Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, I remember that. I was there some years ago in my capacity as Minister of State with responsibility for natural resources. It is a wonderful and important place in terms of being an employer and, as the Senator stated, the largest zinc mine in Europe, with 700 employees. Of course, there is the Tara Deep project, which is the next scene that will provide a sustainable mine and employment in the area into the future. I note the concern of the Senator, predominantly for the health and safety of workers, but also for the security of their employment in the run-up to Christmas. I note that Gunnar Nystorm, the general manager of the mine, stated this morning they have a solution and plan to tackle the water flow and that it is hoped it will stop the flow in the coming days. Everyone is at work. He stated:

Safety is of course our number one priority. We have all the risk assessments done.

He offered workers and their families assurance in respect of job security. I know the exploration and mining division section of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, which has responsibility for natural resources, and the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, will be providing assistance on request and I am sure they have already been involved on that issue.

Senator Buttimer asked for an apology from Dr. Glynn. I am sure journalists will be putting questions to NPHET and Dr. Glynn regarding the comments in respect of schools being safe. Many Government representatives may have been asked to trot out those lines in recent weeks.We know that there are inherent risks for all gatherings, whether younger or older people. It particularly affects younger people in our schools who do not wear masks. I will leave it to journalists to ask Dr. Glynn questions.

Senator Seery Kearney talked about the good news at the committee. She gave a good update about the important matters relating to disability and the good work being done by the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte. She gave the example of the OPW and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Senator Martin talked about St. Brigid's Day. I believe there is a connection to St. Brigid in County Kildare, which claims her. I hope that next year and in the following years, we will be able to celebrate St. Brigid with St. Brigid's Day as a bank holiday.

Senator Higgins talked about the First Nations peoples in Canada, who are front-line defenders of the environment. That is a matter for a Commencement debate with the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Senator Lombard talked about Airbnb. The example that he provided and the number of houses available for Airbnb but not for rent in Kinsale is striking. Perhaps we could write to the County and City Management Association to remind it of the legislation and the requirements.

Senator Burke talked about amateur boxing. Perhaps we could have a debate on amateur sports at some stage with the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers. He talked about the road network and felling licences. I am not familiar with the issue. Was the Senator referring to roads through the forests where felling will happen? I imagine that would be part of the application for the felling licence. The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Hackett, made statements on that here a couple of weeks ago. I am not sure if that issue was addressed. Perhaps Senator Burke could liaise with Senator Hackett about that.

Senator Ward talked about abuse of the Interpol process regarding extradition to China. I suggest that he table a Commencement matter for the Minister for Foreign Affairs because it is quite a specific question.

Senator Dolan referred to important issues regarding assault and violence against women, which I have commented on.

I thank all Senators for their contributions.