Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and all Members who contributed. An amendment was proposed to the Order of Business, which I am happy to accept. It was proposed by Senator Boyhan and seconded by Senator Clonan to extend the speaking time of 12 minutes to all Senators. There is no difficulty with that. We are in no rush in the legislation and will give it ample time at all Stages for all Members to contribute to the length they want to.

Senator Lombard raised the issue first this morning of the maths exam at higher level in the leaving certificate, as did many other Senators. I contacted the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, from my office to try to get an update for Members as to what happened and if anything can or will be done about the issue. I acknowledge the issue raised by Members and concur with the remarks that it must have been extremely stressful for the students involved, particularly if they chose to take higher level maths. They put a lot of extra work in, probably to the potential detriment of other subjects. It is a risk which I think was not rewarded adequately with such a difficult paper. I imagine it was quite upsetting mid-way through all of the exams. It can really put you off. There is life after the Leaving Certificate but when you are going through it, it is a big deal. It is all that is happening in your life at that point. It is a big deal at that time not just for the student but for families as well. What happened was very unfortunate. I am not sure whether it is corrective action in terms of the curve and what happened in the last number of years, but students should not have had to go through that.

Senator Gallagher spoke about retained firefighters, an issue which many Members also raised. I drove past some of those on strike this morning in Castlebar. I wish them well in what is their absolute right to exercise, namely, their right to demonstrate. I commend the unions and retained firefighters on agreeing and committing to responding to emergency calls, making sure there is a basic level of cover for citizens while they exercise their right to protest. I was informed by the Minister's office that it is being worked on. A review has been conducted around the sustainability of retained firefighters and the existing service. There is, I am sure, a common ground that can be found to find a resolution acceptable to all sides. I hope that is found sooner rather than later and that talks will continue.

Senator Boyhan welcomed the apology to the 14 men, the "hooded men", as they are sometimes referred to. It points to the importance of not passing the legacy Bill in the UK and the importance of being able to still get justice for people and get those much-needed apologies and closure. It is welcome; better late than never. Senator Gavan again spoke about the retained fire services and mentioned the €700 figure. There was broad agreement that it is a very minimal payment for what is expected. Perhaps there needs to be a broadening of those who can apply to do the job to ensure it is not just certain sections of society. Not everyone will want to do that type of work; it is obviously dangerous but it is a huge service to the country in terms of protecting and saving lives.

Senator Sherlock spoke this morning about the firefighters and she also mentioned Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire, which will by now have turned the first sod. I wish the school and its community well. I think they have been waiting for more than 20 years to get their school started. I wish them well with the new building.

Senator Murphy spoke about credit unions in County Roscommon and said they have stepped in and credit to them. They stepped up to the market and stepped in when pillar banks stepped away from communities, particularly in rural Ireland. It is great to see new ATMs put in place, particularly when we are moving towards a lot more electronic payments but some people still want to have access to cash. It is good to see that credit unions are meeting that demand in those communities, not just in County Roscommon but further afield as well.

Senator Cummins spoke about the retained firefighters as well. Senator McDowell spoke about the firefighters, the maths paper and the Connelly programme that aired. It was very enjoyable to watch and it was a different take. If anybody has not seen it, more recently, the "Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland" documentary is fascinating. There were different voices we have not heard in previous documentaries. I was struck by listening to the McConville family in that particular documentary. It reminds us about the very recent atrocities in terms of the history of what happened.The intergenerational trauma is what really struck me. The sons and daughters of those who were bereaved initially are still feeling the pain in their communities. This must be said lest we ever forget.

Senator Mark Daly spoke about Paul Coghlan, as did many other colleagues, and gave a great account of his founding of Radio Kerry, his representations on the issues affecting the Kerry people and his bringing of the voice of the Kerry people to the Oireachtas. It was a very beautiful tribute, as were all those paid by Senators this morning. The overwhelming view, and what is coming back from Members, is that Mr. Coghlan was a really warm, gentle soul, that he was good fun, that he did his job well, that he represented the people who elected him and that he was a good colleague across the House. You could not have kinder things said about you. Getting praise from all sides shows the measure of a person. Condolences to Mr. Coghlan's family, colleagues and community.

