Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I was on it once and had a Wagon Wheel. That is all I remember. It was some time ago.

Senator Andrews proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 11, a Bill to provide for prohibiting discrimination on the basis of a person’s socioeconomic disadvantaged background, for those purposes to amend the Employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status Act 2000, and to provide for related matters, be taken before No. 1 I am happy to agree to that proposal and I am sure we will debate the Bill at a later date.

Senator Noonan called for the enactment of the occupied territories Bill. The Government is committed to this, subject to changes that are necessary. He also applauded the network of No Name Clubs in his community and across the country and called for the provision of safe spaces for young people. I will certainly raise those matters, and certainly the matter of the occupied territories Bill with the Tánaiste and Minister for foreign affairs.

Senator Comyn congratulated County Louth on winning the Leinster championship. I was going to say, "So do all of us," but I will allow for some exceptions and speak on behalf of the majority of us who like to support the underdog in these things. I am sure the celebrations went well and will not stop any day soon. She also called for a debate on the urban regeneration and development fund, URDF. I suggest she table a Commencement matter with the Minister regarding the Westgate project.

Senator Joe O'Reilly, too, spoke about Garda Flatley. The Senator was nominated by the Irish Conference of Professional and Service Association, which includes the Garda Representative Association, GRA, and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, and I know he is in regular contact with Garda representatives on the ground. His tribute was heartfelt.

Senator Connolly raised the issue of Garda remuneration, which is obviously a very important issue. I suggest we have a debate on the Garda and security, in which case we can debate these matters with the Minister at a later date.

Senator Ní Chuilinn raised the matter of the Camogie Association and the ongoing, can I say debacle, at this stage in regard to shorts versus skorts. We should certainly take the spotlight and pressure off the players. I said last week that player power will probably change these things and that is true but, at the same time, the players have a match to prepare for and it is unfair pressure on them. I hope the Camogie Association can respond to the Senator's request.

Senator Duffy raised the issue of credit unions and the reduction in services. I invite him to table a Commencement matter on that issue. I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, as well, but the Senator might receive a faster response by tabling a Commencement matter on the issue. Senator Tully raised the issue of home care workers and the online system they use to submit claims for expenses. It is important that carers, who are low paid, are provided with a simple system for claiming their expenses, which are absolutely necessary. I will raise that with the Minister for Health as well.

Senators Brady and O’Reilly raised the issues of TB and the TB task force. I acknowledge the hours of discussion - the Senator said nine hours and I heard 11 hours – that took place last week on this important matter. I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Heydon. There has been a 36% increase in the number of herds restricted between 2022 and 2024, which means that more families are facing the emotional and financial pressure of TB breakdown. There are five key pillars to address the current rates of disease: support herds free of bovine tuberculosis to remain free; reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of TB; detect and eliminate TB infection as early as possible in herds with a TB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown; help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity; and reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading TB. The Minister said he hopes to achieve a broad consensus on these issues but that there is an urgency to act also. It is important to ensure any measures adopted are based on the best scientific and veterinary advice and have the best interest of farmers and the agri sector in mind. Last year, some 14,000 badgers were vaccinated or culled, and the expenditure on this programme has doubled since 2019. There has been a deer management strategy group, which relates to the possible impact there on the spread of TB. This is an important issue. I ask all members of the Oireachtas joint committee on agriculture, after their appointment here in the Seanad today, to highlight this, as I am sure they will, as one of the first issues of the work programme. I am sure the Minister will be happy to engage on this matter then.

Senator Maria Byrne raised the issue of VAT on sunscreen. I note there are particular rules around VAT and exemptions and there can only be a certain number of VAT rates. This has been raised in the past and perhaps she can table a Commencement debate on this matter.

Senator Craughwell raised the matter of Garda Flatley and gardaí who are injured in the line of duty. Our condolences to the Senator and his family on the loss of his brother in the line of duty. Senator Craughwell raised an important point on those who have died and those who have been injured in the line of duty.

Senator Lynch raised the issue of biomethane facility strategies. It is always a tricky issue. There are many issues, whether they be biomethane or offshore or onshore wind production, where getting consensus is problematic. Many people believe these things are important and necessary. At the same time, when there are issues in a certain community, people have strong opinions on them, and it is the same with solar farms. I will request that the Minister comes in, but if the Senator wants a quicker response, I suggest she tables a Commencement debate on that matter.

Senator Clonan raised the issue of Louise Hassan and her daughter Caitlin. I have requested a debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley, on the Grace case, the Farrelly commission and safeguarding. I will try to see if she can come in again as soon as possible.

Senator Boyhan raised the matter of us getting down to business in respect of the committees and the establishment of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. There will be a motion later in relation to names, including Senator McDowell, and we have to let that process see its course. The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission is an important body in the running of these Houses. We will wait for the outcome of the work before I make any comment about individuals on it.

Senator Mullen raised the matter of Haiti and requested a debate. I will raise that again with the Minister for foreign affairs.