Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their contributions.

My colleague, Senator Crowe, raised the important issue of cancer care at University Hospital Galway, UHG. He and the Deputy Leader, Senator Chambers, visited the hospital recently. There is a meeting on this important matter tonight in Salthill, which we and Senator Pauline O'Reilly will be attending. We will await what Professor Michael Kerin has to say, but it is clear that there is an acute bed shortage in Galway. UHG has been identified as the preferred site for its redevelopment as a model 4 hospital. I agree that there has been a great deal of wasted time. There has been talk of options, appraisals and so on for many years, which has only muddied the waters when we should have been progressing a major development on the grounds of UHG.

Senators Seery Kearney, Boyhan, Buttimer and Ahearn raised the issue of Commencement debates and the disgraceful contempt for the House. While I agree with them, there is also a responsibility within parties to address this with their Ministers. The majority of Departments have a Minister and a Minister of State. The Minister might not be able to attend due to a busy diary, but he or she should make an effort to attend the Seanad. If that is not possible, then the Minister of State should attend. What is happening is not acceptable. We have all seen it. On one of my first days in my previous role as a Minister of State, I was handed a script with only five minutes' notice and told to go into the Dáil and read it out even though I did not have a clue what it was about. That was not good. It is important that Ministers treat questions in the form of Commencement or Topical Issue matters with respect. I will raise this matter with the leader of Fine Gael - I ask that the Fianna Fáil Senators raise it with the Taoiseach and that Senator Pauline O'Reilly raise it with the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan - so that we can see more Ministers and relevant Ministers of State in the House and, importantly, the content of the replies is considered.

Senator Seery Kearney also spoke about the welcome amendments to the international surrogacy Bill. I recently listened to "Morning Ireland" or "Today with Claire Byrne" where this matter was discussed. I thank the Senator and others for their advocacy. It is welcome news that amendments are proposed. I heard Mr. Justice John Jordan's comments about the State's failure to provide information during the court case on how it was making progress on amendments to the legislation.

Senator Craughwell discussed apologies or recognition within the Defence Forces and other bodies regarding individuals who have saved lives through their acts of valour. He mentioned Mr. William Mynes of 31 Annaly Road, Cabra, and the then Lieutenant Patrick A. O'Mahony of Tralee, who lost their lives on 29 May 1962 on board the LÉ Clíonawhen a fire broke out. Both men acted heroically, but there has been no recognition from the Defence Forces. I will raise the issue with the Minister for Defence, Deputy Coveney. It is a matter for the Defence Forces and the Senator raised valid points. He also raised the issue of protected disclosures. I have dealt with important issues in my own area involving people whose lives are on hold and who have suffered great stresses and difficulties because they made protected disclosures.

Senator Ó Donnghaile discussed the protocol. I agree that there has been a welcome change in the mood music, but there is still a long way to go. I acknowledge that Senators Ó Donnghaile, Blaney and Currie travelled to London to engage with parties and representatives there. We could have statements in the House some day soon on matters relating to Northern Ireland and the protocol.