Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all Senators for their contribution, starting with Senator Rabbitte. The Senator was joined by Senator McCormack in raising the shocking report on nursing homes on RTÉ. I have requested a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donnell, who has called on HIQA to start a review of all nursing homes operated by the group involved in the wake of Wednesday’s “RTÉ Investigates” programme. HIQA’s chief inspector stated that it is taking escalated regulatory action in the nursing homes identified and will take any necessary additional actions with the providers to ensure safe and effective care and support to all residents. What we saw was unacceptable. Those with loved ones in nursing homes rightly cherishes them and wants them to be cared for and loved. The report on RTÉ shines a spotlight on the these services, which is unfortunate because, as Senator Rabbitte said, there are many wonderful carers, staff and facilities out there. I will request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donnell.

Senator Nelson Murray referred to Wellman International, which, unfortunately, has gone into examinership. Some 215 people are employed by the company. The unions have stated that a new owner should be sought. Senator O’Reilly also raised this as a Commencement matter. I hope she got an adequate response. I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, as well.

Senator Craughwell raised numerous matters, including the triple lock, Defence Forces funding and the Air Corps. He is a member of the health committee. We have a meeting regarding Air Corps services next week. The Senator has called for a debate with the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, which I will organise.

Senator Nicole Ryan referred to derelict houses and the statutory time limits for derelict houses. Properties are protected under the Constitution, so there may be legal issues with what she is proposing. There are two choices – either the carrot or the stick. The carrot is schemes like the Croí Conaithe, in the context of which a great deal of good work is done regarding grants for vacant and derelict properties. We want to see that enhanced.

The Senator also referred to rent pressure zones, RPZs. As Senators know, the Government has decided that RPZs will be retained and expanded nationally to cover the nearly one fifth of the country that is not currently covered. RPZs will remain capped at either 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. To activate new apartment construction for the rental market, the 2% cap will not apply to new apartments constructed after a specified date. That is what has been agreed by Cabinet. This will take time to go through, and we will have an opportunity to debate that matter.

Senator Noonan referred to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice and the 2030 targets, and called for a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, which I will arrange.

The Senator also raised valid points regarding the Madleen and its seizure, and the ongoing difficulties in getting absolutely necessary aid into Gaza.

Senator Flynn called for a debate on Traveller mental health and Traveller matters in general. I will request that this happens. One of the issues is that Traveller supports are across multiple Departments. Finding a Minister to cover all those areas would be difficult, but I will certainly put in a request. Senator Comyn raised the new HQ for LMETB, which is planned for Drogheda. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, will be in the House on Thursday to discuss education. There may be an opportunity to raise the matter then. Otherwise, it could be raised as a specific Commencement debate.

Senator Kennelly called for the reinstatement of SouthDoc services in the north Kerry area. Again, as this is a specific issue, the Senator might request a Commencement debate with the Minister for Health on that matter.

Senator Keogan talked about declining footfall in Dublin city. That is more a matter for Dublin city councillors and the council executive. Perhaps the Senator is engaging with some of her colleagues on that. I note that a survey last year stated that Dublin ranked as one of the slowest cities in the world as regards traffic and congestion. That spurred the executive and councillors to look at changes to the roads.

Senator Clifford-Lee called for a debate on BusConnects. I will certainly request that from the Minister, Deputy O'Brien.

Senator Boyle called for the recognition of a course in thatching. Again, raising the matter as a Commencement debate may allow him to get a more specific answer but I will certainly raise it with the Minister. I presume it is a matter for the Minister of State with responsibility for heritage, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan.

Senator Collins raised the ongoing issue of those over 70 not being allowed to drive buses. I absolutely agree. It is an issue that has been discussed for some time. The RSA recently carried out a review into the matter. That is complete. The last word from the Minister is that she is engaging with the Minister for Transport and with Bus Éireann to see if a solution can be found. It makes absolute sense to allow 71-, 72- and 73-year-olds to drive buses if they are medically fit.

Senator Crowe called for a debate on the drop-off in pub sales. I note the drop in alcohol consumption in the country and the lifestyle and cultural changes in respect of pubs. More people, particularly younger people, are drinking at home. Drink-driving measures are obviously a major deterrent in rural areas. There is no likelihood of that changing. Alternative initiatives are needed. These might be flexible bus services run within local communities or by a number of publicans. The Senator has called for a debate and I will certainly request it.

Senator Duffy raised a number of matters regarding TII. While his points are very valid, under the Roads Act 1993, Transport Infrastructure Ireland has a say in respect of national routes. It has the ultimate say under law, but the Senator makes valid points on active travel. He could certainly raise this with the Minister to see if the Roads Act could be changed to allow for local authorities to be involved in those sections of national routes that are within towns. He mentioned Ballina.

Senator Andrews raised the specific case of Robert Brady and his ongoing mental health issues. It is a very specific case the Senator might raise as a Commencement debate. I know we recently had a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, on this but the Senator might be able to raise this specific case as a Commencement debate.

Senator Costello gave very positive testimony regarding Liam Nugent, alternative pathways and career progression. I wish him well in his career.

Senator Cathal Byrne raised the Wexford campus proposal and sought clarification on some remarks the Minister, Deputy Lawless, made. I ask that the Senator put down a specific Commencement debate on the matter to get a more comprehensive response.

Senator Boyhan raised the specific case of men and women who were illegally farmed out and who are now elderly and vulnerable. I recently saw a picture of a gentleman somewhere in London posted online along with his name. He was originally from Sligo. He had passed away and the poster was looking for any family or relatives. These are really tragic situations. There is a debate tomorrow on institutional care. While the Senator may not have time in that debate because I am sure he will have a lot to say on other matters, he could raise this issue and see if the Minister would address it. I will certainly have a word as well.

Senator Murphy O'Mahony mentioned something about Cork winning a match or something. I congratulate Cork on their victory in the Munster final. The Senator raises valid points regarding the price of tickets, the length of the season and all of that. She has called for a debate with the Minister for sport. I will certainly raise that. However, on the price of tickets, someone has to pay for Páirc Uí Chaoimh, notwithstanding the €30 million investment the Fine Gael-Labour Government put in back in the day.Senator Curley raised the issue of EV charging points. A total of 53 EV charging points were announced nationwide, but none for Galway. I will certainly ask why that is the case. Perhaps there is a plan for a large number for Galway at a future date, maybe 54 for all of Galway or something like that. It is certainly a very real issue, and I will take it up. The Senator also raised a number of issues regarding Portumna and Coillte. Perhaps he could table a Commencement matter on that.

Senator Dee Ryan talked about the visit by the Minister, Deputy Lawless, to the University of Limerick and the various other events that took place across Limerick. I hope the Minister follows up on all the commitments he might have made. I am sure he will.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly referred to farmers not being able to draw down certain grants and called for the Minister for Agriculture to publish results. I will raise that with the Minister. The Senator might raise this as a Commencement matter.