Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Senators who contributed. Senator Martin Conway raised the current plight of firefighters. As he outlined, Senator O'Donovan and I had a Commencement debate on the matter earlier this afternoon. It is very worrying that firefighters, who we depend on in our time of greatest need, feel the need to initiate industrial action in order that their plight be recognised. That is very unfortunate. The whole fire service model was discussed earlier. The retainer paid to firefighters works out at 99 cent per hour. I challenge anyone to say firefighters are well looked after. They most certainly are not. It is an onerous occupation to take up and we are deeply indebted to them. I plead again with the Minister to contact both parties to try to find a resolution to this dispute as quickly as possible.

Senator Davitt spoke about antisocial behaviour on the public transport network. This is an issue he has spoken about several times in the past. The Senator had a novel idea of allowing gardaí and members of the Defence Forces to have free travel on public transport. It is a very interesting concept. It is important people feel comfortable using public transport, not just for their own convenience but for the benefit of the climate. If people are fearful of using public transport, we certainly have a problem. A debate on that particular issue, perhaps even a Commencement debate, might be useful in that regard. We will take Senator Davitt's concerns on board.

Senator Keogan discussed international health regulations and the number of amendments coming through from the World Health Organization. She also spoke about the lack of input from member states, including Ireland, regarding the implications of these amendments. It is very important to have transparency regarding all of these matters, so perhaps a debate on this issue would be a good idea. I will endeavour to organise that as soon as possible for the Senator. Senators Hackett and Lombard talked about climate, biodiversity and the crisis that we currently find ourselves in. Senator Hackett talked about asking people to embrace the challenge in this regard and for people not to be scaremongering. Listening to Senators Hackett and Lombard, we get a feel of the challenge that we have and the need for proper debate on biodiversity. I am comfortable in my knowledge that our land is in good hands. Farmers the length and breadth of this country have always have cared for the land. It is important that we provide leadership in respect of this issue. When you lead, it is important that when you look behind, you are sure people are coming with you. I would welcome a debate on where we are going in the context of rewetting and other issues relating to climate diversity. I certainly will try to arrange such a debate as soon as possible. We all accept that there is a global crisis and that a global response will be required if we are to make any serious impact in dealing with it. It is important that there is clarity out there and people know exactly what is expected of them. As stated, I have every confidence in the farming community. It will not be found wanting.

Senator Warfield mentioned a recent study that was conducted by UCD in relation to the cost of accommodation for students. I suppose the cost of accommodation is one issue; the challenge of trying to find accommodation is an even bigger one. The latter is something that those of us from rural areas probably are more conscious of because many of our children have no option but to try and find accommodation in the capital city, Galway, Cork or wherever, and I would welcome any help that Government can give in that regard, as it has done in the past. Last year, the Government moved to give some solace in relation to the reduction of fees and that was very much welcomed. There was a 25% reduction in the cost of public transport for students who were commuting as well. The key to all of this, as we all know, is that we need to increase supply. Thankfully, we are beginning to see progress there. Of course, we all recognise that much more needs to be done, but the provision of 30,000 units last year was a welcome development. We need to build on that as a matter of urgency. In the interim, we must do all we can to ensure that as much as possible can be done for hard-pressed families who are paying for accommodation and paying fees. I would be hopeful that the Government will hear that cry for help from all our students across the country.

Senator Cummins referred to passports. It is the time of year when the pressure is on the Passport Office. I am sure I speak for all Senators when I pay tribute to all those who work within the Passport Office. They are under pressure, and we appreciate the work that they do. If I was to give any advice to anyone as regards passports, it would be that you should check your passport before you book your flight. Sometimes people see a special offer on television or the Internet, they go online, click a button and book a flight. Maybe a week or two before they are due to travel, they go looking for their passport only to find to their horror that it is out of date. Panic stations then ensue. The other advice I would give is that the online option is working extremely well, especially for renewals. I would encourage people to use that route if possible. The paper route can be more difficult. There are issues in that regard. I have come across them, as, I am sure, many other Senators have, where somebody puts a paper application in for what may be a first-time passport, it is in there five or six weeks, or eight weeks, the applicant thinks everything is moving well, then he or she gets a letter in the post to say there is something wrong with his or her photograph and he or she has to go back to square one and do it all over again. I ask people to be careful with their applications. In fairness, in an emergency, the Passport Office is very accommodating and does all in its power to help people out. We can organise a debate on the Passport Office.

Senator Craughwell talked about how Councillor Seamus Weir, who we all know well in Mayo, brought up about Private Billy Kedian, a member of the Defence Forces who sadly lost his life in 1999. We are deeply indebted to all the members of the Defence Forces who lost their lives for the service they have given.It is important that when those events happen, and sadly they do, those people are properly recognised for the great service they give to this country. As the Cathaoirleach outlined in his contribution on this matter, perhaps it would be a matter for a Commencement debate and I can talk to the Senator again in that regard.

Senator Malcolm Byrne raised the issue of the census figures which were published today, in particular the level of educational attainment in this country. While there are many things to complain about in this country, there are many positives too and maybe we do not hear enough about the positives. The level of attainment in education is something we can be very proud of. The Senator outlined that we are probably highest in the EU and maybe one of the highest attainers across the globe. As I said, that is very positive and important, and is very good for our economic development going forward.

Senator Kyne spoke about islands policy and the fact a report is due shortly. The Senator would like to see a debate on islands policy with the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, which is certainly something we can arrange. Our islands are very important to us and we do not want to see them decline, but to progress, flourish and grow. A debate on that issue would be very welcome.

Senator Kyne also welcomed the fact the census figures show a population increase for his beloved County Galway and show that employment there is up as well. Thankfully, across many parts of our country, unemployment is at an all-time low and, again, that is something we can be very proud of. It is something we take for granted and we talk about how we are going to spend budget surpluses, which we can debate, but before we distribute wealth, someone has to generate it. We are deeply grateful to all of the employers we have throughout this country.

Senator Lombard again raised the issue of the impact of the wetting of lands. A recent report shows that 20% of the lands across the EU would have to be rewetted. The implications of that strike fear into many of us and Senator Lombard talked about the implications it would have for food production. “Clarity” is the key word here. The Senator is looking for a debate in this regard, which would be welcome. The more information we have out there in regard to all of those matters, the better.

Senator Mullen raised the whole area of conversion therapy. He sought a debate with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, which would be very welcome. The Senator spoke about the precarious position that he said some consultants and physicians would find themselves in, and the implications thereafter by then doing such procedures. A debate on that would be very welcome and timely. I will certainly do my best to arrange a debate with the Minister as soon as possible.

The final point was from Senator Boyhan, who sought a debate in regard to forestry. Again, I think this is timely. I know it is an issue the Senator has spoken on many times in this Chamber, and the dieback compensation package which he referenced is clearly a big issue. Forestry is vital to many parts of our country and, in particular, is vital to our targets on climate action and so on. A debate on that area would be very welcome and I will attempt to arrange that as soon as possible.