Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, address to Seanad Éireann by Mr. Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima, to be taken at 1 p.m. in accordance with the arrangements agreed by the House on Thursday, 17 October 2024; No. 2, motion regarding approval by Seanad Éireann of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2024, back from committee, to be taken at 2.15 p.m. and to conclude at 3.15 p.m. if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks by the Minister not to exceed five minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed seven minutes and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than five minutes to reply to the debate; No. 3, Agriculture Appeals (Amendment) Bill 2024 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 3.15 p.m. or on the conclusion of No. 2, whichever is later, and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 5 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 Government; No. 4, Statute Law Revision Bill 2024 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken at 5 p.m. and to conclude at 6.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks by the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes and time may be shared, and all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, with the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 161(2), Private Members' business, motion regarding amendments to Standing Orders, proposal for the election of the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Chathaoirleach by secret ballot, to be taken at 6.30 p.m. with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet Michael Ryan from Templemore, County Tipperary. In fact, his son, Shane, was an intern in my office last year. He is a very fine young man and it was lovely to meet his dad. Michael Ryan came here because yesterday was International Stuttering Awareness Day. The day was marked by the Irish Stammering Association and its slogan, "Go with the Flow". It is important that we have a global observance that is dedicated to raising awareness about stammering. Michael told me about the time he met President Biden in respect of this important issue. We must promote understanding and support for individuals who stammer. The aim of the international day is to destigmatise stammering, provide resources for those impacted, and promote speech therapy and communication skills. It is important that all of us in this House support the initiative.

During the week I saw that Newbridge St. Brigid's Community Games is 50 years old this year. The national organisation started in 1967. It is a wonderful organisation, as we all know, as it supports young people to get involved in various types of sports, entertainment and art activities. Some very well known people have come through the community games system such as Sonia O'Sullivan and Eamonn Coghlan, my cousin, Tommy Bowe, and Ronan O'Gara and, indeed, actors like Saoirse Ronan and Colin Farrell.

In Newbridge, the volunteers who started the community games there 50 years ago are still the volunteers today. I refer to people like Teresa Harrison, Michael Donohue, Peter O'Neill and Rita Timmons. They are incredible people. Newbridge St. Brigid's Community Games is still going strong. It is really important that we give a big shout out to them as they celebrate 50 years and, indeed, a big shout out to all of the wonderful community games volunteers around the country who have given so much to generations of people.

Yesterday, I was delighted to meet a delegation from the Riverbank Arts Centre. Paul Davis is the chair and Donnchadh O'Neill is a member of the board. The Riverbank Arts Centre is County Kildare's arts theatre and arts centre, which is based in Newbridge. Thirty years ago there was no county arts centre and no arts centre in Newbridge, so a group of us got together to lobby for one. Mary Lenihan, Peter Hussey and I were the main people involved and we were absolutely thrilled when we got this centre. A lot of work now needs to be done to make it more accessible. The Riverbank Arts Centre did get a small grant two years ago. It is going to the Part 8 process now but we really need to get national funding, as well as support from Kildare County Council and the Arts Council. I honestly believe that facilities such as these need to be able to access grants similar to the sports capital grants and that is what I call for today.

Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael)
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I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 12 be taken before No. 1. I also wish to speak on a number of issues.

This morning on my way here, I spoke to a young man, James Cawley, who has worked in the disability sector for a long number of years. He is very well known to all of us in my area who are activists and fighting for supports. There is no full-time occupational therapist in Longford at present and nor has there been for a significant number of years. The roles have been covered on a part-time and temporary basis for many years. When we get an occupational therapist, he or she is gone within six months. I do not understand why the position is not being advertised as a full-time position, which we have, say, for people over 65 years and those within the children's disability network teams, CDNTs, where we have also have difficulties. It would be an awful lot easier to recruit an occupational therapist if the position was full-time. I ask that this matter is highlighted with the Minister of State with responsibility for disabilities.

