Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re arrangements for the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022, to be taken at conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022 - Second Stage, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and to conclude after two hours if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, to group spokespersons not to exceed 12 minutes - time may be shared - and to all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.

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

I am sure the Acting Leader will join with me in further noting the wonderful success of our athletes in Rome last night. On this occasion, it was the women's 4 x 400 m relay team comprising Phil Healy, Rhasidat Adeleke, Sophie Becker and Sharlene Mawdsley. It re-emphasises how investment in sport pays off. I already paid tribute to our other medal winners earlier this week and looked for a discussion in this House on sport and how we can further enhance athletics.

I am sure the Acting Leader will be aware that last night the ship Quest was found, which was Ernest Shackleton's last ship when he died in 1922. It was found off the Canadian coast. Shackleton was one of the greatest polar explorers and one of the greatest explorers of all time. The stories of his bravery have inspired many people. Given Shackleton's record and his connections with Ireland, we should consider joining the international Antarctic Treaty system. Many countries around the world are part of this treaty system that looks to protect the Antarctic and ensure we understand the importance of the Antarctic to the world. I have raised the matter in this House before, as has Senator Martin. Given the importance of the Antarctic - when former President Robinson spoke here yesterday, she mentioned its importance to the planet - as part of Ireland's contribution to multilateral organisations, we should also become a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty. Will the Acting Leader raise the matter with the Minister for Foreign Affairs?

I raise an unusual situation of which I have now come across two instances. Serving on a jury is important and anyone who is called to serve should be encouraged to do so. I understand random invitations are sent out for people to do so. However, I have come across cases where those resident in nursing homes are being required to report for jury duty and the address to which the letters are sent are known nursing homes. I have raised this issue with the Department. I find it bizarre to expect people who are in nursing homes to report for jury duty. A failure to do so has particular consequences. I would like if this issue could be raised with the Minister for Justice to ask that before letters are sent out summoning people to serve on a jury, consideration would be given.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Cathaoirleach and the Acting Leader will join me in congratulating our former colleague in the House, Tony Mulcahy, on becoming a member of Clare County Council. It is great that he is back in politics as he has a huge amount to offer. Councillor Mulcahy has been in touch with me on an issue which has already happened in County Clare and is happening again. Some 74 Ukrainian citizens are being moved from Shannon to Lisdoonvarna, even though 27 of them are in full-time paid employment in the Shannon area, providing essential supports in the hospitality and tourism industry, many of them are involved in clubs and organisations and a number of them are in school. At the stroke of a pen, these people are being moved from Shannon to Lisdoonvarna. People who understand the geography of County Clare will realise that Shannon is the bones of an hour's drive from Lisdoonvarna. How are these people supposed to keep their jobs? How are they supposed to go school?

The Taoiseach has spoken about moving from an emergency response to a considered medium- to long-term plan and strategy. This happened in Ennis. People were moved from Ennis to other parts of the country. It happened in Killarney, where overnight Ukrainians were moved from Killarney to some other part of the country and it is happening now that people are being moved from Shannon to Lisdoonvarna. I would like the Acting Leader to contact the Minister's office to immediately stall this and respond to these people, Councillor Mulcahy and the wider community in Shannon who welcomed the Ukrainians with open arms and are up in arms over what is happening to them. This needs to be stopped and we need to see a medium- to long-term strategy under which these people can continue their integration into the community, continue to provide the supports they are providing to the service and tourism industries and the young people can continue to attend their educational institutions and, I hope, progress to university. Many of these people want to continue living in our community. They have been made very welcome. They have embedded roots at this stage and are beginning to blossom. What do we do as a Government and Department? At the stroke of a pen, we move them like sheep. It is not acceptable and it is happening in other parts of the country as well. This practice needs to stop. People who have been in our community now for two years and longer need to be treated with a bit of respect and the people in the communities who have welcomed them also need to be treated with a bit of respect.

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

Seanad Éireann is a reforming House. It is the revising House for legislation and it is our job to go through legislation and improve it for the citizens of the country. A motion is to be taken immediately after the Order of Business on the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022. I have no idea why we need to run the Bill through Committee, Report and Final Stages on 20 June. This is extremely complex legislation that raises many moral and ethical issues, both nationally and internationally, and from that point of view it deserves time and scrutiny in this House. To rush it through on 20 June is totally unacceptable. I therefore propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that we remove No. 1, the Government business, motion re arrangements for the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022.

