Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Senators for their contributions here today. Senator O’Loughlin spoke on a number of issues including the Alzheimer Society of Ireland having a worthy fundraising event today at the coffee dock. I encourage people to go down to that. It is important to support the worthy cause of dementia support. She spoke about the importance of young people being aware of the issue of dementia, which is obviously a very debilitating condition. She also spoke about the Garda Representative Association, which was protesting yesterday regarding the post-2013 retirement pension. Of course many changes were made in the 2011-13 period following the economic collapse that was brought on the country. Certainly there is potential for some of those to be revisited. I advise the Senator to put down a Commencement debate on that topic. It is an issue we should be aware of. If it is impacting on attracting people into An Garda Síochána, that is obviously of grave concern. She also spoke of the exceptional work done by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, which is holding workshops over the coming weeks in which people can participate.

Senator Paddy Burke spoke about the issues due to rainfall and weather conditions on our road network, particularly our local and county roads.I think we can all see that, both from our recent canvassing, and I am sure we will come across it over the next number of weeks, and in our day-to-day work as public representatives. Certainly, I think there is a strong case to be made for additional supports from the Department of Transport in recognition of the weather that we have endured and that our roads have endured, as well as the danger they pose to motorists and cyclists. The Senator is right to raise the issue of active travel. There are large active travel budgets but if they are not being spent due to delays and so on, some of that funding should be redirected towards road maintenance across our county. We could encourage the Minister, Deputy Ryan, and will write to him to ask him to look at that. I note Senator Lombard raised the matter in a recent contribution in the House too.

Senator Mullen spoke on electric shock collars for dogs. He made a valid point about the possibilities for increased attacks on sheep and the result of dogs being shot for such attacks. I know there has been increased advertising advising dog owners that if the dog attacks sheep, it is not the dog's fault but the owner's fault for not controlling the dog. Senator Mullen spoke about additional consultation. It is important that where consultation happens, the results are published and we are allowed access to the consultation. I will certainly contact the Minister about that.

Senator Mullen also spoke about hate speech and the Government's policy in the hate crime Bill. I understand the Minister is looking at amendments to it, which I am sure will come back over the coming months. The Senator correctly stated that hate-related non-crime incidents have increased by 43% from 72 to 103. It is a relatively small number but if you are one of that number, it is an important issue for you, your family and loved ones and all others who live in fear because of their concern that they would be targeted because of who or what they are. In 2023, hate motives were evident in a variety of reported crime incidents, including, most prominently, public order in 27% of cases and minor assault in 16% of cases. It is a real issue. We will have an opportunity over the coming months to further debate the hate speech legislation on this issue.

Senator Black raised the issues in Gaza and called for a debate with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin. I will certainly request that from the Department. The Government is obviously extremely concerned about reports that Israel has begun large-scale military strikes in Rafah. The protection of civilians is an obligation under international humanitarian law. The international community has made it clear that an Israeli military operation in Rafah will inevitably lead to disastrous humanitarian consequences and the deaths of a large number of innocent civilians. The conflict and the broader operation in Palestine is a persistent source of regional instability. It is the Government's view that we need to address this head-on through a comprehensive plan that delivers a two-state solution to ensure peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider Middle East. I know from reports that there are possibly moves, while engaging with Spain and other European countries, towards formal recognition of the Palestinian state.

Senator Moynihan spoke of the tents on Mount Street which were removed last week in a multi-agency approach involving the Office of Public Works, An Garda Síochána, the HSE and Dublin City Council. The Taoiseach took a hands-on approach in co-ordinating that. It was both a security issue and a health and safety issue for those who were in those tents. Senator Moynihan talked about the accommodation crisis for international protection applicants. IPAS-designated accommodation, which has been provided, has robust, weatherproof tents; toilets, showers; health services; indoor areas where food is provided; facilities to change, charge phones and personal devices; access to transport to and from Dublin city centre; and 24-hour on-site security. Once in IPAS, residents will receive the same supports as at other locations. This includes access to medical care via the HSE social inclusion outreach teams and medical card provision, IPAS customer service teams' clinics, on-site support from the provider's staff, and psychosocial and integration support from non-governmental organisation partners.

The Senator also spoke about own-door accommodation. I would have concerns about putting IPAS migrants in competition with those on social housing lists who are looking for rental accommodation or affordable houses. There is an accommodation crisis. We cannot pit immigrants against everyone else. That would actually cause a rise in anti-immigrant sentiments if such issues arose. I do not agree with the Senator's views on that.

Senators Maria Byrne and Ahearn both spoke about the sports capital equipment grants. That is certainly welcome. I acknowledge their advocacy on behalf of the numerous clubs within their county and city with regard to that, which is positive, as well as the work of voluntary groups across cities and counties around the country to make those applications, and of course the management of the economy, as Senator Ahearn said, that allows this funding to be provided to clubs across the country.

Senator Maria Byrne also raised the issue of University Hospital Limerick, as she has on numerous occasions. HIQA is now intervening and is carrying out a review. We will have to wait to see what the results of that will be. The HSE and Department of Health officials were before the health committee yesterday at which issues were raised by our colleague, Senator Conway. He cautioned against raising the expectations of, for example, reopening emergency departments that were closed in Ennis and elsewhere. There is that concern that expectations would be raised. It will be interesting to see what this review, which obviously has to be medically-based, will arrive at.

Senator Boyhan spoke passionately about the need for a redress scheme for the Westbank Orphanage, Greystones. He is advocating for it. This is certainly an issue that is likely to gain more traction. I am sure the Senator can raise this matter in a Commencement debate. I note the groups are engaging with the Taoiseach, who is of course from that area in Wicklow. We will hopefully see some progress on that. I think they have a strong case, based on precedent in other areas. I wish them well in their campaign and hope they achieve the result quickly.

Senator Warfield spoke about vacancies on State boards, including a vacancy rate of up to 50% in bodies under the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and in particular in respect of the Arts Council. I do not know why that is the case. I will certainly contact the Minister's office to see what the reason is and why a chair has not been appointed to the Arts Council. It is important for governance that the membership of State boards is fully in place. An area that I have a particular interest in is Inland Fisheries Ireland, where State boards were allowed to dwindle and become inquorate because it suited certain Department officials and the Minister's agenda. I do not suspect that is the case with the Arts Council but I am not sure why the numbers are not being filled. I will certainly ask that.

Senator Lombard spoke about GAAGO. The Cathaoirleach answered the question about a possibility of the president of the GAA being here before us. I will leave it in his good hands, through the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight, to arrange that, get agreement and bring a motion to the House on that. Hopefully, Jarlath Burns will be able to come in to answer those valid questions because it discommodes many people who may not be able, for whatever reason, to get to the game itself. It is a valid issue for GAA fans across this country.