Senator Maria Byrne spoke about the withdrawal of objections to the Limerick–Foynes road and the need for the Adare bypass. I absolutely concur with her. I think there have been some difficulties in the Department of Transport with regard to spending the roads budget, but we still need roads. We are a long way off not needing roads, particularly when we are moving to electric vehicles and whatnot. In certain parts of the country, roads are the only show in town and will be for a long time, so it is important that projects committed to under the national development plan in the areas in question be delivered without delay.

Senator Warfield spoke about workers' rights, platform workers and moves at European level to implement changes to the rights of platform workers. I take on board the Senator's comments. Many people in this country work for platforms like Deliveroo and Uber and are free now. It is important that they have good working conditions and good rights.

Senator Keogan spoke about the voluntary solidarity mechanism. I do not believe it ever involved an open-door policy, as such, but obviously we have international commitments on assisting people who come here to seek refuge, for whatever reason, be it related to climate change, economic issues or war in their home country. People come for various reasons. That a voluntary solidarity mechanism was agreed at EU level meant member states acknowledged that there would be a challenge and that some countries were getting more than their fair share. I am thinking of the likes of Greece, in particular, which is on the front line. Other countries that are now on the front line of the war in Ukraine are experiencing huge numbers coming in. We need to rebalance across the European Union such that every country pulls its weight and does its fair share. I do not have a difficulty with countries using the mechanism; that is what it is for. Ultimately, it means those seeking refuge can go somewhere they can get a bed and be accommodated. If we cannot do that here, I do not have a difficulty in paying to make sure it happens elsewhere. That is why we are working across the Union. We are part of the same team.

Senator Ruane spoke about the bar Street 66. I heard the owner of the establishment on "Today with Claire Byrne" this morning. That was my first time hearing about the issue. If I heard correctly, the owner was given a refusal only on Friday evening and the bike racks were put in on Monday morning. Therefore, it does not appear that the business in question was given an opportunity to appeal. The owner sounded very distressed. There was a busy period coming up for her and the business, and she said there were ten tables and 20 seats outside to which she does not now have access. I am sure this is a big blow to her business. I have no doubt that if the powers that be in Dublin City Council or the various sections of the council spoke to one another, they could probably find a solution that could accommodate the bike rack elsewhere and allow the business to continue trading outside. It seems like a solvable issue, and I have no doubt that the debate on the radio this morning will have prompted people to reflect on what happened over the weekend. Based on my having heard about the matter only this morning and having only very basic information on it, it does not sound like what happened was fair to the individual concerned and her business. The business has had a difficult enough period in the past few years trying to keep trading, and it is still open. Many customers rang in to offer support, which is a credit to the owner and her business. I hope this can be resolved without delay.

Senator Clonan spoke about the consultative forum and the list of speakers. I will raise this issue with the Department on his behalf to see whether we can get some more details on it. I am looking forward to attending myself. I hope to attend on one of the dates in Galway and on one of the Dublin Castle dates. I agree with the Senator that this involves a very important conversation. I have no difficulty with the forum and the way it has been set up. I do not see the need for a citizens' assembly; this will do the job. Everyone is allowed to attend, participate and contribute. It is a hybrid forum in that you can attend online or in person, so it is quite open. It is an exciting debate that we are finally having after many years of skirting and dancing around the matter and being afraid to talk about it. It is long overdue to have the conversation on Ireland's defence and foreign security policy in 2023. It needs updating.

Senator McGreehan spoke about Paul Coghlan.I think the students from Mullaghbuoy National School in County Louth, Senator McGreehan's old school, are here today. I know Senator McGreehan's boys are in the Gallery as well. They are very welcome to see their mom in action and to Leinster House. I am sure the Cathaoirleach will talk to them in a little bit about the homework situation. There is usually something nice to take away from this. I welcome their teachers as well. It is great to have them here today.