I want to raise an issue concerning bus escorts around the country. It has been brought to my attention that in recent years, the rate of pay for bus escorts has not increased, particularly for bus escorts who accompany young children who have disabilities. We struggle to get people to be bus escorts. They are not paid throughout the summer months or holiday months. The rate of pay has not been increased in a long number of years despite the fact that the minimum wage has been increased on a regular basis, and particularly in the past three to four years.However, a number are struggling and find themselves in a position whereby they are not able to continue for financial reasons. I ask that the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, look at this issue. I know there was a discussion on school secretaries in recent times, and I welcome the changes made because we are struggling to get people into those roles. I am of the view that this matter could be looked at in the same light in the context of providing an increase. In order to get children to school, especially those with special needs, we need to have people who can escort them and look after any needs they might have along the way.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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Yesterday, I had the honour of addressing the space industry in Ireland. I was shocked to learn there are 109 companies operating in that industry, some of which have products in space as part of various scientific projects. That is wonderful. Every now and then, I get an opportunity to congratulate the Government on something. It is great that we have Skillnet, which provides training in respect of future technology in space. There is a whole programme of events and courses in this regard that people can undertake through Skillnet.

I must also congratulate the Government on cybersecurity. This is an interest of mine and has been for some time. The Government, through Enterprise Ireland, has made available grants of up to €63,000 for SMEs to improve their cybersecurity. In that context, in the dying days of this Government we should acknowledge some good things have happened over the past four years. It is extremely important that companies that qualify for the Enterprise Ireland grant scheme start to prepare for network and information systems 2, NIS2, directive which is coming down the road. There is a bad side to this in that we have missed the date for NIS2. It will probably take a year before we catch up, but NIS2 is going to place responsibility for cyber directly in the boardroom. People will no longer be in a position to say that the IT department is looking after something. Boards of directors and senior management within companies could be struck off if they fail to implement the cybersecurity rules coming from Europe. I urge people to make use of the grants that are available through Enterprise Ireland and get themselves up and running.

We are living in dangerous times. People like to think cyberattacks come from Russia, Iran and China. Cyberattacks come from Waterford, Cork, Galway and anywhere else people care to think of. It is not always bad actor countries that are involved, although they are the main antagonists. Every now and then it is individuals who are responsible. It is vitally important that companies get up to speed on cybersecurity.

I spoke to some people in the Defence Forces earlier who are serving in Lebanon. I congratulated them on their overall level of morale. It was fantastic to see people who are still on top of their game and doing the job they were sent out to do. We must be proud of them.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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And so say all of us.

Vincent P Martin (Green Party)
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It has been over a year since the stand-off over the lands at Castletown. We have had different Ministers involved and various approaches and numerous diplomatic initiatives have been taken. Unfortunately, none has worked to date. It is almost like the more things change, the more things remain the same. Going down the road of blaming people and attributing fault will not resolve this issue. It is deeply frustrating when we are told we allegedly have a willing purchaser and a willing seller who is happy to sell the lands at market rate and yet nothing has happened. Members can appreciate and understand the community are losing faith in that process. By all means, let the talks continue but any objective person would have to say that initiative taken in respect of this matter has failed to deliver. We need to think outside the box and we cannot put all our eggs in one basket. Can we put a timeframe on these talks? It is like asking how long is a piece of string. What is happening is just not good enough, but it should not be the only show in town.

At the outset of this dispute, I suggested that a compulsory purchase order, CPO, should be seriously considered to acquire the lands. I am not the only person who said that; others said it too. This is not revolutionary thinking. Local authorities and the Office of Public Works are risk adverse when it comes to CPOs but employing a CPO is the long-term solution. We would have been one year down the road of acquiring those lands if we had commenced that process at the time when the problem first emerged. It is never too late. There are other options, such as a long-term lease, but the permanent, long-term, sustainable solution is for the lands to be acquired. Until that happens, I do not believe we will have a tangible, meaningful result. I wish the talks well, but they are not achieving anything at present. The strength and resilience of the people on the front line is only getting stronger.

Naas Serpents Basketball Club recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. The Minister for sport, Deputy Catherine Martin, was in attendance. It was fantastic to recognise the contribution the club has made to mental wellness, physical well-being and community camaraderie. In 1982, Joe Clancy pioneered schools basketball. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength. The club has undergone exponential growth, particularly in the context of underage basketball locally. There are many clubs playing at all levels. I thank many people, but especially Kill resident, Gerry Wren, who passed away earlier this year. Gerry, his wife, Barbara, and their family made a huge contribution locally, right through from the underage system. I also thank the club chair, Sharon Langan, Colm Kenny, Suzanne Whelan and many more past and present. They make an incredible contribution and epitomise community volunteerism. Such a contribution is very much appreciated. We must always recognise and celebrate it.

Mark Wall (Labour)
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I formally second Senator Carrigy's amendment to the Order of Business.

