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 8 of 31.
“I move: That, pursuant to subsection (2A) (inserted by section 2 of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 (No. 31 of 2001)), of section 21 of the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 (No. 22 of 1995), Seanad Éireann recommends the appointment of Ms. Justice Elizabeth Dunne, currently a Judge of the Supreme Court, by the President on the advice of the Government to be the Chairperson of the Standards in Public Office Commission.”
“Perhaps the Senator will put down a Commencement matter to the Department of Finance, or we will raise it directly with the Minister for Finance as we engage in the process of preparations for budget 2027.”
“If the Senator wishes to put down a Commencement matter on the particular issue to the Department of education, he might get a response on that. Senator O’Reilly raised the issue of carers. I know he is a strong advocate for those involved in caring - I will not say it is a profession because it is caring and looking after loved ones. As the Senator rightly said, they save the State so much money. As the Senator knows, there has been some discussion on it this week. Carer’s benefit and carer’s allowance are and always have been subject to income tax, but carers were required to submit annual returns, so that has changed. The point he is making is whether it is fair and just to have carer’s allowance and carer’s benefit taxable.”
“Senator Scahill spoke about the Ireland West Camino. Walking, trail walking and hiking are hugely beneficial for one's health, both physical health and mental health. As he rightly said, they are becoming increasingly popular. I again acknowledge the investment from the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, in that whole area. Senator Mullen referred to leaflets from a number of NGOs in relation to preferred pronouns and the use of preferred gender toilets in our schools, and to the laws and policies in this area. Policies come from the Department of education and from boards of management, not from NGOs. That is where these policies should emanate from, not from NGOs.”
“The volunteers who raise issues can now see that there is a funding stream and a methodology through the local authorities, different bodies and Departments to provide and allocate funding for greenways and active travel. Bus shelters are very beneficial. Some people have to use public transport, and some wish to do so, but standing out in the rain is not something that makes that journey attractive. We will do what we can to improve the number of bus shelters. There are sometimes issues in terms of getting land or the location of bus stops, which can take some time, but where they work out, they are of huge benefit. I certainly agree with Senator Nelson Murray regarding the needs of the commuter belt, including Meath. I hope her advocacy works for those areas that need additional bus shelters.”
“Obviously, MEPs will have a vote on that today. I am sure they are very conscious of the concerns within the different political party groupings and of their memberships, Oireachtas colleagues, councillors and citizens of the country. I know a number of MEPs have clearly stated they are opposing Mercosur and some are in favour. I would like to think that anyone who does so has balanced all of the issues at stake. We have certainly discussed it within our own political party, and I am sure others have done that as well. Senator Nelson Murray welcomed the commitments on active travel, as did Senator Scahill with regard to active travel, greenways and safe routes to school. It is all very important funding that is very much needed and very popular among local communities.”
“He also raised an issue that I have come across myself, that is, cars that are abandoned at the side of the road, whether they slid off due to black ice or following an accident. Your inclination is to stop and check if anyone is in there, as I have done myself, but you could be causing a hazard by pulling in, or causing a further accident. Senator Duffy talked about the need for safety equipment, including tape that can be put around the car to show that it has been checked and there is no one in it. Perhaps that would be a nice package or gift for somebody who passes a driving test, for example, and is something the Senator may wish to pursue. I agree it is a good idea. Senator Collins raised the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, its referral to the European Court of Justice and the decision of MEPs.”
“Senator Craughwell commended the Canadian Prime Minister, Mr. Carney, on his speech at Davos, and said that Trump must be tackled. Obviously, President Trump is the democratically elected President of the United States. The best way that the citizens of the United States can lessen the powers of a President they are not happy with is through the mid-term elections in November. It will be a decision for voters in the United States as to how they wish to vote in those elections. Clearly, threats against sovereign states, parts of the European Union and the membership of NATO have to have consequences for those organisations. I certainly hope that the powers that be across the European Union and NATO strongly react to those threats. Senator Duffy commended the Mayo person of the year, Darren Forde.”
