Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Members who contributed on the Order of Business. Senator O'Loughlin kicked off the Order of Business by informing the House that today is aunties' day, which I was not aware of. I send a shout out to all the great aunties. I have a couple of really good aunties myself. They are all good ones, obviously. It is nice to start on a positive note.

The Senator raised a specific issue in respect of Garda numbers in south Kildare and gave very good statistics on the numbers of gardaí in various areas with corresponding populations. She called for an increase in Garda numbers in the area in which she lives in south Kildare.

The Senator also referred to the recent report from the National Women's Council of Ireland specifically in respect of access to healthcare for women in migrant communities. A small group of Senators, including me, had a briefing on that yesterday. It is a fantastic piece of work. I urge any Member who has the time to read the report to do so. It is not surprising that women, particularly those from migrant communities and vulnerable sectors, find it more difficult to access the healthcare they need. The issue can be a language barrier or a feeling of being dismissed and not listened to or taken seriously. There are key findings in the report and it is one of which we should take note.

The Senator also raised the ongoing issues relating to substitute teachers and the lack of availability in that regard. She requested that teacher inspectors be brought back into the fold and redeployed to schools.

Senator Kyne spoke about the winter plan. He specifically referred to the zero allocation of acute beds in the Saolta University Health Care Group and raised a concern in that regard which I will certainly take on board. He also raised an issue in respect of a lack of carers in the home care sector. The issue is not a lack of funding. The money is there but the ongoing problem is finding people who are available to do the work. I suggest to the Senator that he might submit a Commencement matter on that specific issue. There could be a good debate on that.

He also raised the issue of the national drugs strategy, as did Senator Ruane. I am not fully up to speed on what was discussed at the committee, so what I will say to the Senators is that perhaps they jointly or individually table a Commencement matter on that issue. I am not fully up to speed on what it is proposed to take out of the drug strategy. That is more within the remit of the members of the committee. I certainly take on board the concerns raised by the Senators. In particular, Senator Ruane raised an issue relating to four particular organisations that are to be removed. It is my first time hearing of this. I would share her concerns if the community voice is being removed. The people best placed to make decisions are those living in the community, those who are on the front line and dealing with people who are using services, and those who have recovered and are now helping others. As a lay person in this area, I cannot see the benefit of centralising all control and decision making within the Department. That seems like the wrong path to take. A debate on the issue would be welcome. I am sure other Members would benefit from getting more information on the matter, particularly those of us who were not present at the committee and have not had the benefit of hearing the full evidence.

Senator Craughwell raised the issue of the Coast Guard, as he has on many occasions, the sad passing of Caitríona Lucas in Kilkee and the issues that were raised around R116. All Members are very aware of that tragedy. He raised a specific issue in respect of the Howth boat, as he called it, that was moved from Kilkee to Howth, and referred to alarming concerns in respect of the safety of that vessel. I am not in a position to respond more fully than that because I am not fully up to speed on all of the surrounding issues. I suggest that the Senator write directly to the Minister for Transport on the issue and also submit a Commencement matter on it. If he does not receive sufficient response, I will certainly seek a debate with the Minister for Transport. Such a debate has been requested. It is unlikely that it will take place before the Christmas recess but it is being sought for the first weeks back in January because several transport issues have been raised and we are seeking to get a lengthy debate with the Minister for Transport in January on those issues.

Senator Ó Donnghaile put on the record of the House his congratulations to Barbados on becoming a republic on 30 November. I echo those words of congratulation. I believe the Cathaoirleach has written to the President of Barbados.