Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes, absolutely. Senator Buttimer highlighted that today is World Health Day and commended all the healthcare workers. He said we will require a debate on health at a future date in the coming weeks to keep on top of that issue. He also raised the issue of the cost of living.

Senator Boyhan spoke about the census that took place within the past week and referenced in particular the need to protect people living in their homes, which was a wish of a woman to whom he spoke. When asked whether she was putting something in her time capsule and what that might be, she said it was her wish that people her age, in their 80s, could remain in their homes.

Senator Burke spoke about the national development plan, NDP, and the need for a debate because of the increase in the cost of materials and labour, which have seen a significant change that will undoubtedly impact the delivery of the NDP. We very recently had a debate on the NDP with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy McGrath. We will request a second debate on the NDP in the coming weeks, it is hoped before the summer recess. The goalposts have shifted and things have changed because of the cost of everything.

Senator Hoey spoke very eloquently about the rise in transphobia. I saw the passion with which she spoke this morning. I do not know how conversion therapy is considered a therapy or treatment in any way. We have long passed that. I would certainly urge people to stay away from that. The Senator is right, however. There is probably the need to put that on a statutory footing or find some way to protect people who may not be making those decisions for themselves. That is a very important point. We have to keep an eye on that issue and have a debate in this House if and when it is needed. I am sure we will have future debates on that issue. The Senator is right to say there is no LGBTQI without the "T". It is a very succinct way of putting it for that community.

Senator Paul Daly spoke about students who are taking their oral and practical examinations. It is very good to point out that, for many students, it is their first State examination. It is a nerve-wracking experience. It is very well for all of us who have been through it many years ago to say it is fine and, once it is over, they will not be thinking about it again. In reality, however, it is stressful when a person is going through it. The junior certificate examination is an opportunity to have a trial run, in some ways, in that people get to see what it is like to sit a big State examination. Those students are doing these examinations this year without the benefit of that experience. I wish them well as they enter into those examinations, and, obviously, the teachers and school communities. I hope they all get through it and get the results they are hoping for.

That concludes the Order of Business.