Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Members who contributed today.

Senator O'Loughlin welcomed the record sports capital announcement for Kildare and nationwide. I concur with the Senator's remarks. Senator Lombard also raised the same point. It was a good day for sports clubs, communities and grassroots clubs across the country to get that much needed injection of funding. The Senator also raised the apartment remediation scheme. I understand the constraints there with houses not being included. Perhaps a Commencement matter to the Minister on that might yield more information. I also take on board the Senator's comments regarding Hallowe'en and illegal fireworks that might be coming across the Border. We must bear that in mind as we approach that festive point.

Senator Lombard welcomed the return of the Gambling Regulation Bill this evening when we will start Committee Stage. He made the point about coming across people who were struggling with addiction and the impact that has, which is a point very well made.

Senator Clonan spoke eloquently and passionately about the escalation of tensions in the Middle East and what Israel is doing. It is of huge concern. We are all deeply concerned for our troops on the ground who are serving in UNIFIL in Lebanon. The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence said the situation is under constant review and that the Department is in regular contact with families here who are, of course, very concerned about what is a deeply dangerous situation for them now on the ground. What Hezbollah is doing is appalling but equally, Israel's response is just off the scales. There is no justification for it. It puts further away the prospect of peace and a ceasefire in the region, which is equally disappointing to see. We had hoped we might see some resolution as we approach 7 October, which is an appalling date we will have to remember and has marked an escalation overall. Senator Martin introduced the domestic violence amendment Bill, which is on the Order Paper. I welcome the introduction of that Bill. He raised the matter of the occupied territories Bill, as have other Senators, and his position that there is no legal impediment to it. I urge the Senator to talk to his party leader, who is one of the three leaders in the Government. The Attorney General is providing advices to the Government, hopefully very soon. Advice is also being sought at an EU level.

Senator Wall also raised the issue of the Defence Forces serving in Lebanon and has taken calls from families in the area. It is of particular concern where he lives, as it is for Senator O'Loughlin. They are at the heart of the defence community in County Kildare. Senator Wall made an interesting proposal on Irish Sign Language. I had not thought about it in that way and probably should have. I commend the proposal coming forward from that group. It is a good idea.

I suggest a Commencement matter on the school transport issue. The Minister has been out very recently on that issue. She wants to do more. There is a struggle to get buses and bus drivers, as we know. Every effort is being made and funding has been provided. The Minister has announced that criteria for the school transport service will change for the next academic year. The distance people need to be from the school will be reduced to a lesser distance of 2 km and it is hoped down to 1 km. The aim and ambition of the Government is to get to a point where more children can access school transport, but we need the buses and the drivers. The Minister is very aware that there are pinch points throughout the country where there are particular difficulties. That is not a sufficient answer for the families the Senator is talking to who are awaiting school transport but every effort is being made to try to supply services throughout the country and get children to school on public transport.

Senator Higgins raised the matter of the occupied territories Bill, which I dealt with in my reply to Senator Martin. I take on board her comments on the planning Bill. She proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, which I am not in a position to accept. Senator McDowell proposed a similar amendment.