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 9 of 31.
“There is no prohibition on Government Senators raising matters here in the Seanad. Senator Nelson Murray rightly raised the issues of tendering and the prohibitive costs and rules which are a real deterrent for small companies in relation to tendering. I will request a debate with the Minister on procurement issues. Senator Tully raised domestic violence and the issues of refuges in Cavan and Monaghan. She might put down a commencement debate about Cavan. It is good news that there is a site and funding for Monaghan. I will request a debate on domestic violence with the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan. Senator Noonan raised his concerns regarding the deterioration of habitat quality and drew attention to restorenature.ie which, as I am sure he knows, was launched during the summer.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions here this morning, starting with Senator Anne Rabbitte, supported by Senator Mullen, in relation to the importance of safeguarding for adults. They called for statements on this in terms of protecting our most vulnerable. I will certainly raise that with the Minister as well. The Senator talked about the need for a proper framework and proper protection. I will request a debate on that in the new year. Senator Boyhan raised recurring issues that have been raised by Government Members. As Government Senators, we raise issues on behalf of people who contact us, be they councillors or people in our local area. We seek answers and we try to make progress. As I am sure Government Senators will agree, we also raise things within our parliamentary parties and with our colleagues as well.”
“5, Private Members' business, National Minimum Wage (Inclusion of Young Persons, Apprentices and Interns) Bill 2025 – Second Stage, to be taken at 6.30 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“The Order of Business is No. 2, motion regarding the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 2) Regulations 2025, back from committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 3, National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025 – Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 2.30 p.m. and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 4 p.m. 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; No. 4, Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 4 p.m. and to adjourn at 6.30 p.m. if not previously concluded; and No.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 27th November, 2025.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann, noting that the Government, on 4th November, 2025, agreed to nominate Sam Erik Blanckensee, Cathryn Costello, Adam Harris, Rosaleen McDonagh, Patricia Munatsi-Mangwiza and Rose Wall for appointment by the President as members of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, recommends, pursuant to section 13(1)(b) of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 (No. 25 of 2014), that Sam Erik Blanckensee, Cathryn Costello, Adam Harris, Rosaleen McDonagh, Patricia Munatsi-Mangwiza and Rose Wall be appointed by the President as members of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.”
“I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the Seanad on its rising on Tuesday, 16th December, 2025, shall adjourn until 9 a.m. on Wednesday, 17th December, 2025, and the following arrangements shall apply: (a) Mental Health Bill 2024 [Dáil] – Committee Stage (resumed) . The proceedings on the Committee Stage of the Mental Health Bill 2024 [Dáil] shall be taken at 9 a.m. and shall, if not previously concluded, be adjourned at 10.30 a.m.; (b) Commencement Matters shall be taken at 10.30 a.m. in accordance with Standing Order 31; (c) The Order of Business shall be proposed at 11.30 a.m.”
“If the Senator puts down a Commencement debate for the Minister for justice, he may get a more direct and better response on that very important issue.”
“Senator Duffy raised safe routes to school funding, particularly for Kilmurry National School. I know there will be announcements on that this week. I hope for positive news in that regard. Senator Davitt, speaking on behalf of Councillor Paul Hogan, raised baby loss certificates for babies lost up to 24 weeks. I can only imagine the very difficult situations that arise for mothers, fathers, partners and wider families. The Senator called for these certificates to made available. I ask him to put down a Commencement matter because it is a very important issue, which would get a direct response from the Minister. Senator McCarthy raised the DRIVE initiative and stated that not enough prosecutions are taking place. I am not sure whether the law needs to be amended, improved or made clearer about this.”
“The Senator also called for Deputy Coppinger to apologise for comments she made on radio during the week when she called many farmers cowboys. He will have to take that up directly with the Deputy or the other House. Senator Boyhan raised rural housing again. I will request a debate with the Minister for housing. I know rural housing is hugely important. There may be reasons the guidelines have not progressed from a draft form since 2005. Without the input of politicians and if this was let to many Department officials, there would be no rural housing or very limited rural housing. It is politicians who are to the fore in ensuring, through councillors' work on local development plans and through our work here in the Oireachtas, that rural planning is still allowed. It is a valid issue and I will request a debate on the matter.”