“We have also seen the changes that have taken place with regard to the pay of those in the early childcare sector, which is to be welcomed. It was an issue that was raised by SIPTU and other organisations, certainly in Galway. Senator Boyle raised the issue of rural planning permission, particularly on the N56 in Donegal. He has requested a debate with the Minister. There is an ongoing issue with planning everywhere, but in particular with regard to traffic coming out onto primary, national and secondary routes. Transport Infrastructure Ireland in general puts in submissions or objections to pretty much every application on a national road, and asks the local authorities to take cognisance of national guidelines in this area. I will certainly request a debate with the Minister in relation to rural planning.”
“Senator Tully raised the issue of childcare waiting lists. Clearly, there are issues with these lists. The Government’s focus for the last number of budgets has been on reducing the cost of childcare for parents - those who were lucky enough to find a place. Clearly, there is now a need. We saw a recent announcement in relation to the ramping up of places, in particular, public places. With those providers that are outside of the core funding model, the parents are not benefiting from the reductions in fees that we have put in place in recent years. We need to increase the public provision of places where there are gaps or where communities have insufficient capacity. We do not want to remove the private providers, but to supplement them to ensure there is the addition of public places.”
“Certainly, the Senator is right to raise the issue of intimidation and the corrosive impact that there can be on families and parents, particularly elderly parents where there are drug debts that have to be repaid. People are put under huge pressure and stress. Sometimes, intimidation and violence are used. Certainly, I acknowledge that. The Senator may wish to raise that directly with the local gardaí in the district, which I am sure he has. Senator Keogan raised the issue of children in State care. She made the point that certain agencies are not accounting for the movement of vulnerable children who may be trafficked or abused. In some cases, records are clearly incorrect. The Senator talked of the need for a debate. I will certainly request a debate with the Minister for children on this matter.”
“Perhaps if the Senator puts down a Commencement matter she may get a more direct response from the Minister. Senator P.J. Murphy raised the issue of drug use and related crime and intimidation in the south Galway area, including the issues that have taken place recently such as threats to burn houses, the burning of cars and intimidation. He has called for a special drug unit to visit south Galway on this matter. Drug use is something that is becoming more prevalent. Those who socially use drugs, perhaps, are not aware of where they come from and the issues at stake for people. For those who become addicted, that has an impact on, first, themselves and their health but also on their family.”
“I thank all Senators for their contribution this morning. I will start with Senator O’Loughlin who acknowledged TradFest and, indeed, AbleFest, which is an inclusive music repertoire for neurodiverse children and adults. I certainly concur with that and wish them well in their initiative. Certainly, it is very inclusive and welcome. She also, along with Senator Comyn, raised the passing of Ziva Cussen, who was an initiator of the charity, Too Young to be Heard, which amplifies the voice of victims of breast cancer, particularly young victims. While the Senator has said that cancer mortality rates are falling here, there are issues in terms of mastectomies and reconstruction and delays in the system. She also said construction should be part of the whole treatment. I certainly concur with that.”
“3, Credit Review Bill 2024 – Second Stage, to be taken at 6.30 p.m., with the time allocated for 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 may be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding appointment of the chairperson of the Standards in Public Office Commission, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 55(2), Private Members' motion in the name of Fianna Fáil Senators regarding the Defence Forces, to be taken at 1 p.m. and with the time allocated for the debate not to exceed two hours; No. 2, Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 – Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 3.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 6.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No.”
“It is important that these areas identified through local authorities are pushed up the line and put on priority lists for improvement. I am not fully au fait with the locations, the length of road and whether they are part of a bigger project down the line or whatever. Certainly, the Senator is right to raise them and I have no doubt that he will continue his advocacy, whether through a Commencement matter or in the debate on road safety we will have in the House in the coming weeks. I will request that.”
“I hope the threats will come to nought and that there pressure will be brought to bear within the United States and from members of the president's own Republican Party. Senator Stephenson raised the Gaza peace plan and called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy McEntee, on the matter. The peace plan was designed by the United States and there is concern that it usurps or undermines the United Nations in how it is constructed and also about those who may be on the board. I know the Government is looking at it. I will also request a debate with the Minister. Senator Cathal Byrne called for a debate on road safety. He mentioned specific locations on the N80, N11 and N25 in Wexford, and called for a debate with the Minister for Transport.”