Yesterday, we spoke about the lack of teachers. The Cathaoirleach mentioned that this is not just an issue for Mayo, it is also a problem throughout the country. I support the many calls to support teachers at this particular time. There have been calls for a Dublin allowance by my party's education spokesman, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, which I support. We must ensure that there is support from the Government for teachers regarding the cost of living, housing, etc. This is something we need to look at.

Today, I want to talk about special needs assistants, SNAs. In recent weeks and months, I have been contacted by many SNAs in the Kildare south area and in my hometown of Athy, who currently have a campaign for SNAs that have experienced trauma through injury of minding those very special children on a day in and day out basis. They are at pains to point out they are not blaming the children in any way but have felt let down by the Department and the Government. In this regard, I refer to what they are left with after the injuries they sustain in minding those children day in and day out.

The campaign is looking for three calls which have been put out as part of the forthcoming election. SNAs are looking for financial assistance to cover medical bills. When you sit down and talk to them, those medical bills can be small or very large and they are having difficulty obtaining financial support from the Department on that. They are also looking for assault leave. The trauma experienced by many of these SNAs when the injuries occur take a long time to get over and they find it very hard to go back into classrooms, etc. This is something they are looking for. The third call by SNAs is to establish a comprehensive support system for those who have experienced the trauma and physical injuries right throughout the State. It is something we should all include in our manifestos. It is a call for the wonderful work that our SNAs do day in and day out but unfortunately, they are on the front line and are experiencing that trauma through injury, etc. As I have said, it is something we will all get on the doors and it is a campaign I support. We can all add our voice to this.

I will finish by speaking on the Croí Cónaithe grants. This is not the first time I have raised this matter.I have welcomed the scheme a number of times in this House but I continue to have problems with staged payments and the drawdown of the grants. Something needs to be done about that. I have at least five cases in Kildare South at the moment where people just cannot complete the work. They cannot get the €50,000 grant. They do not have the €50,000 to pay the builders, and the builders are continuing, as is their right, to demand the money upfront. The applicants have gone to credit unions with letters from the local authority and the credit unions say they cannot sustain them either. We have looked for staged payments, and I know colleagues on the far side of the House have done so as well. The Government needs to look at this. It is a great grant but it is just falling down on the drawdown. I would welcome the Leader's input on that.

Eileen Flynn (Independent)
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I call for a debate on Traveller accommodation on the back of Fianna Fáil's Bill in Private Members' time yesterday to protect land. Not once did I hear yesterday in this House any Senator speak about protecting people who have no choice but to live or stay on the Curragh of Kildare. Not once have I heard the Minister for housing, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, propose a solution for the people living on the Curragh of Kildare without any sustainable facilities. I know the Leader's heart is in the right place, and this is not me pulling out the Traveller card - far from it. What I am saying is that we need to have a debate with this Fianna Fáil Minister. When we talk about land and protecting lands, we always have to put people first. For me, the question is what the alternative solution is for people living right now on the Curragh. What is the Government's solution? I ask the question not of the Leader but of the Minister. It is regrettable I was not here yesterday. We should have a debate as soon as possible in this House on Traveller accommodation off the back of Senator O'Loughlin's Bill yesterday.

Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein)
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I was slightly late for the Order of Business this morning because I was attending a very powerful presentation by four trade unions: SIPTU, the Communications Workers Union, the Financial Services Union and Mandate. They have just launched their respect at work document, which is called Union Busting: An Inconvenient Truth. The document details something I always knew to be true but it details it on the back of hard survey information. It is that union busting is not just present in Ireland but extremely commonplace. It causes trauma and huge unfairness to workers. I will run through some of the stats briefly. A total of 42% of respondents said the employer victimised union activists; 40% said the employer discouraged workers from joining a union; 40% said the employer used management consultants to avoid dealing with the union; and 23% said the employer dismissed union activists so one in four of the people surveyed was either fired or knew someone who was fired just for wanting to join a trade union.

The reality is that this country continues to be a laggard, completely out of step with the European Union and our colleagues in Europe, in not having the right to collective bargaining. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have had 100 years to legislate for that and they have refused to do so. We are, therefore, completely out of step with Europe.

One of the stories that really shocked me was about an employee from the ECAS. I had not heard of the ECAS before. It is a subsidiary of BT and deals with the 999 service here. I did not know it was outsourced. I do not know if people appreciate that. Our 999 service is outsourced to a company in receipt of State funding that refuses to recognise trade unions, refuses to attend the Labour Court and told this particular activist that she could go fold jumpers in Penneys if she did not like the work. She was driven out of her job. She was at the presentation giving personal testimony. Another person there could not be identified because he was afraid of being blacklisted. He works in the retail sector.

