Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I echo the comments of the Cathaoirleach with regard to Congressman Tim Kennedy and I wish him the very best for his term.

The Order of Business today is No. 1, Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023 – Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 12.45 p.m., with the proceedings thereon to be brought to a conclusion at 3.15 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; and No. 139(2), Private Members' business, motion on loneliness, to be taken at 3.30 p.m. with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

May I say how relieved we all are in Kildare with the news yesterday evening that the one objector to the proposed Diageo plant, which would be an investment of €200 million and would provide 1,000 jobs during the construction, has withdrawn his objection to the High Court? This means the Diageo brewery, which will be the biggest in Europe, if not the world, will go ahead. Two weeks ago we had a robust meeting with a respectful exchange of views at a meeting in Athy with the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, David Owens, Councillor Veralouise Behan and local farmers. The objector came to the meeting. It was made very clear that he was on his own. Diageo has said if it has the possibility of doing work in Athy it will do so. This is also important. I am organising a meeting for IDA Ireland to come to Athy. This is good for Ireland and gives international companies a sense of confidence in the planning process.

On Sunday I was at a very dignified memorial service organised by St. Conleth's branch of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, ONE.. It is always important to remember those who have passed before. I wish them well on their new acquisition, which is a house in Newbridge to cater for those coming from the Defence Forces who need shelter and as a meeting place. St. Conleth's must be one of the biggest ONE branches in the country. We hope it is a speedy process and anything that I can do to help them, I will do.

I also want to raise the issue of St. John's Convent in Rathangan. For more than 100 years the Sisters of Mercy have provided education and provided a lot for the people of Rathangan. Thankfully, four of the nuns are still alive but as they have aged they have moved from the convent. The Sisters of Mercy order decided it wanted the building to be used for those who need shelter. The decision was made with Kildare County Council that it would be for people aged over 55 and for people with disabilities. There are very unfortunate rumours and people are peddling stories that it is for drug addicts and people with mental health issues. People are going up to the school which is beside the convent and giving out utter rubbish in terms of information. I want to call this out in the most public place I can, which is here. It is simply not good enough. It is very unfair to prey on vulnerable families and children by spreading this disinformation.

Regina Doherty (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to speak today about cash. In recent weeks we have seen major inroads in announcements of policies by the European Commission and the European Parliament to introduce a digital euro and immediate transfer payments to try to commercialise and digitalise how people interact and do their business in society.While that is all very welcome and most of us have probably easily transitioned to the likes of Revolut and online banking in recent years, a tremendous number of people in our population still go to the bank or the hole-in-the-wall every week to take out their budget of money and spend it. I met a lady in Rush last Sunday when I was canvassing who does not even have a bank account. When Ulster Bank closed last year, she was refused a bank account by all of the other banks in Ireland because she does not have a passport to prove who she is, and despite having other forms such as a digital public services card and a driving licence, she was still refused. A huge number of people are still using cash, in the main, mature citizens. The lady in question has to take her pension out of the post office in cash every week and she puts it under her stairs. It is just not tolerable.

I want us to address this issue. We have a situation in Ireland where cash is legal tender yet it can still be refused by services and shops by putting a sign in the window to say the contract of engagement is such that only cashless payments are accepted. That is not good enough. It should be enshrined in legislation that people who continue to wish to use cash, because they have been using it for donkey's years, should be allowed to continue to do so, as a natural form of transaction until it naturally runs out, which I am sure it will at some point in the future. I ask the Leader to raise with our ministerial colleagues the need for primary legislation to ensure that those people in Ireland who want to use cash as a means of buying their public services, doing their shopping or paying their bills - whatever it is they do on a daily basis - can continue to do so by law. We must allow them to continue in the way they have done for years, and services and companies should not be able to refuse them.

The most public case we had last year was the NCT refusing to take payment by cash. That was overturned but only after a public outcry. We need primary legislation to ensure people's right to engage in services, transactions and actions by the use of cash, if that is what they wish. I ask the Leader to raise this with the Minister involved.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the issue of the Policing Authority Assessment of Policing Performance 2023, with a particular focus on child sexual abuse and child safety. As outlined in this policing report, the strategic approach to addressing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence has seen a significant transformation in the past few years. The establishment of the divisional protective services units and the renewed focus on responding to these crimes have led to increased reporting of incidents, particularly in cases of domestic abuse and coercive control. The success of these units will play a fundamental role in child protection within our community.

