Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Senators for their contributions. Senator Malcolm Byrne raised the issue of the new national children's hospital and called for a debate on the matter. Representatives of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, NPHDB, appeared before the Joint Committee on Health, of which I am a member, on 5 October 2022. We discussed the issues concerning this development. The members of the joint committee had the pleasure during the summer of visiting the site. It is a wonderful piece of infrastructure that will be with us for hundreds of years. As I said before, I am extremely proud to be part of a Government that has delivered this project. There has been a lot of talk about it. We must also, however, examine the cost of this undertaking. Based on testimony from the witnesses from the NPHDB, about 1,000 claims had to go to conciliation regarding the cost of this project and ten of these claims accounted for 80% of the cost. This is an issue in all projects now. I know of one where a contract was signed and the next day the contractor had the first claim in concerning additional costs for the project. This is, therefore, an issue concerning all major infrastructural projects now.

Senator Currie, supported by Senator Carrigy, talked about the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, also known as the EPSEN Act, and consultation regarding special education. The Senator asked for a debate on this issue and I will certainly raise it with the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan.I know she has also done that in other areas. That is a helpful approach to hear from the ground the issues of concern that parents, teachers and special needs assistants have around special education. I will call for a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan.

Senator Boyhan welcomed the increase in the threshold for social housing. That is welcome. It is a challenge. Any time a threshold is introduced for anything, people will miss out by a small amount. Any increases that keep pace with inflation and rising incomes are to be welcomed. The Senator also commented on equine census day. There are 29,000 registered keepers in that regard.

Senator Garvey was supported by Senators Conway, Maria Byrne and Gavan when she talked about issues regarding local transport. That is an area in which more can be done. Supports have been put in place for additional routes and services. However, there is a need for enhanced services. Any Minister who has a large budget, as is the case in the Department of Transport at the moment, should prioritise the issue of bus shelters. The provision of safe pull-in spaces with bus shelters up and down the country would be an addition to the attractiveness of public transport.

The issues of the variance in fares and costs was raised by Senator Conway. The National Transport Authority license services run by Bus Éireann and private operators. I presume fares are agreed with the National Transport Authority. That matter might be more appropriate for a Commencement debate or engagement through the Joint Committee on Transport. The Senator also talked about the Bus Éireann website. All websites should be more visibly usable for those with sight problems.

Senator Boylan talked about Dublin Fire Brigade. Fire unions from across the country recently engaged in protests. Firefighters do amazing work. I know a number of firefighters in Galway. I was involved with the work on the opening of the Cheathrú Rua fire station in south Connemara. It is an important service. Firefighters carry out a dangerous and difficult job, particularly when they deal with road traffic accidents and all of that. The Senator talked about a number of issues, such as the €1,000 bonus, gender balance, proposals in respect of paramedics and other policies. Perhaps a debate on those matters at a later time might be more appropriate.

Senator Moynihan talked of the Iveagh Markets. I have not seen it in person but have seen pictures. It was a beautiful looking building and it is a disgrace to see what has happened to it. There are powers within local authorities in respect of dereliction. I do not know the full history of the case and it may be a topic that is more appropriate for a Commencement matter. The Senator talked of vandalism in the area over the past 20 years and said that Dublin City Council was at fault.

Senator Flynn called for a debate on the matter of Travellers. The Cathaoirleach has undertaken to raise with the Ceann Comhairle the re-establishment of a committee on Travellers. I will support that, as I am sure we all will.

Senator Eugene Murphy talked about the challenges of politics and the importance of positivity. This is, at the end of the day, a debating Chamber. We do not always agree on everything, which is to be expected. However, we can agree on certain very important issues that transcend politics. In any national parliament anywhere in the world, there are disagreements and differences in respect of policy. The Finance Bill received a tremendously high level of support in this House yesterday. That was a victory. It was democracy in action in respect of important legislation that will provide support for the people the Senator mentioned. We will have another opportunity in the coming weeks when we deal with the Second Stage of the Social Welfare Bill.

Senator Buttimer commented on World AIDS Day and asked us to wear the pin to acknowledge and remember those who have died due to AIDS. I recently watched the Netflix series "It's a Sin", which, as well as being an entertaining drama, was a commentary on the early days of AIDS when there was a lack of knowledge in respect of the disease. People were not as aware as they are now with regard to AIDS. It is important that today's generation is reminded of the difficulties that people had in the 1980s and 1990s with AIDS and HIV. The Senator observed that the national sexual health strategy ought to engage with the wider community. I am sure that will happen. I know Senator Buttimer will keep an eye on that issue.

Senator Maria Byrne also talked about a meaningful debate on the 9% VAT rate. I am sure that can be arranged in the new year. Senators Carrigy and Cummins talked of the community centre fund. I strongly advocated for a maintenance fund for new community centres. There has been a large number of applications, which goes to show how necessary that funding is. We have wonderful facilities around the country which are testament to the work of communities and the supports that are available. Some of those facilities need a facelift and an upgrade. Some also need fire safety and other maintenance works. The Minister, Deputy Humphreys, will do what she can to ensure that the Senators' requests are provided for.

Senator Carrigy also talked about the spiking of drinks, which is a concern to any parent. He talked about caps for drinks. It would be positive if the industry were to promote that and its roll-out. The most important thing we can advise any young people to do is to look out for each other on a night out. That is particularly true for girls. They must look out for each other and must not leave each other alone. They should ensure that they get each other home safely.

Senator Gavan talked about the Rehab employees, vulnerable workers and a Labour Court decision. I have not been following that case but it is a cause that seems perfectly sensible. If the Labour Court recommendation is not being adhered to, the Senator would have the support of this House. If he were to circulate some information, I am sure people would get back to him.

Senator Cummins talked about the North Quays project in the heart of Waterford city. I acknowledge the Senator's advocacy for that project since his arrival in this House and in the past, when he was Mayor of Waterford city and a councillor. I have seen the proposals on social media and they are exciting for the city. I spent a bit of time there over the summer. The projects he has talked about would be a considerable boost to the community in Waterford.

Senator McGahon called for a debate on the issue of renewable energy and I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan. I have read that there is considerable potential to make Ireland a powerhouse of renewable energy, particularly offshore wind energy, in the coming years. We could be a net exporter of energy to the European Union, which would be extremely positive.

Senator Seery Kearney talked about projects in Crumlin and the issue of alcohol, which is perfectly evident. All the off-licences and shops are selling alcohol. As the saying goes, I can resist everything except temptation. Unfortunately, if one suffers from a drink problem or the disease of alcoholism, the availability and visibility of alcohol is all too evident. The Senator also talked about Drinkaware and funding from the drinks industry. I do not have information in that regard but it is a matter she could raise directly with the Minister for Education or as a Commencement matter.