Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the Members who contributed to the Order of Business.

Senator O'Loughlin kicked off by congratulating the people who have organised the Calves for Ukraine event at Kilcullen Mart to raise much-needed funds for the Ukrainian crisis. She also referred to the progress that has been made by the women's caucus, of which she is chair, in advancing legislation to provide maternity leave for councillors, following a meeting with the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke. It is great to see progress and she thanked all of the Senators for supporting the project.

The Senator acknowledged the sod turning event tomorrow for the new Primark store in Newbridge. In particular, she acknowledged the development levy of €3.5 million that will go to the local authority and will be used locally, which is a significant amount.

Senator Kyne raised the impacts of the war in Ukraine. He specifically asked for a debate on the increasing cost of oil and gas and the cost of living. Senators Gavan and Buttimer requested a similar debate. I can inform the House that we have requested a debate on the cost of living with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Ryan, and await a date from his office. A request has now been made to the Minister for Finance to come here to speak on the same issue. We will arrange a debate as quick as possible.

Senator Rónán Mullen acknowledged that there are conflicts in other countries apart from the Ukraine. He referenced Syria, Yemen and China and the is need to acknowledge the other conflict zones.

The Senator also referenced the report by Family Carers Ireland that was published last Tuesday entitled Care at Home: Costs of Care Arising from Disability, which I think was mentioned in the Seanad that day as well. The report compares the cost of caring for somebody with a disability with a household that does not have a person with additional needs. He said that it has been estimated that it costs €244 per week extra, which is a significant amount, and called for us to support those families.

The Senator mentioned another important issue, which is the recent decision by the European Court of Justice on the retention of data and the implications that the decision might have for the Graham Dwyer case. The Senator made the compelling argument that justice should rank higher when balancing rights. There is a requirement for the Government should respond to the potential implications of the decision.

Senator Paul Gavan requested a debate on the cost of living. He also spoke about the carbon tax and, in particular, the fuel allowance, which is an issue that he has raised previously in this House, in particular, the need for the scheme to be expanded to bring more people into the fold, especially those on lower incomes and the minimum wage.

The Senator referenced the Safe Access to Termination of Pregnancy Services Bill 2021, which will be debated in the House later. He stated that the legislation has cross-party support. He has raised this legislation on numerous occasions as has Senator Sherlock. I reiterate that many Senators support reaching the objective of providing safe access zones and I certainly do as well. I am aware that it is the only Bill on the issue that is currently tabled but Members will be aware that the Minister is working on legislation, through his Department, and will bring that through both Houses. This evening's Bill is not opposed and there is support to achieve that objective. My view is that whatever Bill is published we must be prepared for the potential of challenges that may try to test the legislation in court and, therefore, it is important that the legislation is as watertight as possible and that it is enforceable so that we can provide safe access zones for all women who try to access legal services in the State.

Senator Sherlock mentioned the safe access Bill. She also mentioned that it has been two year's since the workers in Debenhams were told awful news. The way that they were treated is appalling. She is correct to request an update but I am sorry that I do not have one. Perhaps she might talk to me or the Leader of the House about a debate or a Commencement matter to begin with and we will try to get some progress on that as quick as we can.

The Senator raised the issue of the Richmond Road Studios and the artists. I watched the piece on RTÉ from the artists. I wish them well and hope that they find a space to continue their work. I was disheartened to hear artists talk about having to down tools because they do not have enough space in which to work. There is an onus on us to place a value on their work that is not always an economic or monetary and provide a space to the artists to do work that is of huge cultural importance to this country.

Senator Flynn spoke eloquently and pointedly, as she always does, about President Zelenskyy's address to the joint sitting of the Dáil and Seanad.His reference to our fantastic community work here in Ireland is something she values very closely. The Senator said she is herself a product of that community work in getting to where she is today. She requested a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Joe O'Brien, on providing security for the community sector and ensuring its viability in the long term. We will request that debate for Senator Flynn.

Senator McGreehan spoke about the launch of the 2022 Tidy Towns competition by the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, and wished all participants well. I will reiterate the point that Tidy Towns committees do not have sole responsibility for keeping the streets clean. That is ultimately for the local authorities and they should be supported to do that work.

Senator Lombard raised the issue of Ukraine and the refugee situation, in particular the huge pressure to provide accommodation for refugees entering the country. Every part of the country is feeling that now. He referenced a particular issue in Clonakilty where there was no space for those who had arrived. Senators Keogan and Buttimer also raised the need to have a debate on this issue. We have requested a debate with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, who I hope will be in the Chamber with us over the next few weeks to have that debate on supports for refugees and the accommodation situation.

Senator Keogan asked for a similar debate and referenced an issue with Gormanston Camp, which is currently housing refugees, and the fact a planned live firing exercise is planned between 19 April and 29 April. Obviously, those exercises are a completely normal part of Defence Forces business as part of training and development for serving members. I take on board the Senator's comments, however. She might perhaps liaise directly with the Leader's office to try to get a response on that.

Senator Horkan spoke about the sad passing of Mr. David Hill and pointed Members to the fact that his funeral is taking place today. It will be streamed live online at 1.30 p.m. for those Members who would like to tune in. He also requested a debate on the Ukrainian situation. We will have rolling debates, if we can call them that, on different aspects. We are trying to get a debate at the outset on supports for refugees, which will cover many of the issues raised by Senators. We will then keep abreast of what is happening and schedule debates as they are needed. The Senator also paid tribute to the staff here in the Houses of the Oireachtas. We all concur with that and wish everybody a happy Easter. They do fantastic work. When we head off out the door, they are very often left behind to do all the other work that is required once the sittings have concluded. I acknowledge that work.