The report states that the resourcing boost to the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau has led to notable improvements in investigations, especially in identifying children who may be victims of sexual abuse offences. The report acknowledges challenges faced by investigating units, such as workload pressures and the ongoing review of the divisional protective services units. It is crucial that An Garda Síochána addresses this as a priority.

The report acknowledges the Garda commitment to supporting children as victims and states that it made significant strides in implementing the recommendations to improve the response to child sexual abuse cases. The introduction of a memorandum of understanding with Tusla and the piloting of the Barnahus model in Galway demonstrates the dedication to providing a more efficient and protective response to these vulnerable children. The piloting of the Barnahus model in Galway, a child-friendly, inter-agency response to child sexual abuse, has shown promise in providing a more efficient and protective response. While challenges have been identified in information sharing and communication between partners, the report notes that the overall feedback has been positive.

I commend the report, which demonstrates clearly the Garda commitment to further enhancing efforts in regard to child interviewing, ensuring consistency in our services to child victims of crime and addressing concerns about the capacity and resourcing of the divisional protective services units. However, there are still concerns regarding the timely response to reports of child sexual abuse, particularly in conducting joint agency interviews promptly.

The report also acknowledges the three children attacked in Dublin on 23 November and their carer. The events of that date were harrowing and the public response, including to the subsequent riots, reflected strong concerns for community safety, policing and police response to public rioting. I call on the Government to ensure that An Garda Síochána and related agencies that play any role in child safety are adequately resourced as a priority.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome to the Visitors Gallery the guests of our friend and colleague, Senator Mary Seery Kearney. Ceád míle fáilte.

Rebecca Moynihan (Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of the childcare crisis which we are seeing around the country, particularly in my own area. Places are nearly impossible to find and parents are paying insane prices for childcare and deposits to reserve a place in a childcare facility that is far away from their home and workplace. Staff are in insecure employment because of the insecure and unaffordable commercial model that we have.

It is a pattern that we see in every part of Ireland. Parents deserve affordability, children deserve locality and staff deserve job security and fair wages. Some of the stories from the childcare crisis are heart-wrenching. People have reported having had to pay over €1,000 as a non-refundable deposit to secure a place before their child was even born. Some report spending multiple years hunting for childcare places to no avail and having to give up work and other commitments because they have to mind their child, or else their families undertake an immense amount of unpaid labour in caring for the children. Other families who manage to find and secure a place are under extreme pressure to pay bills and pay high prices. Crèches are closing because of rising operating costs, yet demand keeps increasing. The free market economics are not simply not serving parents, children or staff.

The failure to provide affordable and accessible childcare disproportionately harms women, who bear the burden of childcare. We are meant to encourage and empower women and if they must straddle the fence between working and looking after their children, it is a zero-sum game. If we are to genuinely support the lives of women in Ireland, we need to ensure we have a childcare system that is fit for purpose for both staff and parents. The women employed in these sectors do not need words of encouragement. They need support from the Government and a complete overhaul of the system that is currently in place.

What is the answer? How do we guarantee locality, affordability and security? The answer is a public childcare system. The State must take on the role of planning for childcare in the same way it does in planning for primary school places. It must make sure there are guaranteed places for every child and equitable access to options across the country. The only way to keep the crèches open is direct State operation and the upskilling and training of staff.

The failure to take responsibility over the years has only made the issues worse. For example, in my own local village, we saw the childcare facility close down even though the demand was there, so parents do not have a place to put their kids. However, the large new development that has gone in has a gym instead of the childcare or crèche that previously existed. It should be up to the State to plan for childcare facilities in the same way that we do for primary schools, and to guarantee every child a place, guarantee affordability and, on this May Day, guarantee good terms and conditions and security for staff, with a pension.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish everyone a happy May Day. I thank Senator Moynihan and call Senator Daly.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I join the Cathaoirleach in offering our congratulations to Congressman Tim Kennedy, who is replacing Congressman Higgins, so one Irish-American is replacing another. Congressman Kennedy is from Buffalo in upstate New York, and is a great Joycean scholar, as well as a great supporter of the University at Buffalo. I know he will be engaged in all things Irish because he was very much involved in the New York American-Irish Legislators Society, which has been there for many years.

