Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We need to have a frank and open discussion on the matter.

Senator Clonan spoke about the issue of conflict. It is horrific that every day when we open our phones, screens or newspapers, we see children and women dying. The numbers are horrific. Ireland and Spain have been very much to the fore in terms of doing what they can and trying to bring other European leaders and the UN with us as well.It is absolutely shocking. We should be hugely concerned and should do everything we can. Senator Clonan also spoke about concerns about Shannon Airport and those who are travelling through it, including the US military, and said we need to have a debate regarding concerns around how Shannon Airport is being used.

Senator O'Reilly spoke about the immigration debate and the fact that we need to have a sense of perspective. He took the opportunity to reassert that many of those who are not from our shores come in as essential workers and people who are needed in health, hospitality and agriculture. There is a process needed to ensure the fast-tracking of applications. We are really starting on that process.

Senator Sherlock spoke about attacks on public representatives. On behalf of the House, I absolutely extend our regrets to Councillor Tania Doyle and her husband. What happened is shocking. I express our sympathy and support. We need good people in politics. We need people who are brave enough and courageous enough to put up their hands and say they want to make a difference in their community. To think that anybody would be treated the way she has been is shocking. We need to call it out and keep calling it out. We need to keep supporting those who are brave enough, no matter what party they are from or if they are from no party. To a certain extent, I agree with the Senator about the shared island narrative. It has been exploited on different sides over the last few weeks, particularly when the debate started about people coming into Ireland from the UK through Northern Ireland. We are not even sure if those figures that were quoted were correct. I totally sense the Senator's frustration on that. I will also say well done to Shelbourne Football Club on getting its park. Absolutely, we need to support soccer as much as we support other games.

Senator Warfield spoke about the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, which were carried out 50 years ago on 17 May and in which 33 people and a full-term baby died and 300 people were injured. It was very striking over the last few weeks to listen to all the testimonies 50 years later. One in particular that stuck with me was from a man who was then a young man of 19. His dad was in Guiney's and his mam went in as a surprise to collect him. They did not know she had gone in to collect him. It was only afterwards when he was home that they could not find her and then they found the car parked and knew. I listened to Mr. Vincent Browne's spoken testimony at the time of running out and lifting up a woman who essentially combusted when he lifted her up. It has just been horrendous. We need to do more for the victims. As the Senator said, we need to remember the victims and support their families.

Senator Horkan spoke about Europe Day and the expansion. While it has taken a long time now - it is 20 years since we had that expansion of ten new countries - I have no doubt that Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia are working together with the EU in terms of the measures they need to put in place. We wish them well. The Senator also raised the issue of National Bike Week. It is important that we encourage those who can to cycle where they can, that is providing, of course, they have safe ways of cycling because not everywhere is safe.

Senator Lombard spoke about the need for GAAGO to be accessible and how some children in classrooms are not able to view it while some are, and about how it has become a big and divisive issue.

Senator Keogan spoke about the continued integration crisis and those who are coming into the country. I know that Cabinet was agreeing measures this morning around the pull factor, as we call it, in terms of making Ireland an attractive country for people to come to. We need a system that is humane, fair and firm. She spoke about the EU migration pact. It has taken eight years to negotiate that.The good thing about it is that it imposes statutory timelines for the processing of applications and allows for the return of applications quicker. That is not something Ireland can do on our own. It is something we can only do as part of the EU.

Senator Gallagher spoke about the Ulster senior football final in Clones. I remember being in the park, it is a fine place. Senator Gallagher said that investment in Casement Park should not be at the expense of Clones. We support that.

Senator Cummins made a request, for the fourth time, around aviation policy and regional airports. I contacted the Clerk of the Seanad to see whether any feedback had been given. The request has gone in every time. We have not received any timescale back. The Senator also raised the issue of farm inspections.

Senator Craughwell spoke about the marine pilots with no clear qualifications. They are bringing in ships and containers. He is looking for a debate on that. I suggest he tables a Commencement matter in regard to that. I am sure it would be a valid one. He also raised the issue about people in scrubs riding bicycles. In fairness, those in scrubs could well have been finished their shifts. I am sure they were. We have to do everything we can to support those working in our hospitals. I certainly would not be calling them out in terms of wearing scrubs in public. I am sure that occurs after their shifts are done.

Senator Cassells also spoke about the free to air service. He felt strongly that politicians who did not have a huge interest in sport were intervening because it is election time. He felt strongly that politicians should stick with politics, not with the politics of the GAA.

Senator Carrigy spoke about the need to re-establish the firearms consultative body. He spoke about the need for facilities to support all three arms of the GAA - hurling, camogie and the ladies Gaelic football team, LGFA, as well as the men's GAA.

Senator Ahearn spoke about the Sisters of Charity private school in Clonmel and the fact that, because of the September rule, even though they have been granted an extra teacher, that teacher cannot come soon enough. It is looking for flexibility. I believe there should be flexibility in these issues and also that we need to see movement on the application by the Sisters of Charity for new buildings. I suggest again that this should be submitted as a Commencement matter.

All of us in this House join with Senator Maria Byrne to express our sympathy to the Minister, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, on the death of his mother, Nellie. It is a difficult time for him and for his family. Senator Byrne also spoke about the film festival in Cannes and the fact that Limerick has two international films. We wish them well. My sister-in-law's brother, Robbie Ryan, is up for an award in Cannes. She is jetting out tomorrow morning with my niece and godchild, Faye. I wish them well also. Senator Byrne also raised the issue of people without medical cards who have serious illnesses and said that we need to be more supportive to try to ensure they have medical cards when they need them.

Our last contributor was Senator Aisling Dolan, who told us about the Ballygar wellness event and also about Lough Ree Access for All fully-accessible boats and the event between Ballyleague and Lanesborough. It is certainly lovely weather for boating. I hope some of us have the opportunity to take part over the weekend, between canvassing and everything else. I thank the Cathaoirleach.