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

Is the Senator moving that No. 1 not be taken today?

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

Yes.

RTÉ has come in for a lot of stick in recent times. It was horrific to see the treatment of horses on the programme aired by "RTÉ Investigates" last night.The Acting Leader is from horsey country and the Connemara pony is one of the finest horse breeds in the world. It would be devastating to him and the people in his area to think horses from there were being treated in the way we saw horses treated last night. These were racehorses and showjumpers. Horses that have given great service to their owners were reduced to what we saw on "RTÉ Investigates" last night. I was delighted to see the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, come out this morning and say there will be an immediate investigation. I hope the people we saw last night with the sticks and whips finish up in jail and it is a pity we do not have jails where they get sticked and whipped for the things they did. It was absolutely outrageous to see what happened there last night. People in the perpetrators' local area recognised them on TV last night and they need to point out who they are and they need to get them to the gardaí. We need the full rigour of the law. If these people will do that to a senseless animal, what would they do to another human being? They were disgusting, filthy, people and they need to be brought to justice quickly. We also need to close down that institution immediately.

Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I pay tribute to Cian O’Brien, who steps down as artistic director of the Project Arts Centre. I have always loved the fact he began his time at the Project working behind the bar in 2005. A year later, he produced his first show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, before scaling the heights of artistic direction at one of Ireland’s most important cultural centres. His rapid, vertical progression in the job is proof good ideas, a wild imagination, collaborative spirit and dedicated focus will always be rewarded. In his 13 years at the Project, Cian has overseen some extraordinary successes, among them Emmet Kirwan's Dublin Oldschool. Its sold-out run would lead to a national tour and further runs in Canada and Britain. The Project’s international outreach was on view again during Ireland’s centenary commemoration of 1916. I am thinking here of The Casement Project in London. Not once but twice, the Project Arts Centre represented Ireland at the Venice Biennale with the works of Jesse Jones and Eimear Walshe.

Three years before the pandemic, Cian helmed Project 50, a series of events marking the Project’s half-century as a significant arts and cultural space. As Cian remarked at the time, "Project is a vital part of the cultural landscape in Ireland. It is the engine room of contemporary art, of new ideas and forms". It is good to recall the original remit and overarching ambition that has propelled Project forward all these years. It was established as an artists’ collective and it has always been about creating the necessary space for arts and craft practitioners to advance essential conversations around cultural identity and society. The Project has managed this with a great collaborative spirit and a bang of rebellion too, whether by championing The Gay Sweatshop back in the 1970s or, 48 years later, unveiling Maser’s iconic repeal mural on the Essex Street facade of the building.

Nothing illustrated Cian O’Brien’s capacity, and that of the Project, for political posturing and rebelliousness than the manner in which he responded to the official censorship of the repeal mural. As Cian himself would say, "... Project Arts Centre has always been home to the new and the next". It is impossible to imagine the new and the next if one is not open and approachable, if one cannot see the value of collaboration. It is that very capacity for collaboration that may well be Cian’s hallmark. Cian’s tenure at the Project has been marked by being open and approachable and investing in those essential conversations around cultural identity. I thank him for leaving the Project in such good hands and wish him well in any future endeavours.

Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I pay tribute to the fantastic athletes we have at the moment, especially our relay team last night. They were up against the Dutch, who are such wonderful runners and were big favourites to win this race. Our relay team of Rhasidat Adeleke, Phil Healy, Sophie Becker and Sharlene Mawdsley are coming home with silver medals. It is so exciting to watch and creates such a feel-good factor for the country. It makes us very proud as Irish people to listen to coverage on RTÉ radio this morning and hear family members and others so excited about this, as well as the ladies themselves. It really gives you a sense of great pride in your country and in your people. It also points out how important the sports capital grants are for the various sports in the country and the importance of supporting our athletes, as this Government is doing. Many more fine athletes are going to come along because finance is being put into it, the coaching is expert and basically, we are now coming up as probably in the top two or three in the world. Maybe at an appropriate time we should honour these people in whatever way we should, because it is a magnificent period for Ireland and these athletes are doing a wonderful job.

