhat stabilised and we have seen overall staffing levels in the Defence Forces increased. As I said, it is not by accident. There has been progress on pay, as well as the extension of the existing service commitment scheme for Air Corps pilots to air traffic controllers personnel, an increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62, the extension of private healthcare, the provision of fitness training and sports facilities, as we have seen in Gormanston and elsewhere, and progress on the Defence Forces infrastructure development plan with the highest level of financial resources in the State's history. All of that is welcome in leading to a more positive atmosphere for recruits. We have a long-standing tradition of overseas deployment.”
“We would expect to see those figures increasing with the number of recruits that have come in. Certainly, it is welcome that there is that level of interest. That level of interest does not happen by accident because there have been, following decisions by the Government, increasing budgets for the Department of Defence. During the downturn, defence was treated like every other Department whereby Ministers' first decision was to cut their budgets. That was the requirement - to cut budgets and to cut expenditure. Over the years we have seen the level of expenditure across all Departments increase, and so too for the Department of Defence. That is certainly very welcome indeed. Attrition rates and the numbers that have to buy themselves out of the Army was something that has been brought up.”
“It is, I suppose, halfway through or whatever. There is more planned work needed but it is certainly something that will be fitting for our new recruits there. We heard from officers and we have seen that the numbers are increasing, and that is to be welcomed. According to the official figures, we are below the establishment strength but the numbers of discharges have reduced somewhat since 2022. That is to be welcomed. If you look at the number of recruits serving in 2020 after 24 months, we had 170 in the Army, 36 in the Naval Service and none in the Air Corps, making a total of 206. In 2023, the comparable figures were 244 in the Army, 57 in the Naval Service, ten in the Air Corps and a total of 311. In 2024, after 24 months, the figures were 142 in the Army, 45 in the Naval Service, seven in the Air Corps and a total of 194.”
“If anything happened in this country, these people would be the first on social media to say we do not have the capabilities or we should have done more and invested more. We have to take seriously the changed political circumstances across the world. I welcome, first of all, the commissioning of the policy in relation to the renewal of the Defence Forces and now the level of ambition 2 and the movement, we hope, to level of ambition 3 with continued investment over the coming years. We had an interesting visit to Gormanston Camp, County Meath, a number of months ago as members of the defence and national security committee. It is great to see the level of investment because recruits and trainees deserve the very best of facilities. It is good to see the investment visible on the ground. It will be impressive.”
“I welcome the Minister to the Chamber and congratulate her on her appointment. We have had nearly 50 Ministers for Defence and Deputy McEntee is the first female Minister for Defence. I congratulate her personally and politically on that. I thank my colleagues in Fianna Fáil for tabling this motion. I am sure Senator Craughwell knows that if his group tabled a motion, its members would also have 16 minutes on this or any other topic they wished to pursue. Senator Wilson spoke about today's world. It is safe to say today's world has gone a bit mad. There were always incidents but, for the first time in a long time, it has become politically unstable in areas close to us in the Continent of Europe. One often hears pub talk and people asking why we need an Army.”