Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not sure about that. This is an interesting issue. It is above my pay grade. Obviously there is a distinction between speaking rights and voting rights.

Senator Gavan also spoke about the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and Palestine. I disagree that we have not done much in this government. Much leadership has been shown on the situation in Palestine and Gaza. There was the recognition of the State of Palestine. We came out early to condemn Israel and Hamas for the ongoing issues. We have to keep it to the fore of our thoughts here. I will certainly inquire about an urgent debate on this matter.

Senator Bradley thanked the Taoiseach and talked about some of the issues that she will work on. I wish her well in that role. It is good that she has a plan regarding what she wants to set out. She will learn the role over the coming weeks and months.

Senator Craughwell raised the issue of chairs of community policing committees. Is it a case that there is evidence that there is an issue or is the Senator reiterating the views that were rightly expressed when debating the Bill? I am not sure. I will certainly raise it with the Minister, Deputy McEntee. A number of Senators have concurred with the view that members of local authorities have every right to be chairpersons of those committees. I agree with that. I will try to get confirmation from the Minister about that.

Senator Gallagher concurred with the comments of Senator Craughwell. He and Senators Conway and Clonan, in welcoming Senator Bradley, talked about the importance of the recognition of those with disabilities. That is important to agree and concur with.

Senator Boyhan talked about the planning and development Bill. We need to ensure that Senators have time to prepare. I know it is a mammoth Bill. As soon as the groupings become available, I will ensure that they are provided to the Senator to assist in that preparation. There will be an Order of Business on Monday to decide the week's schedule.

Senator Murphy talked about burglaries in rural Ireland. It is an ongoing issue of concern to people. I have not heard of the use of drones. It is interesting if drones are being used as surveillance to see prime targets or whatever else. I had not heard that. I am not sure how that can be combated. The Senator might be able to raise that with the Minister. People have to be carefully when putting up their private business, where they are and what they are doing, because that is visible to members of the general public. Invasion of property and personal space is traumatic for families.

In welcoming Senator Bradley, Senator Seery Kearney talked about the role of Fine Gael and the new Taoiseach in highlighting and prioritising the issues of disability. Senator Conway has been a strong advocate, as have Senator Clonan and others in these Houses. It is important that we continue to focus on that important issue and group of our citizens.

Senator Carrigy spoke about lived experience and how every child needs to be treated equally. I know he has done much work in the Joint Committee on Autism and that he will continue to be a strong advocate for the rights of all persons in this House. I wish him well on that. He also concurred about community safety partnerships.

Senator Maria Byrne has spoken about the medical card for cancer patients on numerous occasions. Part of the issue with all matters relating to medical cards is the thresholds. There would have to be a major change. She should continue to press that for the forthcoming budget. It can be quite traumatic for people. They have enough stress and pressure. There is added cost. If there is a terminal diagnosis, they will automatically receive a medical card, but for ongoing issues of cancer treatment, it is not an automatic right. That could be extended to other illnesses outside cancer too, where there might be high costs and stresses, along with recovery time and high costs of drugs and prescriptions. I urge the Senator to continue to advocate for that within government in advance of the budget.

Senator Malcolm Byrne, as a member of the media committee, spoke about the murder of Martin O'Hagan and quite rightly called for an investigation.

I undertake to write to the Tánaiste asking that he raise that matter with the new UK Government. Prime Minister Starmer and the Taoiseach, Deputy Harris, are both new to their jobs and there already seems to be a reset in relations between the two islands, which is important. I will certainly do as the Senator requested.

Senator Lombard raised the issue of school transport. We all get a shiver when we hear these things because, unfortunately, the issue crosses our desks and it will cross them again very soon. It is normally August or even earlier when the tickets start arriving and people feel put out. Obviously, those who do not get a bus ticket have to make alternative arrangements. That is not always easy, as it depends on whether there are one or two people in the house or one or two cars and, as with anything else like that, it does not always fit into people's plans. The right thing to do is to ensure all of our children have access to school transport. There is no point in announcing a plan unless we can ensure it can be delivered and the capacity is there. Senators have raised on numerous occasions the anomaly whereby bus drivers over the age of 70 can bring students on a school trip to a football match or another event but cannot drive the same children to school on the same bus. That makes no sense. I do not know if this is a union issue but it has been raised with the Minister and the Taoiseach by Senator Lombard and other Members. It is important that the Government tackles it by ensuring there is capacity and we have the buses and drivers we need. If we are offering the service, it should be provided and it should be easy for people to understand the situation. I will certainly raise the issue with the Minister, Deputy Foley.