There is a massive issue, and this is connected to the fact that we have one of the largest proportions of low-paid workers in any state in Europe. That number, by the way, is 400,000 low-paid workers. It is directly connected to the fact that we are an outlier and we do not have the right to collective bargaining. The very simple ask from these unions is that we build in protections, that we legislate for protections for shop stewards in order that they cannot be fired simply for being a member of a union, and that we transpose the minimum wage directive in a really strong way to build in protections, for example, to give unions the right to access to workplaces. There is nothing radical about this. The rest of Europe already has this. Other member states have transposed the directive. I am worried that the Government has said there is no need for any new legislation as regards transposing this directive. Not legislating would be a huge mistake and a huge failing to all those low-paid workers.

I would ask for an urgent debate. Clearly, we are not going to get it because we are finishing up the week after next, but this has to be central and will be central. The Government will find that these unions will put this front and centre in the coming general election campaign, just as they did with the Stop 67 campaign in the previous general election. We need to be clear where we stand on this. Sinn Féin is very clear. We stand for workers' rights. We stand for the right to collective bargaining. We stand for the strong transposition of the EU minimum wage directive.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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That concludes the leaders' contributions. Anois, an Seanadóir Aidan Davitt.

Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail)
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I want to raise councillors' pensions. I know we discussed this recently. I refer to the Moorhead report and its full implementation. The report contained the recommendation that councillors be given grade 4 civil servant status and the pay and all other associated benefits linked to that grade. That is very welcome, progressive and was hard fought for at the time.

One part of that report, however, has not been implemented. It states: "Councillors do not currently receive a pension nor do they make compulsory reductions towards ... retirement benefits." They pay a PRSI stamp at 4%, so that is actually factually incorrect. I know that has slightly changed since the report has been brought out. Anyway, the paragraph continues: "An interdepartmental group should be established to examine the options for introducing a contributory ... scheme for councillors with the aim of introducing such a scheme with effect from the commencement of the next local government term in May 2024." The time is upon us now, after our recent local elections, to implement this part of the report. I know time is against us as regards this Government, as Senator Gavan said, but this is something I am working on and will continue to work on. Whoever will be here in my place, whether I will be back here or whether it will be someone else, it is very important that this House works for councillors to implement this. It is the least that can be done. Councillors are the same as everyone else. They get their lump sum when they retire but they are entitled to a pension because they are paying a stamp for it. There is no doubt about that.

The sooner we put the case together and get the group together, the better. It certainly is the way forward. A councillor I have been working with is happy to take a test case, but it would be better to work this out within the system here. The Leader might talk to our Minister and we might have a debate, time allowing.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Senator for raising that very important matter. He will find common ground with many if not all of us in the House.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Before I call the next speaker, I welcome to the Chamber Deputy Joe Flaherty and his guests Máiread Farrell and her brother John. They are most welcome to Leinster House. They are very interested in the workings of Leinster House and its history, so I hope they have a very positive visit with us today. They are very welcome and céad míle fáilte.

Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail)
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I also welcome to Deputy Flaherty's guests today. I send my congratulations to Lisa O'Rourke, a fantastic boxer and footballer from a very sporting family in County Roscommon. Recently, she brought glory not only to Castlerea and Roscommon but to Ireland. She won the European under-23s championships, so I wish her well. I also congratulate our GAA club, St. Barry's, which won its first final in 17 years at the weekend. It was a junior final and there were great celebrations. I send my congratulations to the senior champions this year as well, Pádraig Pearses, which won the title on Sunday. Hard luck to Roscommon Gaels and, indeed, to Clann na nGael in the other final.

Today, I want to focus on the commitment that was given on a further education and training centre for Roscommon town. The former Minister for higher education, now Taoiseach, Deputy Harris, met with the political representatives on 19 March and in fairness to the man, he is totally behind this project. I know as Taoiseach he still gives his full support to that. In our local press this week, we read that the whole structure has stalled. There was great hope in the county of this progressing. A meeting took place on 8 April in which it was agreed that SOLAS would continue to support the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board, GRETB, to identify relevant further education and training, FET, requirements for this region.

We were told the GRETB was exploring possible collaborative funding mechanisms which might support possible proposals for any associated capital infrastructure requirement. That is from a letter from the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, which arrived in June 2024. We were discussing the matter at that stage.