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

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir. I welcome the students from St. Oliver's National School in Drogheda. They are members of the student council of the school and guests of Deputy O'Dowd. They are also in the presence of Senator McGahon, who is another Louth man from the wee county. I thank the students for their wonderful leadership and civic duty in their school and hope they have a very pleasant visit to Leinster House. The tradition and custom is that for school groups we give homework off, but I am told in some cases students have homework off for the month of June already. Perhaps if they have not got homework off they might get homework off tomorrow night for the weekend. I thank them again for their leadership.

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

Maybe the Cathaoirleach could give them homework and they could then get it off.

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

I would never give students homework. I would rather give Members of the Oireachtas homework.

Tim Lombard (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Craughwell.

I acknowledge also his contribution on the "RTÉ Investigates" programme last night. It was a shocking affair. It really was terrible to see the treatment of the animals. It brought into question how that entire industry works. It was terrible viewing for anyone who had the opportunity to watch it. It is important the Minister comes out, and I acknowledge his statement this morning, but we need to ascertain how regulation failed here and how this operation happened. I do not want to prejudge anything, but it looked absolutely shocking and I welcome the investigation.

The main reason for my standing is to request a debate on where we are going given the new EPA report published this week on water quality. It gave figures showing there is no significant improvement in water quality. This comes off the back of the significant work done by the farming community in the past three or four years in particular. There have been 33 or 34 different measures brought forward by derogation farmers. There was a reduction in chemical nitrogen by more than 30% in the past 24 months alone and unfortunately water quality still has not improved. There is need for significant debate on how we can actually improve the water quality here and how long it will take to so. Is it a quick fix? Can we just turn of the tap and have it solved straight away or is it going to take a period of time for nitrates levels in the water to decline? My major fear here is that we could have an industry destroyed while we are reducing the nitrates in the water. We are seeing there is going to be literally a billion fewer litres of milk produced this year, with the knock-on effect of there being roughly €500 million less going around the rural economy. This is becoming part of a real narrative that rural Ireland is under pressure because of environmental impacts regarding water quality in particular. I am fearful of where industry is going to go, I am fearful of where our co-operative movement is going to go and I am fearful of where our rural environment is going to regarding the economic impact of this. It is important we have a debate with the Minister about this issue to ensure he has a vision to meet our standards themselves and more importantly to protect our industry, which needs to be protected.

John McGahon (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is great to have the students from St. Oliver's in Drogheda here. They are very welcome to Leinster House and I hope they have a great day with Deputy O'Dowd.

I have two issues to reference about the local elections. We must do something about spoiled ballots where the polling clerks are not stamping ballots correctly. I accept they are there from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. and that human error happens.However, it is wrong that somebody can go to the trouble of voting and filling in a ballot paper correctly only for the vote not to be counted because of human error on the part of the count staff who are paid to be there. It is a matter for the Electoral Commission to try to come up with a way that issue can be resolved. People are being disenfranchised where their democratic votes, filed correctly, are not counted.

I pay tribute to the Fine Gael councillors elected in County Louth. Each election is historic in its own right. Councillor Ejiro O'Hare Stratton has become the first lady from Africa to be elected to Louth County Council. She came to Ireland 33 years ago to work as a nurse. Many of us in this House know Councillor Anne-Marie Ford. She has been a champion for early intervention and appeared before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Autism. Councillor Dolores Minogue sadly lost her mother, Mary Cunningham, a day after she was elected to Louth County Council. Councillor Paula Butterly was elected for the first time. Also elected was Councillor Robert Nash, whose family served in the Lower House for 34 years between 1927 and 1961. His great grandfather James "The Duker" Coburn was elected as an Irish National League TD and then a Fine Gael TD. He was succeeded by his son, George, in a by-election in 1953. Councillor John Reilly was elected in Dundalk-Carlingford. It was a very good result and I am pleased for everybody with the courage and confidence to put himself or herself up for election in this country. My God did the centre hold in these local elections, which is something to be proud of.

Tom Clonan (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I second Senator Craughwell's amendment to the Order of Business.

