Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I have no problem agreeing to Senator Fitzpatrick's request. I thank all Senators for their contributions. Martin Groves is in good company, having been mentioned in the same breath as Pope Francis. I have spoken to Martin and, if he wishes and in his own way, we will see what he is comfortable with in terms of valediction at a future date. He will certainly appreciate all the comments here today.

I acknowledge all the tributes to Pope Francis - we will have a minute's silence after the Order of Business - and to all practising Catholics, and indeed some non-practising Catholics, who felt strongly about Pope Francis. Senator Alice-Mary Higgins summed up his role and his values - the values of the Gospels as the Vatican said - and that he lived that life with courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. We will remember him later today. I had the pleasure of attending Dublin Castle at the time of his address and visiting him and seeing him at Knock and bringing my mother there at the time. It was certainly an honour to witness him in Ireland on those days.

Senator O'Loughlin raised the issue of the Special Olympics. I acknowledge her work as an advocate for the Special Olympics down through the years. She and others have asked for a debate on inclusion in sport. I will certainly ask the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, to come to the Chamber to deal with that. It is a very important role.

Senator Duffy also raised matters relating to sport. There has been much investment in sports capital funding over the years. The athletics club in Erris can apply in future, if it has not done so. The crux may be the availability of land. It is a matter the Senator has raised, whether there is a scheme to assist clubs in purchasing land, and it is something about which there is uncertainty at the moment. When we get the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, in, that can be raised with him.

Senator Ahearn raised the tragic loss of Brónagh English over the weekend. Our sympathies to Ann and Donie Ormonde on their loss.

Senator Tom Clonan raised the issue of the triple lock. We have asked the Taoiseach to come to the House at a suitable date. That is between me and the Deputy Leader, Senator O'Loughlin. He has agreed to come in, subject to a date. We can have an opportunity to thrash out that matter with him at that time.

Senator Collins raised the issue of section 39 workers. The Minister, Deputy Foley, has indicated this is a priority. I will ask her to come to the House. In the meantime, the Senator may wish to table a Commencement matter on the issue.

Senator Stephenson raised the Grace case and called for a full public inquiry. I will request the Minister to come to the House to have statements on that matter. Once the committees are up and running in the next few weeks, that may be an issue the representatives on the children's committee may wish to raise and pursue. It would be a worthy exercise. It is a very comprehensive report of more than 2,000 pages. It is absolutely worth considering it, for Grace's case and indeed for all those in care, so that such things do not happen in future. Senator Crowe highlighted the work of the volunteers in the RNLI. I agree with the Senator, acknowledge those volunteers and wish them well in their national fundraising day.

Senator Ní Chuilinn raised the matter of primary health care nurses in Dublin 12. Again, I ask that she table a Commencement matter specifically on the area, but I will also raise it with the Minister.

Senator Joe Conway talked about the BBC Sounds app and having it taken away. Again this might be an issue that could be raised by the committee on communications that might be coming. It is something that has caused some concern to those who have enjoyed the BBC Sounds app.

Senator Scahill raised the issue of Safe Pass. That is very interesting and it would be very worthy. Safe Pass is now mandatory on construction sites, with the hard hats and high visibility jackets. Thankfully, these things have helped with safety and it would be a very good idea to roll out similar courses in transition year. This is something the Senator could raise as a Commencement matter or on a future date with the Minister for further and higher education.

Senator Ryan raised the matter of Kanturk primary care centre and the disappointment of the community. Unfortunately, these things happen from time to time and tenders fall. It has planning permission and there is a commitment to pursue this project. It is to be hoped it can be got back up and running and retendered. There have been other examples, but if the Senator wishes to table a Commencement debate, she might get a more immediate answer on this project. Obviously, there is a commitment to pursue this project if it has gone to tender, and it is to be hoped it can be got back up and running as quickly as possible.

Senator Comyn raised the potential of the Louth versus Meath final. I know our former colleague in this Chamber, Senator Cassells, would be on the other side cheering and we wish them well. I might pose for a nice picture of the two of them on the day and I will not say who I will be shouting for.

Senator Boyle has again talked about the defective concrete block scheme. I have no easy or immediate answer on that matter. I will certainly raise it with the Minister, Deputy Browne, and will ask him to come to the Chamber. I have engaged with our councillor colleagues in Donegal as well and I know it is an issue that is heartfelt there, as it is with former councillors like Johnny McGuinness and his late father Bernard, who was one of the first people to raise these matters a number of years ago. I know there is investment and commitment to investment and that there is work taking place, but there are still issues, some of which the Senator has highlighted. I will ask the Minister if he will come to the House specifically to talk on that matter.

Senator Noonan talked about the increase in our water of residue from herbicides and pesticides, which is worrying. I know a lot of investment, education and training for farmers has been undertaken. The Senator raises valid issues on the sale of Roundup and other herbicides and pesticides over the counter and whether they are being utilised correctly. It is something I will certainly raise with the Minister, Deputy Heydon. Perhaps the Senator may wish to table a Commencement matter on the issue as well.

Senator Maria Byrne raised the tenant in situ scheme and the refusal of applications because no money is left. I have had a number of concerns about that myself, including the fact that, even if a local authority or individual is applying, if the homeowner has planning irregularities or if there are some defects to the house, as there have been in some cases, these can take a number of months to be decided upon. By the time they are decided, three, four or five months of the eviction period have gone by, and suddenly the tenant in situ scheme is not available because the house does not have planning or is defective. There are serious issues and I will certainly request a debate on that matter.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly asked for a debate with the Minister for Justice on crime issues. Obviously, there has been increased investment in Garda numbers. Where gardaí are allocated is a matter for the Garda Commissioner but numbers have increased. We made changes when the Minister, Deputy McEntee was in the role, which have continued with the increase in the age of retirement and the age at which a person can join An Garda. We have seen an increase in the numbers interested in joining the Garda and hopefully that can continue on through to graduation. I will ask the Minister if he can come to the House to talk on matters of crime. Senator Flynn raised her disappointment regarding the Chair of the Traveller committee. She is right. I had no hand, act or part in that and those decisions were made in the other House. I acknowledge her disappointment. I know from experience that being a member of a committee is as good as being a Chair. I know it does not have the prestige but being an active member of any committee is important. I know the Senator will continue to play an active role as a member of the Traveller committee.

Senator Andrews raised IPAS and Senator Keogan raised the immigration protest at the weekend. I will ask the Minister for Justice to come in. I think the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, is still waiting for the transfer and delegation of functions so the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, may wish to come in as well. IPAS centres are refused from time to time. There was a refusal in Oughterard in my own county and I know there are other applications pending. I know first hand it is an issue of particular concern in communities in different areas. No one is suggesting, I would say to Senator Keogan, that it is not a real live issue - it is in many communities. I will ask for a debate on the matter. The Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, received approval from the Cabinet today to publish legislation to provide decisions on international protection within three months. He has indicated that decisions are taking far too long and that up to 80% of people who applied for international protection in Ireland were not eligible for asylum. He has also indicated that there were 42% fewer international protection applications in the first three months of 2025 compared with the first three months of last year. I will ask the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, to come to the House to debate these matters.

Finally, along with other Senators, Senators Mullen and Murphy expressed sympathy for Pope Francis and the voices of faith. I do not know who I should ask to be involved in that.