Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Dolan raised the announcement during the week by the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, who has responsibility for special education and inclusion, on her intention to impose or invoke certain schools to take on special classes. It probably pained her to have to do that because it is a terrible indictment of the relationship between schools and the Department. Both say they want the same things yet they use certain circumstances to their own advantage. We should all be more attuned to the needs of children and their families. As the Senator said, it is a wider societal issue with regard to services and I thank her for raising it.

Senator Carrigy looked for an independent review into the IABA. The announcement this week might bring everything to a head. I acknowledge the Senator's concerns the Senator. A new structure, as we have with sports, may similarly be required.

Senator Lombard looked for a debate on the powers we perceive and intend to give our local authorities in the future. We had the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, in last week talking about local government but it is probably something we could talk a lot more about, so I will certainly make the request.

Senator Boyhan talked about the new NDP tracker announced by the Minister, Deputy Michael McGrath, this week. Just so the Senator knows, there is a standing request in with the Minister to come in and discuss the NDP with us. A number of other colleagues have raised this over the last number of weeks. Perhaps this good news event might encourage him to come and have a conversation with us but I will resubmit the request today. It is something we would all value. I also acknowledge the Senator's commending the EAP. It goes to show how seriously the Minister takes his responsibilities and the usage of public funds.

Senator Buttimer looked for a debate on ports with the Minister for both Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Transport. I will try to arrange that as soon as I can.

Senator Warfield talked about the frustration at the pace of change in education. He is right we all share the frustration, especially given we all know what needs to done there that will have an impact on society years later. The shocking reports that one in three students who have gone through secondary school have no formal education on relationships and civil engagement is absolutely an indictment of the provision of quality education around this issue that has an impact on changing society.

Senator Maria Byrne spoke about the 15 Ukrainians who have been moved from Limerick to Dublin. I will certainly make inquiries with the Minister's office and come back to her. The Senator also spoke about two significant local investments in Limerick that she is obviously very proud of.

I am happy to accept Senator Sherlock's amendment and wish her good luck with her Bill. She is also looking for a debate on the national women's health programme and I will ask the Minister for a date as soon as I possibly can.

Senator Kyne asked me to write a letter to the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, on the need for sustainable funding for our men's sheds. I will certainly do that and send him a copy.

Senator Paul Daly asked for an awareness campaign, earlier rather than later, around wildfires. I absolutely agree with him. The campaign would detail how people unfortunately contribute to them and teach us how we might avoid doing so. He is right it is sometimes far too easy to blame one particular cohort. We seem to blame them for everything, which is really unfortunate, but they are ultimately the biggest losers, notwithstanding the first responders who must deal with the fires. I will make contact with the Minister today.

Senator Mullen gave us his views of the recent debate around the national maternity hospital, so they are now on record.

Senator Cummins asked for a debate around the disability housing grants and the proposed changes he feels need to reflect increasing costs and who can access them, because it makes far more financial sense for the State to ensure people can stay in their homes for longer rather than engaging with nursing homes.

Senator Malcolm Byrne asked for a debate on climate, especially the World Meteorological Organization annual report. We will organise that as quickly as we can.

Senator Moynihan spoke about the difficulties that exist regarding cycling. She also wants a report on construction defects published sooner rather than later and for us to have a debate on it once it is published.

Senator Ó Donnghaile spoke about the Irish language Act protest that took place yesterday morning and the parade that will take place on Saturday. He also supported Senator McGahon's supporting of Deputy Richmond's call yesterday for a special Oireachtas joint committee on Irish unity so we can prepare for a border poll he feels will happen sooner rather than later. Failure to prepare is preparing for failure is, I think, what he said yesterday.

Senator Craughwell spoke about another event in the long-running saga and inquiries he has been talking about for many moons concerning search and rescue services. The 415-page report the Air Corps submitted, the three-page report the consultant submitted in response and the 18-page rebuttal certainly do need a little more scrutiny. I look forward to a response from the Minister and the Oireachtas committee to his letter requesting a debate and further scrutiny.

Senator O'Loughlin opened by congratulating Ireland on taking over the presidency of the Council of Europe next Monday. She is looking for a debate on July provision, which I will organise sooner rather than later, given July is looming. Like Senator Malcolm Byrne, she is also looking for a debate on the stark climate statistics announced yesterday in the World Meteorological Organization report. We can try to arrange that for the week after next.