Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach. I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator O’Loughlin raised recent deaths, including in the Air India crash and those of Melissa Hortman and her husband in the United States, and she expressed her sympathies. She also called for debate on post offices, having recently met the postmaster and others in Rathangan post office. I will try to arrange that with the Minister, Deputy O’Donovan.

Senator Nelson Murray raised streaming devices and TV coverage of GAA games. She called for a debate with the Minister for sport, which I will try to arrange. I certainly agree with her on making streaming available for everybody.

Senator Keogan raised issues across the water in the UK in relation to grooming gangs. She mentioned changes being proposed in abortion laws there. Those are matters for the other jurisdiction. She expressed concern that such changes could happen here. Obviously any changes in laws here would be a matter for these Houses and in some cases a matter for the people via referendum.

Senator Collins spoke about the need to extend maternity and paternal leave for those who have twins and triplets. It is an interesting proposal. Perhaps she might put it down as a Commencement matter to see whether she can get a direct response from the office of the Minister, Deputy Calleary.

Senator Boyle expressed congratulations to a number of local organisations, including the Donegal footballers. He has also called for the extension of TFI projects locally. TFI has been a wonderful success across the country in terms of rolling out local services. The Senator has expressed the view that the review should lead to an extension of these services. The Minister, Deputy O’Brien, is due in here in the coming weeks to discuss public transport so it might be an opportunity to raise those matters.

Senator Duffy raised a forestry matter in Ballycastle. He is working with local councillor Jarlath Munnelly on those matters. There is concern locally from some homeowners and in the community as well regarding a 30-acre site that is proposed to be planted. The Senator might put down a Commencement debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae, to see whether he will get a direct response.

Senator Conway called for a debate on all matters of defence, especially our Naval Service, and I will arrange that.

Senator Murphy O'Mahony spoke about the importance of beaches to our well-being and called for the wider roll-out of the blue mats that are available at certain beaches. I recently saw a scheme that is working somewhere in north Mayo. It is especially important for people who have a disability and she called for funding for this as well.

Senator Byrne raised a particular 6 km stretch of the N25. Again, this is a very important issue. He talked about 12 fatalities over the last 12 years. It certainly sounds like it was a very packed debate full of emotion, sincerity and calls for action. Maybe he will raise that directly as a Commencement debate. There may also be an opportunity during statements in this House or at the transport committee.

Senator Ryan raised issues pertaining to youth services and called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley, on the expansion and funding of youth services. I will certainly request that from the Minister.

Senator Brady talked of the independent agrifood regulator and the recent fall-off in beef and lamb prices. He is a member of the agriculture committee and I am sure it will have the regulator in at some stage as part of its work programme. Other than that, he could raise it as a Commencement debate in the coming weeks. I will speak with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, about whether he will be able to come to the House to address these matters. Senator Craughwell raised issues regarding vacant houses and apartments. Senator Andrews referred to the Raise the Roof protest later on today, and he was supported by Senator McCarthy. Senator Andrews mentioned the emergency legislation. There will be an opportunity to debate that in these Houses tomorrow and in this House on Thursday, as I understand. Obviously, there are supports for individual homes such as the croí cónaithe grants of up to €70,000 for derelict houses and there are grants for vacant houses as well. Obviously, housing is a major priority. That is why the Government is enacting the proposed changes that were recently announced, such as the changes to the RPZs set out in the emergency legislation. Certainly, we must have a continued focus on delivery of housing of all types, whether it be private, social, affordable, student accommodation or from approved housing bodies as well.

Senator O'Reilly spoke about her recent meeting with SMA Ireland about muscular atrophy and the new drugs that are available in the EU. For a more direct response, she might submit a Commencement matter on this question and see if the Minister's office will be able to provide information.

Senator McCarthy raised issues regarding the tax rate on low-cost investment funds and indexed funds. The only change that could happen there is via the Finance Bill. Perhaps in advance of that, he could engage with the Minister for Finance and provide suggestions, or indeed submit a Commencement matter for a more direct response.

Senator Andrews also raised the case of Nicola Fox and I will try to raise that with the Tánaiste's office again today.