Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome my friend and colleague, Senator Naughton, to the House. She will be a fantastic addition to Seanad Éireann. She is a recent mayor of Galway city, a city that is thriving and extremely successful. If she can bring her experience as a former mayor of that city to this House, she will do a great number of years’ service to Seanad Éireann. It is fantastic to see another representative from the west. Not alone will she articulate the views of the west very strongly, she will articulate the views of Ireland strongly.

This weekend has been one of contradictions. We had the fantastic weather, as well as Riverdance breaking records again, as it has done nationally and internationally. We also have had tragedies on our waters. Last week, I called for water safety awareness and training to become mandatory in primary schools. I noted over the past several days that Irish Water Safety also said this should happen. Education and appreciation of our water is critical among our young people. I commend the swimming pools, particularly in rural areas, that stay open in winter and summer to provide critical swimming lessons and training, as well as water awareness to young people. Will the Leader organise a debate in September with the relevant Minister on the issue of water safety?