Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will make a proposal following the conclusion of the Order of Business. I thank Members who have contributed to the Order of Business today and for their lovely comments to me personally.It is very much appreciated.

I commend the Cathaoirleach on his performance and his remarks on behalf of the House on Thursday last during the address by the US President, Joe Biden. I very much appreciate it. He did the House proud on what was also a very special occasion for the Cathaoirleach himself.

Senator O'Loughlin spoke at the beginning of the Order of Business and welcomed the fact there will no longer be fees for stays in public hospitals. She also spoke about the attack on the EU ambassador to Sudan, Mr. Aidan O'Hara, about which we became aware this morning. Of course, we concur with her remarks. We send him well wishes and a speedy recovery for what was, I am sure, a really frightening ordeal for him and his staff in his home in Sudan. Senator O'Loughlin also requested that Members engage with the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying, which will convene this evening for its first meeting, and that there be a balanced, open and respectful debate. She also spoke about how important investment in school transport is for communities.

Senator Joe O'Reilly spoke about the importance of creating equality of opportunity in this country, which is a primary focus of the Government. In particular, the Senator focused on the recent free primary school books initiative that was announced by the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, and the hot school meals programme being expanded by the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys. He requested a debate on both schemes and an update from both Ministers. We will put that request in to both Departments. The Senator also spoke about the need for provision for autism services in the context of equality for children.

Senator Keogan spoke about the whole issue of human trafficking, which is really serious. In Ireland, we are certainly not top of the class; we are not even middle of the class. We are performing very poorly. Many very vulnerable people, predominantly women. are being trafficked in and out of this country and around the country. It is a significant problem. We are absolutely failing in that regard. I take on board the Senator's comments around the new EU directive, which it is to be hoped will strengthen our response as a member state to that issue. I will put in a request to the Minister for Justice to have that debate in the House, and I will get an update from the acting Minister, Deputy Harris, on where we are at as a country in response to that really terrible issue. I agree with the Senator that the war in Ukraine has presented on opportunity for those who wish to exploit it because there is easier access to get in and out of countries due to the goodwill of many nations in responding to that war.

Senator Pauline O'Reilly spoke about a Galway issue regarding a cycling lane that has been rejected by the local councillors from all parties. I am not aware of the particular issue but if all councillors are against something, it would suggest there are maybe issues to be ironed out. Certainly, however, there is broad support for increasing cycling infrastructure throughout the country. It is to be hoped that issue can be resolved and the provision of the cycle lane can move forward when everybody is happy with where it is going to be and how it will work.

Senator Ó Donnghaile spoke about the importance of the Biden visit. He also welcomed the announcement by President Biden that there will be an economic forum, which he thinks will provide great opportunities for the island. The Senator spoke about the importance of the Good Friday Agreement event that took place in Queen's University Belfast and called for the institutions in Northern Ireland to get back working. He also asked for a debate on the Passport Office and its performance, flagging that we are heading into a busy period now for passports. We want to ensure there are no delays with citizens accessing those documents.

Senator Sherlock requested a debate on apprenticeships. I will make that request. The Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Collins, has responsibility for that area. Much work has been done on apprenticeships in recent years to make more and different types of apprenticeships available. The numbers are up and more people are coming through apprenticeships. The Senator is right. We need to see a steady stream of people coming through in all the different trades and skills in order that we have the workforce in place to do the work needed to build homes and everything else that goes with it. It will be interesting to get an update from the Minister of State on how that is going and how many we have coming through. We will get that organised.

Senator Flynn raised an issue around incoming justice legislation and the move forward with facial recognition for use by An Garda Síochána. I take on board the Senator's points. From a Government perspective, it is not the intention to target minorities or vulnerable people or to use that legislation in any way towards any community that would be detrimental to its members or their participation in Irish society or life. I can understand the concerns but, certainly, it is not the intention of the Government to do that. Any justice legislation that is coming through and anything we are doing to try to assist gardaí in performing their duties better is for the public good. Ultimately, the intention is to protect people and citizens in all communities, including those in working-class communities, just the same as any community. The intention is honourable. I take on board what the Irish Council for Civil Liberties is saying.It is quite conservative when it comes to any sort of surveillance or additional security measures. Its role is to flag potential issues. I assure the Senator that the intention of the legislation is not as has been described, but we will have the debate. I take on board the Senator's point on introducing the measure as an amendment as opposed to having stand-alone legislation, but it is a matter for the Minister to decide on the best way to introduce legislative change. We will have an opportunity in the House to discuss the matter when the Bill comes before us.

Senator Dooley requested a debate on water infrastructure. We may be able to have such a debate next week. We are working with the Department on getting the relevant Minister to come in.

Senator Martin Conway spoke about Shannon Heritage and the memorandum that has gone to the Cabinet, which he welcomed.

Senator Craughwell asked for a debate on and a review of the Ministers and Secretaries Act. It would not be appropriate to have a debate on an Act but it is open to the Senator to table amending legislation if he wishes to amend the existing Act. We could have a debate on that. I ask the Senator to put forward ideas on the reform of the Act if he believes changes are required.

Senator Malcolm Byrne spoke about the racism directed towards Lee Chin of Wexford GAA. It is shocking that he had to deal with that. He is a fine sportsperson and role model. There is no space in sport for any sort of racism towards anyone, whether he or she is a player, somebody on the sideline or a member of the coaching staff. We will request a debate with the Minister responsible for sport. It might be an opportunity to address the issue raised by Senator Cassells regarding the impact on personnel who staff and referee at matches and those who ensure games go ahead. It is regrettable that an incident happened at the game between Ballyjamesduff and Bay Celtic. It should never have happened. I understand why the decision was taken to protect referees. They need to see a certain level of change before other staff are committed to going-----