Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With that said, I want to support the calls to support Macra na Feirme's campaign tomorrow.

Senator Gallagher brought to our attention the deadline of 28 April, which is this Friday. We will not even feel it. We remind all of our constituents that those first-time applications for school transport have to be in by Friday. I know the scheme was oversubscribed last year, but good tweaks have been made this year to ensure that people accessing the scheme who really need it are not pushed out by people who are just accessing the scheme because they could use it for one or two days a week. I thank Senator Gallagher for that.

Senator Warfield brought to our attention the academic report launched on Friday with regard to a united Ireland, the impact it would have and the fact that it should be dealt with within the European Union. He is seeking a citizens' assembly, and probably more immediately, a debate in the Seanad on Ireland's preparations for Irish unity. It would give us an opportunity to talk about the valuable work that the Tánaiste's shared island unit is doing.

Senator Martin brought up this evening's debate on the Defence Forces report and the Women of Honour. He is calling for all the recommendations to be made immediately.

Senator Craughwell brought to our attention what I can only describe as a very disturbing case regarding a gentleman called Sean O'Brien. Obviously, I am not aware of the details. However, I will certainly bring them to the attention of the Minister for Justice, Deputy Harris, and the Secretary General of the Department of Justice to see if we can get some answers for the Senator, but more importantly, some care, duty of care and attention for Mr. O'Brien.

Senator Fitzpatrick opened today by congratulating, as did others, our Defence Forces with regard to the repatriation of Irish citizens from what is, at the moment, a very dangerous situation in Sudan. Senator Fitzpatrick also asked for the Marie O'Shea review on abortion to be published and referred to the Oireachtas committee immediately.