Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is a mammoth task but it is fantastic to watch democracy literally in action and to see what is happening. I concur with the Senator's remarks in terms of wishing those still in the mix well and those who have been elected.

I take on board the points the Senator has made in relation to the National Advocacy Service and Citizens Information and the important role that it performs. I certainly hope the matter can be resolved. It is an important service for the public.

Senator Mary Seery Kearney also raised the issue around parental choice in schools and the lack of availability of certain types of education. She mentioned Educate Together, for example, and acknowledged that the Minister, Deputy Foley, is conducting some research into this to see what parents want in terms of education provision across the country. In some parts of the country, there is lots of choice and in other parts of the country, particularly in rural areas, there is very little choice. It is a work in progress and I think there has been great progress in that space in the last decade or so.

Senator Craughwell spoke about the National Cyber Security Centre, and made the point that Ireland can lead the way in cybersecurity. We can work with other like-minded countries in terms of defence and security and I certainly agree with those remarks.

Senator McGreehan raised the issue in respect of farmers in north Louth and the ongoing advocacy in which she has participated in asking for funding for fodder for those farmers. She welcomed today that the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, has delivered for those farmers and has delivered a funding package. We are very happy to see that and I commend the Senator on her work

Senator Kyne also congratulated those who have contested elections and all the candidates who have been elected, as well as those who contested and maybe did not make it. It is important to have people going forward and I agree with that. I am very aware of the Westdoc situation in his area and it is good to see progress on that as well. It is an important service. People do not just get sick Monday to Friday. They get sick at the weekends and out of hours, so it is great to see some progress on that.

Finally, Senator Murphy spoke about the elections as well and those who lost their seats. We have had some very good people who we have worked with for many years. It is very difficult. It is one thing to go for something and not make it but at least something has not been lost as such. However, if you are a sitting councillor and you have lost your seat, particularly after a long length of service, it is a huge blow to a person and their family as well. It is important that those people get the phone call and appreciation is expressed for the work they have done and the public service they have given. That is really important. I know I have spoken to a number of our own colleagues over the last few days who did not make it or have lost seats and it is a difficult space to be in. When one door closes, another one might open. People can still be very proud of the service they have given to their communities over many years.

The Senator also raised the point about papers not being stamped and the point was raised yesterday as well by other Senators. We probably can find a better way of making sure because at the end of the day the person's vote is not counted and they have been deprived of a vote, unintentionally, and people do make mistakes. It is human error but there has to be a more efficient way. I think somebody yesterday mentioned the use of a bar code. Was it Senator O'Loughlin?