Today is May Day and today the Legacy Act takes full effect, which means many of the families will no longer get justice in regard to the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The Legacy Bill led to an extraordinary event in August 2021 where, for the first time ever, all the major political parties on the island of Ireland signed one document. That event was organised in Belfast City Hall by Raymond McCord, whose son was murdered by UVF paramilitaries. Those who were involved in the killing and the organising of the killing were paid informers of the British security forces. In fact, Raymond McCord was the first person ever to manage to get the police ombudswoman to prove collusion in the case of the security forces, yet there has been no justice. Nobody has been held accountable, nobody has been convicted and those who supported it, and who allowed that murder to happen on the British security forces side, are still walking free. The report done recently by the British Government on Operation Kenova outlined the fact that the security forces had infiltrated the IRA and were well aware of operations that either were about to happen or had happened. They knew who was involved in the killings. They allowed citizens in Northern Ireland to be killed. Yet, these were supposed to be the agents of the state acting to protect them. The document that was signed addressed the British Government proposals for dealing with the past, including amnesty for those who committed murders. It stated the no individual group, organisation or state forces agents can be immune from prosecution and that investigations, prosecutions and inquests should not be stopped. The document was signed by every political party - Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the SDLP, the DUP, the UUP, the Alliance Party and Sinn Féin. Senator Boyhan, who is an Independent, was also there on that occasion. On this day of disgrace for the British Government when it is now denying justice to so many in its own state, we will of course support the Government's proposal to prevent that legislation through the European courts.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the announcement yesterday from the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, and Mr. Bernard Gloster, CEO of the HSE, that a new team is being put in to look at the running of University Hospital Limerick. This is something I have been consistently raising here. I have been looking for fresh eyes to be brought to bear on the problem. Ms Grace Rothwell, the national director of acute hospitals, Ms Orla Kavanagh, director of nursing and integration at Waterford University Hospital and Dr. Fergal Hickey, who is a retired consultant, have been brought in to look at issues in the hospital over the next four weeks to see what areas can be supported and how the hospital can be run better. They will support Ms Sonya Cotter, who was brought in as acting CEO in February of this year. The new team is there to support the existing team. That is really important because there have been a number of problems at the hospital. In April, 1,971 people were on trolleys in the hospital. That is a really high number. They need to look at how the hospital is run and how it can be run better. The people of Limerick and the mid west deserve a safe place to go for their medical care but, in addition, the staff need to work in a safe environment.

I note that Barrington's hospital has been put up for sale in the past couple of days. I call on the HSE to consider buying the building, which is already laid out as a hospital. It would not take a lot to fit it out and maybe it could be used as a medical assessment unit or surgical hub.

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to advocate on behalf of our health workers. It was interesting that the previous Senator spoke about Limerick. I know from people who are canvassing to be elected mayor of Limerick that one of the biggest issues after housing is health and the hospital. I think the local elections, particularly in Limerick for the mayor, will effectively be a plebiscite on the Government and our health services. The shocking situation in Limerick is an absolute disgrace. It is clear that the public and the electorate are particularly exercised and that is coming out loud and clear on the doorsteps. I think that will be reflected in the elections.

I want to advocate on behalf of the ICTU group of healthcare workers. It is made up of workers from Connect, Fórsa, the INMO, the IMO, the MLSA, SIPTU and Unite. This is an amazing body made up of representatives of our heroic health workers. Its simple ask, made in a formal request to the Government, is for the HSE's pay and numbers strategy to be published. This has been long promised. I ask the Leader to use her good offices and we in the Seanad to use our connections to ask the Government to produce the HSE pay and numbers strategy. Clearly, we need workforce planning and to lift the recruitment embargo, or at least examine it. We can talk about the anomalies and shortcomings in the health service day and night in these Houses, but if we are not prepared to address the recruitment embargo for essential health workers then we are doing nothing. I ask that we have a debate or statements on this issue. I want to be clear that I will continue to advocate on behalf of this group of ICTU members who have done amazing work. At the end of the day, we can no longer tolerate lip service. They need to be recognised and they need to be adequately paid for the amazing services they provide for our health services.

Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 8 be taken ahead of No. 1. This is a Bill that the Fianna Fáil group of Senators is introducing around the protection of retail workers. The Bill would make it an aggravated offence to attack retail workers, particularly where they are carrying out work on behalf of the State, including age verification. It is based on Scottish legislation. I hope it can be tabled for debate in due course.

