Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all the Senators for their contributions this morning. Senator O'Loughlin raised the important issue of concern on the global lay-off of 20,000 employees by Intel. We certainly hope Intel in Kildare is not impacted. The Senator has called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Burke, on competitiveness. Senator Stephenson also called for a debate on the issues of the minimum wage and the delay to the putting in place of the living wage until 2029. The Minister has indicated a concern regarding the living wage being increased in employment now, particularly for vulnerable sectors such as retail and hospitality. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Burke, to come in to discuss those issues. Senator O'Loughlin also raised the good news regarding fairer fares. I will certainly raise those matters regarding the website and I will ask the Minister to come to the House to look at the issue.

Senator Duffy raised concerns regarding schoolchildren in Crossmolina who are not being afforded the availability of a bus to bring them to primary school. He can table a Commencement matter with the Minister to get a more immediate response and certainly ask that she come in to talk about issues of school transport anyway. I know it is an issue that has been raised in the House on many occasions.

Senator Keogan spoke about unfilled school places, particularly in special schools, and there were several other contributions today regarding special education places. Senator McCormack raised the issue of commitments in schools in County Laois. I will request a debate. We had the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, in the Chamber recently, but I will ask again. They are looking at a number of initiatives, including additional financial supports and fast-tracking of teaching qualifications, but there are shortages. Some of them may be linked to accommodation, as the Senator quite rightly said, especially in Dublin and other areas. I will, therefore, ask for a debate on that matter.

Senator Tully raised the Grace case and asked the Minister to come to the House. This was raised yesterday as well. I will certainly ask the Minister, Deputy Foley, to come to the House to talk about the Grace case in particular, but also with regard to adult safeguarding and the safeguarding of children.

Senator Nelson Murray called for more gardaí in County Meath. I will certainly request that the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, come in to talk about issues of Garda, policing and crime, which is an issue that is raised quite a bit in the House. I wish the Senator well in terms of continuing to advocate for additional resources in her county.

Senator Costello paid tribute to a good friend of hers, Johnny Fox, who initiated the Darkness into Light scheme. Certainly, as she said, it is a global phenomenon now. It raises awareness of mental health issues and raises funding for Pieta House. It is a very important initiative worldwide.

Senator O'Donovan raised the issue of the nitrates derogation and the reduction in nitrogen thresholds in certain parts of his county, including around Timoleague. Of course he is right. The farmers are doing the most to improve water quality there. There is a specific Cabinet subcommittee now on water quality, which is linked to the whole issue of the derogation. It is an important area in terms of ensuring we continue to maximise food production where it can be while respecting and protecting water quality. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Heydon, to come to the Chamber to have a debate on that very important matter.

Senator Collins called for the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to come in to talk about the delays and appeals in domiciliary care. I do not think we have had the Minister in yet to talk about issues regarding social protection, so I will certainly invite him in to talk on those matters.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly referenced the UK Supreme Court ruling regarding women and the definition thereof, which I note. I will say no more.

Senator Andrews raised the issue of Kneecap and Netanyahu. He criticised the Taoiseach with regard to talking about Kneecap. The Taoiseach answered a question. As I understand it, he was asked a question about this matter. While there is no doubt that Benjamin Netanyahu has gone too far and atrocities have been committed in Israel, Kneecap's comments that the only good Tory is a dead Tory is not something we need to go into.