Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I think I have dealt with the points made and have responded with my own view. That is my view as it stands.

Senator Byrne pointed to the fact that the war in Ukraine is still ongoing and that events in the Middle East have somewhat overshadowed that in the past ten days or so. It is important. He referenced the growing allegiance between Russia and China. The European Union has taken a much stronger stance on China and the acceleration of the expansion of the European Union is partly due to that geopolitical situation. It is something we are concerned with and will have to keep a watching brief on. Of course, we will show continued solidarity with and support for the people of Ukraine.

Senator Lombard referred to traumatic rainfall of 50 mm. I take on board his comments. Funding for local authorities might be a matter best dealt with via a Commencement matter. He also raised the issue of school transport and vaping, and managed to merge the two. We can deal with that. I do not think it is permitted for anybody to vape on public transport. I think it is a matter for a bus driver in that situation to ensure that the rules are enforced.

Senator Craughwell gave his views on the Commission President and our President. I think I have dealt with that issue.

Senator O'Sullivan spoke very passionately about Hamas. I concur with his remarks. It is a terrorist organisation and I utterly condemn its actions and what it has been doing. It is one of the biggest blocks to progress in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Senator McGahon spoke about the AV room briefing on missing people he will host at 1 p.m. today and urged Senators to attend if they can.

I have dealt with the comments of Senator Gavan on the motion, the amendment and what is covered in the motion.

Senator Davitt spoke about the loss of his parliamentary assistant, Damien O'Reilly. We spoke about our former colleague, Councillor Damien O'Reilly, in this House. I again want to extend our condolences to Aiden and all of Damien's family. It was a really shocking and sad passing of such a young man at the age of 40. It is a really tragic situation. The Senator also pointed to the situation in Gaza.

I have dealt with part of what Senator McDowell raised. We will have an opportunity after the Order of Business to debate the motion. Sometimes judging yesterday's actions by today's events is a difficult space to be in and is not often reasonable. That is not to take away from previous work done. We have debated the issue in the Middle East for years in the House. People's views are well established. We will have an opportunity to discuss that later.

Senator Conway raised issues around designated activity companies, in particular in regard to Clare.

Senator Carrigy spoke about section 39 workers.

Senator Cassells spoke about the scholarship launched by the former Irish internationals to try to support young people in sport.The Senator made a very good call that consideration should be given to raising the betting tax to fund these bursaries and to fund young people getting into sport.

Senator Ahearn welcomed the investment in education by the Minister for Education, in particular Project Nore, which provides €250 million to build seven new schools across the country, one of which, importantly for the Senator, is in Tipperary.

Senator Dolan welcomed Josephine and Margaret to the Chamber. They are campaigning for the building of a new community centre in their area.

That concludes the Order of Business.