Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I will start at the very beginning. Senator Dooley began contributions on the Order of Business by highlighting the tensions in the Middle East with regard to Iran and Ukraine. The fact is the latter is running out of munitions and a debate was sought in this House. It is something we need the Tánaiste to come in and speak to us about. He could perhaps include in that Sudan, which is on the edge of famine, if not already dipping into that. It is necessary and I certainly support that. That was supported elsewhere this morning by Senator O'Sullivan. Senator Dooley, along with others, also raised the situation with Eir yesterday. It has become apparent there is a systemic intentionality in denying people their rights.It is disgraceful. I am glad that it was highlighted yesterday and again today. It is my observation that Eir has been involved in this sort of practice for a very long time, particularly if the commentary on social media and previous commentary on the company is anything to go by.

Senator Joe O'Reilly, along with many other Senators, offered condolences to the family of Dick Dowling, former Teachta Dála, Senator and councillor, and highlighted Mr. Dowling's distinguished record of public service. There is no question but that he offered a lifelong service that his country should be very appreciative of.

Senator Mullen spoke about last night's RTÉ programme. Senator Conway also referred to the programme, albeit from a different perspective. If Senator Mullen has a concern regarding bias in RTÉ, he should raise it with the Committee of Public Accounts, the media committee or perhaps in the form of a Commencement matter.

Senator Sherlock referred to the school transport scheme. The scheme is clearly designed with rural areas in mind and is very much needed. The Senator raised the fact there is no urban element to it, given that the criteria exclude most urban areas. She makes a valid point. I will ask the office to write to the Ministers for Education and Transport to encourage them to liaise on this matter and to highlight the need for an urban transport scheme. I know of an area of Dublin 8 where children are expected to go to an Educate Together school in Sandymount. They spend up to two hours per day commuting, which is quite shocking. The Senator offered her congratulations to the Minister, Deputy Burke, and the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, as well as noting the debt warehousing and collective bargaining actions that are going to be required.

Senator O'Sullivan supported Senator Dooley's call for a discussion and asked for condemnation of Iran in an outright manner for its agitation and involvement and for, perhaps, being the puppeteer behind the commencement of the war in Gaza.

Senator Lombard referred to the cancellation of a vital bus service and questioned the NTA's accountability. I completely concur with him on that. Cork Members have yet to experience the excitement of BusConnects and how unaccountable the NTA can be in that regard. It is incumbent on us bring in, as I have requested over a long period, the Minister for Transport in order that we might discuss accountability with him. When you raise this as a Commencement matter, you are told the Minister does not have responsibility in this area. Who exactly in the State is accountable?

Senator Craughwell referred to the junior Minister in the Department of Defence, our security strategy - calling for publication of same - and the future security of the country.

Senator Malcolm Byrne raised the postponement of the referendum on the unified patent court and the irony that the debate on the relevant legislation is being replaced on the agenda of this House by statements on the cost of business. I will say two things about that. It is ironic and regrettable that the decision to postpone has been made, particularly as the move would be of clear and definite benefit to small businesses and innovators. However, I note that there has been an increase in the cost of business and that the deadline for the cost-of-business grants is 1 May next. We can use our platform here to highlight that.

Senator Cummins referred to the disappointment about the fact that the World Rally Championships will not now be going ahead here due to the Department requiring an extra six months to review the application. That is very disappointing. This matter was also raised by Senator Conway and others. I know from my own not-so-misspent youth following rally championships around the country how incredibly brilliant it is to be part of the community. As a result, what has happened is disappointing.Senator Cummins asked for a letter from the House, which I will raise with the office. It may also be worthy of a Commencement matter and perhaps, given the support, that will be done jointly.

Senator Warfield raised the creative and cultural industries and their social value. I suspect he is going to table amendments to that Bill and perhaps we could all be educated in the audiovisual room with a presentation in that regard, which the Senator might consider. I thank him for highlighting the matter.

Senator McGahon raised the success of apprenticeships over recent years under the Taoiseach's former role as Minister for further and higher education and asked for tiling to be included, and why not, as a valuable profession within the construction industry especially. Perhaps that is suitable for a Commencement matter with the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, given he has now settled into his role.

Senator Keogan wanted the Minister for integration to come to the House and perhaps it is time for statements on that subject in this House. In my experience in my home constituency of Dublin South-Central, the communication with the local community and through public representatives has been excellent, but perhaps the Minister could take statements in regard to where there are difficulties in that area. The concerns of citizens could also be raised.

Senator Mark Daly was among those expressing condolences for the family of Richard Dowling.

Senator McDowell will no doubt amplify the issue he raised, and I will also commit to raising it within my parliamentary party. Given that his contribution was one of the last on the Order of Business, I did not have time to seek advice, but I will make a couple of phone calls, see what we can do and revert to him on the advice in that regard because I am not sure whether legislation will be required. I would have thought, when I was reading it last week, that there was to be legislation at some point but I will take advice on that.

Senator Carrigy talked about the disruption to diabetes services for 145 children and stated this needs to be prioritised. I will ask the office to write to the Minister but I suggest it might be suitable material for a Commencement matter.