Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Kyne is looking for the Minister, Deputy Harris, to come to discuss this morning's welcome announcement. The announcement one year ago that the Minister was offering new routes for our young people to get third-level education outside of the CAO points system was welcome. The fact we are doubling the offering so quickly is a real intention to recognise that the CAO process is sometimes difficult. I have done it three times with three of my eldest children - two perfectly, and one completely messed up - and I do not think I am an unintelligent person. It is a difficult process to navigate, but it is wonderful we now have alternative choices for our young people to get degree courses they could not otherwise get through that system.

Senator Currie is looking for the Minister for Finance to come to have a debate and discussion with us about the welcome developments that have been seen on our screens and in the media in recent days with Stormont and Northern Ireland. There are some concerns coming out of the European Union this morning, so I think that debate will be welcome. I will ask the Minister to come talk to us.

Senators Ward, McGreehan and O'Loughlin opened with the fact that today is a wonderful day. It is St. Brigid's Day. I love that everybody claims ownership of St. Brigid. I think we all do. The primary school I went to as a child was called St. Brigid's school. We all feel we have some connection to and ownership of her. That is a wonderful example of a fierce and fearless lady who was so intent on peace. We can all recognise her wonderful attributes and want to have a bit of a connection. I wish everybody a happy St. Brigid's Day and it is lovely to see the sun shining on the first day of spring.

Senator Craughwell, in the way only he can, congratulated Antoinette Cunningham for 33 years of supreme service to the State in her career in An Garda Síochána. We did this previously when we spoke on Patricia King's retirement. We often talk about strong women in those kind of public sector union relations negotiations. Women do not have to be strong to be successful. They can be fearless and fierce at the same time. Sometimes we try to make women into something just because they have succeeded. Women can succeed; they can absolutely succeed. Antoinette Cunningham showed us that, but she is also a wonderful mother and a hugely compassionate human being. We can be all things. From all our perspectives, I wish her a happy retirement in next stage of her life and thank her for her service.

Senator Burke made a sensible request for the Ministers for public expenditure and reform and for finance to have a review of the BIK system, because it is aimed at getting people to do more and to be able to save more. At a time, in particular, when climate considerations should be at the forefront of all of our decisions, they clearly are not, given the system encourages people to have diesel cars and to do more miles so they can get more back from the State, which does not make any sense. A review would be welcome, and I will certainly ask for that. It is no problem.

Senator Boylan, much to my pleasure, has spoken about the public consultation to review and, I hope, make illegal the use of shock collars for puppies and dogs. It has been extended for a couple of weeks. The email address to which to make views known is animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie. The Senator is right. I am baffled by so-called dog and animal lovers who say it is not cruel to shock a baby dog, a puppy, for up to 11 seconds with a collar with metal protrusions with a voltage from 400 V up to 7,000 V, which the dog cannot get away from because it is around its neck, and that it is a positive thing with regard to training. It makes no sense to me whatsoever. I encourage all to make their views known, and I thank the Senator for raising that.

Senator Moynihan spoke about seeking new and long-overdue playing pitches in Dublin 8. She also brought to our attention a worrying note that the price of infant formula has increased significantly in recent years and that this has not been addressed specifically by the State. It is worrying that some mothers are forced to steal it to make sure they have enough for their babies, which is a chronic indictment, while mothers who do not have to reduce the formula and water it down. That is equally difficult for parents. I will certainly bring that to the attention of the Minister for Finance to see what we can do.

Senator Keogan has looked for a debate on the CA+ Convention. I will ask for that and organise it if I can. The Senator is right when she says that 70% of our legislation comes from the EU. It is something for all of us to think about with EU elections coming up in the next couple of months. We need to make sure the people we send to represent us actually do represent our views, and not think it is just some faraway place where nothing happens. It impacts us every day.