Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Senator O’Reilly spoke about the need to put an end to the waiting list for assessment of need. That is an admirable campaign and one we can all get behind.

Senator Boyhan has three asks. He spoke about children in institutions. We know the Senator’s long-standing work and advocacy in that space. He also made calls on the USC and a national forestry authority.

Senator Martin proposed that No. 11 be taken before No. 1. I am happy to accept that. I agree that oesophageal cancer is an important topic that needs further awareness. He also spoke about Gaza, as did many colleagues, and made an important point about funding and the facilitating of work by UNRWA that the Irish Government has continued to fund, despite pressure not to do so going back quite some time. It does important work and it is incredible to think it would not be allowed to continue its work. It will only lead to further death and misery. The Senator also welcomed the record-breaking sports funding announced by the Government this week, which was fantastic to see. Sport is in every part of the country and it is important for communities to get that funding.

Senator Black proposed that No. 10 be taken before No. 1. I am happy to accept that amendment and support the proposal that we look at support for elected members at local authority level. Of course, we would always support that.

Senator Gavan proposed that No. 9 be taken before No. 1. I am happy to accept and support that amendment as well. He made comments on the occupied territories Bill. He will be aware that the Tánaiste has been before the foreign affairs committee on this Bill. There are challenges to enacting it but he has given a commitment to do that and proceed with the Bill. That is the position of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

I think we were unsure where Senator Dooley was going with his initial comments when he spoke about a landowner and a business owner in County Clare, that being President-elect Donald Trump. The result is the result, and of course we respect the democratic process in another country. That is the position. The Senator also commented on law and order coming up at the doors. I have also got those comments at the doors. People, particularly in rural communities or at night, are not feeling safe. There is a job of work to be done with the justice Department and that portfolio. It will come down to more gardaí on the streets and increased Garda numbers.

Senator Lombard spoke about Bantry and the economic developments there.

Senator Craughwell spoke about his continuous work in the space of security and cybersecurity. He spoke about the PEACEPLUS programme as well and funding under that.

The Minister of State, Senator Hackett, spoke about the US election but also made a point that to build on what we have achieved in this country, we need progressive policies, we need to do better and we will always want to strive to do better. I support that position also.

Senator Burke requested a debate on the work of the Electoral Commission and the registers. It is unlikely we will get that debate before the end of this term but it is a debate worth having. There is much work to be done there. The Electoral Commission has been tasked with quite a large body of work and it is important. The registers are not in the best of shape in many parts of the country and updating is needed, and that is not happening at the level we would like it to happen.

Senator Murphy spoke about the rehab unit that was promised in Roscommon hospital in 2015. It is important because, as we all know, everyone is travelling to Dún Laoghaire and it is very difficult to get in. These are people in the most vulnerable situations with the most critical, life-altering and life-changing injuries. Having to wait when in that position is heartbreaking for the individual and the family concerned. We need more rehab spaces and we need them in the west, not just in the east, so we can have a better spread of supports at those critical times for patients and their families.

Senator Warfield proposed that No. 8 be taken ahead of No. 1. I am happy to accept that amendment on affordable space for artists. There is an opportunity there with the office vacancy in the city to repurpose some of that for artists. It would be space very well used and good for the city. There is ongoing commentary and discussions on the impact on the city of working from home and people not coming into the city centre. This could be part of that solution, so it certainly merits looking at.

I take on board the frustrations about the night-time economy and closing times. It varies between smaller provincial towns and our capital city. That needs to be looked at as well. Genuine concerns were raised about later opening times, people drinking more and pressure on the Garda, but I think that can be addressed. I would like to see that moved forward. There is space for differing approaches in different parts of the country, depending on the size of the urban centre. It merits progressing.

Senator Davitt made a call again for pensions for councillors, which was contained in the Moorhead report. I am happy to support that proposition.

Senator Maria Byrne raised issues concerning small business, as she has done regularly. I am very aware it is an ongoing challenge for many small businesses to keep the doors open, especially cafés, restaurants and labour-intensive businesses like shops and retail units. The VAT rate not coming back down to 9% was a massive source of disappointment for many businesses. I think the bigger picture is that the cost base for businesses needs to be addressed. The Power Up grant is a big help but it will not address all of the challenges there. Rates need to be looked at along with all of the other costs associated with running a business. We need to keep businesses open, keep the doors open and protect jobs.

