Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----and the NTA, but the county councils have a role, too. It is an important and valuable scheme and we want to see greater investment in it. I will raise that with the Minister for Transport.

Senator Craughwell talked about the important issue of tariffs. Senator McCarthy raised the matter, too. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is in the United States today. He has stated:

We are here to keep the lines of communications open with US political and business leaders as well as share insights and engage. During the visit I will be emphasising our desire to find a negotiated solution between the EU and US on tariffs and that I am fully supportive of Commissioner Šefovi’s work.

I will make the point that the European Union is ready right now to negotiate.

We wish the Tánaiste well in his engagements with Howard Lutnick, the US Secretary of Commerce, over the course of today and the next few days.

Senator Boyle again raised issues relating to the stretch of the N56 from Inver Bridge to Bruckless and its impact on safety. I know there were announcements last week or the week before about Transport Infrastructure Ireland funding. I am not sure if there was any good news in that for the N56. I know there will be greater funding for national roads towards the end of the decade than at the start. That was the agreement under the previous Government, which had a greater emphasis on public transport than road infrastructure. As we progress towards the end of this decade, there will be greater funding for national roads. All I can ask is that the Senator continue to engage with TII and the directors of services at the council about progressing these plans.

Senator Tully raised an important issue relating to sexual violence. There was a recent court case and I commend the brave woman for her testimony. That case dealt with the rape that she was subjected to. I will ask the Minister to come in to talk about sexual violence. I commend the work of, as the Senator mentioned, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and all rape crisis centres across the country.

Senator Keogan mentioned the Mercosur deal. We are very much committed to getting the best possible deal for Ireland. I know the Minister, Deputy Heydon, is in the United States meeting the Secretary of Agriculture. We are continuing to engage with our European colleagues about the tariffs and removing whiskey and other associated products. I do not know exactly who called that meeting. I think it was organised by France. I am not sure if it was an official EU meeting but I will try to get clarity on the matter.

Senator Conway talked about integrating Muslim children in our schools. It is important that all children be integrated and that we learn to understand the different religions in this country. I know that work goes on. I acknowledge that we are approaching our Easter festival, which is the central festival of the Catholic church. It is important that we do not forget any religion when discussing these matters.

Senators Black and Sarah O'Reilly have raised the triple lock. We had a debate last week. I know this was addressed by the Minister-----