“The grant for vacant properties has been hugely successful in bringing houses back into use and tackling dereliction. Senator Craughwell raised the issue of head and neck cancer again and called for an audit on theatre time. I ask that he raise that directly with the Minister or put down a Commencement debate. Theatres have a certain throughput and they also have to have time for cleaning and disinfection. In relation to the exact management of theatre space, I would have to submit to the specialists on that. Senator Brady raised the fox hunting Bill in the Dáil tomorrow and a number of concerns people have. He also referred to dogs being attacked by foxes recently. I acknowledge his bringing together of a number of organisations in the audiovisual room last week on this matter.”
“I am not awfully familiar with that part of Dublin but the Senator could put down a Commencement debate on the issue with the Minister to get a direct response. Senator Kennelly raised a worrying issue regarding the misuse of ambulance services. He mentioned this was brought to his attention by Councillor Angie Baily. He demanded a number of things, including clearer protocols about non-emergency calls, sanctions for misuse and operational safeguards. Those are all common sense suggestions on that important issue. The Senator might ask his colleagues on the health committee to raise the whole issue of the National Ambulance Service. That might be an opportunity to bring this issue directly to the ambulance service. Senator Gallagher and Senator Boyhan raised the vacant property grant and the recent acknowledgement of additional grants.”
“A new advisory board is being set up on the workings of the Office of the Planning Regulator. I hope that will provide greater oversight of the office's role. I hope that will provide for greater oversight in relation to that office's role. Senator P. J. Murphy raised the ongoing issues in Clonmoylan, Ardgraigue and Barroughter bogs and spoke of the need for engagement with the Minister. He might put down a Commencement matter or engage directly because the time is tight on this. I have no doubt that if a contract is ending and there are no alternatives provided, the Minister and Department will have to ensure there is either an extension of the contract or some other recompense. I ask him to put down a Commencement matter on that issue. Senator Andrews raised the glass bottle site, the Luas extension and the lack of new infrastructure.”
“Senator Comyn raised the importance of community volunteer groups in Drogheda and acknowledges the importance of charitable giving at this time of year. Senator Scahill raised financial services and used the example of the credit union in Elphin, which is still maintaining services online and through ATMs and drop-in services. It is important that county and rural towns have access to services, particularly for the elderly. The Senator gave a case in point. Senator Scahill also raised the issues of vacant commercial properties and the statutory instrument being debated in the Dáil today, and indeed in this House as item No. 3. Senator Crowe raised the Office of the Planning Regulator, which came into being owing to the fallout from what I believe was the Mahon tribunal.”
“Senator Harmon raised the student accommodation strategy and student rents. She also raised assessments of need, having regard to the Department of education. We are told the Department is removing the requirement for a diagnosis to enrol in a special class or special school. It is working to ensure that addressing applications due by October 2026 for the 2027 school year will reduce pressure on the assessment-of-need system. I ask the Senator to request a specific debate with the Minister for further and higher education on the student accommodation strategy and increasing student rents. The Minister will be in the House tomorrow and may be happy to answer questions on these topics if the Senator gets a chance to ask them.”
“Senator Ruane, supported by Senator Murphy, raised the question of homework. In this regard, I welcome and acknowledge the attendance in the Gallery of Brion. Senator Ruane raised very valid points on Brion's behalf in relation to homework. Different people have different strengths. Some may have no issue with homework and some obviously have issues with its role and the time spent on it rather than doing other things. Some are stimulated by different approaches and do better if they opt for these. Some may be more academic and others may be more practical. The Senator has raised very valid points on which I will engage with the Minister. I suggest that Senator Ruane request a Commencement debate with the Minister for education to have a fuller debate on this matter.”
“Senators Joe Conway, O'Donovan and Duffy raised the sea fisheries debate and the negotiations that took place at the weekend, in particular the blocking of the Hague preferences. They have called into question the Common Fisheries Policy, saying it has failed and that a debate is needed on the matter. Senator O'Donovan said he feels betrayed over what happened and that there is perhaps a need for a legal case and an urgent review. I will request a debate. The relevant Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, was before the fisheries committee this morning and I am aware that he has put a lot of work into this. A couple of weeks ago, we agreed in this House, with some amendments, to a Private Members' proposal on the Common Fisheries Policy, and on to trying to strengthen the Minister's hand in the associated negotiations.”