I raise the issue of the advance of the Israel Defense Forces into the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone in Rafah. We in this House have warned about the apocalyptic implications for civilians of Israeli troops operating in tented areas of humanitarian zones in Rafah. Some 14,500 children have now been killed by the Israel Defense Forces. I am glad the children who were in the Gallery have left. It is important to note that the manner in which these children are being killed is horrific. They are being killed by high explosive weapons that are fired at them indiscriminately. I have said in this House previously that if a piece of plastic explosive the size of a cigarette packet is placed under a car, as happened so often during the Troubles, the car will be unrecognisable after the explosion. The Israel Defense Forces is dropping 500 kg or 1,000 kg of high explosives on tented areas. Children are being slaughtered. The shockwaves pulp internal organisations, shatter bones and cause limb separation, decapitation and burns. Thousands of children are dying in Rafah for want of analgesia and painkillers. They are dying in agony as the Israelis move forward.

When I was the security analyst with The Irish Times, I had a conversation with the Israeli ambassador. She told me how the Israelis were able to distinguish between the Nazis and Germans. Israel traditionally had a good relationship with the German Government and people because it distinguished between Germans and the Nazis. It does not, however, distinguish between ordinary innocent Palestinians and Hamas. It pillories us and says that by recognising the State of Palestine, we somehow endorse Hamas. We do not. Israel's failure to distinguish between innocent Palestinian children and Hamas is a matter of race hatred and these actions are genocidal. I commend the Taoiseach and Tánaiste for recognising the State of Palestine and for their record on these issues but I ask that we put pressure on our partners, including our American and British friends, to stop supplying weapons to the Israelis while they are attacking innocent civilians. Israel can defend its borders by all means, but when it is slaughtering innocent children, we must stop supplying it with weapons.

Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The 50-bed ward block at Sacred Heart Hospital and Care Home on the Golf Links Road in Roscommon is going to take a leap forward today. Senator Eugene Murphy is here and this has been a major issue for him and many other public representatives. They have stressed the urgent need for this development and have advocated for it for years. The Minister of State with responsibility for mental health and older people, Deputy Mary Butler, will attend the turning of the sod ceremony at 3 p.m. today. This is a residential home. The Sacred Heart Hospital can provide respite and rehabilitation services to nearly 75 people. It is currently organised into four different units. Along with all of this, it also delivers therapy. People can access physiotherapy. It is about bringing together access to all of these health supports in one space and we want to see more of that across the country. We want to deliver this type of care for people. The facility also has an occupational therapy room. There is an activities group and team that considers everything it can do for people in the facility. A brand new 50-bed community nursing unit is now going to be constructed. It will also consider parking and how to develop the space. This is welcome and we need more. We need the HSE spatial plan for Roscommon University Hospital. We need to know how we are supporting access to better space for day surgeries in the hospital, along with parking in Roscommon town. This is, however, a great day. It is great that this investment in development is happening and will start today.

Emer Currie (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I raise the shortage of class places for children with additional needs. I am working with multiple families in the west of Dublin. We need urgent reform of the schools admissions process. The Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, has committed to ensuring that any child who is known to the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, and who needs a school place will get one. She has said that more than 360 new special classes will be in place for the coming school year. In welcome news, there will be 39 therapists to work with teachers on a permanent basis across the school community. That is all very welcome but it does not add up to an inclusive school system. Fundamental change and reform is required for children with additional needs.

I am going to be clear about this. We need a total overhaul of the schools admissions process and a functioning forward planning system for all children. It is now June and we do not know where many of the new autism classes are going to be. The NCSE must tell the families concerned as soon as possible. We rightly expect that our children will secure places in their local schools. When they do not, we as politicians are the first to say it is not good enough. Children may miss out on their local or first preference school but will still secure a place in their catchment area. Families of children with additional needs are expected to be grateful for a school place anywhere, even in schools that have dragged their heels in opening a special class. Unless we reform the system, we will continue to set the bar low for children with additional needs. It is not just about a school place; it is about an appropriate school place. All children deserve the support they need to be in school with their brothers, sisters and friends. I have made suggestions to the Minister and I look forward to working with her on them.

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

History was made in Limerick last weekend when we elected the first directly elected mayor in Ireland. I congratulate all the candidates who put their names out there and participated in the election. It covered the city and county so candidates had to travel to quite a broad area. They engaged with community groups, organisations and different groupings. It is something that other counties will look at in the future.

I wish the best for all councillors, especially the new councillors who were elected. There are ten new faces on the local authorities in Limerick city and county. It is going to be an exciting time for Limerick and councillors will have a significant role to play in passing the budget and in respect of the overall plan that the mayor will bring forward. I wish the mayor and the new council all the best for the coming term.

