Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Trust Senator Horkan to make a memorable contribution today. Good on him. He referred to the recent visits by Ministers and Members of both Houses to locations across the globe in the run-up to St. Patrick's Day. He spoke really positively about the work of our diaspora throughout the world in bringing the Irish message to people and keeping Ireland connected to different parts of the world. The visits across the globe by our Ministers and Oireachtas Members are really important. No other country in the world has the access we do at this time of year. We need to look after that access because it is really important for the country. I concur with the Senator's remarks in this regard.

Senator Currie spoke about the Taoiseach and the importance of the centre of politics. I absolutely agree with her remarks.

Senator Clonan referred to the Taoiseach. He stated that the voice of the Irish people had been heard in the recent referendums. I agree with that. He also raised the issue of Gaza and what we are seeing there. That is really important to keep on the agenda.What we are watching there is the forced starvation of an entire population, which is just appalling. We are watching on as war crimes are being committed and we seem to be helpless to do anything about it. We are looking to the US to step in. We are out of words at this stage as to what we say about the appalling situation on the ground in Gaza and what has been done to people there. I want to thank the Senator for keeping that on the agenda today, despite the other news that has come up today.

Senator McGreehan has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 11 be taken before No. 1." I am happy to accept the amendment to the Order of Business. I commend the Senator on her work on animal welfare, animal protection and the control of dogs. We look forward to the debate on that Bill at the earliest opportunity.

I also want to extend my sympathies, as Leader, to the family of Kenneth McBride and Glenmore Athletic Club. Kenneth died recently of cancer. I did not know the man, but Senator McGreehan spoke very highly of him. I can only imagine how difficult it has been for his athletic community and his family and friends. May he rest in peace. I extend our sympathies to his family and community on his very sad passing.

Senator Dolan spoke about the Taoiseach. Senator Keogan spoke about the referendum and the need for the Government to listen to the real concerns and everyday issues being raised by people. She also spoke about the refugees being moved from Mount Street. It is a situation that nobody wants to see happening. We are finding it very difficult to meet the accommodation needs of those coming into the country. The Government is doing its very best to try to provide accommodation for people. It is my understanding that the location people were moved to is much safer and I think the people who have been moved are saying that as well. There are better facilities, but nobody is saying that is adequate. Obviously, we want to do better, but there was an attempt to try to improve the situation there. I take on board the comments that have been made.

Senator Gallagher has drawn our attention to the annual Daffodil Day, which will take place this Friday, and the important work being done by the Irish Cancer Society. It is doing amazing work and cancer survival rates are improving all the time. Research is so important, and it is really important that we support that fundraising effort on Friday and over the course of the weekend. He has asked for a debate on the Government's response to assisting people with the expenses that come with dealing with a cancer diagnosis, of which there are many.

Senator Carrigy spoke about the Taoiseach and the day that is in it. Senator Craughwell spoke about the issues related to the Defence Forces, the financing of the Defence Forces and the conversations that are happening at an EU level. The Senator will be aware that there is obviously a commitment under this Government to increase spending in the area of defence and much work has been done to identify where we need to get to. There is an acceptance on behalf of the Government that spending on the area of defence is too low and we need to increase that. We are going to level two of the three levels that were proposed. I take on board the Senator’s comments on the vulnerability of our coastline to deal with drug importation. That is a serious concern for the Government and one that is not being taken lightly.

Senator Conway spoke about the Taoiseach. Finally, Senator Mullen spoke about the contribution of the Seanad to the recent referendum debate. He asked for a debate on that issue, and on the funding of NGOs and issues that may arise from that. It is of course open to the Senator and his group to propose a motion relating to that during Private Member's time, but we will seek a debate on that as well if we can.