“I ask that she submit the matter for debate with the Minister for Finance as a Commencement matter, or perhaps raise it while the House deals with the Finance Bill, which we will be taking very soon. Senator Nelson Murray raised the matter of the insurance report and the discrepancies between Injuries Resolution Board fees and litigation costs. The point is valid and the Senator has made a number of suggestions, including having a massive media campaign, asking the insurance companies why their profits are up and setting a cap on legal fees. I will request a debate on insurance. Senator Collins raised her visit to Limerick Prison and made a number of valid points regarding the Prison Service and early intervention. I will request a debate with the relevant Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, on prisons and early intervention.”
“I thank all the Senators for their contributions. Senators O'Loughlin, Comyn, Keogan and Andrews raised the horrific massacre in Bondi Beach. We offer our sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives. I commend those who tackled the perpetrators. The issue of antisemitism was raised by Senators Keogan and Andrews. The Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, stated that there has been no rise of antisemitism. Senator Keogan also raised concerns about the renaming of Herzog Park. This has been suspended and we await the outcome but, as I have said here before, we cannot rewrite history in this country. Senator O'Loughlin also raised the increase in VAT on immune tonics, which are being treated as luxury goods.”
“6, whichever is the later, and to conclude after 40 minutes, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed five minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than five minutes to reply to the debate.”
“5 and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after three 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; and No. 7, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of an opt-in to a Council decision authorising member states to sign, in the interest of the European Union, the Third Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, to be taken at 7.45 p.m. or on conclusion of No.”
“by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to recommendations, include only those set down or accepted by the Government; No. 5, Social Welfare and Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken on conclusion of No. 4 and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 15 minutes 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; No. 6, Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken on conclusion of No.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the arrangements for the sitting of the House on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion regarding appointment of members of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, motion regarding the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025 - back from committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 2, without debate; No. 4, Finance Bill 2025, a certified money Bill - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 3 p.m. and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 4.15 p.m.”
“A person might have a pedigree herd of 20 or 30 or 40 animals and they are suffering from a full depopulation and the impact that has, with the emotional impact, the stress, the worry, the hardship and the financial hit.”
“I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive response. As I said, I would not be here today if it were a case of one cow or one bull. However, the cap impacts the value that is allowed to be paid to pedigree farm owners. For a farmer in their 50s who wants to get back into pedigree farming again after the depopulation grant, there is a huge disincentive because of the payment. I am asking the Minister of State to go back to the Minister, Deputy Heydon, and discuss this at management board meetings with the Department officials to see if it is possible where there is a pedigree herd. I am sure the Minister of State has them in Kerry.”
“Tá a fhios agam freisin gur cailliúint mhór í nuair a chaithfidh siad fáil réidh lena gcuid beithígh de bharr an ghalair. Cuirim fáilte roimh an maoiniú breise a bhfuarthas i mbuiséad 2026. Teastaíonn sé seo go géar toisc go bhfuil na huimhreacha TB ag méadú. Tá uasteorainn íocaíochta i bhfeidhm d'fheirmeoirí a bhfuil eitinn ag a gcuid beithígh. Tá sé seo ceart go leor i bhformhór na gcásanna ach, nuair atá an tréad ar fad i gceist, go háirithe nuair is beithígh pedigree iad, tá tionchar níos mó aige seo ó thaobh airgid de. An bhfuil aon phróiseas eile ar fáil do na feirmeoirí seo? The financial hardship is acute on many farmers. I know there are hardship schemes and obviously compensation. The cap that applies to a full depopulation of a pedigree herd needs to be looked at.”
“I am asking that consideration be given to having supports for pedigree herds. If there is a full depopulation of a pedigree herd, I am asking that there would be additional compensation for the farmer. I have engaged with certain individuals who have told me that a farmer who loses a herd of 35 or 40 animals could take a hit of over €55,000. That is a huge hit for any farmer. I ask that the Minister of State and the Minister engage with their Department to see if something could be looked at in cases where there is a full depopulation of a pedigree herd. Cuirim fáilte roimh an tuairisc a d'fhoilsigh Roinn an Aire Stáit i rith an tsamhraidh maidir le eitinn bólachta, TB. Tá a fhios agam go mbíonn brú ollmhór ar fheirmeoirí nuair a bhíonn orthu tástáil eitinne a dhéanamh.”
