Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator O’Loughlin kicked off with a tribute, as did all Members, to Mary O’Rourke, who was, without doubt, a formidable lady in her own right, a formidable politician and somebody who will be iconic from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s for anybody looking at a television programme or anyone with an interest in politics or current affairs. She was always there, ever-present, on our airwaves on “Today Tonight” or various other radio shows and the likes. We will pay a tribute later. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis. Senator O'Loughlin spoke about dyslexia day, as did others, and called for extra time for exams. This is an issue that we should debate. I know work has been done at the education committee, which is continually interested in that topic. I will request a debate on the issue.

The Senator also spoke about the funding of Ó Modhráin Hall. I am not sure what I would suggest as it sounds like a complex issue. Nonetheless, I agree that moneys raised locally should be maintained locally, which is the point the Senator was making. I am not sure what avenue I would suggest she should take but whatever support I can give, I will give it.

Senator Joe O'Reilly spoke about the tragedy of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and expressed concern regarding our troops on the border between Israel and Lebanon. The Irish-led UN battalion in Lebanon is responsible for a zone along the de facto border. The fighting has forced Irish troops, as well as thousands of other UN peacekeepers across the wider UNIFIL zone, into protective bunkers, and hundreds of thousands of civilians have been forced to flee. We have to be very conscious of the safety of our troops. The situation is being monitored.

The Senator requested a debate with the Tánaiste on that matter. I will certainly ask that the Tánaiste come in to discuss that matter and a number of other issues. Senators Sherlock, Byrne and Daly spoke about the allegations regarding a possible Russian spy in Leinster House. If the Tánaiste comes in, I ask that he address those issues and give whatever information he might have from the Government. It is a highly serious issue. Senator Gavan spoke about the use of Shannon for munitions. If the Tánaiste were to come in to discuss those three very important matters, that would be welcome.

Senator Clonan sought natural justice for Caitlin and commented on the unsatisfactory response that he and Caitlin's family have received. It is important that justice is provided for Caitlin and her family. I suggest that the Senator put down a cross-party motion or a motion on behalf of the House, if he sees fit to do so.

Senator Sherlock proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 12 be taken before No. 1. I agree to that amendment. I congratulate Senators Sherlock and Wall and the members of the Labour Party on that very important legislation.

Senator Gavan, in addition to touching on the use of Shannon, spoke of Councillor McGettigan’s concerns and the Senator’s own well-rehearsed concerns regarding University Hospital Limerick. Unfortunately, it has the ongoing record of having had the highest number of people on trolleys in recent years. There are plans in place and construction is ongoing to provide additional beds, which will hopefully be available soon and help to alleviate the pressure. There are certainly bigger issues. The Minister has highlighted that when the original decisions were made to close the emergency departments at Ennis and Nenagh hospitals, the necessary investment had not been put in place before or in unison with the making of those decisions.

Senator Seery Kearney called for a debate with the Minister for Transport on bus services, and Senator Carrigy also touched on the issue of the decisions made on bus services and how they can be changed. We have given autonomy or authority for decision-making to the NTA and various other bodies. It is important that the Oireachtas committees would have the ultimate power to engage on these matters. To be fair to the NTA, it has open days from time to time near to Leinster House at which Oireachtas Members can raise issues. Perhaps if it had more of these, it would allow for those issues to be raised as required.

Senator Keogan called for No. 1 to be taken with debate. I do not propose to accept this amendment. This appointment was made through the Public Appointments Service in line with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, and it is the recommendation that the motion on that appointment be taken without debate.Senator Murphy touched on the tributes to Mary O'Rourke and also to John Naughten. John spoke to me at the Ard-Fheis last year and I met him on various occasions obviously in the Seanad. He was a thorough gentleman. I pay my condolences to his wife Breda, and his children, his mother, Mary, brother, Denis and extended family on the absolutely tragic passing of John.

Senator Currie also touched on the issues of dyslexia. It is important that we have a debate on this.

Senator Wall touched on issues relating to unplanned power outages in mid-Kildare and obviously made the important point that these have an impact on those working from home and those using medical devices. It is important that we have continued monitoring of and investment in our national grid. It is something that has been talked about regarding use of the Apple money. If there are particular issues that need to be sorted within mid-Kildare then that needs to be done. EirGrid in its winter outlook stated that Ireland's risk level of power loss is dramatically less than in previous years but that the gap between supply and demand for electricity will be tight at times this winter. It is an ongoing issue and concern. It is right to raise this. I will raise the matter urgently directly with EirGrid as well.

Senator Malcolm Byrne talked about the park run. Congratulations on his work on Gorey park run on its eighth birthday. The overall concept of park run will be 20 years old. It is a great activity. They are to be found in so many different places, whether it is Bere Island or Gorey or various other towns and cities. I wish continued encouragement to those who go out and do the park run and commend the concept and those involved in it.

Senator Carrigy made a number of tributes to Mary O'Rourke, John Naughten and the former councillor and Cathaoirleach, Adie Farrell, and also expressed sympathy to Gerald and the extended Farrell family.

Finally, Senator McGreehan gave good news in regard to the optional protocol being ratified by Cabinet which will strengthen disability rights. I look forward to statements from the relevant Ministers and the Taoiseach on this matter in the coming days.

That concludes the Order of Business.