“I will certainly engage with the Minister on the matter. Obviously, I cannot do it on his behalf. I do not know what stage these cases are at, whether they are subject to appeals or have been approved and are stuck in limbo in direct provision. I will certainly request the Minister to look at that and I will pass on the Senator's thoughts on the matter, as outlined in her contribution. Senator Martin Conway called for a debate on international affairs and highlighted the threats to Greenland, which is part of Denmark, a NATO country and a European Union member. There has been an amount of support, both from the Government here and across Europe, in relation to the sovereignty of Greenland, which can only be decided by the people of Greenland themselves but obviously under the protection of Denmark as well.”
“I am sure the Cathaoirleach, when he is back, will lead tributes to his former party colleague. I did not serve with Mary White but I knew her from the time I was in the other House. She was always a lady and I offer my sympathies to Padraic and her family. May she rest in peace. Senator Boyhan raised the Simon Communities report which was published yesterday by President Connolly and the Minister of State, Deputy Kieran O'Donnell. He called for a debate on this matter and said he would raise it at the housing committee. I will certainly request a general debate on housing and homelessness. Senator Cosgrove raised the Amnesty 2.0 campaign, seeking rights to remain lawfully for people who have been caught for years in the direct provision system. She called for the Minister for justice to provide for that.”
“Senator Lynch welcomed that the Government opposed the Mercosur deal which is bad for farmers and bad for the health of consumers. She spoke about the protesting farmers in Brussels and said that the deal may be referred to the European Court of Justice. There will be a vote in the European Parliament on that. She called for a debate with the Minister for Health and Minister for agriculture. I will certainly raise it. There has been a lot of discussion on this. She has said it is bad for farmers. It certainly could be bad for beef farmers. I think there are also positives from the deal, but overall the Government made the decision that the impact on the beef sector and on our health was sufficient to vote against it. Senators Mullen, Conway and others raised the passing of the former Member of this House, Mary White.”
“He talked about the number of dogs in pounds that do not have microchips despite legislation. He talked about the traumatic impact of dog attacks, first on the sheep that are savaged, maimed and sometimes killed, and also on the farmers and their families, particularly youngsters within the family who see this or have to deal with it. Senator Craughwell raised the attack in August 2024 on Fr. Paul Murphy in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore. Fr. Murphy has borne his injuries with great dignity and honour. He has commended the three soldiers who were there to save his life and who are to receive distinguished service medals, Ciara Shanahan, Daniel Padden and Dylan Geraghty. I look forward to that ceremony and I know the Minister is due to come down next month to honour those acts of bravery.”
“In some communities, it can be an extra incentive to encourage youngsters to stay on the right path. That has to be acknowledged. Senator Tully raised the issue of special schools and students not being able to stay in those schools past their 18th year because of certain classifications. That is a very interesting issue and she suggested it should be changed to reflect what happens in mainstream schools at the moment. She might put down a Commencement debate to the Department of education and the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, on that. It is something that should be looked at. I will contact the Minister about it. Senator Gallagher raised the issue of the increase in the number of dog attacks on sheep. In advance of the lambing season, it is obviously an issue.”
“May he rest in peace. I acknowledge him as well. Senator Conway also commended Ballygunner GAA, who are now all-Ireland club champions, and acknowledged the valiant efforts of Loughrea GAA. Commiserations to all the team and management there in Loughrea. Senator Ní Chuilinn acknowledged and thanked the Minister for sport, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, for going to look at the Iveagh Grounds in Crumlin. It is a 17 acre site which has a lot of possibilities in relation to sport. The local authority obviously needs to have a role in that regard as well. She acknowledged and thanked the Minister and hopes to see progress in that area, given the importance of sport across all of our communities and the great successes, whether they be rural or urban.”
“Senator Duffy raised the Lahardane community futures initiative and commended all those involved in the group, that is, the volunteers, and the plans they have in relation to identifying the issues, the positives and the weaknesses and what is needed in the community. He mentioned a playground and issues of tackling dereliction. Obviously, there are a number of schemes that would benefit the local community there, whether it be CLÁR, if it applies in relation to dereliction. There are possibilities there. I wish them well. The Senator is quite right to say the plan is there and it cannot be put on the shelf. It is important that Mayo County Council, the Department and Oireachtas Members put the plan into place, in conjunction with the local community. Senators Joe Conway and Mullen raised the passing of broadcaster and author John Quinn.”