“The increase in the value of cattle in the last couple of years has been very welcome for farmers, but it has also put additional pressure on the budget. That increase in funding was absolutely necessary. The Minister of State knows that if farmers lose one animal or 5% or 10% of their animals, it is difficult. If they lose a full herd, and there is full depopulation of the herd, that is a huge stress on the family and a huge financial burden. If that herd is a pedigree one, whether it has 20, 30, 40 or 50 animals, that is an additional hit. I understand the reason the Department has a cap on compensation for an individual animal. If a farmers loses a pedigree cow or bull, that is a hit. If a farmer loses the full herd, however, that is a substantial hit because of the cap on compensation for an individual animal.”
“It has some 30 actions and five high-level headings, namely, to support herds free of bovine TB to remain free; to reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bovine TB; to detect and eliminate bovine TB infection as early as possible in herds with a bovine TB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown; to help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity; and to reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading bovine TB. These are all very important. I also acknowledge the work of the Minister and the Minister of State in securing additional funding in the budget to ensure there is adequate compensation for farmers. This is necessary for two reasons. The first is the higher rate of TB in cattle herds and the second is the higher value of animals.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this matter to be taken and I welcome the Minister of State. The Minister of State knows full well the scourge that is bovine tuberculosis, TB, and the impact it has on farmers and farm families in terms of the emotional stress, financial stress, worry and the heartache that it can bring. I acknowledge the work the Minister of State, the Minister, Deputy Heydon, and their Department have done in relation to the bovine TB action plan published during the summer.”
“On the basis that there has been some disruption because of votes in the Lower House, I propose that, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or the Order of the House today, No. 5 will now conclude at 8.45 p.m., if not previously concluded, and No. 6 shall be taken at 8.45 p.m. or on the conclusion of No. 5, whichever is the earlier.”
“There is never a bad time or a wrong time to debate issues relating to councillors and I welcome the debate on this Bill.”
“In County Galway, we have a cathaoirleach who serves an area from Clifden to Portumna and Glenamaddy to An Spidéal without a driver. Should that be looked at? I think it should. There are issues like that. People talk about why people do not get into politics, one of which is the timing of meetings. If a meeting is at 11 o'clock in the day that discommodes a full-time councillor. There are a lot of things that could be looked at. Town councils were mentioned. At the local democracy forum, I know LAMA and the AILG said it was not their policy that we should bring back town councils. Perhaps just cause could be made for some town councils. On some town councils it was possible for someone to get elected with fewer than 100 votes. There was a view that the more peripheral areas lost out in those cases. There is a lot here.”
“A lot of things and a lot of supports have been put in place but more could be put in place. If an administrative assistant gets a salary of €35,000 or €40,000, it means this Bill would cost about €40 million. Would councillors be better served by having an increase in salary if we were to spend an additional €40 million? Could there be changes in relation to expenses? Could there be changes and more certainty in relation to pensions? Gratuities have been mentioned. There are a lot of things that could be put in place. I accept that administrative support is needed but I do not know whether a full administrative assistant is needed or whether that money could be diverted more directly to councillors. I have previously wondered whether cathaoirligh, for example, should have drivers.”
“I welcome the Minister of State. I acknowledge that decisions on timed amendments are made by Cabinet. It is important to put that on the record. Many Senators have indicated their support for the principle of the Bill, and whether that is now or in 12 months' time, it is still the principle of the Bill. As Senators Ahearn, Fitzpatrick and O'Loughlin said, a lot of important work has been done in government over the last number of years by Ministers with responsibility for local government. Many changes have been made and we have had the work of LAMA and the AILG. I was happy to attend the local democracy task force with the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach and Senator Boyhan to highlight some of the issues and the important role councillors have. As a former councillor, I fully acknowledge the valuable role they play.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann – - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Pat Cooney; - conveys its sincere condolences to his family; and - expresses its gratitude for his notable contribution, as a member of Seanad Éireann, to Irish public life and for his dedicated service to the people of Ireland.”