A report published today states that Dublin Airport is the eighth most stressful airport in Europe. The airport in the mid-west, Shannon Airport, is easily accessible. It was one of the first airports that did not require passengers to take their travel bags out of their luggage. There are many car parking spaces, the lack of which was a knock on Dublin Airport as it was ranked the eighth most stressful airport in Europe.Shannon Airport has so much to offer and the scope of its offering has expanded. I congratulate the management and staff at Shannon Airport on bringing the airport to where it was pre-Covid. I wish them all the best in the future because I know they have new plans.

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

I want to be associated with the opposition to the Government's intention to guillotine the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill in the House this session. This is important legislation. Members of this House have not been given adequate time to consider it. I do not believe it was adequately considered or debated in Dáil Éireann either. This Government has always claimed it would allow legislation to be properly debated and considered in this House. It seems it has felt entitled to renege on that promise. I want to make one point clear. There is no urgency about this Bill if we are not being lied to about the intention not to have a general election.

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

I would be careful about accusations.

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

I am not accusing anybody, if we are not being lied to about the intention not to have a general election before next year. If, on the other hand, this is yet another instance of the Government saying one thing and deceiving the Irish people about its intentions, and ramming through this and the Planning and Development Bill in order to renege on its commitment, made publicly by the Taoiseach, not to have a general election until early 2025, so be it, but there will be retribution.

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

Before I call the Acting Leader to reply, I clarify for Senator Craughwell, and I am sure the Acting Leader will bring further clarification, that the motion before the House provides for the Bill to start next Thursday. The motion does not provide for the conclusion of the Bill that day. To give further clarification from the Order Paper, a three-day deadline is allowed for the submission of amendments to the Bill rather than the current two-day deadline. It is on the Order Paper, for Senator Craughwell's information.

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

On a point of information-----

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

There is no point of information. I call the Acting Leader to reply.

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

This is what the House was given.

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

It is the same thing. It is there.

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

It says that on Thursday, 13 June 2024, the Remaining Stages of the Bill shall be taken and all other-----

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

Despite what Senator Craughwell might think, I am trying to assist him. The motion before the House is for the Bill to commence, not to conclude. If the Senator reads it properly, it says it is to be taken-----

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

It states, "Committee and Remaining Stages".

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

It is to be taken on that day. There is no deadline in the motion to end the Bill that day.

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

It states, "Committee and Remaining Stages".

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

I am just giving the Senator clarification and want to help him. I call the Acting Leader.

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

That is not helping me.

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their contributions this morning. We started with Senator Malcolm Byrne, joined by Senator Eugene Murphy, congratulating the silver medallists in the European Athletics Championships on their great performance in setting a new Irish record time. They are Sophie Becker, Rhasidat Adeleke, Phil Healy and Sharlene Mawdsley. I congratulate them and am sure all Members of the House will join me in those congratulations. It is testament to the investment over a number of years in sport of all hues in this country.

Senator Malcolm Byrne also followed up on the international Antarctic Treaty system and asked that we write to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I will commit to doing that. I am not sure of the ins and outs of what exactly it entails but I will write to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Senator Byrne also raised the issue of nursing home residents being sent letters about going on jury duty, which seems strange, especially when it is addressed to the nursing home itself and not to their original home address. I will contact the Minister for Justice about that matter.

Senator Martin Conway raised an issue that was brought to his attention by a newly elected councillor and former Member of this House, Tony Mulcahy. I congratulate Mr. Mulcahy on his re-election to Clare County Council in the Shannon area. I know he is a former member of both the county council and this House. Mr. Mulcahy and Senator Conway both raised the issues of the 74 Ukrainians who are proposed to be moved from Shannon to Lisdoonvarna, over an hour's drive away. A number of these valued residents are in paid employment, are students or are members of societies and clubs in the Shannon area. It would be unjust for them to be uprooted and moved an hour away. I will write to the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, on that matter.

Senator Craughwell raised the motion on the Order Paper. As the Cathaoirleach explained, it is not the intention to guillotine it on that day. It is an issue of taking Committee and Remaining Stages together-----

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

That is the whole point.

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----but it is not stated that it would be guillotined. I am told that it is not to assist the Government but to assist the Bills Office, which is under significant pressure at the moment with a number of Bills. There were more than 1,000 amendments to the Planning and Development Bill. The Bills Office is under significant pressure and this is to assist it, not the Government. It is not the intention to guillotine the Bill on that date.