The Leader may be aware that today marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of Lyric FM. It first broadcast on this day 25 years ago. I listened to it on that day. It is something that gives me great pleasure when I need to switch away from some of the often very serious, depressing and worrying news that can be heard on other stations. Lyric FM provides a lift to the spirit. On my way in this morning I listened to Marty Whelan's wonderful tones. He played Celine Byrne singing Puccini. I sometimes think we should broadcast Lyric FM throughout these Houses. It might calm some of the Members in this Chamber and in the other one in advance of some of the debates. I am sure everyone will join with me in congratulating all those in RTÉ Lyric FM on their work and wishing them a very happy birthday.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is wonderful to celebrate 25 years of Lyric FM. I have to admit I am a Marty Whelan anorak. I choose to listen to him every morning. He is a wonderful broadcaster. Senator McDowell might indulge in this; two of my other favourite presenters are Aedín Gormley and Evelyn Grant. I had the pleasure of working with the latter in RTÉ Radio Cork. She has a wonderful programme on Lyric FM on Saturdays. I wish a happy 25th birthday to everyone in Lyric FM. I thank the Senator for raising the matter. Our country is a better place with Lyric FM in it.

Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Byrne's idea and I suggest it be given some thought. There is merit in having Lyric FM broadcast at critical moments in here and in the other Chamber as well, as a backdrop.

Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Clerk of the Seanad should take note.

Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I think it offers great potential and could be very useful.

A wonderful thing that was previously in the pipeline has been announced today and is coming to fruition. From next week, children's allowance will be paid to young adults over the age of 18 who are in full-time education. This is a critical intervention. It is an important payment of a considerable sum of money to families. It is a universal payment, in that everybody gets it, and it amounts to €140 per child, per payment. That is significant. Many children now start school at five years of age and there is wonderful educational merit in that. Anyone who knows anything about education knows it is a great development. The second thing is that many children do transition year, which in many instances has huge value. All of that amounts to a situation whereby many students aged 18 are still in second level education and move to third level a year or so later. The extending of the eligibility for the children's allowance is a very practical intervention in their lives. I congratulate my constituency colleague, the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, on this initiative. It is one of a number of reforms she has introduced but this is the one we need to celebrate today. It gets to every child and it is important.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We are in election mode, and will be for the next 12 months as far as I can see. Regarding overseas development aid, Ireland must be the most generous country in the world or home to the greatest shower of idiots who ever walked the earth. Let me talk about Ethiopia receiving €552 million from this State in overseas development aid. Its military budget is $1.58 billion. It has a defence force complement of 503,000 and 220 battle tanks, 345 personnel carriers and 97 military aircraft. It has no naval ships. Mozambique gets €299.641 million. Its defence budget is $280 million. It has a defence force complement of 11,200 and 60 tanks, 417 personnel carriers, 24 military aircraft and 30 naval ships. Tanzania gets €252.21 million towards its $943 million defence budget. It has a defence force complement of 104,000 and 46 battle tanks, 81 personnel carriers, 41 military aircraft and 17 ships.

Ireland's Defence Forces have fallen apart. We do not have military aircraft capable of defending the State. We have one ship defending our Atlantic and Irish Sea coasts. Our military force is depreciating at a rate of 50 people net per month. Are we the greatest idiots who ever walked? Now that we are in election mode, I am asking the citizens of this country to demand that we undertake a review of overseas development aid and a review of NGO funding for this entire State. Annually, €2.137 billion is being given to countries that have far more than we have. It must stop. The citizens must stop this because the political parties will not bring such a review forward. It simply must happen.

Pat Casey (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I second Senator Malcolm Byrne's proposed amendment to the Order of Business. Given that it is 1 May and that today marks the closing date for the business support grants, it is disappointing to see the level of take-up in this regard. We should possibly be looking into why there has not been more success in respect of the numbers taking up the grants. I say this mindful of the fact that businesses can get up to €5,000 back in respect of their commercial rates. I wonder why they are not applying.

This matter also relates to the commercial rates system, which is very antiquated and clunky in how it operates. To get this grant, it is necessary to pay out the money first before a rebate can be obtained. I do not know why people cannot simply get a discount from their commercial rates bill. That is bizarre. We all know the commercial rates process is this antiquated. There is a need to reform it and now is the time to do this. Why should people have to pay out €10,000 to get €5,000 back? This is meant to be a support grant for businesses struggling with their cash flow, but we are asking them to spend the money before they can get it back, instead of just giving people a straight discount off their commercial rates.

Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Can we contact the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, regarding the N24 road from Limerick to Waterford? I have raised this issue numerous times. We are at a critical stage with this project.

Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Leader has a good relationship with the Minister.

Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I do.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators.

Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Perhaps the request could be made in the context of her position rather than personally. On a serious note, there are only a few weeks left until the design group completes its work on the design for this route. It is being done in two phases. The phase relating to the part of the road between Cahir and Waterford is the one that has been shelved by the Minister. He has decided not to fund it anymore. We are looking for €2.5 million. Over the past seven years, this Government and that which preceded it spent over €5 million to get to this point. If this project is stopped, it would mean that all this money and all the reports done will have been for nought. The reports will be shelved for good and the money will have been wasted because we are not willing to continue with the planning application stage. This happened in 2002 with the N24. Work went on for a couple of years and then the project was shelved. Work began again on it in 2012, went on for a couple of years and then the project was again shelved. This would be the third time that we would not get to the planning application stage.

The important thing about this situation is that if we get the project to the planning application stage and get it approved, then all those reports that were done will stand after planning permission is granted. We would never have to go back to the start again. We could make a decision in a couple of years on the cost of construction. All we need to do now is to fund the project for €2.5 million to keep it going. This endeavour would have a real impact. Three people lost their lives on the N24 this year. There are many homes within the buffer zone of the N24 that are in limbo. They cannot do anything. People, including farm owners, cannot build houses on that section of the N24 because it is within the buffer zone of where a road might be built, but now the project has just been shelved and left in limbo. It is really unfair for the people living in that area of the constituency. This is a major strategic route between Limerick and Waterford. The Minister needs to fund it. We have so much money in play at the moment. Only €2.5 million is required to continue what was started six years ago and to support the south-east region.

Michael McDowell (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I share with the Cathaoirleach a devotion to Marty Whelan and the other great presenters on Lyric FM. On one occasion, he recounted a story about a three-legged dog going into a saloon in America. The bartender said, "What are you doing here? We don't serve dogs". The dog replied, "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw". That always stuck with me.

On a serious note, the Joint Committee on Justice has just finished its consideration, which was very accelerated but at least we got two sessions in the time allocated, of the migration pact proposal. On a wider note, one issue that really has not been addressed, either nationally or internationally, is the relationship between international migration and asylum-seeking, how one affects the other and how policy in one area is being affected by the other.

I ask the Leader to arrange for us to have a serious, reflective debate on international migration. What is the long-term future in respect of the population movements happening? How sustainable are they politically in the receiving countries? What are the implications for the sending countries? What are the implications for the asylum system in this country? Can we sustain what is happening now? Is the new normal referred to by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, of 20,000 plus asylum seekers every year sustainable given our own constraints? I ask the Leader to see if she could arrange such a debate with either the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, or the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, so we can have a real, in-depth discussion and analysis here regarding migration. This could include topics such as our migration needs. I say this because we do need migrants. I wish to stress this point. We do need migrants, but the question here is whether we have a controlled migration policy or whether we will allow the present free-for-all to continue.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir. Anois, glaoim ar an Treoraí le freagra a thabhairt ar ár ngnó.

Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I also thank the Members who contributed to the Order of Business.

Senator O'Loughlin welcomed the fact that Diageo will be able to move ahead with its investment into its plant in County Kildare. This will be worth €200 million and will create 1,000 jobs, now that the single objector has withdrawn their objection. I wish the company and County Kildare well. It is a fantastic investment into the area.

The Senator also spoke about the memorial ceremony held by the St. Conleth's branch of ONE that she attended last Sunday. It is probably the largest branch of that organisation in the country and I wish it well. It provides a valuable service to ex-service personnel in the area and further afield.

Senator O'Loughlin also referred to St. John's Convent in Rathangan. The latter will no longer be used as a convent but will provide accommodation for people over 55 and for those with disabilities. Much misinformation, however, is being distributed in the area by those who seek to disrupt. The Senator wished to make this point very clear.

Senator O'Doherty spoke about the access-to-cash issue and the moves at EU Commission and European Parliament levels to digitalise payments. She made an important point that many members of our society, especially the older generation, still rely very much on cash.The Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael McGrath, announced the general scheme of the access to cash Bill in January and I understand it is undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny. We hope to get that law on the Statute Book soon. It will provide that businesses will have to accept cash as legal tender and that pillar banks will have to provide ATM access within a particular distance, which will be set down by the Bill. We look forward to that legislation coming into effect.

