Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank everybody for their contributions to the Order of Business. Senator Daly started by raising the issue of the Passport Office and the continuing backlog while acknowledging that some improvements have been made with the direct line but also highlighting the ridiculous situation that a person was posted their passport when it was not possible to reach them. Generally when people come to anyone in public life looking for help with a passport, it is always at the eleventh hour, if not beyond that. That is why the office needs to have a system in place to deal with those emergencies. It is not a favour or a gift; it is an entitlement as a citizen.

Senator Kyne raised the issue of the ongoing Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, negotiations and the meeting in Athenry mart. I acknowledge the fantastic work done by Minister, Charlie McConalogue, who has done a tour of marts throughout the country to engage with all farming organisations on the CAP. There are some difficult decisions to be taken. There is not, unfortunately, a unified position among those in the farming community, which others have highlighted. There will be significant decisions to be taken on that, but it is important to ensure there is fairness at the heart of the next CAP.

Senator Boyhan raised the outstanding record, legacy and contribution of Senator David Norris, who is the longest serving Member of the House or the father of the House as he is so often called, and referenced the unveiling of a portrait of the Senator, which was unveiled earlier today by the Cathaoirleach and the House Leader and other Members to honour his contribution to this House and to Irish public life. There will be continued celebrations later today and we join by congratulating the Senator on his fantastic achievements as one individual who has done so much for people in this country.Senator Boyhan also raised the matter of local government funding, which has been mentioned by many other Members over the past few weeks in particular, asking for a debate on the matter. He also mentioned the local property tax and rates issue. We should seek that debate at the earliest opportunity.

Senator Martin concurred with the remarks about Senator Norris and spoke on the passing of Austin Currie as well. Senator Boylan spoke about the daft.iereport, as did Senator Moynihan, and in particular the increase in rents. It is a concern for all of us that rents are increasing at such an alarming rate. The Government has recently launched its Housing for All plan, underpinned by €4 billion of investment. This is the largest ever investment by the State in housing. There will be significant investment in public, affordable and cost rental housing to ensure we can tackle this housing crisis once and for all.

Senator Black raised the matter of drug use, referencing Tallaght in particular and the lack of addiction support services in helping people get better. It is a chronic issue not just in that area but in many areas of the country. Senator Malcolm Byrne raised the matter of the backlog in the issuing of foreign birth registrations, as he has before, and concurred with Senator Paul Daly's comments about the passport backlog. It may be worth putting down a matter on the Commencement on that very specific issue in order to get an update on why there is such a delay in the issuing of those birth registrations.

The Senator also mentioned we had a very productive meeting of the Seanad Brexit committee in a joint meeting with the EU affairs and Good Friday Agreement committees, where we had a virtual discussion with Members of the House of Lords. It was a really good engagement and I am sure people agree it is very timely, given what has been happening in the Brexit process. Senator McGreehan was also at the meeting and raised the matter again on the Order of Business this morning. It is really important we have continued dialogue and continue speaking with one another. That message was delivered loud and clear from the House of Lords as well and those Members want to continue speaking as well while keeping the door open to ensure discussion is maintained. It was a very interesting meeting with many solutions being proposed as to how we might get around the current impasse. We will continue to work towards a solution.

Senator Seery Kearney raised the question of wards of court and issues around investment. It is a serious question and there should be accountability around who was managing those funds. Ultimately, a very vulnerable person was left in a very poor position. Perhaps she could put down a matter on the Commencement and if that is not sufficient, we should seek a further debate in the House to give all Senators an opportunity to discuss the matter.

Senator Gallagher spoke about young girls in sport. It is a major issue that there is a huge drop-off rate in girls participating in sports, particularly in second level education. There is no doubt that when there are positive role models such as Leanne Kiernan and Maggie Farrelly, referenced by the Senator, who are leading the way in their fields, it will encourage other young girls to stay in sport for the benefit of themselves and their communities. I congratulate the two teams involved in that historic moment and it is great to see.

Senators Lombard, Buttimer and Ward raised the matter of the America's Cup and the importance of the event. I will not pretend to be an expert in sailing but I understand how important that event would be to so many people. I hope it will be looked upon favourably and any event of that magnitude would be beneficial for the country I am sure. We have much sailing expertise in the country and many sports men and women, as well as young people, in the area.

Senator McGreehan spoke very eloquently about the need to get the Brexit matters sorted and the real impact it is having on people's lives. We speak about this often at a high level but this is affecting businesses and citizens, particularly those living in Border areas like Louth, where the Senator lives. It has an impact right across the Border region so it is really important we get this right.

Senator Maria Byrne commended Deputy Carroll MacNeill on her proposal to set up a committee on gender equality. It is something with which I would have no difficulty. It would be very worthwhile and I look forward to hearing more information on what that committee might do or how we might get it up and running. We want to work with the Deputy and Senator on that matter.

Senator O'Sullivan spoke very eloquently, as he so often does when he gets to his feet, and we can see the depth of experience in him when he speaks. He delivered a very strong message that change can be affected in a peaceful way. That is the legacy Austin Currie left for his family and all of us. I concur with the Senator's remarks.

Senator Ahearn sought an update on the funding for IVF treatment, which is a very important matter because so many couples and families experience infertility. It is long overdue. My most up-to-date information is a Bill is being worked on to try to get this over the line as quickly as possible and provide State financial support to couples experiencing infertility, as is evident in so many other countries. We are lagging behind in that regard.

Senator Craughwell got to his feet to pay his respects to Austin Currie, as did Senator Conway. Senator Conway also raised an interesting question around electric scooters. I had not heard the term "original greens" before in reference to those who are visually impaired and have been using public transport for a very long time. It is a very important point that when we make these policy and legislative changes, we must ensure it is in the interests of everybody to do that. Legislation pertaining to these vehicles must be explored further.

Senator Joe O'Reilly raised the question of the child and adolescent mental health services waiting list, and we are all getting representations about that. As the Senator said, we are leaving very vulnerable people in a very dire position. It is a waiting list that should be cleared with urgency.

Senator Crowe raised the matter of the construction sector and the cost of building materials, which we are all very keenly aware of now. It is affecting the building of family homes and public housing so it is a major concern. A debate in the House with the Minister would be welcome. The Minister will be before the House at some point anyway and this is a very important point to raise with him.

Senator Ward raised the question of driving licences and I was not aware of what he mentioned. That probably indicates how long it has been since I got my licence. It is a sensible solution and would offer people the opportunity to drive a moped when they have been tested in a car. It might be a useful Commencement matter as it is quite specific.

Senator Carrigy mentioned the work of the Irish Heart Foundation. Perhaps a Commencement matter would give an answer on his question about the national stroke strategy, as again it is quite specific. It is important work that should be concluded. The Senator also spoke about the GAA and he has made it clear to people at senior levels in the association that the matter should be addressed. I hope they will respond positively to the Senator's request.