“Senator McCarthy acknowledged the work of Councillor Gayle Ralph and Teach an Saol in the Ballymun area. He spoke about the importance of advancing these plans. I suggest that he tables a Commencement debate on this matter to get a specific reply on this very important issue.”
“Italy, which was supportive, may have pulled out. There is still engagement on that. The work done by the Irish Farmers' Journal and the IFA to highlight the inadequacies of traceability for South American beef is assisting in terms of greater scrutiny on this very important issue. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, on this matter. Senator Kennelly also welcomed the work of the Minister, Deputy Heydon, on the nitrates derogation. He also highlighted the case of a robbery in Listowel, where somebody had money stolen from their car. Thankfully, it was not taken from the person themselves and it was not a physical attack, but it could have been. That is the danger with these things. It is something we all have to be mindful of in relation to our loved ones as well. Senator Sarah O'Reilly also raised the Kenova report.”
“Senator Maria Byrne raised the importance of the flu vaccine and encouraged people, particularly those who are vulnerable or compromised by health issues, to get the vaccine. I certainly agree with that advice. The vaccine is available through local GPs by appointment. In some cases there are walk-in vaccination clinics. I advise people to contact their local GP on that. Senator Boyhan raised what the Irish Government is doing with regard to Mercosur. It is not just a decision for the Irish Government, as we do not have a veto on this. There is a requirement that at least four member states would have to agree to the final Mercosur deal and that it would represent 25% of the population of the European Union. The Government has had a lot of engagement with like-minded countries, particularly France and Poland.”
“Senators Gallagher and Sarah O'Reilly raised the 1974 Monaghan and Dublin bombings, Operation Denton, the Kenova report and allegations of collusion between the UVF and security forces in Northern Ireland. The Kenova report looked into activities of the Glenanne Gang and allegations of collusion. The gang is said to have consisted of members of the loyalist parliamentary group, the UVF, and members of the RUC and the Ulster Defence Regiment. However, the final Kenova report found no concrete evidence of collusion and stated that the UVF possessed the necessary materials, knowledge and expertise to carry out the bombing without any support from the British security forces. It is accepted that there were individuals within the security forces who were involved in these atrocities. I look forward to the full report on this in the new year.”
“Changes have been made to the assessment of need process to make it faster, more efficient and more focused on identifying a child's needs. They are introducing statutory guidelines to streamline and standardise the delivery of these assessments around the country to give children quicker access to appropriate assessments. As part of these changes and to support the system, the HSE will establish 11 expert teams, to be called in-reach teams, with 44 specialist staff in total. Each team will include psychologists, a speech and language therapist, an occupational therapist and an administrator. I will request a debate with the Minister on that. I welcome Cara Darmody and her family to the Chamber, and acknowledge her advocacy on these matters.”
“There must be a whole-of-government approach to those catchments to ensure that any evident sources of pollution are dealt with during the period of the derogation because future derogations will only be available where there is improvement in water quality. Senator Nelson Murray acknowledged the passing of the political activist Paddy Dunne at the age of 98. Our sympathies go to his family. She also raised Tabor House in Navan and the Carnaross Drama Group. I wish them well. Senator McCormack raised the question of assessments of need. I acknowledge the work of the Minister, Deputy Naughton, in her time as Minister of State with responsibility for disability; the Minister, Deputy Foley; and also now the new Minister of State, Deputy Higgins.”
“We want to see more sites, particularly brownfield sites, brought on stream to increase the supply of social and affordable housing. Senators Paul Daly, Boyhan and Kennelly raised the positive decision of the EU nitrates committee in relation to a nitrates derogation for this country for three years. That is a great relief to those farmers who benefit from the derogation. I acknowledge the work of the Minister, Deputy Heydon, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and Commissioners. A lot of work has been done on this over a long period. I will call for a debate on this matter, in particular in relation to the conditions of farmers. I will also request a debate with the Minister for housing and local government on water quality. There are specific issues as part of the conditionality relating to the rivers Barrow, Nore and Blackwater.”
