Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Castlebar, Westport and Ballina miss their town councils. I notice the loss of representation and the focus on the town centre. Senator McGahon made a good point that some of the larger urban centres that do not have a town council would benefit from having extra representation and focus on their area. We will schedule that debate at the earliest opportunity. I will leave aside the opportunity to have a political nod at it; that debate has been had.

Senator Gallagher agreed with the re-establishment of town councils. He has also requested a debate on the hospitality VAT rate increasing from 9% to 13.5%. The Minister, Deputy Martin, will be in the Chamber next Wednesday and the Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media, Deputy Niamh Smyth, will also be here. That will be an opportunity to discuss the matter and all issues affecting the tourism sector as they are coming to discuss tourism. Senator Gallagher correctly pointed out that tourism is one of the biggest sectors of employment in rural areas aside from multinational companies. It is a hugely important industry.

Senators Aisling Dolan, McGreehan and Carrigy spoke about the sheep sector. The Irish Farmers' Association, IFA, has been doing a lot of work recently in briefing members about the ongoing challenges being faced by sheep farmers and the sheep sector. We will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, at the earliest opportunity. I agree there are major challenges in the sector and we need to have a debate to address those issues.

Senator Sherlock not only raised the issue of the citizens' assembly but also asked for a debate on child poverty with the Taoiseach. I will see how that might work and request it. On early years education, the Senator rightly acknowledges there has been a lot of work done in recent years in terms of funding to the sector and childcare costs have come down enormously, even in the space of the past couple of years. However, we have long way to go yet. It is not fully accessible across the country, and there are pinch points. We will certainly look to debate that issue in the near future.

Senator Flynn asked for a debate around hotel accommodation. We had a debate last week around the accommodation of those seeking emergency accommodation with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman. I wish Senators Flynn and Ardagh well this evening. Senator Flynn has notified us there will be an event in Ballyfermot at 5 p.m. to celebrate the diversity of the community, and also a further event in Drimnagh, at which she will be accompanied by Senator Ardagh, to tackle the issue of racism and call a halt to any racist comments.

Senator Craughwell asked for a debate on the issue of search and rescue and the Minister is happy to come to the Chamber to debate that. We are just working out what day and time he is available and, hopefully, it will be next week. We will let the Senator know as soon as we have a time locked in on that. We will get that debate for him.

Senator Boylan spoke to remind us that it is the anniversary of the Stardust tragedy. It is important that this be put on the record and that we acknowledge it is an important and significant date for all of those families in that community today. Obviously, we await the commencement of the inquest in April.

I note the comments of Senator Ward on the Iran motion. I also note his comments on outdoor dining facilities - a very welcome development that resulted from the pandemic - and the need to consult communities. We would like to maintain that option for people and businesses.

Senator Carrigy spoke about the IFA and its work in the sheep sector. As I said, we will get that debate organised as soon as possible.