Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Senators for their contributions. I will start with Senator O'Loughlin, who rightly expressed her condolences to the Austrian ambassador on the tragedy that unfolded in Austria yesterday. Perhaps the Cathaoirleach will endeavour to write on behalf of the House to His Excellency.

Senator O'Loughlin also expressed concern at the loss of LGBT rights in places like Hungary and called for a debate with the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs. I will try to arrange that. Michael McGrath is Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law and he will have a pivotal role there as well.

The Senator also raised issues relating to the Curragh camp. I can make inquiries of the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence. She may have tabled Commencement debates previously on the specific issue of the two buildings she mentioned, including the post office. She might get a more direct response.

Senator O'Reilly raised the fact that Wellman International in County Cavan has gone into examinership, 240 people are unemployed and there may be a possibility of an alternative buyer. I will raise the matter with the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke. It is a very serious issue for the people employed there and their families in the locality. I hope an alternative buyer can be found.

Senator McDowell raised an issue that was raised by Deputy Kelly in the justice committee and called for a debate with the Minister for justice on the practice of entrapment and other issues concerned with the very specific case that he raised and put on the record. I will raise it with the Minister and see if he is able to come in and debate this matter.

Senator Conor Murphy rightly raised the riots in Ballymena, which are racially motivated. He referred to the rumour mill regarding accusations and rumours that can unfortunately get out of hand and that can, at times, be misleading. That may certainly be the case there.

Senator Murphy also raised Casement Park. The Government has promised more than €50 million for the project. He is correct that there have been significant delays in the project and inflation has added to the cost and that there may be a need for additional funding from the GAA and local authorities. I welcome the commitment from the UK Government in that regard.

Senator Cosgrove raised the specific case of a young man doing the junior certificate. If she sends me on the details, I will certainly raise Olesegun's case with the Minister.

Senator Paul Daly asked for a follow-up debate on the impact of Storm Éowyn with the Minister, Deputy Calleary, or the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan. Now that the latter has his communications portfolio transferred, he might update us on the communications network that was so badly impacted by Storm Éowyn. I will request those debates.

Senator Keogan called for a discussion on sexual ideology. I will try to provide that. She could table a motion as well or request a debate under Private Members' business. I will also request such a debate.

Senator Tully raised funding issues for Cavan County Council concerning the housing adaptation grants and housing grants for older persons. It is unusual that the council would be running out of funding at this time of the year. Perhaps the Senator could table a Commencement debate on it. I have not come across it in Galway at this early stage of the year, so perhaps there is a specific issue in that regard which she could raise.

Senator Stephenson called for a debate on Gaza, the detention and seizure of the Madleen flotilla and Israeli war bonds. There is a debate in the other House today and the Minister will give an update on the matter. I will request ongoing debates on those matters.

Senator Andrews raised the case of Nicola Fox, an Irish citizen imprisoned in the UK, and sought intervention on it. I will request an update from the Minister but I am not sure what he can do. The Senator might wish to table a Commencement debate on the issue. Given that it is another jurisdiction, I expect it would have to be direct intervention at ministerial level. To be honest, I am not sure whether the Minister would be allowed to do that, but I will certainly discuss it with him.

Senator Joe Conway declined an invitation from the US Embassy. He read into the record his reasons for that. I acknowledge that. Although I have been here a while, I do not think I have ever gone to the US Embassy. It is not for a particular reason but I do not go on the embassy circuit. I respect the Senator's decision and his putting it on the record as well.

Senator McCarthy raised the one in four people with mental health issues and the ongoing necessity for funding for some of the good projects that are needed in various parts of the country. I support any call for the provision of additional facilities that do such excellent work. If there are specific proposals, the Senator can raise them in a Commencement debate. He can also work with other politicians to try to progress projects in specific areas.