Senator Flynn spoke about Traveller committee launching its report on inequality in the justice system. I commend the Senator and committee on their work. I wish them well on the launch of that report today.

Senator Cummins spoke about school places for children with additional needs. Two thirds of all school places for children with additional needs were put in place by this Government in this term in the past four and a half years. It has been a huge body of work, but we have a long way yet to go to make sure there is adequate provision right across the country at both primary and second level. It is a huge source of stress and pressure on families who are already dealing with a pressurised situation. It is a top priority for this Government and I have no doubt it will be a top priority for the next Government.

Senator Clonan spoke, as he has often done, on the harrowing and horrible situation in Gaza that we watch every day of the week. Words do not adequately describe the situation on the ground there and the many children who are killed daily. We have to hope and push for a ceasefire, that humanitarian aid can get in and, of course, for a release of all hostages.

Senator Ruane spoke about politics, the changes in politics and the need for radical change to make sure politics can deliver for all people. I am not sure radical change is needed as such, but while the country is doing well, we need to make sure that is felt by everybody in the country. That means building on the progress we have achieved to date and still bringing forward new ideas and new policies to address those constant challenges we have to face in the country.

Senator Keogan congratulated President-elect Donald Trump. She spoke about the issues that caught the attention of the American voters, such as rising inflation, dereliction and other key issues.There are similar issues no matter what country we look at. Whether it is the UK, the US, or other European countries, the same issues are spoken about, be they crime, housing, education or health. We are not that different but it is fair to say our politics are not as divisive. This does not mean there are not challenges and people feeling their needs are not being met. The challenges are more stressful for some families than for others. We do have to look at this. Thankfully, inflation has stabilised here but prices are still very high and the cost of living is still a big issue, as we are hearing on the doorsteps. We are getting this back. Housing, of course, is a top issue, as is health. Depending on the door we are at and what stage of life somebody is at the top issue might shift slightly but health, housing and the cost of living are the top three issues in the country.

A very important point was made about the Power Up grant. It is one of the measures the Government is using to help businesses with rising costs to make sure we keep doors open and that we are pro-business and a good country to do business in. This must be a priority of the next government.

I am conscious this is probably my last occasion to take the Order of Business as the Leader of the House. It has been a huge honour and privilege to do this role. I am assuming the election will be called this week, as the Taoiseach has indicated. It is the worst-kept secret. I see Deputy Michael Ring in the Gallery. I wish him the very best on his retirement from national politics but I am sure there is something to come in the next chapter. It has been a pleasure to work with him over recent years in Mayo. He has done great service for the county and for the west of Ireland and, of course, for national politics in his various ministerial roles. It is great to see him in the Seanad.

It has been an honour and a privilege to work with Opposition and Government Senators. For the most part we all got on quite well. I have found this to be a very collegiate and constructive House. We do not always agree but respect is shown to Members across the divide and everybody gets an opportunity to have their say, to stand up on the floor of the House to make their point, and to put forward policies and Bills. It is a credit to the House and how it works. We have done fantastic work as a House in amending key legislation over the past four and a half years. We have proved our worth and how essential the House is. We might not always agree but I believe the legislation we pass is better because of the work done in the House.

I thank my private secretary, Orla Murray, whom Senators know very well. Many of them have been in constant contact with Orla behind the scenes on a weekly basis. They know the incredible Trojan work she does to schedule the business and keep the House ticking over. She works with all sides in making sure Members' views are heard and listened to.

I also thank Martin Groves, Bridget Doody, all of the Seanad team and all of those who work in the Chamber, taking the notes and doing all of the communications. A lot of work goes on that is not seen on the floor but the House would not operate or work without it. There have been many late nights and stressful times but we always get through it.

I also thank the Cathaoirleach. As Leader, it has been lovely to work with him as Cathaoirleach for the past two years. We have done a good job as a team to keep the House going. It has been lovely to work with such a good colleague and somebody who has been very good to all Members.

I thank my colleagues in Fianna Fáil. I have been the group leader for the past five years. It has been an incredible honour to work with such a fantastic group of Senators as part of that team.

I wish everyone well. I hope those contesting elections have a safe number of weeks. We will have the Dáil election and the Seanad campaign will kick off thereafter. It will be a long few weeks and months ahead so be safe on the road and be safe at the doors. It is fantastic to see the democratic process in place and that we have an opportunity to have open and fair elections in which we can cast our votes to elect our public representatives. It is something that we should never take for granted.