Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Of all of the things that I managed to do during the four years that I was lucky enough to sit at the Cabinet table, the one that probably fills me with the most joy is the hot school meals programme. I got to meet all of the five- and six-year-olds and they cannot help but make one feel delighted that they are getting hot food, as opposed to cold ham sandwiches, which they warmly welcomed. It makes no sense to have the funding there if the cost per head is not sufficient for people to be able to apply for the tender. I will certainly contact the Minister today and ask her what the story is with the review. If there is not one planned, I will ask her to conduct one, so we can ensure that the €65 million is being spent well and reaches the children that we want it to reach.

Senator Lombard asked for the Minister to come in to talk about public transport corridors, but more importantly, what seems to be the unilateral decisions that are being made by the NTA without public consultation. The idea of good public service is doing stuff in co-operation and consultation with the people that we are here to serve. Any other method usually ends up in some sort of turmoil. We will certainly follow up on that.

I am delighted to hear that the "Joe Finnegan Show” won an award. He is certainly a formidable interviewer, and I can say that from being on probably the wrong end of him on some days. The interview that Senator Murphy talked about continues to have a massive impact. I wish him well and continued success in the work that he does around this particular issue."Be Buddies, Not Bullies" certainly will have a positive impact for many moons to come.

Senator Warfield raised the national nightlife licensing legislation that has been promised. I do not know the date on which the heads of Bill will be published but I will certainly make inquiries and come back to him.

Senator Davitt asked for a debate on class A drugs. It is scary to consider how common they are, even in the rural parts of our country, so it is certainly a worthwhile debate to put on the agenda.

Senator Boylan spoke about human rights and dignity, or the lack thereof too often displayed, in Qatar and similar countries and described in detail some of the tragedies that have happened to people who have migrated to Qatar for work and how poorly they are treated.

Senator Keogan spoke eloquently about Creeslough. I wish the winners she mentioned - I do not know if we know who they are yet - every success because it is lovely to see somebody from one's own neck of the woods winning the lotto.

Senator Maria Byrne spoke about International Day of the Girl Child and wished our Irish soccer team well this evening, as did Senator Malcolm Byrne, who spoke about the need for investment in women's soccer. He also highlighted the human rights abuses that continue in Qatar.

Senator Malcolm Byrne also mentioned Garda numbers and welcomed the new recruit numbers announced in the budget but said he would look to make for better use of the intellectual capital we have in what one would consider young men and women today who, I think, are retiring from the force, which seems a pity.

Senator Wall looked specifically for an international women's pro contract. What the IRFU did was really welcome and an acknowledgement that rugby is only a growing and developing sport for women, but we have exactly the same situation in soccer. The joy Vera Pauw and her team have provided us in the recent past really highlights the effort, the ambition and the positive attitude these young women have. They certainly deserve our support. Would it be worthwhile if we were to arrange a meeting with the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers? It might do something to advance the matter.