I know the time is short and there is an election around the corner but I really want the Minister to come in to talk about this project. This is absolutely vital to give people who want to do an apprenticeship in our county and in our area the opportunity to do so. There is a need and a want for it and if there is an issue with the site in Roscommon town, we will get another site in County Roscommon. We should look for a debate with the Minister on this matter. It is really important to our county and our county town, or to some other town in the county. We were promised this, we want it and we need it. We do not want it stalled for 15 or 20 years.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I rise today to also call for a debate on aviation policy. I was in Shannon Airport recently. Senator Cummins referred to Waterford Airport but I will refer to Shannon. I was in the airport on Monday at the launch of the sunflower campaign for people with hidden disabilities. In relation to the debate on lifting the cap at Dublin Airport, it is really important that regional airports do not get left behind.

Shannon Airport is on my doorstep. At Dublin Airport there is a 32 million passenger cap. It will be breached this year by over a million. Recently, the Minister of State, Deputy Lawless, recently visited Shannon Airport and currently approximately 2 million passengers use Shannon Airport per year. It can accommodate up to 5 million passengers and with a slight adjustment to the current terminal, it could accommodate up to 10 million. There is scope within the regional airports. I know some of the airline companies said people want to fly out of Dublin but I believe if they were given a choice they would use the regional airports.

I am firmly opposed to the lifting of the cap at Dublin Airport. I believe we need to invest in and look after our regional airports. We have so many people in the regions who work with the different companies that operate out of Shannon Airport and the other regional airports. There needs to be a debate as soon as possible, perhaps on our return after the mid-term break.

The other issue I raise is that recently we saw a lot of people subject to abuse on social media from anonymous accounts. I believe ID should be mandatory to use social media and if people are setting up a social media account on Twitter, Facebook or any of the social media platforms, they should have to provide a form of ID to show that it is an authentic account and they are a real person.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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The Senator will find very little objection from many in this Chamber on that.

Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail)
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I ask the Senator in her capacity as Leader of the House to ascertain for us from the Minister for Justice when moneys from the immigrant investor programme will be paid and when the Department of Justice will process this. I know the immigrant investor programme was closed very abruptly with one day's notice back in February 2023 when the now Taoiseach and then-acting Minister for Justice, Deputy Harris, abruptly closed the programme.

The Department of Justice flagged concerns in respect of it but notwithstanding that, there is a huge number of successful applications in the system and there are now moneys owed from those applications to many worthy beneficiaries across the country. Many of those are awaiting that and cannot proceed in the areas of philanthropy, art, culture and sport. A major one in my own constituency that impacts not just me but indeed the Minister for Justice herself, who is from Meath, is Páirc Tailteann in Navan which had already received €2.8 million from the programme but is awaiting many more millions from the processing of applications as part of the scheme, as are many others. What was a 12-month process has now turned into a two-year process.

I note that the new president of the GAA, Jarlath Burns, who has been a very forward thinking president, attended the sports committee this year and called on the Government to reintroduce the scheme. He said there are so many sporting capital infrastructure programmes across the country, not just in the GAA but in many sports, which could benefit from this scheme. If the Government could do one thing to help sport, he said it would be the reintroduction of that scheme and that its closure was wrong. If the Leader's office could ascertain for us when moneys will be paid, we would very much appreciate it for Páirc Tailteann and many other projects around the country.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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The Senator makes a very good point. As a sports person myself, the points Senator Cassells makes are actually very valid. I am sure Senator Carrigy and others agree with him. He will find approval from many of us in the House on that, irrespective of an election.

Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail)
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I echo Senator Cassells's comments about the immigrant investor programme. I know of one particular project that is held up and the decision of the then acting Minister for Justice, Deputy Harris, to simply slam the gate shut on this programme was wrong.

I raise the importance of local radio today and, in particular, as we approach a general election, we need to ensure we have trusted media sources at local level. This applies to our local newspapers, but also to local and community radio. Indeed, this month, South East Radio is celebrating its 35th birthday. I am sure Members will join with me in congratulating it on its work.It is critical that we have a vibrant local radio system in the State. It is vital to our democracy. We need to commend them for all their work and for the reporting they will carry out over the weeks ahead, and indeed their coverage of all elections.

With that in mind it might be appropriate for this House to remember one of the giants of local radio, Michael Reade, a broadcaster with LMFM radio. I was certainly interviewed by him, as were many Members from this House. Mr. Reade had struggled with illness for a while and he has sadly passed away. It is appropriate to recognise his contribution not just to LMFM but to local radio and to broadcasting more generally.

