Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday evening, my Wicklow-based colleague, Senator Casey, and I took the 8.05 p.m. train from Dublin Connolly to Gorey. It is the first time a late evening train has served the Rosslare route. It is very welcome and I hope Irish Rail will continue to provide later services not just on the Rosslare line, but right around the country.

Today, I will praise Michelle O'Neill. The Michelle O'Neill of whom I speak has just been announced as the assistant referee for the Women's Champions League final. She is an extraordinarily successful Wexford referee. She will be refereeing at the Women's World Cup in Australia later this year. She was also the first ever Irish football match official to officiate at the Olympics when she did so in Tokyo two years ago. She is an outstanding role model for many people in sport and a super referee. I am sure this House will join me in congratulating Michelle O'Neill and in wishing her well and continued success.

The Cathaoirleach will be aware that, last week, I raised the urgent need for a debate on technology. I mentioned that it was anticipated that we would probably see the largest ever fine issued against a technology company by the Data Protection Commission in the case regarding Meta. This is not just about Meta. It is about the importance of having a debate on how to utilise the opportunities offered by emerging technologies, but also how to face up to the challenges they present, as we move towards a data economy, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence. I again ask for a debate on data protection, data security and artificial intelligence. The Cathaoirleach will know I have sought the establishment of a select committee to hear about those issues. It presents the greatest opportunities and challenges of our age.