Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Senator Horkan put on the record of the House his sympathies on the death of Niamh Bhreathnach as he was unable to be here last week. He also extended his support to the people of New Zealand who have declared a national emergency because of the floods there.

Senator Joe O'Reilly commended Senator Ruane on her TV appearances. I concur with his remarks in that regard. Senator Ruane is doing a fabulous job. He raised a particular issue around home help and carers. I ask the Senator to table a Commencement matter initially. If that does not bear fruit, he should come back to me and we will schedule a more lengthy discussion on the matter.

I am happy to accept the amendment tabled by Senator Keogan. She raised the issues in Iran. I concur with the remarks the Senator made. I have also spoken about the issue in this Chamber. The significant severe human rights abuses and what women and girls are facing in that country are reprehensible. It is important we keep that issue alive and consistently debate and raise it in this House. I thank the Senator for putting that information on the record today.

Senator McGahon has requested a debate on local government and its structure. He suggested it might be wise to re-establish not all, but some town councils, perhaps the ones in his area at the start. I agree with the Senator. I am not sure that the removal of town councils was the right call at the time. Many communities are missing their town councils. I can certainly say that Castlebar-----