“Senator Kennelly raised congratulations in relation to a number of, as he called them, Kerry greats: Aoibheann Daly, the Stripe young scientist of the year, Jessie Buckley on her success; and Ballymacelligott GAA and Dingle GAA on their victories. In the case of Dingle, I also send commiserations to St Brigid's of Roscommon on the result at the weekend. Senator Collins raised the issue of jury duty and whether there can be exemptions for creche teachers and those who are involved in early years education. The loss of an early year educator to jury duty would perhaps mean that class would have to close or that room would have to close. It is an interesting suggestion. The Senator might put down a Commencement debate with the Minister for justice to see if that matter could be examined.”
“Senator Keogan quite rightly raised the issue of the protests in Iran and the torture, abuse and deaths, which cannot be ignored internationally. We have not seen this on our televisions over the past number of weeks because the footage has been blocked but we have heard the reports and we have seen some imagery that was sneaked out of Iran and Tehran of the issues and the massive protests on the streets. Human rights abuses in any part of the world are to be condemned and certainly the crackdown and what is going on in Iran is to be condemned. I hope there can be a peaceful transition if that is to the benefit of the Iranian people, which I believe it would be. I will request a debate with the Minister on that.”
“People having functions, weddings, funerals, christenings and all of that would have receptions there so it is a huge economic loss to the town and hinterland. The Senator called for a debate on dereliction. I will request that. Senator Flynn raised Traveller mental health. She called for Traveller-specific healthcare wraparound supports and for a debate on mental health. I will request that. I know the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community is ongoing and that she is a member. I will engage with members of the committee in relation to this matter, as well as requesting a debate. It is an area that crosses a number of Departments. Obviously, accommodation is under the aegis of the Departments of housing and Health, and I will request a debate with the Minister on that matter.”
“There are lots of them. This issue is not just being raised here; it is worldwide. The worldwide backlash on this is to be acknowledged. Hopefully, it will have the desired effect. Senator Fitzpatrick called for a debate with the Minister for arts, Deputy O'Donovan, on the closure of The Complex in Dublin city. I will request that debate. The Senator may wish to put down a Commencement matter to get a more immediate response. Senator Murphy raised dereliction in some rural, and indeed urban, areas. He particularly raised the Shannon Oaks Hotel in Portumna, which was subject to fire a long number of years ago and has been left in a sorry state. That is a great pity for the town of Portumna and its hinterland.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions here this afternoon on the Order of Business. Senator O'Loughlin expressed sympathies and condolences to the people of Spain on the tragic train crash and all the deceased, and to all their loved ones. The Senator also raised the volunteering spirit of Newbridge Tidy Towns. She also expressed disappointment over the redundancies in Newbridge Silverware but highlighted the fact that there is still the ongoing showcase and showrooms in relation to Newbridge Silverware as well.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, Mental Health Bill 2024 - Committee Stage (resumed) to be taken at 5:30 p.m. and the proceedings thereon, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 8 p.m.”
“I thank the Minister of State for the update on behalf of his Department. It is important we keep this project moving forward and that, subject to planning approval of this alteration, which has been a long time in preparation, planning and co-ordination, work takes place. As we move towards tender documents and contracts, it is important we keep this project moving, highlighted and on the radar of the Department of Transport and TII. For the community in Connemara, the project is hugely important in terms of safer driving for all road users and, indeed, for visitors and tourists who come from various parts of the country to admire the scenery of and hospitality in Connemara.”
“Rinneadh obair in 2020 agus 2021 ar chuid den bhóthar idir an Teach Dóite agus Bun an Choill. Táimid ag iarraidh, mar atá muintir na háite, ar an Roinn Iompair agus ar Bonneagar Iompair Éireann an chéad phíosa eile a dhéanamh ar an N59 idir Bun an Choill agus Claremont, Uachtar Aird. Tá an bóthair seo go dona. Tá sé cúng, casta agus tá deacrachtaí ag caranna dul thar a chéile. The Minister of State has a huge interest in road safety. As we know, road improvements are not just about getting people from one place to another faster. Actually, that is not one of the most important things. The safety of all road users, the driveability of the road and comfort are as important as getting people from A to B quickly. I hope the Minister of State has good news regarding the N59.”
