Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and everyone who contributed to the Order of Business today. The first contributor was Senator Fiona O'Loughlin and she spoke about the ongoing count that is still taking place in Kildare. They are on recount number four I believe. I commend the staff as it is a difficult job and I imagine looking at the same ballot papers four times over is challenging. We wish them well. Hopefully, we will see the candidates still in the race for those final three seats over the line shortly. I want to also wish the organisers of June Fest the very best of luck in Newbridge. I congratulate the women's sheds from across the country that have broken the Guinness world record for the longest line dance. Well done to them.

On a more serious note, in respect of the "RTÉ Investigates" programme that will air tonight regarding the horse industry, I share the Senator's concerns. I certainly will be watching that tonight. I agree with the comments made that cruelty to animals is completely unacceptable and it needs to be dealt with. Certainly, the "RTÉ Investigates" programme does a very good job in uncovering and unearthing things that are happening right around us and performs an important public service for all of us in bringing this to light and bringing it to public attention.

Senator Ward raised issues around education through Irish and the availability of primary and secondary level education to all children that wish to be educated through Irish. I suggest to the Senator that a Commencement matter on the issue might be appropriate to see if we can get some further correspondence from the Department.

Senator Boyhan spoke about the elections and the 949 councillors elected to our local authorities. He also spoke about the number of councillors he has dealt with in the last number of days who have lost their seats, as did Senator Murphy. I think it is important to acknowledge that with all the elation of those who have done very well, and congratulations to those who have been elected, it can be a very difficult day for those who have lost their seats and did not make it, as well as their families and communities. I still commend them on putting themselves forward and that is democracy; somebody has to win and somebody has to lose. It is important to consider those who have not made it through.

Senator Boyhan also spoke about the just transition and the need to make sure that farmers and those in forestry and those in the fishing sector are looked after in terms of trying to meet our climate and emission reduction targets. We need to ensure that a just transition is just and he has asked for a debate on the issue. I can discuss that with the Senator at a later point in terms of what particular Department he may like to conduct the debate with.

Senator Gavan spoke about the elections and his impending elimination. I will probably after him tomorrow at some stage but just to say it is fascinating to watch the count centres in terms of the scale of the operation, particularly European counts.