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

That is no excuse.

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

Senator Craughwell had his opportunity and has an amendment to the Order of Business before the House.

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The intention is to take Committee and Remaining Stages together. I will not be accepting the amendment.

Senators Craughwell and Lombard raised the issue of "Prime Time" last night. I did not see the full report but I will look back on it. I saw the clips of it and it did not look good. The Minister has indicated that the Department is taking the matter of equine welfare and responsibility for the food chain seriously. The welfare of horses is protected by legislation, placing responsibility on owners and those who have animals in their possession or under their control. The Minister stated that he was taking this matter extremely seriously. The Department commenced an investigation in recent weeks involving the supply of equines for slaughter, with aspects of the ongoing investigation relating to some of the broadcast activity. It will be thoroughly investigated. If there are repercussions, that will follow due process in due course.

Senator Warfield raised the moving on of Cian O'Brien, artistic director of the Project Arts Centre, after 13 years. He gave a wonderful testament to Mr. O'Brien's tenure as artistic director and indeed prior to that. I wish him well in his new roles. Whatever the next role for him may be, I wish him well in it.

Senator Lombard requested a debate with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the EPA report on water quality and the impact of the reduction in milk supply, which we have seen over the last period because of weather-related issues and future plans in the dairy industry. I will request from the Minister, Deputy Charlie McConalogue, that we have that debate.

Senator McGahon talked about spoiled ballots, the stamping of ballots and human error. If it is human error, that is one thing. While I am not suggesting there is any evidence that it is deliberate, I know from talking to people that there were certain polling booths where an inordinately high number of ballot papers were not stamped. I certainly hope none of that is deliberate but if there is a high level in any one particular booth, there have to be repercussions for those working in that polling booth, notwithstanding the long hours and long day that they have. Senator McGahon also congratulated all the councillors elected in Louth, as I congratulated all the councillors elected across the country yesterday, and also those who were not successful or may have lost out. Putting their name before the people is a very public job interview. Not everyone can be successful. If they were, we would not have a democracy. Democracy is about picking the best, your favourites or indeed the most local. I acknowledge that.

Senator Tom Clonan talked about the Israel Defense Forces in Rafah, giving a graphic account of the munitions, bombs and incendiary weapons that are being used, and the impact that is having on children, which is obviously horrific. I will request the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to come to the House to have a further discussion or briefing about the ongoing travesty in Gaza. Senator Aisling Dolan spoke of the 50-bed community nursing home that is moving forward today with the turning of the sod. I acknowledge her and other representatives' advocacy in this House and in other meetings and welcome the fact that the Minister of State, Deputy Mary Butler, will be there to turn the sod. It is great to see progress on any capital development anywhere in the country. It is always a good-news story.

Senator Emer Currie spoke of the shortage of class places for children with additional needs and called for an overhaul of the system or the model. I will request that the Minister of State with responsibility for special education, Deputy Naughton, comes to the House to address that matter. She is new in the role, and I am sure she would like to set out her vision and her thoughts on the matter.

Senator Maria Byrne congratulated John Moran on being elected as the Mayor of Limerick city and county - not just city, which is important to acknowledge. The majority if not all, of the candidates were city-based, but it was for the city and county. I wish him well. It is important for Limerick, important for the mid-west and important as a template for future referendums or plebiscites that might take place in other cities or counties as regards going down the route of possibly considering directly elected mayors of their cities and counties.

The Senator also spoke about Shannon Airport together with Ireland West Airport Knock, my airport of choice if I ever go out, if it is suitable. It is a wonderful airport to travel out of. If we are serious about balanced regional development, we cannot all be looking at Dublin. While there may be a need for expansion in the number of flights in Dublin, there are perfect examples of additional resources that need to be put into Shannon, Cork and Ireland West Airport Knock as well.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We need a few more Monsignor Horans.

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

All right, Senator Mullen.

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge Senator Byrne's contribution on that.

Senator McDowell joined with Senator Craughwell in his comments. I have responded to that.

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

Senator Craughwell has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, seconded by Senator Clonan: "That No. 1 not be taken today." The Acting Leader has indicated that he is not prepared to accept the amendment. Is the amendment being pressed?

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

Yes.

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

This is an important democratic question. Under Standing Order 83(3)(b) I propose that the vote be taken by other than electronic means.