Senator Keogan raised an important issue around child protection and safety, which the Senator often raises in the House, and the Policing Authority’s report on policing performance. It is good to see that there have been improvements, but there is still a long way to go. Many children have been lost within and outside the system and vulnerable children are being exploited for devious purposes, but it is good to finally see movement in the right direction on tackling this scourge on our society.

Senator Moynihan discussed the childcare crisis. There have been considerable improvements in access to childcare and the reduction of fees during this Government’s term. Many parents, myself included, have seen a reduction of approximately 50% in their childcare fees. A great amount of work has been done on the issue of parents’ costs, but I acknowledge that providers, many of whom have seen their fees frozen since 2017 or even earlier, are struggling. There are few things today that you will pay a 2017 price for. Running costs and overheads have increased. The upcoming budget will be an opportunity for the Government to do something about childcare providers. They want to pay their staff well. One of the Government’s main focuses has been to increase access to places, reduce fees for parents and improve pay and conditions for childcare workers. While that last has been done, there is still more to do in that space.

In discussing childcare places, we also need to have a conversation around facilitating parents to be at home with their children. Many mothers do not want to return to work when their babies are just six months old, but they have to out of financial and economic necessity. This is an issue we need to consider. The same applies to fathers. There is work to be done on increasing maternity leave to one year and on increasing paternity leave for fathers and partners. We should aspire and endeavour to provide to parents the option of staying at home with their children, particularly in that first year. This would alleviate pressure. One of the matters providers raise with me is that many of them have had to close their baby rooms because the staff-to-child ratio is so small and the running costs are so high. Places for babies are the most difficult to get, but it would take some pressure off the system if parents had the option to stay at home. Many do not but would like to.

Senator Mark Daly extended his congratulations to Mr. Tim Kennedy on becoming a Congressman. Senator Daly also pointed out that the legacy legislation was taking effect today. He reiterated his support for the Irish Government’s challenge to the legislation and reminded us of the letter that was signed by all parties on the island in opposition to the law.

Senator Maria Byrne discussed University Hospital Limerick, which she has done nearly every week for the past year. She has always kept the issue at the top of the agenda. She acknowledged that a fresh team was now in place. There are ongoing challenges. There is an acknowledgement that there has been significant investment in University Hospital Limerick in terms of increased bed capacity and staffing and further funding, but there is clearly still a way to go. The Senator put it out there that the Barringtons hospital was up for sale and suggested that, given that it is already laid out as a hospital, the HSE should consider purchasing the building to facilitate or complement the area’s other health services.

Senator Boyhan reiterated his support for healthcare workers as well as the trade unions and the umbrella body ICTU that were supporting them. He asked for the pay and numbers strategy to be published without delay and for a debate on same. We will try to arrange that debate for him.

The Senator also discussed the June vote on the mayor of Limerick. It is the first time there will be a directly elected mayor in the country and it is an important step forward in local government. I wish all of the candidates well. It will be the first time any of them will have contested an election like this. It will be challenging. We will see the outcome in a number of weeks.

Senator Malcolm Byrne proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, seconded by Senator Casey, to the effect that No. 8 – First Stage of the Protection of Retail Workers Bill 2024 – be taken before No. 1. I am happy to accept that proposal. We will schedule that Bill when the Senator is ready to move.

I concur with the Senator’s remarks on Lyric FM. I wish the station a happy birthday on its 25th anniversary. I had to smile when the Senator said Lyric FM was a welcome respite from the other stations that we tend to listen to every day. I certainly listened to it often during the period of the eighth amendment referendum, as I found listening to the other radio stations intolerable. Even the tone in which the news is read out is softer and more calming. At times, it is just a nicer way to start the day. It is a fantastic and important station and part of the cultural offering from RTÉ. Birthday wishes were also extended to it by Senator McDowell and the Cathaoirleach. I hope those at the station enjoy the day.

Senator Joe O’Reilly welcomed the extension of the children’s allowance in respect of 18-year-olds still in full-time education.

