Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Members for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, seconded by Senator Ardagh, that No. 23 be taken before No. 1. I am happy to accept the amendment and I commend both Senators on their work on what I will refer to as the IVF Bill, to give it a shortened Title. In essence, the purpose of the Bill is to allow access to financial support for IVF services. The Senators have worked for the past two years with the Minister for Health and his Department to bring the Bill to where it is today. I commend them on this important work. We have come a long way as a country in recognising that infertility and reproductive issues are health issues and should be treated as such, and that prospective parents should not find themselves in a situation whereby they cannot financially afford to have a family.

Senator O'Loughlin also spoke about dementia and commended St. Joseph's home in Shankill on its work. She stated that adult safeguarding legislation is needed.

In addition, the Senator referred to the Women of Honour report and asked for a debate on it with the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence. I have been told by his office that he will come to the House on 25 April for statements and a debate on the report.

Senator Conway spoke about the nitrates directive and the campaign by the IFA. He called for certainty for farmers and a multi-annual programme to make their job easier and ensure we retain farmers and farming families in the agriculture sector. The Senator also had a question about a pilot sewerage scheme in County Clare that was due for completion at the end of quarter 1. He might put forward a Commencement matter on this issue, which is quite specific.

Senator Keogan spoke about the treatment of women and issues relating to Kellie Harrington. I did not hear the interview to which she referred but I am aware of it from online discussion. The Senator made the important point that everybody is entitled to his or her views and that we need to hear opposing and different opinions. Provided those views are articulated in a respectable way, there should be no difficulty with that. There certainly is a restricted space in which to have an opposing view on certain issues, which is not good for public discourse and debate.Everyone should feel free, comfortable and safe in expressing their views, once it is done in a respectful way. I did not hear the interview but take on board the points the Senator made. The Senator mentioned also Kellie-Jay - I am not aware of that individual - and an event in Dublin. I do not think it would be a matter for the Minister for Justice to speak on a specific event but if there were safety concerns, the Garda should be alerted by the event organisers. It would be a matter for local gardaí to respond on that issue. I am not aware of the event beyond what the Senator has said. I wish the organisers well and hope it goes off in a safe manner and that people are able to attend as they wish.

Senator Gavan spoke on Palestine. I have requested a debate previously and we have not got a date yet on it but I will request that debate again. I take on board the Senator's point on international protection and accommodation. It is proving more difficult to source accommodation for international protection applicants than for Ukrainian refugees. A distinction has been made, not just by the European Union in how we deal with refugees from Ukraine as opposed to other refugees, but also by the Irish public. We know for a fact that some accommodation providers will accept Ukrainian refugees but not international protection refugees. It is making it more difficult to source accommodation. I have engaged with the Minister, Deputy O’Gorman, on the issue and he and his Department are working tirelessly to ensure nobody is without accommodation. The aim of the Government is to ensure anybody coming here seeking safety and refuge and fleeing multiple horrible situations, would be accommodated. That has not happened in every case but every effort is being made to ensure it does happen.

Senator Ardagh seconded the motion to introduce the Bill. I concur with her remarks on the shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. She stated that over 63 children’s lives have been lost this year alone. It is appalling and shocking. I am not sure what it will take to get legislators in the US to make a change. Even if guns were banned from this point onwards, the amount already in existence is a problem. I do not know how they will deal with it. They have not been dealing with it to date and it beggars belief. Every week, almost, we hear about children losing their lives. It does not happen in other parts of the world. Legislators should take note of that fact. It is important to send a message from this House. Sorrow is what we want to express on that issue.

Senator Burke requested a debate with the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, on retrofitting, as did Senator Fitzpatrick. Both Senators raised issues around the length of time, access, resourcing and the importance of the retrofitting scheme for meeting our climate targets.

Senator Mullen raised the issue E10 petrol. That was all new information to me. It was very informative.