Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator Murphy talked about the important funding under the town and village scheme from the Department and Rural and Community Development. I would like to acknowledge the package announced by the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, today of: €17 million investment in 75 towns and village projects nationwide; €6 million of funding to purchase and redevelop vacant derelict buildings and convert them to community facilities; €2.6 million to upgrade shop fronts and building facades in 26 towns under the streetscape enhancement initiative; and €1.56 million for planning and design works on a range of projects that are an early stage of development. That is very welcome funding for many of our towns and villages. Senator Murphy referenced Ballinasloe and Arigna. He also appealed for the Department and local authorities to get involved to identify why there is not movement on some projects in some local communities that have not been successful. That is very welcome as well. Senators Carrigy and Dolan referenced as well issues and funding under the town and village scheme and I welcome that as well.

Senator Murphy also talked about John Healy, the tragic events in Moneygall and the savaging of up to 50 lambs or hoggets. I can only image the scene that their teenage sons witnessed. I offer my condolences to all involved there. Unfortunately, it is an occurrence that has happened often. I recall from the 1980s an animated advert that used to be on the television of a dog – I cannot remember whether the name was Fido or whatever it was - where it had been let out and savaged sheep and came back home to the house. Perhaps it is time to reshow that put it out on social media platforms as well.

Senator Seery Kearney thanked and congratulated everyone except herself, such is her modesty. However, everyone else mentioned her work on surrogacy. I would like to join with others in commending her on her advocacy in this House, in the committee and within our parliamentary party room, where she has advocated and brought in groups and interested parties to give us their testimony on an important issue. I welcome the Cabinet approval for the amendments to the surrogacy legislation that she has sought. I commend all Ministers, namely, the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, and the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O’Gorman, Professor Conor O’Mahony, the members of the joint Oireachtas committee and, mostly importantly, the Senator for her advocacy for those families and children who will benefit because of these changes that have been initiated.Senator Boyhan referred to the interim report of the committee on the future of the island of Ireland. I am sure the Leader will bring this report to the House for a debate in the new year. It is a worthy request. I will certainly mention it.

Senators Boylan and Higgins mentioned the planning legislation. Obviously the Bill has been approved by the Cabinet and will go to pre-legislative scrutiny where the committee will have an opportunity to assess it. I appreciate that it is a very busy committee. Its members will have an opportunity to assess the intricacies of that Bill. There will be further debates at all Stages in these Houses. There is a concern about the planning process. I suppose the good name that An Bord Pleanála might have had up to the last number of years has been somewhat tarnished of late. It is important that we rebuild confidence in the process and that people have the right to object as individuals. I know there is concern regarding groups financing judicial reviews and all of that. I will leave it to the committee in the initial stages to debate that before it comes to these Houses. I agree that it is a very important issue and I am sure there will be heated debates on the matter.

Senator Boylan referred to a report on domestic violence. That is not on the order for tomorrow but I am sure there will a debate on it in the new year. Refuges are doing very important work, mainly but not exclusively for women who are victims of domestic violence.

Senator Sherlock spoke about Seanad 100. Senator Higgins called for statements on the matter in the new year, which would be important. Maybe we could get Dr. John Bowman back for a longer contribution because he said 15 minutes was not enough. His contribution was certainly very enlightening. The call for statements is something that would be in order.

Senator Sherlock also referenced the East Wall protests and the issue of refugees from the Ukraine war. Like Senator Higgins, she called for a debate on migration in the new year.

Senator Higgins also called for debates on the famine in the Horn of Africa and on the citizens' assembly on biodiversity. They would be important debates, subject to time, although it will be a matter for the incoming Leader or for the House to schedule the Order of Business in the new year.

Senators Buttimer and Conway spoke about the weather warnings and the need to grit footpaths. There is nothing that can be as life-changing as a fall, particularly for our elderly who may be in good health mentally and physically only to suffer a slip or a fall and fracture a hip or a leg. It can be a life-changing event. The gritting of footpaths in cities in towns should certainly be a priority, as should the call for the Minister to come in to make statements on the matter.

Senator Keogan raised issues and her concerns about the NCCA and the curriculum. I do not know. We are a long way since Dr. Alfred Kinsey published Sexual Behavior in the Human Malein 1948 and Sexual Behavior in the Human Femalein 1953. I know puritanism has been described as that haunting fear that someone somewhere is having some fun.