Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Members for their contributions. The father of the House, Senator David Norris, spoke first.He called for condemnation of the supply of cluster bombs by the United States to Ukraine in its war effort to defend its territory. Many Members will agree it is a really sad move in this war that those bombs are being sent. We know Russia is using those bombs as well but that does not make this the right move. I certainly hope the supply of those bombs will be reflected upon. It is also within Ukraine’s power not to request or use those bombs. We know the long-term implications are that many civilians may be harmed if those types of bombs are used. Senator Norris raised a very important point.

Senator O'Loughlin spoke about the passing of former Senator and Deputy Brendan Daly, as did many other Members. We will be move a vote of sympathy at the end of Order of Business. The Senator also raised the "RTÉ Investigates" programme last night, as did a number of other Members, including the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, and Senators Paul Daly, Boyhan, Lombard, Pauline O’Reilly and Boylan. We will request a debate, as requested by Senator Paul Daly, with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the new term to get an update on the Department's investigation at that point. The footage that aired last night was vile, appalling and shocking to watch. It was distressing to watch, no more so, I am sure, than for many of the farmers watching who have exemplary practices and the best standards of care for their animals. It made for difficult viewing and the public reaction to it has been significant. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, and other members of the Government have condemned what they saw in the footage. Many of the images appear to be breaches of the law and animal welfare laws. The Department is carrying out a full investigation and we will await the outcome of that.

I agree with the comment of Senator Boylan that animal welfare training should be part and parcel of training for anybody working with animals. We all know the basics of what is okay and what is not. From what I could see, there were very clear signs in the marts shown in the programme that rods or sticks should not be used on very young animals. Surely these people can read. What is okay and what is not is very well known to people working in those sectors. I suggest that training is not the issue with those individuals but I would certainly welcome more extensive training for people working in the sector. It can only do good overall.

Senator O'Loughlin also spoke about a heritage park in County Kildare. She paid her respects and extended her sympathies to the family of former Deputy Ben Briscoe on his passing. We will have another opportunity to speak about Mr. Briscoe as well.

Senator Hackett spoke about "RTÉ Investigates" and a public meeting on nature restoration that took place in Ballinasloe. She said it was regrettable that the discourse or tone of the meeting descended into one that was quite aggressive and combative. I am paraphrasing but it seems the meeting was not respectful and many of those who were expressing particular views were not facilitated in speaking and, as the Senator put it, were shouted down.

Senator Carrigy reminded members of the autism training programme that he and his committee have initiated and encouraged Members to participate. He also referred to the OWL programme, which is doing important work and was initiated by Senator O’Loughlin in 2017. That programme is doing very well.

Senator Wall spoke about the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 that will be discussed at the Joint Committee on Justice later today. He said the watershed of 5.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. does not go far enough on gambling advertising and that was supported by Senator Joe O'Reilly. Senator Wall also asked for funding for football, for which €500 million has been requested.

Senator Black spoke about the upcoming local government elections and the need to support councillors. She referred to a meeting she had with representatives of the AILG. Many Members met the AILG delegation to Leinster House last week when many concerns were raised. Senator Black focused predominantly on the security allowance that has been provided to Members of both Houses of the Oireachtas but has yet to be extended to members of the local authorities. My understanding is that the issue is being explored and work is under way to see whether the allowance can be extended. This House would certainly lend its support to that proposal. Local councillors face the same difficulties in terms of potential threats to safety or abuse and harassment as we do. All public representatives at all levels are experiencing those challenges. The Senator also welcomed the debate on Palestine which will take place tomorrow.

As I said, Senator Paul Daly spoke about the "RTÉ Investigates" programme. We will arrange a debate with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the new term. That request will be made today.

Senator Joe O'Reilly stated that, having reached full employment in the country, we should make an extra effort to reach full employment in terms of people with disabilities and do all we can to ensure there are employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors with incentives for employers. I certainly agree with that statement. Senator Boyhan spoke about “Prime Time”. He also commended the work of RTÉ journalists, particularly its current affairs and investigative journalists, on foot of the “RTÉ Investigates” programme last night but also their general work in the fantastic work they do in public service broadcasting.

Senator Lombard spoke about “RTÉ Investigates”. He said there are advances in science and technology that are allowing for a reduction in the numbers of bull calves being born. He said the industry - dairy farmers – are reacting and trying to address that particular issue.

Senator Keogan spoke about the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill and we will debate that legislation in the new term. I take on board the point the Senator made that the legislation is not supported by everybody. However, it is a commitment in the programme for Government to deliver on that legislation.

Senator Gallagher raised the issue of the 5% levy on concrete blocks due in September. He raised concerns about the impact that could have in terms of increased costs for the consumer building a home.

Senator Ahearn welcomed the grant for businesses for PV solar panels.

Senator Pauline O’Reilly spoke about the “RTÉ Investigates” programme and highlighted issues with the live export trade and the value on bull calves, which seems to be low. That seems to be at the top of the agenda for the dairy sector.

Senator Craughwell asked for a full investigation into the Irish Prison Service. I am not fully aware of the issues the Senator raised and they seem to be related to an individual, so I do not wish to comment any further on that at this point.

Finally, Senator Boylan spoke about “RTÉ Investigates” as well and I think I covered the issue. We will have a more fulsome debate on that topic in the new term. I think this is an issue that will take some time to tease through. I am sure Members will welcome the debate on that particular topic in the new term.