Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Members who contributed to the Order of Business today. Senator O'Loughlin spoke about the challenges of hay fever, as a sufferer herself, and about getting some local help in Kildare. She also referenced the march for Palestine outside the gates today and said she is going to join those who are demonstrating outside. She reiterated the call for a ceasefire and peace in the region.

She acknowledged that today is advance care plan day and said that it is important for people to think ahead and plan ahead. She also raised the challenges around the primary medical certificate and the difficulty in getting that certificate for people with genuine needs.

Senator Doherty spoke about the changes made to the power of attorney process under the Minister, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman. She said that, in her view, it has made the process more complicated and less accessible for those who need it.

Senator Craughwell acknowledged the Defence Forces 1916 commemoration and said this was in stark contrast to the front-line workers who are in Buswells today, such as gardaí, firemen and other front-line service individuals. He spoke about the challenges, as he sees it, presented by the 2013 pension which do not make it as attractive to stay for longer periods in the Defence Forces, the Garda and other front-line services.

Senator Garvey acknowledged the good news today on the waiving of fees for outdoor furniture. She also spoke about the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the importance of national representatives who have a platform and a voice using that voice to continue to advocate for the people of Gaza, the Palestinian people and Palestinian statehood. I concur with the Senator’s remarks. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and what is being done to the Palestinian people is abhorrent. The response from Israel since 7 October is to be condemned outright. I do not know how much further we can put it in terms of words but I agree with the Senator that it is important that we continuously raise that issue here in the Chamber and that, at every opportunity, we call for peace in the region, a ceasefire now, the protection of the Palestinian people and to get aid to those people immediately.

Senator Wall asked for a debate on front-line service personnel with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. He acknowledged challenges with Uisce Éireann in dealing with estates that have not yet been taken in charge. He also requested a debate on school transport.

Senator Burke spoke about the sad passing of Michael D'Arcy Snr. He also asked for information around the extension of the sewerage and water schemes and how that might be achieved. I do not have the answers to that. I acknowledge the challenges at Breaffy, which is a very good example of an area of a county where the population has grown at a very fast rate and there is also a significant hotel in the village that has significant requirements in terms of sewerage and water. There is a need to address that at ministerial level.

Senator Boyhan spoke about the Dublin city task force and made the point that many of the issues being dealt with at a national level could be dealt with at a local level if we had more power devolved to local government.

Senator Carrigy spoke about the challenges in getting routine dental appointments for children with additional needs.

Senator Keogan welcomed the European disability and parking cards that have been confirmed and noted they allow people to have priority access and avail of discounts. It is good to see that consistency across the board. Senator Martin Conway also referenced the same matter.

Senator Malcolm Byrne referenced Michael D'Arcy Snr. He also spoke about the postering that is currently taking place across the country. I wish all candidates well in the upcoming elections. Hopefully, people are getting their posters up in a safe way, with no falling off ladders. It is good to see democracy and the electoral process in action. We take for granted at times that we live in an open, democratic society where people can contest elections and it is reasonably open to all people to contest elections. We can be very proud of that. It does not happen everywhere and we need to protect that. Senator Ahearn sought an update on the nursing home in Cashel and spoke of the need to progress that project as quickly as possible.

Senator Murphy congratulated the under-20 Roscommon team on their great win against Galway. Unfortunately, Mayo was not as successful in the Connacht final against Galway on that day but best of luck to the under-20 Roscommon team in the next stages. The Senator also referenced Ballaghaderreen town, which I canvassed recently with him and our candidate Aidan Sampey. The town has shouldered a significant burden. It has taken in more than its fair share of people and has been very welcoming. They have done their best to integrate but that has not been met with sufficient services and resources. That is not fair on those living there and those coming new into the community. The primary care centre is just one outstanding investment in the town. It also needs a swimming pool, more sports facilities and more GPs. The town deserves support and resources. I welcome its recent qualification for just transition funding of €1 million, which is in excess of what many other towns received because the project put forward was so good. I wish the town well. It is in need of support. We thank people there for all they have done.

Senator Conway acknowledged tomorrow is Europe Day. He also referred to the disability card and his contribution to the European Parliament last year, when he spoke as a representative of the disability community.