Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our visitors to the Gallery and the Seanad.

Senator O'Loughlin started off the Order of Business. She had just come from the Samaritans briefing in Buswells Hotel, as did Senators Buttimer and Dooley. All three Senators spoke of the important work that the organisation does and have requested a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, on mental health and the work of the Samaritans, which the Leader's office will request at the earliest opportunity. Senator O'Loughlin also spoke about COPD day, which is today, and the need to support people who suffer with that condition. She also spoke about the recent school climate survey, which found that LGBTQI+ students still face a considerable challenge from hate and abuse. They find it difficult to go to school. Many students are missing school because of that and there is a need to progress hate crime legislation at the earliest opportunity.

As I said, Senator Buttimer spoke about the Samaritans and requested a debate.

Senator Boyhan raised two specific issues. The first was the tragic loss of Shane O'Farrell's life in a road traffic incident and the fact that the O'Farrell family, led by their mother Lucia, will be in Leinster House today to meet the Taoiseach. Senator Boyhan called for the public inquiry to be progressed without delay. He also spoke about Deputy Patrick Costello's challenge in the High Court and then the Supreme Court and commended him for his work. I understand that legislation is required to allow the Government to ratify CETA. I understand that the Government will progress that legislation. We will keep the House updated. Any legislation will, of course, come before us in any event.

Senators Boylan and Seery Kearney spoke about Transgender Awareness Week and the considerable challenges that trans people still face in this country and across the world, with healthcare, abuse and the threat of violence, which we would never condone. There are ongoing challenges for that community. I bring people's attention to Transgender Awareness Week.

Senator Moynihan spoke about Ned Iveagh and the Iveagh Markets. I am not up-to-date on the ins and outs of that issue. I understand there is a complex ownership issue between two individuals. There were two planning grants for that site which never progressed to actual development. A third planning application might have been sought and was not granted. There seem to be complicated issues. It is probably premature to request the Government to fund development when the ownership of the site has not been worked out, but I acknowledge the importance of that site for the local community and its heritage. I know the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, is focused on resolving that issue.

Senator Dooley asked for a debate on the Samaritans and spoke about a local Clare issue, and the fantastic work the Samaritans do there. We will request a debate at the earliest opportunity.

Senator McGahon spoke about the need for a dedicated strategy for the reopening of disused rail lines. I would definitely support that. I have spoken numerous times about the western rail corridor. The suggestion certainly merits debate. There are many disused rail lines. Comparing a map of the country 100 years ago with a map from today, there were many more rail lines 100 years ago. We should look at every opportunity to get people to use public transport to further climate action and get cars off the road. Rail is part of that solution. Senator McGahon mentioned Dunleer railway station, which would serve a considerable population in his area.

Senator Craughwell spoke about the Air Corps and his recent visit to Baldonnell to visit Air Corps personnel there. He raised the issue of allowances for instructors. I suggest that he table a Commencement matter on that. He also spoke about the Air Corps being 26% smaller than its establishment strength, which needs to be addressed.

Senator Murphy spoke about ongoing payments to farmers across the country. He highlighted Roscommon, Mayo and Galway, and the multi-million euro investment in all those counties through GLAS and other schemes, as well as how important they are to farmers and the survival of the family farm.

Senator Seery Kearney also addressed the issue of the Iveagh Markets, which she has worked on for a long time.She also concurred with the remarks of Senator Boylan on transgender awareness week, requested a debate on the SEAI and the retrofitting scheme, and acknowledged the meeting with the Leader. I will be attending that meeting with her as well to try to get some answers on how that scheme is working and how we can improve it for those trying to access it.

Senator Gavan spoke about Qatar and the World Cup. Many Members over the past number of weeks and months have raised the ongoing human rights abuses in Qatar. I would say almost everybody, if not everybody, in this Chamber is very unhappy - to put it mildly - that the World Cup is taking place there. FIFA has acknowledged that a mistake was made and that it should not be there. We believe that a staggering number of workers have lost their lives - clearly not through natural causes despite what the Qatari Government might suggest. The numbers are colossal. I take issue with the Senator directly naming Ministers and other Members of this House and their engagement. It is wrong to do that. We can make the point about human rights abuses in Qatar without trying to tarnish the reputation of other Members of the Houses in the work they are doing as Ministers representing the country and I take issue with the Senator's remarks in that regard.

Senator Doherty spoke about Panda exiting the market. I believe it made over €50 million from that sale so it has been a good day for it but not for its customers. I do not know whether GDPR legislation was breached in terms of just handing over customers' information but more answers are required. The idea that one would give people ten days to find a new electricity provider does not give them much time with work, family and all that goes with everyday life so there is an onus on Panda to look after its customers better and to respect their rights.

Senator Kyne spoke about the extension of the Croí Cónaithe scheme to cities. Senator Maria Byrne also spoke about that issue, as have other Senators in recent weeks. It is a great scheme that will bring derelict properties in rural and urban areas across the country back into use. Not only will it reinvigorate town centres, it will increase housing stock which, ultimately, is what we need to do. It is a great scheme offering between €30,000 and €50,000 for derelict or vacant properties. I look forward to seeing those properties come back into use at the earliest opportunity and commend the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, and the Department for their work in getting this scheme over the line and, more importantly, getting the funding behind that scheme. From what I am hearing and having looked at the application, the requirements to access the scheme seem pretty straightforward, which is really important. They have got rid of the red tape and bureaucracy that attached to many schemes in the past. This is a really easy to access scheme for people who want to access it.

I am conscious that we have proposed a minute's silence on the passing of Vicky Phelan. I am sure I speak on behalf of all Members in commending her work over the past number of years in fighting not for herself but for the women of Ireland. I listened to Dr. Gabriel Scally on the radio a couple of days ago. It was incredible to hear him say that we now have a better screening programme that they have confidence in and that will save lives because of her work and because she chose on that day not to sign that non-disclosure agreement. We will be forever grateful for the work she has done. That was a tipping point in terms of women's healthcare in this country. It was the straw that broke the camel's back in terms of women standing up and saying enough is enough. She has left a lasting legacy and impression on our country and our health service is better for the work she has done. I extend our deep sympathies and condolences to Amelia, Darragh and her husband, Jim, along with all her family, friends and community on her sad passing. We will have a minute's silence in her honour.