Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Senators who engaged with today's Order of Business. There were a number of very positive comments regarding yesterday's event marking Seanad 100 and thanks expressed to the Cathaoirleach for his leadership in organising that as well as all of the officials. It was lovely to see Senator Norris and former President Mary Robinson engaging with us on the relevance and importance of the Seanad as we move forward.

There were a number of very warm welcomes to the ambassador for Lithuania. Senators wished him well and highlighted the contribution of so many Lithuanian people to our communities and society in Ireland.

Senator O'Donovan raised the issue of epilepsy awareness week, and spoke about his diagnosis and the fact there are a minimum of 40,000 people in Ireland who have epilepsy. He sought a debate on the matter. The campaign that Epilepsy Ireland has maintained over the past week has been good and involves the concept of time, safe and stay. We all need to learn more about all of these conditions because many we represent have them. The Senator also referenced Mary Robinson's comments yesterday on climate change and that we as a Seanad have an opportunity to be leaders in this area. Yesterday, there were debates on climate change and carbon budgets. It was great to see so many interact with those debates.

Senators Kyne and Crowe spoke about Renmore Barracks and the event held last weekend to celebrate their handing over. I saw some of the photographs online and it seemed to be a lovely event. The Senators raised the issues of defence capabilities, the commission and the 69 recommendations many of us have mentioned in the House. There is no doubt we need to have a debate in this House on that report, in particular recruitment and retention. In my view, it should not take five months for the Minister to read the report because there is nothing in it of which he, his officials or his advisers would not be aware. I was in Galway for a march on loyalty about three years ago and had the opportunity to meet many personnel. They are very engaged people, as are all of our Defence Forces personnel around the country.

Senator Mullen spoke about the motion on safe access zones. I wish to correct the Senator because he said it was a Sinn Féin motion. Many across the House from different parties and none countersigned the motion. It was a motion that was reflective of a majority of Senators within-----