Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank colleagues for the variety of topics that have been raised. I agree with Senator Dolan. It is not just post Covid; we have always been known for being very giving as a nation. Through the years, there have been plenty of stories, similar to hers of that community going to Ethiopia, of Irish people going to build schools for the blind across most of Africa or south-east Asia. Long may it last. I thank her for raising that.

Senator Maria Byrne raised the need for a long Covid clinic at the regional hospital in Limerick. I suggest we need a long clinic in every county. I listened with dismay to Dr. Jack Lambert telling us that speciality doctors at the Mater Hospital are looking to continue the long Covid clinic they have had there for several months but there has been a refusal to give them the money for that. I wrote to the Minister yesterday to find out what is the problem. It may be that there is no policy on long Covid but, given that thousands of citizens are still suffering from the symptoms of long Covid, we definitely need such a policy. I will raise the concerns of the Senator, particularly in respect of Limerick and the shortage of specialists there.

Senator Boylan highlighted that today is International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People and there will be a protest of support outside the GPO at 7 o'clock this evening. I thank her for bringing that to our attention.

Senator Hoey spoke about a meeting she and her colleagues held regarding drugs and the need for decriminalisation. We need to bring forward the drug policy reforms in the ongoing review at the Department of Justice sooner rather than later. I thank her for raising that issue.

Senator Dooley sought an update on an employment regulation order and the injunction that was taken out by a particular security firm against the new pay and conditions that have been agreed by the Minister. I wish to put on the record of the House that I have been informed the Minister will challenge that injunction in the coming days.

Senator Warfield spoke about the welcome changes with regard to the people who can give blood. He also sought a review of the report on a family friendly and inclusive Parliament that was published a year ago. We might raise that at the next meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight.

Senator McGahon is looking for a debate before Christmas on the retail sector. I normally stand up here and say I will do my very best to facilitate such requests but the clock is ticking in respect of the next couple of weeks and the list of things Ministers want to do is getting longer, so I am not sure the House will get to have such a debate before Christmas. I will try, however.

Senator Boyhan spoke about a moving event he witnessed the other week at the OCSE debate at the parliament in Poland with regard to solidarity for immigrants who have had to flee Ukraine and have come to all the corners of the European Union. He referred to the welcome received. It was particularly poignant when he spoke about the little letter to Santa from Ivan, who is looking for his daddy, for light and for heat. We all need to check ourselves when we think that we probably have difficulties in our lives. We should compare our difficulties with those of some citizens across the European Union.

Senators Conway and Buttimer welcomed the human tissue (transplantation, post-mortem, anatomical examination and public display) Bill agreed by the Cabinet this morning and being published today. I will try my best to find out for Senator Conway why it has taken so long, but we are all well aware of issues that have taken far longer. A particular policy I had when I was in the Department was started some 20 years ago by the late Seamus Brennan but it still has not come to fruition. We will do our best to find out.

Senator Buttimer sought a debate on the purchase, agreed this morning, of 90 new battery-powered train carriages. I expect we will have a debate on COP27 between now and Christmas. I am just waiting on a date from the Minister in that regard. I know that is not really related to the 90 new battery-powered train carriages but I am sure we can include the issue in that debate rather than having a separate one.

Senator Davitt, and Senator Malcolm Byrne in leading off on the Order of Business, spoke about the absolutely tragic situation of Alejandro Miszan. I heard on the news that not only has the little boy's entire bottom lip been destroyed and taken away from him, he cannot breathe independently. As you can see from the photograph of his little frame, he is only a baby. I will certainly join with both colleagues in seeking a review of the restrictions in respect of 11 breeds of dog but it is clear the regulations that currently exist must not have been in place yesterday. We need to have stricter responses.I wish that little boy a speedy recovery and extend my support and solidarity to his whole family.

Senator Ward asked for a debate on our Defence Forces, given that there is a growing retention problem. I will try to arrange that as soon as I can after Christmas, particularly with regard to the Commission on the Defence Forces report. We will have that debate as soon we can in the new year.

Senator Ó Donnghaile spoke about the McAnespie case and the review last week, which I am sure was extremely welcome after years of looking for justice. It gives us mind to never, ever give up. When you know you are right, it is important to keep going and eventually things will come. The Senator sought a debate on the British Government's legacy Bill. I will try to organise that as soon as I can after Christmas.

To respond to Senator Keogan, I hope we always have adult conversations in debates because we are adults. We should never get to a scenario where we are calling each other names, for whatever reason. I do not disagree with the Senator insofar as there are some concerns being raised by people in communities which need to be addressed. I do not think the Government disagrees either, which is why this issue is part of the negotiations on changes in Departments over the next couple of weeks. However, when the Senator says we have immigrants roaming around towns causing antisocial behaviour, it is not fair. They are genuinely human beings fleeing from situations which I do not think we can even begin to imagine. We need to be conscious-----