Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know the Senator attended the last meeting of justice committee with the Garda Commissioner and contributed to it. Perhaps there might be an opportunity for her to address that particular issue at the meeting tomorrow.

Senator Lombard talked about knackeries and the fact that they are closed at the moment, which is a very serious issue for the farming community. There is a dispute ongoing there at the moment. The Senator asked us to write to Minister to see if he can bang a few heads together and try to get a resolution to the dispute. No farmer likes to see a knackery van come near his farm. As someone who was born and reared on a farm, I can say that it is a sight that none of us likes to see. It affects the mental health not only of the farmer himself but the entire family, because as we know, farmers love their animals. We would like to see that dispute resolved as soon as possible.

The Senator also mentioned a briefing that is happening today in the AV room on new medicines. He highlighted the frustrating time delay in getting some of these new medicines approved. In some circumstances, and the Senator included his own family in that, it can make the difference in extending a life. It is important. That briefing is on in the AV room this afternoon and Members are free to attend.

Senator Currie raised the impending toll charge increases that are due to come into effect in January 2024. None of us likes to see these particular charges coming. She went on to highlight, and rightly so, the areas like Castleknock and Lucan that will be affected when people are avoiding the tolls and the charges. That is going to lead to congestion for people within those communities. As someone who regularly uses the M1 motorway, I note that the port tunnel charge at peak times is rising from the current rate of €10 to €12, which is a substantial increase. We are told that, unfortunately, inflation is the key component in this increase. It would be welcome for us to have a debate on toll charges in the new year so that people can get clarity on the funding that is coming in via the tolls. There are 12 tolls in total around different parts of the country where these charges occur. Perhaps we can get additional clarity on where the funding is going. I know the increase is being blamed on inflation at the moment, which is fair enough, and the increase in charges for maintenance and so on. I think a debate along those lines would be useful.

Senator Cummins also mentioned the knackery dispute and called for resolution to it. He welcomed the announcement this morning from the Minister for sport that Waterford county board has received €3.3 million through the large scale sport infrastructure fund. Like other Members in this House, I am of the opinion that any money spent in sport is good money, and money well invested. It is great to see all the different organisations getting funding this morning.

Senator Boyhan congratulated the Cathaoirleach for organising an event yesterday evening in the LH 2000 canteen. Unfortunately, I was not around, but I got some feedback this morning and heard that it was a very positive event. I compliment the Cathaoirleach on his work in this area. He said that he set his stall out when he was appointed Cathaoirleach, and that he would talk about and promote gay rights. He has held true to his word. The feedback I received this morning is that it was a good event and was very enjoyable. I compliment the Cathaoirleach for his work in that regard.

Senator Boyhan also raised the issue of ash dieback and requested a debate on it in the new year. Unfortunately, it is a big issue in every part of the country. We will organise a debate with the Minister in the new year.

Senator Kyne also complimented the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, on the large scale sport infrastructure fund announcement for Connacht and Galway. I agree with the Senator that the provision of €10 million in funding is substantial. It is great to see all sports getting it. In particular, it is great to see Connacht Rugby flourishing like it is. I know that the result did not go too well for them last week, but it is great to see rugby alive and well. Indeed, it is great to see all sports being promoted. As I said, any money spent on sport is money well spent. Senator Kyne did not just talk about the sporting aspect of it, but about the economic benefit it brings not just to Galway but indeed the whole region. It is a good news story. I wish Connacht Rugby continued success.

Senator Gavan referenced some worrying statistics on university teachers. I must say that I was taken aback by his contribution. He noted that roughly one in three, or 36%, is in precarious employment. That is a shocking statistic. It is an issue that deserves a debate so that we can shine a light on it. As the Senator said, it does not just affect the teachers concerned. Ultimately, if we are losing good people, it is our young people who will suffer in the long term. I thank the Senator for bringing that to our attention. We will endeavour to get a debate on the issue in early the new year.

Finally, Senator Ahearn talked about the large scale sport infrastructure fund and thanked the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, for the sports capital funding for his home patch. I will pass on his good wishes, and those of the rest of the Senators on that. On a more serious note, he also talked about the Criminal Assets Bureau. The bureau has done fantastic work in this country.It has been a hugely successful outfit. That the half a million euro in funding brought in by the online sale that took place last week is going back into the communities is a fantastic aspect of that. As I said, the Criminal Assets Bureau is a good news story. To be fair, setting it up was a great move. It tracks criminals, and any funding it receives from the sale of whatever it might be goes back into the communities affected. That is a very positive point.

That concludes the contributions from all the Senators this morning.