“There has been a lot of back-and-forth with the National Parks and Wildlife Service over the original planning application, which required the NPWS to have input in relation to approving different stages and method statements. Galway County Council wrote to the NPWS in 2024, basically confirming its support for an amendment from the county council in relation to these method statements. That has been welcomed and allows matters to progress. We are at the stage where funding is needed to allow this project to progress. We need to see funding to do at least the next 5 km and, after that, for another 5 km into Oughterard. Does the Minister of State have an update on progress from his Department and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII? Is é an N59 an príomhbhóthar ó chathair na Gaillimhe go dtí an Clochán trí Uachtar Aird.”
“The section from Maam Cross to Bunnakill was carried out in 2020 to 2021 and I was hugely involved in advocating for the funding to be delivered for this 5 km section of road. This project was progressed during that period and is now complete. It is of a very high standard. It is very driveable, if I can use that phrase, and there has been a great improvement in sight-lines, safety and overtaking opportunities. It is a very much improved section of road. We would like to see the whole N59 brought to that standard. The next stage for which planning permission has been received is the section from Bunnakill to Claremount towards Oughterard. This section needs to be progressed.”
“The Minister of State is welcome. I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this Commencement matter, which relates to the N59 in Connemara, County Galway. The Minister of State is very fond of Connemara, Clifden and Ballyconneely. It is a very special place but it is obviously also a place where people live. It is not just for tourists or visitors. It is a community for people in the area and we are very proud of that area. We have seen some very welcome progress on the N59 over the last number of years. They Moycullen bypass, which was opened by the then Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, in 2023, has reduced journey times, especially in the evenings, from Galway city out to the far side of Moycullen through Oughterard, Roscahill and on to Clifden.”
“I move: That, pursuant to subsection 2° of section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Éireann concurs with the Government in a request to the President to sign the Appropriation Bill 2025 on a date which is earlier than the fifth day after the date on which the Bill shall have been presented to her.”
“The second area is the Department of Defence. I welcome the publication of the capital plan in relation to defence, but we have to start investing in our Defence Forces to ensure we have the basics that we need to provide security. Unfortunately, recent events cast doubt on our ability to do that. We need to ramp up investment in defence, both in current and capital funding, to ensure we have those resources so that we have a Defence Forces that can provide the minimum of defence for this nation.”
“I welcome the Minister and wish him a happy Christmas and thank him for this work throughout the year. I also thank the Seanad staff and everyone who works in these Houses for their work keeping the place running, from ushers to catering staff and everyone else. This Bill sets out the expenditure for the coming year. It is interesting to run through it and see the amount of work this State does and the role it has. I want to mention two areas. One relates to Vote 31 and the Department of Transport. The Minister is a supporter of the ring road in Galway city. I know that is capital expenditure, but I hope we get a positive decision from An Coimisiún Pleanála early next year and we can see that project going through to construction at the earliest opportunity. It is vital that this important piece of infrastructure goes ahead.”
“I welcome the ambassador. I had the pleasure meeting her and her delegation at a recent joint meeting of Galway County and City Councils. I know she had a large number of meetings on that day as well and that she is doing a very comprehensive tour of the country. I welcome the ambassador and her staff and wish them a happy Christmas.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 2) Regulations 2025, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 9th December, 2025.”
“I will engage with the Minister on this issue to find out when an announcement will be made in relation to FASD Ireland and other groups funded through the Department and the HSE.”
“It also increased the fuel allowance by €5 to €38 per week and it has been extended for those in receipt of the working family payment. Families are also being encouraged to switch providers to get better deals. When you are contracted to the same provider for a long time, you are often not getting the best value of money. I will request a debate on energy poverty in the new year. Senator McCarthy raised the issue of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, FASD. He says that FASD Ireland has been underfunded. I will raise this with the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. I also encourage the Senator to put down a request for a Commencement debate, but in terms of his concerns for funding for this month, it is probably too late.”
