Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all Senators for their contributions. I will start with the common theme that was expressed across the House by Senators Joe Conway, Andrews, Stephenson, Black, Boyhan, O'Donovan, Tully, Harmon, Craughwell, Nicole Ryan, Noonan, Cosgrave, Collins, McDowell and Sarah O'Reilly regarding the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. I requested a debate on Gaza. I did so again this afternoon before the Order of Business. There is a debate on tomorrow, which I understand both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste will be attending and addressing. I will bring our request to the Tánaiste as Minister for foreign affairs and defence. Senators will have seen some of the media reports and the commentary from the Taoiseach regarding the events. He has expressed his disbelief about what is going on. It is unbelievable that only five trucks carrying aid were allowed to enter Gaza yesterday when 500 or more were needed. The blockade of emergency aid is a form of war crime; there is no doubt about it. As Members have expressed, to have a situation of the possibility of 14,000 children dying in the space of 48 hours from famine and abuse is difficulty to fathom.

While people may disagree, I think Ireland and the Irish Government, including Simon Harris and, before him, Leo Varadkar, have shown solidarity and been to the fore on this. However, people are right, as more can and needs to be done. I note, for example, the early agreements between Leo Varadkar and Pedro Sánchez on holding Israel to account under Article 2 of the EU-Israel association agreement, being a signatory to the ICJ case taken by South Africa, the support for the UNRWA and, obviously, the recognition of the State of Palestine, which has garnered cross-House support. I note that other countries have come to the table in this regard. There is a new Prime Minister in Canada, so there may be a refocus on that, and that is to be welcomed. I note, tentatively, some commentary from President Trump that may question the relationship or issues with the ongoing relationship with Israel. If that transpired, it would be very welcome. However, I will reiterate the calls made across parties and across the House today for a debate on Gaza, and I concur with the sentiments and views expressed across the House on the matter.

Senator O'Loughlin asked for a debate with the Minister for Defence on the pay and conditions in our Defence Forces. She mentioned the lance corporal rate. I will request that of the Minister. I congratulate Mr. Aaron Kearney and Ms Sandra Daly on taking up their positions as president and vice president of PDFORRA, respectively. The Senator also called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley, regarding ten years of marriage equality. I note that and will request that debate at the earliest opportunity.

Senator Nelson Murray raised the issue of insurance, including motor insurance. She is right that we are still seeing people paying high premiums while the amount being claimed has reduced. There are strong commitments in the programme for Government on a variety of initiatives, including additional competition within the market. The Senator is right about what has been done over the past five years to cause premiums and payouts to fall. That is to be welcomed. I will request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, on the matter. Senator Comyn raised a matter regarding water safety and I will request a debate. It makes eminent sense to encourage youngsters to learn to swim as early as possible. An ability to swim would make a difference in terms of saving their own life and perhaps being able to save other people.

Senator Boyle raised the issue of school secretaries and caretakers. Again, I will request a debate with the Minister for Education on that matter.

Senator O'Donovan also raised the issue of VAT at 9%, on which I will request a debate. Obviously, the programme for Government contains commitments in respect of VAT and it will be a matter for the budget. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, will be in the House next week to discuss the economy and that would be an opportunity for Senators to raise the issue with him.

Senator Cathal Byrne raised the issue of a functioning taxi network and requested a debate with the Minister for Transport. I will request that debate.

Senator Nicole Ryan proposed that No. 8, which is the Pregnancy Loss (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 - First Stage, in the names of the Sinn Féin Senators, be taken before No. 1. I am happy to agree to that amendment.

Senator Noonan proposed that No. 9, which is the Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill 2025 - First Stage, be taken before No. 1. I am happy to agree to that request as well.

Senator Scahill raised the issue of the wild gorse fires in Roscommon. I commend all the firefighters and first responders on tackling those fires, and I wish to show solidarity with and sympathy to those who have lost or suffered damage to their property. I will certainly request a debate with the Minister on the matter. Obviously, it is disappointing that SACs and areas of conservation have been damaged.

Senator Keogan issued a request for the resignation of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. I cannot agree to that or support that call but the Senator is free to request a debate on the matter. I am not sure if the Commission President is accountable to these Houses or what the legal niceties are, but I think it would be more appropriate to raise it with the Commissioners or, indeed, the Members of the European Parliament.