Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I said, I was not a party to or watching proceedings so I have no idea what was said. I know there are different views involved. All Senators who have made points on the issue believe what they are saying even if others strongly disagree. I know there are ongoing issues in that regard. I will move on.

Senator Hoey spoke about the demonstration relating to inequality for children outside today. There are families still awaiting support. I know Senator Clifford-Lee also spoke those issues. Many of us are tied up today but perhaps as many Senators as possible could get out there, wish the protestors well and thank them for making the time to come to Leinster House and make us aware of those issues.

Senator Black asked about the timeline for a Bill. I suggest she submits a Commencement matter on the topic to see what the Minister is doing with the Bill and what stage it is at. I do not have an answer and cannot provide a proposed timeline. A Commencement matter might be best because that is quite a specific question.

Senator Clifford-Lee welcomed the report of the surrogacy committee, which I have dealt with.

Senator McDowell has proposed an amendment to No. 3. I apologise but I am not in a position to accept it. I take on board the comments that were made. I have dealt with that issue.

Senator Ruane made comments about witnesses at the surrogacy committee. I acknowledge the points she has made and agree with her.

Senator Craughwell spoke about RTÉ long wave. He has asked RTÉ to maintain or extend the service for a little longer. I take on board his comments.

Senator Carrigy spoke as a member of the newly formed Joint Committee on Autism. He spoke about the issue of summer provision which has come up on many occasions. I suggest he submits a Commencement matter in that regard as it is quite a specific issue.

Senator Lombard spoke about the retirement age for senior gardaí and the brain drain that happens when we lose senior personnel. He has requested a debate, which we will try to arrange for the autumn session.

Senator Gavan spoke about the local issue of bus services in Limerick. I have not been briefed about Dublin Coach, the private bus operator that has removed services. I suggest the Senator contacts the Minister for Transport directly or submits a Commencement matter to seek further detail on that specific local issue.

Senator Malcolm Byrne spoke about the Ahare River in north Wexford. He has asked for the support and assistance of the Office of Public Works because there is a flooding issue. I suggest he submits a Commencement matter on the topic, which is quite specific. I have not been briefed on the details of the issue. I take on board his comments about the Irish Athletic Boxing Association. There are ongoing issues in respect of that organisation. The Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, is doing a lot of work in that space.

Travel costs for public sector workers are becoming a serious issue. As Members will be aware, approximately 80 cent is paid for a certain number of kilometres but that payment falls if somebody travels further. The travel and subsistence allowance is not even covering the costs of public workers who are on the road as part of their jobs. The costs of getting to work and doing the job are not covered. Fuel prices have doubled. For example, staff who are doing inspections for the Health and Safety Authority are on the road three to five days a week. Their travel costs are not covering the cost of doing their jobs. That needs to be addressed. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is mindful that any response cannot relate only to pay and that there are other areas where pressures on workers can be alleviated and the Government can assist with cost-of-living issues.

Senator Dolan spoke about mental health and the work being done in the European Parliament. It is not a competency of the European Parliament but at the same time, it is important that it is mindful of that important overarching work. We have a lot of work to do domestically on mental health. We are in a far better place than we were ten years ago and have come a long way. I commend Maria Walsh MEP on her work in that area. It is an important area of work to continue to highlight and to give a voice to those people.

I am not in a position to accept Senator Boyhan's amendment to No. 4. I take on board his comments about city and county councillors and the removal of those councillors from the boards of educational institutions. They will be in a position to apply for those positions but it is not the same as having a set place for those councillors. I have yet to hear the rationale or logic behind that decision. Local elected members have a mandate to represent their local areas. That is an important perspective to have on the board of a university or college that is operating in a municipal district or local authority area. Members are representing the views of the locality and the people in the area in which the college is operating. Theirs are important voices and I am not sure that has been properly considered by the Minister. The Senator's views are agreed with across the House.