Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I also thank Members who contributed to the Order of Business today.

The first Senator to speak was Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, who again raised the case of Bláthnaid Raleigh who this morning spoke again on Radio One. Senator O'Loughlin spoke about how moved she was by the young woman's interview this morning and that it would be a good interview for everyone to listen to. Certainly the case sent shivers up the backs of anybody who listened to the details of it. It was an horrific attack. I am particularly struck by the five years it took for her to get her case heard and to get justice. I was struck by her comments where she said that she lived in isolation and basically was removed from society for those five years while her attacker carried on as normal. It was very poignant of her to say that while the custodial sentence was a strong sentence, as in her own words, the fact that people would know what he did and what he was hiding for those five years was most important to her in her community. It must have been extremely difficult for her family. Her brother was playing in the same rugby club and had to move because of it. It is just an horrific case. I feel there is regular commentary now in these Houses around the issue of violence against women and numerous cases coming forward. We need to really tackle this and show that we are taking a zero-tolerance approach. This has to mean that we improve the judicial system, that cases are heard quicker, that justice is done and seen to be done, and that people and victims are not waiting around languishing for years waiting for their day in court.

Senator O'Loughlin also drew our attention to this coming Friday, which is know your council day where we will learn more and citizens will learn more about the role and the powers of their local authority members. Senators O'Loughlin and Ardagh wished former councillor Charlie O'Connor very well after his farewell do last night. Charlie was a fantastic councillor. He is a lovely man, a lovely individual, a great colleague, a great friend and is known right across these Houses. We will still be seeing lots of Charlie around the Houses. It was fantastic for him to have his night last night where he was acknowledged for his years in public service as a councillor and for working as part of other teams as well.

Senator O'Loughlin also raised concerns around the maintenance of graveyards and the need for a fund and support to maintain graveyards on an ongoing basis.

Senator Boyhan welcomed the finalisation of the farm charter with all of the different organisations. The Senator commended the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Charlie McConalogue, on finalising that project of work. The Senator also spoke about the recent "Prime Time" story around equine welfare and horse slaughter in a particular location in Kildare, how this has now gone to a more international level working with international organisations, and how it is also affecting the food supply chain .

Senator Gavan raised a particular issue around a case with the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman in relation to a family in Limerick. I am not up to speed with the full details of that case. I take the points the Senator has raised. The length of time it is taking to deal with these cases is the problem. Decisions can be taken and mistakes do get made but the issue is about how quickly they are resolved. I do hope that this will be the final point where this case is put to bed once and for all. Time appears to be the issue there. Hopefully the system can kick into action at a faster pace.

Senator Ardagh asked for a debate on the provision of autism spectrum disorder, ASD, school places and commended the work on developing ASD classrooms at primary school level. The Senator pointed out that there will be a demand at second level naturally, which has yet to be addressed. We will request that debate most likely in the new term.

Senator Craughwell raised again the issue of the Defence Forces and the ongoing commentary and criticism of the organisation. I have previously supported the Senator on his comments in relation to it. I do believe there is a lot of criticism of the Defence Forces without due acknowledgment of the many exemplary and decent serving members, men and women, of that organisation and also former serving members. This is notwithstanding the terrible situation relating to the Crotty case and others as well, which are being dealt with. There are a lot of sensitivities around that but it is important to acknowledge that there are many fine and decent serving members and former serving members that are equally finding this a very distressing time for their organisation and the Defence Forces where they serve. They take their jobs very seriously. Senator Craughwell asked where a zero-tolerance approach applies. It applies to all levels of society and all organisations when it comes to violence against women.

Senator McGahon raised a point about the deposit return scheme. I take on board the Senator's comments on simplifying the scheme.

Senator Malcolm Byrne has expressed his condolences to the family of the Canadian citizen who died, Mr. Neno Dolmajian. I extend my condolences to his family and to his community on his sad passing. I concur with Senator Mullen's remarks. It is a sad indictment on our capital city that again we have another case of a tourist here visiting our country who was brutally assaulted and attacked and has now lost his life. It is something we need to get to grips with. Increased resources have been put into An Garda Síochána.There has been an increased presence of gardaí on our streets in the capital city but clearly more needs to be done. At this point in time O'Connell Street is not seen as a safe place to be at certain times of the day and this needs to be addressed. It is fixable but it needs to be tackled. Senator Malcolm Byrne also congratulated Kayleigh Byrne on her recent victory for Gorey Boxing Club and we congratulate her.

Senator Flynn asked for a debate on the prebudget submission of the disability matters committee. It will not be possible to do this before the summer recess. We would not usually have a debate on a prebudget submission. Certainly a debate on disability issues more widely would be appropriate. It would give Members an opportunity to raise budget issues as well as other matters. We will seek to have that debate in the new term when we get back. We will try to have it before the budget at the earliest opportunity.

I think I have addressed Senator Mullen's comments on violence on our streets. I take on board the points he made on the ongoing presidential campaign in the US and the many issues it throws up. It does have an impact globally. It impacts Ireland. This is why we take such an interest in these matters. There are grave concerns about what the outcome of the election might be. Senator Mullen made very valid points on the need for the media to be impartial even where it is uncomfortable. There are times when we are in the majority view in our opinions and we feel very comfortable in pressing them. There are also times when we hold minority views and they are equally deserving of a platform. It can turn and flip very quickly and easily. We need to make sure everybody feels safe and supported in making their points in a democracy and in a republic. The media have a role to play in making sure things are reported in a balanced and impartial way.

I have responded to one of the issues raised by Senator Carrigy. He also raised concerns about coach parking. It might be worth tabling a Commencement matter to ask the Minister for Transport the plans for this. It is probably more of a matter for Dublin City Council to deal with at its level.

Senator Lombard spoke about the RTÉ five-year plan and the ongoing issues with GAAGO. I share his concerns about GAAGO. It is our national game and people should have access to watching matches. These concerns have been well aired by the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and senior Ministers. The GAA is very well aware of the concerns expressed by Members in both Houses. I take on board the comments made by Senator Lombard in this regard.