Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all Senators for their contributions. I will begin with Senator O'Loughlin, who raised a number of issues. She wished those involved in the running of the 160th Irish Derby at the Curragh well. Kildare has a proud history of horse racing. She also mentioned a recent defamation case against Tattle Life, which I had not heard about until recently. I do not think I have been a subject on it, and I hope I will not be. However, those who have and who have been defamed have the right to seek recourse. The Defamation (Amendment) Bill is before the other House, so I am sure we will have an opportunity to debate issues of this nature. Senators called for a debate on the matter.

Senator Nelson Murray raised the SME test for the possible upcoming increase relating to the personal injury guidelines, which she spoke passionately about. This matter was the subject of Private Members' business a number of weeks ago. It is clearly an area to which an SME test needs to be applied. I am sure those in Cabinet are conscious of that.

Senator Boyhan raised the issue of the national children's hospital. I am not aware of what has gone to Cabinet. I have seen reports in the media. What has been suggested as a name for the hospital is "the National Children's Hospital Ireland", which encompasses its national ethos, that it is a children's hospital and that it is in this country. Like any hospital, we want to attract the best people to it. Having a name that reflects what the hospital does is hugely important. Dr. Lynn needs to be remembered as well within the hospital or elsewhere, but I imagine that will be a matter for the Minister, the Cabinet and the board of the children's hospital. Senator Andrews wished the Dublin hurlers well. It was a great game. Any time the underdog wins, I always appreciate it. I wish the team well in its endeavours in the next match. I also wish Cork and Kilkenny well. That covers all the teams that were mentioned here today. I wish them all well.

The Senator also raised the issue of the IRFU becoming a landlord. I saw media reports but have not delved into it. I am not sure the Minister for sport would have a direct involvement but the Senator could put down a Commencement matter and see if it would be an issue. I am not sure if they are renting to players or who they are renting some of their properties to. Clearly they have a sizable portfolio and the Senator has expressed concern about them buying up future properties.

Senator Harmon raised the J1 visa programme. I know this has been raised by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste as well and has been brought up in the House in the past. The former president of the students' union has raised the matter and urged students to be conscious of what they put up on social media and what they have posted in the past. I am not sure where that will run. There are lots of Irish people over there at the moment but there has been a drop-off. I do not know whether that is a direct response to this or to the uncertainty in that part of the world now, unfortunately, with all that is going on. The Tánaiste has said he will raise the issue with the ambassador.

Senator Comyn raised the tragic loss of a young man, Kofi Owusu, near Laytown over the weekend. We extend our sympathies to his family and friends. She has raised again the issue of compulsory swimming lessons and talked about funding in respect of issues there. I am not sure what Department that would be, possibly the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Minister, Deputy Calleary. Perhaps the Senator would put down a Commencement matter on that.

Senator Ní Chuilinn raised the Limerick FC under-15 team and mentioned that 44 teenage players have had their great plans for the summer ruined. I am not sure of the exact details. The Senator spoke about the owner pulling out. I hope the FAI will get involved and see if it can find a resolution. It is important that the preparation and work these players have put in would be realised.

Senator Keogan commented on a case of missold mortgages. I am not exactly sure what the issue is but she might put down a Commencement debate for the Minister for Finance on the matter.

Senators Boyle and O'Reilly spoke about the A5 judgment, which is disappointing. On Monday the High Court of Northern Ireland made a ruling on the A5 upgrade. The Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland has confirmed that she will consider the judgment in full and remains committed to delivering the A5 upgrade. The Government funding commitment of €600 million remains. The A5 upgrade is of great significance for everyone who needs a better, safer road in the north west and beyond. Further delay is clearly not desirable. It is hoped that the issues raised by the judgment will be promptly addressed as needed by the relevant Northern Ireland authorities. The Minister for Transport and his Department will continue to engage with Northern Ireland Executive counterparts with a view to seeing the project move forward as soon as possible. It is something that is very much committed to by this Government as well.

I fully agree with everything Senator Murphy O'Mahony said about the importance of the over-70s bus drivers. The Road Safety Authority under the remit of the Department of Transport committed to reviewing the upper age limit of drivers. That review has now been completed and published. The programme for Government commits to carrying out an independent assessment. I am not sure if that is one and the same or if there is going to be a further independent assessment. I had a quick look at the review summary. I do not see anything there that would inspire a great deal of hope. Certainly it is an issue that we have to keep on the agenda.

Senator Ryan raised the broadcasters' contract issue. Again, as far as we are concerned, the majority of Members of both Houses have expressed their support for the broadcasters. We are leaving it in the hands of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. I would hope that the commission will deal with this matter effectively. As the Senator said, it is meeting in early July. It is up to them when they can schedule that. I am sure they could bring it forward if they felt there was a need. There are numerous representatives from these Houses on the commission and I hope they will make progress on the matter.

Senator Noonan mentioned a report on Sellafield that was received by the Public Accounts Committee in Westminster on 4 June. Perhaps the best approach there might be to write to the Taoiseach or the Minister to see if it could be put down as a line item for a future meeting of the British-Irish Council.

Senator Tully raised services in County Cavan and called for a review. She might put down a Commencement matter on that. I do not know the ins and outs of it but it is clearly something the Senator is passionate about. If she puts down a Commencement matter, she might get a more direct response. Alternatively, if the Senator writes to me on it, I can raise it with the Minister. Senator McCarthy referred to his good friend Jason Power. My sympathies go to Aoife and to Jason's family. I thank the Senator for being a good friend to Jason and for raising the issues of concern to which he referred in the context of services. The Senator also rightly commended Naas General Hospital for the care it afforded to Jason.