Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Senator Ward spoke about water quality, especially the quality of water in which to swim. He is correct that many people took to the waters during the pandemic, which was wonderful to see and I declare that I was not one of them. The Senator spoke about the gap between sampling and giving results so people may find themselves swimming in water that is contaminated and that will have an impact on health. The Senator is 100% right that we need to narrow the gap. People need to know that it is safe to swim so we must properly treat sewage. We need a debate on the quality of water for swimming and we shall look for that debate.

Senator Dolan spoke about Ballinasloe being prioritised and that there is a narrow two weeks for consultation. She is right that we need proper and appropriate engagement between engineers and officials, and the citizens of the area. That does need to happen in a locality where people can engage and discuss. I suggest that it would be worthwhile if she tabled a Commencement matter on the topic.

Senator Currie spoke about Hartstown community centre and the vital services it provides. We are so lucky to have places like that centre around the country because they are the vibrant heart of communities. I know that because I am involved in the community centre in Rathangan. It is a fantastic place that has facilities that can be availed of by everyone in the community and provides a range of classes etc.

I wish to refer to the fact that an audit was done in 2019, which again raised the need for urgent repairs, but there was an issue because the community centre is located on church ground. Again, we had that situation. That is an ongoing situation around the country because a lot of communities centres are former churches or the property of churches. The leases have been generous but people need things to go further so that they can draw down funding. This is a issue and we need to prioritise funding to retain a community focus in community centres.

Senator Ahearn spoke about the two 16-year-old boys in Fermoy who went to the aid of a young girl who was being attacked. Certainly, we need to enforce positive behaviour and call it out. I say that because far too often, and rightly so, we call out negative behaviour. Therefore, when we see positive behaviour we need to call that out and reinforce same. I agree with his good suggestion to put forward the names of these two boys to receive an award for their act of bravery.

Senator Maria Byrne spoke about the Minister for Justice in terms of refuges. We are way behind in terms of the Istanbul Convention. As we all know, nine counties have no refuges so the commitment to providing 400 beds is very welcome. We also need a commitment to provide ancillary services. Teach Tearmainn in County Kildare, with which I am familiar, has been fortunate to get extra funding to provide counselling to children etc. Refuges can do a lot more than just provide a safe refuge, which is hugely important in itself.

I congratulate Senator Craughwell on being a grandad to his granddaughter Alice. He spoke about the commission on defence report. I have not seen it yet but I am greatly interested in it as I come from County Kildare. I fully support PDFORRA and RACO members being able to affiliate to ICTU as that is hugely important.

In terms of the Minister seeking an independent review on what happened in McKee Barracks, to be perfectly honest if that did not happen then people would call for an independent review so I do not believe the Minister has undermined the Chief of Staff whatsoever. We cannot have it both ways. There are calls for independent reviews and investigations all the time. That is what the Minister has done and I support him.