“Galway County Council has indicated it will not take it over if it will have to be liable for the structure. It must be brought up to standard before the council will take it over. I acknowledge the Senator's work and the work of the Minister. I will engage with the Minister, Deputy Burke. I will try to get statements on tourism as well. Senator Andrews raised the issue of the Irish Glass Bottle site. I am not exactly familiar with the make-up of the development on that site in terms of affordable, social, cost-rental and all of that but the Senator raises valid questions in relation to affordability. There are two issues here. One is the viability of building apartments. The Government has made changes to make building apartments more viable. I hope we will see a ramp-up of supply in that regard.”
“Senators Fitzpatrick and Boyhan raised the issue of The Complex, a cultural hub on Arran Street East. They called for a meeting with the Ministers for arts and Finance. I will request that debate and bring the matter to the attention of the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance and the Minister for arts, Deputy O'Donovan. In advance of that, the Senators might propose a debate on the issue of The Complex. Senator P.J. Murphy again raised the issue of Dunguaire Castle and called for a meeting with the Minister, Deputy Burke. I will engage with him on that. He has been a strong advocate for the reopening of Dunguaire Castle. As the Senator has said, it is an iconic tourist attraction. It is a shame that it has been closed for three years. It needs money.”
“In this country, the Minister is looking at a digital wallet, which would be linked to the PPSN through the Department of Social Protection. This would be used to verify people's age. That would operate across all apps. It would not apply to individual social media providers but to the whole sector. That would obviously require changes to legislation. The Minister is engaging with the committee on that. Senator Duffy raised the URDF in relation to Ballinrobe. The local development company in the area is undertaking a regeneration project at the Valkenburg Hotel. That is to be an arts, civic and amenity space. I acknowledge the work of Councillor Michael Burke and Michael Sweeney in that regard. I wish them well in their application to the URDF. As I mentioned, Senator Joe Conway raised the issue of South Sudan.”
“I wish Deputy Dooley well in that whole area. It is a very important issue for the sector. As the Senator has said, it has had a number of bad deals. I wish the Minister of State well on that. Senator Craughwell commended Eoin Clancy, his niece's husband, on a bravery award. He also called for a debate on the use of drones and the security of our State. I will request that debate again. Senator Rabbitte acknowledged the outright ban on those under 16 using social media apps on their smartphones in Australia. I suspect this is generating debate not only in this House, but in parliaments across the world. People will be examining how this works in Australia. As I understand it, a number of under-16-year-olds in Australia are challenging the ban in the courts.”
“Senator Stephenson called for a debate on gender-based violence and talked about intimate partner abuse and related issues. I will request a debate with the Minister on that matter. Senator Costello talked about the importance of early cancer diagnosis and of diagnostic scanning. She also spoke about cancer survival rates. It is a very important issue that we have discussed in this House a number of times but I will ask the Minister to come in at a later date to talk about the very important issue of cancer. Senator Boyle raised the issue of the fisheries talks the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, will be attending in Brussels. It will be an important number of days for the sector. There have been a lot of challenges in relation to proposals based on scientific evidence, particularly with regard to mackerel stocks.”
“Senator McDowell raised the issue of the European migration pact and the need for a debate on asylum policy. Fine Gael put down a Private Members' motion on the whole area of migration a number of weeks ago. The Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, came in to deal with the matter. We had a good two-hour debate but I will request that the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, come in to talk about the migration pact and the issues raised at the joint committee yesterday. Senator Tully called for emergency payments for those on disability allowance and the need for cost-of-living payments. I will request a debate with the Minister on that. The Minister for Social Protection will be in to deal with a social protection Bill later this evening. Perhaps there will be an opportunity for the Senator to raise the matter at that time.”
“The Senator also raised the need for a new strategy on drug use and spoke about the intimidation of families and the tragic loss of life in the arson attack in Edenderry. She called for a debate, which I will try to arrange with the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, and the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan. Senator Ní Chuilinn congratulated Kate and Saoirse, who have been interning with her for a period of time and who have raised issues regarding the need to continue to wear school uniforms in their local school. They have suggested there should be the choice not to wear uniforms and to wear school-specific tracksuits and more comfortable clothing instead. The Senator might table a Commencement debate with the Minister for education on that matter to see whether she can gain traction.”