“Senator Gallagher raised the standing down of the search for the late Columba McVeigh. He was just 19 when we was abducted and buried by the IRA. His family are still looking for his remains and for a Christian burial. Our condolences go to his family on the fact that the search has now ended. It is hoped that additional information will be provided so that his remains can be found. Senator Harmon requested that we take No. 10, the Education (Leave for Injuries) Bill 2025 - First Stage, before No. 2. I am happy to agree to that. I am sure there will be an opportunity to debate that at the earliest opportunity. Senator Collins raised the issue of household energy costs and the upgrading of the grid. The Government retained the reduction of VAT on gas and electricity in the last budget.”
“I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy McEntee. In fact, I am meeting her in a moment to discuss issues within her Department. Senator Andrews raised the report by Dr. Shannon on St. John Ambulance. The Senator has called for engagement with survivors and says that these people are central stakeholders. He has called for a debate and I will request one with the Minister. Senator Craughwell again raised a defence matter regarding the delivery of the Government jet, which is good news. He also spoke about primary radar. While the investment is important, the Senator questioned whether we will be able to use it. I will request a debate on that issue with the Minister for Defence. I am sure the Senator will raise the issue with the defence committee in terms of the work programme in the coming weeks.”
“It is part of the Common Fisheries Policy. The Hague preferences, which were available for a long number of years, have been blocked by certain countries. There are lot of issues but I will request a debate on the matter. Senator O'Reilly also talks about the need to bring a court case, but I will have to leave that to the Minister of State in terms of what plans the Department have in relation to that. Senator Clonan rightly raised the issues of defence and drones. He spoke about the Government's silence on the drones that were in the sky during the visit by President Zelenskyy. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy McEntee, on this matter. We had the then Minister, Deputy Harris, pencilled in for a debate a couple of weeks ago, but then there was the change in portfolios.”
“The ongoing investment in recent years in additional beds is welcome and the plans announced by the Minister yesterday in relation to plans A, B and C are positive in terms of the reconfiguring of the existing hospital, the possible moving out of certain services, the provision of new beds and the identification of a new site for some services. That news is welcome. We had a debate on those plans with the Minister a couple of weeks ago. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the issue of the fisheries deal, which was discussed yesterday. The Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, was in before the committee yesterday. I will again request a debate on fisheries policy in the new year. It is hard to understand and explain how there is such a disparity between our ability to fish in our waters and other European countries' rights.”
“There may be particular issues, be they addiction or whatever, that necessitate the removal of newborns. If the Senator requests a Commencement debate with the Minister for children, she might get a more direct response. Senators Maria Byrne and Martin Conway raised yesterday's good news announcement from the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, about University Hospital Limerick. It is an issue that has been raised in this House over the past five years. It has been one of the most overcrowded emergency departments in the country from some time.”
“I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, in the House on that matter in the new year as well. Senator Nicole Ryan raised pregnancy loss and the fact there is a cross-parliamentary group. I acknowledge her work on this and the work of my colleague, Senator Linda Nelson Murray, who is part of that, along with others, in terms of the need for a certificate of loss for those who suffer pregnancy loss before 23 weeks. I can certainly understand the importance of that to a grieving mother and family. I will request a debate on that matter as well. Senator Keogan talked of newborns being removed by Tusla. I certainly hope and suspect that Tusla does not remove any newborn without very good cause and that it is something it does not do lightly.”
“I ask him to put down a Commencement debate on that. He has concerns about the quality of the hall, the need for investment and the state of disrepair. As he said, there are summer emergency works grants that can be applied for. This may be a larger job. If the Senator puts down a Commencement debate in the new year, he may get a better response. Senator Mullen raised the ban on social media for under-16s in Australia. As I said last week, this will be something that will be looked at and examined by many parliaments and jurisdictions around the world in terms of its impact and whether it will be successful or not. He has called for a debate on the digital wallet system which has been proposed by the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan. I am sure the committee is examining that as well.”
“We had a very positive debate here on our national parks a number of weeks ago. It is an important area. He rightly said we need to ensure there is adequate funding for the National Parks and Wildlife Service to carry out the work it does. It is also about the engagement with the Department of agriculture and farmers, who play a very important role as custodians of the countryside. Senator Scahill raised the need for a debate on apprenticeships and the importance of apprenticeships for housing supply, energy retrofitting and the likes. I will again request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin. She was actually pencilled in for today but had to cancel. I will request a debate with the Minister of State in the new year about apprenticeships. Senator Kennelly raised Scoil Réalta na Maidine in Listowel.”