Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Many Senators paid tribute to the Cathaoirleach and I want to be associated with those comments. It is only fair that we name all the Senators who did so. They were Senators Lombard, Malcolm Byrne, Keogan, Hackett, Warfield, Hoey, Murphy, Maria Byrne, Craughwell, Horkan, Buttimer, Sherlock, Martin, Burke and Ahearn. Everyone commended the work the Cathaoirleach and the Ceann Comhairle did to ensure the joint sitting of the Houses took place this morning. It was very moving to be in the Dáil to listen to President Zelenskyy. What an inspirational, incredible person he is. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders. I was looking at him and thinking that while he was calm, compassionate and passionate when speaking, he must be surviving on very little, if any, sleep as he tries to give direction and leadership and engage with world leaders. I know all Members will join me in saying Slava Ukraini.

On the points raised, Senator Lombard spoke about social media platforms and how they are regulated or, indeed, unregulated, particularly in respect of the amount of time children are spending on their tablets. He sought a debate on that type of interaction, how we monitor it and the hazards of technology.Four Members of this House, Senators Malcolm Byrne, Cassells, Warfield and Carrigy, are active members of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media. The Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill will be in the Seanad for Committee Stage in the week after Easter. This welcome, important and necessary legislation will regulate social media companies.

Senator Malcolm Byrne spoke about higher education funding, not for the first time, and noted it is the anniversary of the Cassells report. He made the point that the EU report requested by the Minister at that time has still not been circulated, even though we believe the Government has received it. As the Senator pointed out, we know the report will state that the sector is in crisis.

Senator Malcolm Byrne also spoke of the need for reform of the SUSI grant and the need to address the whole issue of core funding for once and for all. He also congratulated Eoin, the two Caoimhes and Pádraig from Gorey who won first prize in the certified Irish Angus schools competition in Croke Park last week. I am very happy to add my congratulations on behalf of the House. I saw some of the images posted by the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and Deputy Michael Moynihan, which were wonderful. It is incredible that the four people mentioned by the Senator do not come from a farming background. It just shows that it is very important that we encourage children in an urban environment to learn more about the rural environment.

Senator Keogan spoke about the HSE being in the public eye. It is a good thing that the six regional authorities have been set up. Basically, this measure is the implementation of Sláintecare, which was proposed in an all-party committee report. Its main focus will be on primary care and the co-ordination of services. That is very much to be welcomed.

The Minister of State, Senator Hackett, spoke about the role we have to play in the area of energy. She made the very welcome announcement that homeowners who generate their own energy will be able to sell excess energy this summer. That is a win-win situation for everybody and a very important policy which we welcome. The Senator also mentioned that planning permission for solar panels, particularly on public buildings, is part of a Green Party Bill that has been slow in coming. We support her on that issue.

Senator Warfield spoke about the pilot basic income for artists scheme which is a fantastic and revolutionary initiative. He is right that we have to ensure diversity and equity in respect of those who will be able to access the scheme. He also spoke about the merits of the night-time economy. Again, it is good that we had announcements in that respect in the past week.

Senator Hoey spoke about the month of awareness of sexual assault and, in particular, the women of Ukraine who are grappling with rape. We see absolutely harrowing images. Sexual violence is taking place on a huge scale. Sadly, that is always a feature of war. The Senator is correct to make the point that Poland is a very restrictive country in respect of reproductive rights. It is very important that an international organisation has the opportunity to go in to provide oversight. I am very proud that Ireland has given €1.5 million for reproductive and sexual rights for women from the Ukraine to help address this problem, which is one that has been recognised. What does one say to a woman who has been raped by a Russian soldier, finds that she is pregnant in Poland and does not having access to termination services? It is just completely wrong.

Senator Murphy spoke about the trauma that is visited on so many Ukrainians in this country when they hear of horrific events in their country, including murder, and suffering bereavement while they are here. He also spoke about the work being carried out by local organisations in Roscommon. The Senator also congratulated Denyse Campbell on becoming the new president of the Irish Hotels Federation and we certainly add our voices to those congratulations.

Senator Maria Byrne spoke about the Limerick emergency hub and called for more supports for communities outside Dublin. That community approach is greatly needed on a co-ordinated level. I am meeting a lady this afternoon, Angie Gough, who has set up a community group to roll out supports nationally in respect of that, which is very important. While we need skills and supports, the hand of friendship, no matter how we extend it, is of great importance and I have no doubt that will happen right around the country. Senator Byrne also spoke about the welcome acquisition by Limerick City and County Council of St. John’s Castle.

Senator Craughwell spoke about the need to provide weapons to Ukraine. He should note that while we are not politically neutral, we are still militarily neutral. That is very precious to many of us in this country. It is still very important. There is no doubt that there will be a citizens’ assembly on neutrality and that is the right way to go. It is not for anyone in this House or the Lower House to call for that.I completely refute what he said about the UN Security Council being a waste of time. Ireland is playing a significant and important role on that.

Senator Horkan spoke about the Colombian Vice President, Ms Ramírez, whom I will be meeting at lunchtime. Incredibly, she was also the very first female minister of defense in Colombia. One can imagine that being minister of defense in a country like Colombia takes considerable courage, conviction and guts. It is wonderful that she has chosen to visit Ireland and she is certainly very welcome. The Senator spoke about building at Dublin Airport and the challenges with Garda vetting and work permits. He asked for the Army to be brought in to solve its problems. It is simply not good enough in my view. I believe 1.7 million passports will be processed this year which is an enormous number. We need to get it right and many more measures need to be put in place.

Senator Buttimer spoke about the secondment of the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tony Holohan, to Trinity College. We need collaboration between healthcare and academia; that is how we learn. Dr. Holohan has incredible experience in the public health area. It is very significant and welcome that he has the opportunity to share that with the students at Trinity College and hopefully beyond. Open-ended secondments are a regular feature and are common across the Civil Service and public service to encourage interdepartmental and interagency co-operation. Many political staff are seconded from the Civil Service and public service. Tony Holohan has given the country wonderful service at a very difficult time for him personally. While the Senator said that the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health have not answered any questions, what about the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris? Questions also need to be put to him.

Senator Sherlock spoke about the basic income for artists and spoke about 23 artists losing their building because it is going into receivership. That is sad to hear. I hope there is some engagement there. I agree with her that we need to support artists to survive and thrive.

Senator Martin asked me to find a list of companies still trading in Russia. I believe that is beyond my payscale. He is right in saying that the Joint Committee on European Union affairs should look for that list and invite representatives in. There are questions to be asked and that certainly should be done.

Senator Burke asked that we invite the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, to come to the House to debate the comprehensive evaluation of the school meals programme. I support us doing that.

Senator Ahearn called for a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, on mental health. We cannot just say mental health; we need to be more specific because it is such a complex area. We can certainly look for a debate on how supports will be put in place for those from Ukraine. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, has secured a far higher budget than ever before. Every cent of that is needed. It is also about outcomes and not just about money.

Senator Boylan spoke about animal welfare. She spoke about two particular cases of mutilated animals in south County Dublin. She also informed us about the surgical artificial insemination which is being used for artificial breeds of dog. It would need to be very carefully monitored if not made illegal. Ear cropping is illegal but the law needs to be strengthened as it is very difficult to enforce. She said it is the subject of debate in the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and Marine. I certainly hope that measures would come from that discussion. I support having a debate on animal welfare.