Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

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

Senator Kyne kicked off proceedings. He spoke about the announcement that the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Humphreys, made yesterday. She announced a €15 million fund for community centres to assist them to refurbish any buildings and carry out essential works. The Senator said that there was a gap as centres in urban areas were not included in the funding and has requested an extension of the scheme. I suggest it might be appropriate for him to table a Commencement matter and we can look at it further, if needed.

Senator Malcolm Byrne congratulated journalists Jack Horgan-Jones and Hugh O'Connell on the recent publication of their book entitled Pandemonium, which looks back at the last two years of the pandemic. The Senator then spoke about the overdue report of the Future of Media Commission. He requested a debate on the future of media and journalism. We have made that request through the Leader's office and we will arrange a debate at the earliest opportunity.

Senator Malcolm Byrne next spoke about Seanad reform, as did Senator McDowell. I think that we have waited 18 months for the establishment of the committee and Senator Malcolm Byrne sought an update on progress. Perhaps a Commencement matter on the issue might move this matter along.

Senator McDowell requested a debate on the outcome of the elections in Northern Ireland. I have communicated that to the Leader's office and we will get that debate at the earliest opportunity. There will be an opportunity this evening, through the Sinn Féin Private Members' motion. We will request a separate debate specifically on the outcome of the election and the acknowledgement that there is clearly majority support in Northern Ireland for the protocol, which has not been acknowledged by all the stakeholders, including the British Government.

I am pleased to accept the amendment proposed by Senator Pauline O'Reilly, which was seconded by Senator Garvey. Senator O'Reilly also spoke about the changing demographic in Northern Ireland and the big story where the Alliance Party more than doubled the number of its seats.

Senator Pauline O'Reilly spoke about the Bill on election posters that she intends to introduce. I believe it is a good thing to have fewer election posters. Senator Garvey mentioned it is the people who have the most money who can afford the most posters. I suggest, however, that it also benefits the incumbent to not have election posters because he or she is already known. I recall that had I not had posters for my first local election, that might have made it a bit more difficult to get elected. Posters have a role to play. Perhaps posters could be made from different types of material and have set places to erect them yet give everybody a fair chance because posters have a role to play when one is starting out in politics.

Senator Gavan spoke about the killing of an Al Jazeera journalist. I extend our sympathies to her colleagues, family and community following her shocking death. I also thank Senator Gavan for alerting the House about a briefing today and extending an invitation to attend.

I note his comments about housing and community. There are ongoing difficulties. There is no point in denying that there is a housing crisis and I suggest it has been with us for more than a decade. The Government has allocated a record amount of more than €4 billion to the Housing for All policy. We are seeing an increase in the commencement and building of houses despite the past two years where construction was closed down for periods. Obviously we must also deal with inflation pressures in terms of building materials and a lack of labour supply. There are significant challenges but despite that, there has been an increase in the commencement and building of houses. The number of housing units is going in the right direction. We are starting to turn that ship but it is a challenge. Senator Gavan also spoke about the affordable housing scheme in Limerick. Social and private housing will be built and affordable housing is just one element of the housing plan. I acknowledge his remark that he believes the number of social housing is not sufficient for his community and we will request a debate on housing at the earliest opportunity.

Senator Buttimer requested a debate in advance of the budget. We know that budget negotiations will kick off pretty soon and will be in full swing during the summer recess. Therefore, I think that it would be helpful for us to have a debate in the House before the summer recess and we will request that debate.

Senator Buttimer, like other Senators, spoke about men's sheds and the briefing that some Senators attended today that took place across the road in Buswells Hotel. In my own community in Mayo, there are many men's sheds in operation. There is no doubt but that the establishment of the men's sheds movement has saved lives across the country and has helped tackle the scourge of mental health issues across communities but particularly for men who do not have the same outlets that women sometimes have in terms of meeting friends and having somewhere to go. The movement is really important and needs our support. I acknowledge the comment the Senator made about how 70 men's sheds have not re-opened since the pandemic. There is an onus on us to assist the organisers of those men's sheds to get them up and running. I also note the point made by Senator Gallagher that the Irish Men's Shed Association would like assistance to initiate a national campaign to recruit more members, raise awareness of their work and encourage other men to join their local men's sheds.

Senator Maria Byrne spoke about the review announced by the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, to assess school buildings that are lying vacant and empty after school hours and to consider ways to repurpose or re-use them for community reasons while vacant for a few hours. It is a good initiative and I suggest to the Senator that a Commencement matter would be an appropriate avenue to get an update on when the review is due to be completed.

Senator Currie spoke passionately about the victims of the Troubles and the proposed amnesty from the British Government. Almost all, if not all Senators, would concur with her remarks in that regard.

Senator Garvey, as I mentioned, spoke about the Green Party's Private Members' Bill on election posters that will be taken next week.

Senator Keogan spoke about the proposed legislation, from a European context, that regulates the control of chat forums. I do not have the full details on the proposal. I take on board her comments around whether it is right to have a policy of mass surveillance. My view is that it is not. While I do not think the ends justify the means, I understand the reasoning for the legislation. I am sure we would all agree that we need to tackle and try to address the issues she raised around child pornographic material and abusive material. I believe we should alert citizens to these proposals. I also believe that such policies and laws should come from the citizens they will affect. I take on board the Senator's remarks in that regard.

Senator Boyhan put on the record of the House news of the passing of Mr. Alan Gillis and paid tribute to his immense contribution to public life plus his expertise in agriculture. I am impressed by the fact that Mr. Gillis owned 375 acres. He seems like a man who had a very good and fulfilled life.