Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Members who contributed to the Order of Business. First, Senator O' Loughlin wanted to acknowledge the work of the Oireachtas in becoming an advancing disability equality organisation and receiving that award, and for facilitating the OWL programme which has allowed young people with disadvantaged backgrounds to come into the Oireachtas to work and do internships. She said that young people are now aspiring to get on the programme which is very good. She also spoke about struggling businesses that are dealing with increased costs. I have requested a debate on that issue and we have a date for the Minister, Deputy Coveney, to come before the House in the coming weeks so we will be able to have that debate with Members. Finally, the Senator asked for some clarity around the start date for the citizens' assembly on education.

Senator Doherty raised the issue of Christopher Norris, a 53-year-old man who has been living in residential care for almost 13 years following an acquired brain injury. While the nursing home is absolutely fabulous it is not suitable for his needs or circumstances. She has asked for assistance in meeting with the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, to try to advance Mr. Norris's case to get him into an independent living situation and to access disability funds. I will certainly do my best to assist in that matter.

Senator Keogan raised issues around the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, that have been part of the ongoing difficulties within RTÉ and in that general space. The media committee will be dealing with this in detail. My understanding is that the cross-party committee will have an opportunity to ask questions. It is regrettable that mistakes have been made but I also think it is important to allow a bit of space and time to ask questions and see what may come out of it. There have been a lot of ups and downs with this particular issue.Ultimately, we are all of the view that we need to stabilise things at the national broadcaster and restore public trust in RTÉ. The Government is committed to doing that despite some of the difficulties that have taken place.

Senator Hoey spoke about AsIAm and Inclusion Ireland. The issue was raised last week as well. The percentage of children who are being restrained or do not have proper access to education is worryingly high. That is certainly something we have to address. It cannot be the case that children are not reaching their full potential. It is part of our foundation document that we have to value all children equally. That is certainly the case for education.

As regards the wildlife crime unit, a Commencement matter might be suitable on that question. I am not aware of the date on which it will be operational but I would like to see it get moving. It would be valuable work.

Senator Gavan spoke about the debate on constitutional issues in the State. The change in the North in terms of the election result was acknowledged in its aftermath and, of course, on the restoration of power sharing, which we all welcomed. I personally wished the First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, the very best in her role. It is good to see two women leading the Northern Ireland Government. It is an historic moment for the island. Many of us share the ambition and passion to see a united Ireland but it is important we get there in the right manner. We need to unite our people, not just the land mass, and bring all communities with us. That is the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement. It is important not to disenfranchise a significant proportion of the population, namely, the community in Northern Ireland.

Senator Paul Daly raised an issue relating to the climate action plan and retrofitting. Senator Murphy raised the same issue last week. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Ryan. I have already requested that debate but a date has not been forthcoming as yet. There are significant challenges in reaching the target. I am aware there are significant wait times in accessing the retrofit and I fully support Senator Daly's comments in respect of the window and door grant. A person can get a window and door grant as part of the one-stop shop but cannot access it as an individual grant. I believe that is wrong. It is very expensive to access a one-stop shop. Even with getting a green loan or another type of finance or assistance, it is still a big leap. If we want people to retrofit and do something to reduce their energy costs, we have to help in every way we can, particularly for older people and more vulnerable households. The individual grants are people's preferred option and that should be supported. Window and door grants should be made available through the individual grant measures.

Senator Craughwell wished to alert the House to the publication of two articles he wrote. I thank him for letting us know and congratulate him on having them published. He asked for a debate on the Seanad. As we debate matters relating to the Seanad all the time, I am not sure that debate is required at present.

Senator Davitt raised an important issue relating to Camp Shamrock and the 332 Irish soldiers currently serving in Lebanon who are 7 km from the Israeli border, where there are daily attacks happening over their heads, in effect. I concur with his remarks. Our thoughts are with the families of the soldiers serving there on behalf of the Irish Defence Forces. It is an extremely challenging situation. I know the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Deputy Martin, is very much aware of the situation and keeping an eye on it. It is an ever-evolving situation. Our thoughts are with those individuals serving on behalf of our country.

Senator Dooley, too, welcomed a united Ireland debate but rightly pointed to the issues relating to the nature restoration law. It was regrettable that two of Ireland's 13 MEPs voted against the nature restoration law. I commend those MEPs who voted for nature and the restoration of nature. It was challenging to get the legislation to where it is now, with the final vote, but many of the concerns being raised on behalf of agriculture and the farming community were addressed by our MEPs and, ultimately, there was a push to do the right thing in terms of protecting the environment and the climate and preserving our lands for future generations.

I concur with the Senator's remarks in respect of self-catering facilities and small units. In the context of available listings, they are often conflated with what are viable long-term homes. As he pointed out, there are camping pods, yurts and small flats that are not suitable for long-term accommodation but are ideal in the provision of holiday accommodation in many parts of the country. I think of my county of Mayo, especially northern parts of the county. There is a significant shortage of holiday accommodation that has been exacerbated by the provision of accommodation as part of the humanitarian response to the Ukraine war. We need these small units to facilitate holidaymakers and ensure the tourism sector is supported, particularly in rural areas, where it is a significant employer.We have to strike the right balance. There are definitely challenges in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway, where too many properties in the city centres are not available for long-term rent for families and individuals. That should be kept separate from small little units that are not really suitable for long-term rent.

Senator Boyhan welcomed the Minister, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman, giving a date for the mother and baby homes payment scheme for next month.

Senator Gallagher highlighted the commercial vacancy rate, which has never been higher. There are over 30,000 vacant commercial units in the State, many of them here in Dublin. The Senator suggested they could possibly be used for student accommodation to try to alleviate the pressures there, a sensible suggestion. We will certainly request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Harris, on that matter.

Senator Maria Byrne welcomed the Explore Engineering event in Shannon with the ETB and the chambers of commerce. It is important to tell young people what opportunities there are in that sector, some really high-quality jobs that would be of interest. It is great to see an event showcasing what is available in the Shannon region.