Senator Craughwell placed some figures on the record as regards overseas development aid and the levels of defence spending in the countries mentioned. I take his point. It is important that we continue providing funding for overseas development aid. As a country, we are proud of that. When it comes to funding our own Defence Forces, though, we are not at the races. It is accepted that we will never be a big military power, but there has been a level of attrition from the Defence Forces over the past two decades, especially the past ten years. This has included the loss of experienced personnel at the highest levels, some of whom are nearly irreplaceable. We cannot pluck those skills out of the private sector. They have to be grown internally, so it takes a long time to replace experienced people at the various ranks. The Government has committed to proceed to level of ambition 2 and increase defence spending. The debate on defence in this country is maturing, if I can put it that way. There is more of an openness to discussing how we defend the State because people now realise this involves more than just boots on the ground, but also cyber. Our geography is no longer our protection. People know we are here; we are not invisible out in the Atlantic. There is an acceptance that we need to do more. The Irish public are willing to see us co-operate and collaborate more with our European partners on appropriate projects. I suspect this will be an ongoing debate, and I expect there will be more debate in the coming weeks on some of these issues. At least, I certainly hope so, given that it is a European issue as well. Sometimes, there is a lack of awareness of just how vulnerable the State is. Senator Craughwell mentioned the Naval Service and our coastline in particular. Having just one ship at sea at times offers virtually zero protection of our sea border, which leaves us vulnerable in many ways. We will have this debate again.

I take on board the Senator’s point about reviews of overseas development aid and NGO funding. We should never be afraid to review them and see how they are working, if they are still working and whether we need to make changes. It is public money and we need to be sure we are spending it properly. I would have no issue with such reviews.

Senator Casey spoke about the low uptake in the increased cost of business grant. He hit the nail on the head. Businesses have told me that they do not want to engage with their local authorities because they may be behind on their rate payments and they first have to pay those to get money back. The grant is a good sum of money and the intention was to help businesses with increased costs. Uptake has varied across counties. The rate in some has been in the 30% to 40% range while others hit the 50% or 60% mark. We had hoped that the deadline would be extended to try to get the money out. Some 130,000 businesses are eligible, but the last time I checked, 35,000 or 40,000 had applied. The number was quite low. I agree with the Senator on the commercial rates system. When we consider the levels of commercial vacancy in some towns across the country and how particular businesses are competing with online retailers that have smaller overheads, we need to reimagine the costs. We would rather those vacant premises be filled, but commercial rates are a significant deterrent to setting up a physical business. The system needs an overhaul. In fairness to local authorities, commercial rates are such a large part of how they run the show and keep the lights on, they cannot afford to reduce them too much. Otherwise, they will not be able to pay their own bills. There is a job of work to be done in terms of local government funding.

Senator Ahearn raised the issue of the N24 Limerick-Waterford road. I support his call for funding to be made available for that project. There was an agreement between three parties to advance road projects across the country. Those projects should be delivered and funded as agreed by the three coalition parties four years ago. I hope that, given the scale of the project, €2.5 million is a small request to continue the design work and get the project to planning. That money should be delivered.

Senator McDowell discussed the EU migration pact and the joint Oireachtas committee’s consideration. Extra time was provided to the committee.That was the wise decision to make. I am glad that Members have more time to discuss it and we will have a more full debate in this House when it comes back in.

On a number of occasions I have requested a debate on immigration with the relevant Minister but I have not been given a date; the Senator's request slightly differs as it is on the future sustainability of long-term migration for various reasons. Whether it is fleeing conflict, climate, economic desperation or whatever I do think we need to have a conversation about it. I will lodge a request with both Ministers, as the Senator mentioned, and await a response. I think it is a different conversation from what we are currently having. We do need to think medium and long term about the issue because it is a challenge that is here to stay. In the past two years we have managed a huge number of people. While a lot of things have been done well there is certainly a feeling that we could have done better and a feeling that the horse having bolted before we closed the gate. It is a humanitarian response and people want us to look after anyone who is in need, which has always been the point made by all voices. However, the issue must be managed to the satisfaction of our citizens. Also, citizens need to feel the Government is in control as we move from the emergency phase to a more medium and long-term managed way for doing this. Honesty across the board is needed as to how difficult it is to deal with this challenge, and it is not just in this country but in lots of countries. I will request the debate and keep the House updated in terms of getting a date for that.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

An amendment to the Order of Business has been proposed by Senator Malcolm Byrne: "That No. 8 be taken before No.1." It has been seconded by Senator Casey and the Leader has indicated she is prepared to accept the amendment. Is that agreed? Agreed.