Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all the Senators for their contributions. I will start with Senator O’Loughlin, who talked of World Music Day and the importance of the harp. We all agree with that. She expressed concern regarding a course in Ballyfermot that has been cancelled. I do not have the specifics on that or the reasons it was cancelled. Obviously, it was due to funding but I am not sure if there were issues regarding tutors or demand. If the Senator tables a Commencement matter, she might receive a more accurate update.

The Senator also voiced her support for the Oireachtas broadcasting services, as did Senators Andrews and Comyn. I know the vast majority of Members across both Houses have done likewise and I signed the letter as well. I hope the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission can deal with this. Notwithstanding the ongoing WRC negotiations, I hope the commission can examine this issue. Obviously, there are cost implications, but so be it. I hope that if the commission gives a recommendation for new full-time contracts for Oireachtas broadcasters, the Minister will look favourably on that.

Senator Boyle congratulated Buncrana on winning an award in the Tidy Towns competition as one of the larger towns. He also wished for participants and spectators to be safe during the Donegal rally and raised the rural water programme. I know the importance of rural water schemes. He raised the issue of Lagan in Donegal and requested further information from the Department. I ask him to table a Commencement matter on that and he might receive a more up-to-date reply.

Senator Boyhan raised the taking of all Stages of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill today. As he knows, this is emergency legislation. It was brought before Cabinet on Tuesday. Pre-legislative scrutiny was waived by the committee and the Bill was published. It went through all Stages in the Dáil yesterday. It is time-sensitive legislation. That is the reason we are taking all Stages in the one sitting. I accept that it would not be normal practice or what I would normally favour but this is emergency legislation. The fact there is a motion for early signature shows the urgency of the matter. It is time-sensitive legislation and that is the reason it is being taken on all Stages today. I will endeavour, where possible, to separate the Stages but this is emergency legislation and that is why we are taking all Stages at one time.

Senator Boyhan also raised the issues of therapy services. I will request the Minister for education to come to the House to talk about those matters. He also raised St. John Ambulance and Mick Finnegan. I know Senator Andrews and others have raised this, as has the former Leader of the House Regina Doherty. I will seek an update on that matter.

Senator Andrews has requested an update and report on the banning of surgical artificial insemination of greyhounds. I will seek an update on that. I confess I was not aware of that issue. I am familiar with artificial insemination; it happens all the time with cows and other livestock. I am not sure why there is surgical artificial insemination of greyhounds, but I will seek an update on that issue.

Senator Crowe, supported by Senator McCarthy, raised the issue of illegal drug use, especially cocaine. The use of cocaine is becoming very accepted by many people. There may be a variety of reasons for this. Lifestyles and the pub scene have changed and there is more partying at home. Also, some people believe that cocaine use is a way of avoiding the excessive consumption of calories, as many people would have done with alcohol. Cocaine use is becoming quite open, unfortunately. I do not have a solution. I will arrange a debate on this matter. We know this is an issue throughout the world with the war on drugs. I will request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O’Connor, on this matter.

Senator Brady sought an update on St. Joseph's in Longford. I ask him to table a Commencement matter in order to receive a more up-to-date response on the matter from the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill.

Senator McCarthy raised the issue of youth gambling and all that goes with that, such as advertising, algorithms and the impact that gambling has on debt and so on. He has requested a debate on this matter and I will arrange that. I commend the then Minister of State, Deputy James Browne, who spearheaded the gambling Act at the time. I will request an update on this from the new Minister.

Senator Collins spoke about Newcastle West and a lack of water there. I do not know how planning permission was granted because if it is for a single house, there has to be a letter from Irish Water that it is agreeable to providing water. I am not sure how planning permission was granted without having adequate water. In terms of the status of the projects there, I ask the Senator to table a Commencement matter with the Minister, Deputy Browne, and she might receive an update on that. I know that in respect of the use of the Apple money, the Government has committed to providing money to Irish Water for critical infrastructure that will allow houses to be built. Irish Water is to come back with plans that will ensure that if we give it €2 billion to however many projects, this will lead to construction.Perhaps Newcastle West could be one of those areas chosen. I do not know, but it is certainly critical we ensure there are more houses built across different towns and villages.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised concerns about means testing for foster parenting. I ask that she put down a Commencement matter to get an update and see if changes could be made. If the Minister is open to that, it could be looked at in the finance Bill later in the year.

Senator Scahill highlighted concerns about insurance and forestry. I know he had a meeting with Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae, on this matter. I will seek an update from him. There would have to be engagement with Minister of State, Deputy Troy, and others on this. I do not have an answer on how that might go because there may be a significant rise in premiums if that were to happen. That is obviously the way insurance runs.

Senator Davitt raised the dual railing of the Dublin to Sligo railway line, and sought its inclusion in the national development plan. I have asked the Minister, Deputy Chambers, to come in over the coming weeks in advance of publication of the NDP. That may be an opportunity to raise that matter. I think the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, is coming in to talk about transport matters, maybe the week after next.

Senator Duffy spoke about the situation in Westport. I saw that on social media. Obviously, the man in question was making representations but they were not effective. He took matters into his own hands by repainting etc. These should be simple matters for local authorities to get on top of. Ensuring lines are painted, particularly disability markings, should be something that is prioritised. I hope that on foot of the coverage received by the gentleman mentioned, other local authorities will do an assessment quickly on this. It is something that could be raised through the committee on disability. It is certainly a pressing matter.

Senator McCormack raised an issue regarding Portlaoise courthouse. I ask that she put down a Commencement matter to get an update. I hope there is good progress on that in the coming months and years.