The Leader will be aware that I too have raised quite frequently in this House issues around cybersecurity. It is very important. I welcome that there is a recognition the Government takes this matter seriously. I would also share the concerns around being very aware of the need to invest in space and to understand space. I would say to cosmonaut Craughwell to boldly go into space and continue to raise these issues. It is something that we need to continue to pursue.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir. Before I ask the Leader to reply I join with Senator O'Loughlin in congratulating Michael Ryan of Stuttering Awareness Mental Well-being Ireland on being here yesterday in the Oireachtas to raise awareness around International Stuttering Awareness Day. I commend him and his committee for all the great work they are doing. I thank Senator O'Loughlin for raising the matter today. It is an important piece of work that we should all support. I look forward to joining with her in that as well.

I welcome the Young at Heart Parke retirement group from Castlebar in County Mayo. They are very welcome indeed. I hope that many of us in this Chamber will not be joining you next week although some, like Senator Cassells who is retiring, will be joining you. He is still young at heart as well as being physically young at heart. I welcome the retirement group to Leinster House. Céad míle fáilte go léir.

Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail)
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I too extend a very warm welcome to the Young at Heart Parke retirement group from County Mayo.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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The Leader would have to do that.

Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail)
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I would. They are very welcome and I hope they enjoy the visit to this House, to the other House and to the grounds as well. I am sure they have been well looked after. It is great to see them here.

I thank all Senators who contributed to the Order of Business today. Senator Fiona O' Loughlin acknowledged that today was Irish stammering day. The Senator said that we should all be very aware of making sure we invest in supports for people. The Senator congratulated the Irish stuttering organisation for their activities on this issue. The Senator also congratulated the Newbridge St. Brigid's Community Games for its 50 years in operation and she referenced - which I did not know - that she had a very famous cousin in Tommy Bowe. That was news to me today. The Senator also paid tribute to the Riverbank Arts Centre and made a call that there should be a similar level of funding akin to sports capital applications or grants for the arts community. Senator Byrne has also raised this on many occasion.

Senator Carrigy asked that No. 12 be taken before No. 1. I am not aware of what the item is as the Senator did not mention what the Bill was. I will take the Senator at face value and I accept the amendment to the Order of Business. The Senator also mentioned the issue of occupational therapists in Longford. That might be worth submitting as a Commencement matter as the issue is quite a specific question relating to the Senator's local area. I also take on board the comments made in relation to bus escorts and the important work they do. It is difficult, particularly in the context of full employment. To attract people into industries and jobs where the pay has not increased is going to be even more difficult.

Senator Craughwell very helpfully informed us about the space industry in Ireland and the 109 companies operating in that space, excuse the pun. Unusually, the Senator congratulated the Government on its work in terms of Skillnet Ireland. I certainly concur with the Senator's remarks around cybersecurity and the importance of companies dealing with that. We saw what happened to the HSE when it sustained a very significant cyberattack. As a country we are taking those issues far more seriously. It is incumbent on small and medium-sized businesses to make sure their systems are safe for their customers as well. I concur with the Senator's remarks on the Defence Forces that are serving with UNIFIL in the Lebanon. Troops are due to travel there in the weeks and months ahead. Our troops are currently serving there and are in a very vulnerable and dangerous position where they are. The word we are hearing back is that they are in good spirits. This is what they trained for. The Minister for Defence is actively keeping an eye on the situation. It is under constant review by the Department and the Minister in terms of safety of personnel and making sure that communication with families is where it needs to be to keep them in the loop as well.

Senator Vincent P. Martin spoke about a local situation in relation to land. I am not fully up to speed on the details of that particular issue but the Senator has asked that the matter be accelerated to a concluding point.

