Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----but that does not mean I do not respect the media and journalism. At the end of the day, they are only doing their jobs in the same way we are trying to do our job. However, the transparency with regard to how they report and what they report on is vital to a functioning democracy, so I thank the Senator for raising that.

Senator Boyhan highlighted not only the Patients Deserve Better campaign, which he applauded, but also the significant debate taking place in the housing committee for seven hours today to discuss the pending mica and defective blocks scheme. I remind everybody of that.

Senator Conway asked for a debate on long Covid. He also asked for statements, and particularly a strategy, on suicide in the Traveller community. I acknowledge, and pay our respects on, the passing of the three people who died in the last number of days.

Senator Ardagh spoke about the Ombudsman for Children's report, as did Senator Sherlock, with regard to special educational needs. For the first time in the history of the State we have a Minister of State who is responsible for the €2 billion we spend on this. While that is wonderful, it certainly has brought to the fore the challenges we face as a society with regard to the provision of special education. I have to be honest, however, that there is no better woman than Deputy Madigan to make sure that the issues are highlighted and therefore resolved. I wish her well in her job.

I am sorry to hear from Senator Sherlock that another artists' studio has been closed. One has to wonder what is going on. It cannot just be a lack of funding because if it was that simple, it should be very easily be reversed. I sent a note to the Minister asking for a response when the Senator raised it previously, but I have not yet received the response. I will follow up on it again today. I thank the Senator for raising it.

The Minister of State, Senator Hackett, raised the new ambulatory gynaecology clinic in Portlaoise, which is very welcome.

Senator Mullen spoke about the humanitarian responses on behalf of the State and said they require planning.

Senator Kyne was one of the Senators who requested a debate on childcare. He is also seeking a debate on greenways and blueways with the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan. I will try to organise that.

As I said, Senator Crowe opened the discussion today seeking increased subsidies for parents and an employment regulation order, ERO, and increased capitation payments for providers. He requested a debate with the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, to discuss our views on that.