Senator Wall spoke about teachers and we had this conversation yesterday so the Senator knows my position on it. I believe there is merit in looking at an allowance for teachers who are working in the capital city because the cost of living here is so high. It is not the challenge in Mayo where I am. The challenge there is that there are actually very few teaching posts and people want to work in the rural schools. It is quite the opposite then in our cities where schools are finding it difficult to attract people to live and work here because of the cost. I do believe it merits consideration. Senator Wall also spoke about the important work of SNAs. The requests by that organisation are very reasonable. I have no doubt that the Government would consider that. I am sure all parties, in the context of their manifestos as we lead into an election, will be considering their policy in that area. On the Croí Cónaithe grant, Senator Wall may or may not be aware that the Minister for housing has introduced a loan through the local authorities specifically to bridge that gap. If a person has been refused by financial institutions the local authority should be facilitating a loan through the authority to bridge the gap between the €50,000 and €70,000 until such time as the work is complete. The Minister is right not to go down the route of stage payments because it would actually take longer. Right now the person has one application, makes the application, the property is assessed - as the Senator knows from helping people - then the applicant goes and gets the work done, and only goes for a final inspection when the work is complete, and the money can be drawn down. If we start adding in stage payments there is a higher administrative burden and it would end up making it more complicated and challenging. The loan is there to deal with the issue the Senator raised. It is available in my local authority so it should be available in the Senator's as well. The Minister brought about that loan in August of this year. It is quite new but I would suggest that the Senator speaks to the housing officers in his local authority and makes them aware that this facility is available in other local authorities.

Senator Eileen Flynn raised the debate that was had yesterday in the House on the Curragh of Kildare (Amendment) Bill. I spoke in that debate in support of the Bill. That was the opportunity to speak on the Bill. That was yesterday and that was the debate that was scheduled-----

Eileen Flynn (Independent)
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That was not my question-----

Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator repeatedly interrupts-----

Eileen Flynn (Independent)
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My point was-----

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I am sorry Senator Flynn-----

Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail)
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Senator-----

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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To be fair, let the Leader reply.

Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail)
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There is heckling from the floor. If the Senator wants a response then let me respond at the very least. The debate on that Bill was yesterday evening. That was the opportunity for all Members in the House to contribute. The Bill had passed with the support of anyone who turned up yesterday, who made the time to be here yesterday, and who spoke on the Bill in support of that Bill.

My information in terms of the Curragh is that ultimately every local authority has a responsibility to make sure that housing is provided for members of the Travelling community. That was not the debate yesterday. There are illegal encampments on the Curragh Plains and I am informed that these are people who are passing through. They are not necessarily indigenous to Kildare or people who are working with the local authority in that area. Ultimately they are illegal encampments. That is the purpose of the Bill. The intention behind the Bill, which I fully support, is that we protect those Curragh Plains because of their importance, not just to Kildare but to the country as well. There were people in the Public Gallery here including one lady who had to close her business because of it. That is totally unacceptable. The opportunity for that debate was yesterday.

Senator Paul Gavan-----

Eileen Flynn (Independent)
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I called for a debate on Traveller accommodation. That is not fair.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Senator Flynn-----

Eileen Flynn (Independent)
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The Leader came back to me about the Bill and she went through all of the others-----

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Can I just intervene-----

Eileen Flynn (Independent)
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She did not go through my call for a debate on Traveller accommodation-----

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Senator Flynn, I do not wish to have an argument. To be fair to the Leader she is replying to the Order of Business. Senator Flynn had her opportunity at the beginning. If the Senator wishes to reply later she can do so during the course of Commencement matters or in another debate. I understand the point the Senator is trying to make but we have Standing Orders we must protect as well. The Leader is responding to the Order of Business. I am not taking sides in the argument, I am just observing the rules of the House.

Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Cathaoirleach. It is most unfortunate to have somebody heckling from the floor as I make my reply, which is a lack of respect.

Senator Paul Gavan spoke this afternoon about the respect at work document launched by a number of unions, including SIPTU and Mandate. The Senator talked about the challenges some workers face in becoming unionised and challenges at work. I believe we are all in support of employees having access to unions. The Senator has raised important points. On low-paid workers I wish to put on the record that under the most recent budget we have seen an increase in the minimum wage by 80 cent per hour, which is a significant increase.A lot of work is being done by the Government to protect those on the lowest incomes and ensure people are getting a fair wage. All of the social welfare supports announced in the budget, such as the cost-of-living package, show the Government is taking the issue very seriously. I take on board the points raised by Senator Gavin about unions and the challenges people face in some workplaces when trying to deal with unions and issues with their employment.

Senator Davitt raised an important point on councillors' pensions and the Moorehead report. I concur with the Senator's remarks. A number of recommendations from the report have yet to be fully implemented. Much good work was done by the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, to implement the key recommendations of the report on councillors' pay, which has been really welcome. This was worked on for a number of years but there is still a way to go. I concur with the Senator's remarks that it is important, in this House, that we continue to ensure we advance the requests of councillors and that their pay and conditions are where they need to be.

Senators John Cummins and Maria Byrne again asked for a debate on national aviation policy. The request has been forwarded to the Department. On aviation policy, I have a particular interest in Ireland West Airport Knock. Senator Byrne has a keen interest in Shannon Airport and Senator Cummins has an interest in Waterford Airport. The overarching theme from all contributions is that the regional airports need support. I disagree with Senator Byrne on maintaining the cap at Dublin Airport. That needs to be looked at in terms of a growing country.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I am not against it.

Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail)
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I thought the Senator said she was against the cap. I think it needs to be looked at. In any event, that will be a matter for people at higher levels of office than us. There is huge capacity in the regional airports. If even a fraction of the passenger numbers was to be redistributed to them, it would mean a lot of jobs and opportunities in those airports.

The journey of Shannon Airport began 60 years ago. The large cluster of multinational companies located at the airport has leveraged having an airport there. The same opportunities exist for Waterford and Knock to leverage having an airport. However, the right Government support and policies are needed to do so. Regional airports funding has been made available on an annual basis. This is hugely important for Ireland West Airport Knock and it is very welcome every year. We need to look at increasing the criterion on passenger numbers for that funding scheme because once an airport hits 1 million passengers it no longer qualifies for regional airport funding. That figure needs to increase because we do not want to restrict the growth of our airports.

At this stage, the chances of having a debate on aviation policy are quite slim. I will make the request again but we probably only have a matter of weeks or a week to follow through in terms of debates. With the Social Welfare Bill and Finance Bill yet to be completed, legislation will take priority over statements. That is a requirement of the Houses.

Senator Cummins also raised issues about Uisce Éireann. I face similar challenges with water pressure in Mayo. The Senator is right that the issue prevents showers from working, so it is a huge problem. It was good to see the €3 billion from the AIB sale is being partially directed to Uisce Éireann to assist with capital works. It will not get everything done but it is a big boost, with more than €1 billion going into Uisce Éireann. That will go a long way towards solving some of the issues. It will take the best part of ten years or more to fix all of the difficulties with our water infrastructure.

Senator Murphy congratulated Lisa O'Rourke and others competing at the under-23 European championships and made a call for more support for the further education and training centre in Roscommon town because works have stopped there. I know this is a big issue in the area. The facility is much needed and investment is necessary. I suggest the Senator table a Commencement matter to get further information about what exactly is happening with the project. He is right to say the Government is very supportive of it. It would be good to get some details on the timeframe for the project.

Senator Maria Byrne raised the issue of Shannon Airport. I support her position on anonymity on social media. Social media causes a lot of problems. There is always the counter argument that in some countries if one was to put one's name to a tweet or a post, the consequences could be very severe, and often it is a way to communicate. However, on balance, when we look at the detrimental impact of nameless, faceless accounts and the damage they can do to individuals, companies and the political process, we are only at the beginning of our journey in dealing with the online space and the impact it is having. This is a very serious conversation we need to have. Coimisiún na Meán will have a big role to play in all of this and working at a European level with other member states will also be a factor. It is not just an Irish problem and it is one we have to tackle head on.

Senator Cassells asked for an update on the immigrant investor programme. I concur with Senators Cassells and Byrne. I thought it was a rushed decision to close down the scheme. Perhaps there were challenges but it was bringing in significant funds that were being redistributed to worthy causes. I am dealing with a number of applicants for whom I am trying to get information. It seems to be very difficult to find out when applications will be finalised and moneys paid out. Even though the scheme was closed, a number of successful applications had already been made. They are already in the system and there is money to be redistributed. However, it seems to be very difficult to get information from the Department as to when that might happen. It is very frustrating for clubs that are awaiting this finance. It was a good news story when they got it but it has not yet been paid out. We will make the request but I know that many colleagues, up the line, have asked the question of Ministers and still have not been able to get an answer. I do not really understand why.

Senator Malcolm Byrne spoke about the importance of local radio and paid tribute to broadcaster Michael Reade. I concur with the Senator's remarks in that regard. Local radio is important for all of us for reporting on politics, local sporting events and local issues that would not get covered on national radio. In many rural areas, the local radio station is on in the house more so than national radio stations. In Mayo, Midwest Radio is on in most kitchens, as opposed to RTÉ. It is important to support local radio.

I concur with the Senator's remarks on cybersecurity. I dealt with that matter in response to Senator Craughwell as well.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Senator Micheál Carrigy has moved an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 12 be taken before No. 1". It has been seconded by Senator Wall. The Leader has indicated she is prepared to accept the amendment.