Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all Senators for their contributions. A number of issues were raised but I will start with the one that was raised the most, which was student fees. It was raised by Senators Nelson Murray, Harmon, Scahill, Maria Byrne, Clifford-Lee, Duffy, Cathal Byrne, Boyle, Ahearn and Comyn. I draw people's attention to the programme for Government and to the Private Members' business that was debated in this House on 7 May. It was in the name of Fine Gael Senators and was supported by all parties. The Minister himself attended for that debate, which agreed the presentation to continue to reduce the student contribution fee during the Government's lifetime. The programme for Government also commits to having no surprises. Comments made last April which encouraged Fine Gael to table Private Members' business at the time and again last week certainly were a surprise. They were not agreed, and that is the important point. Normally, when Ministers fly kites it is on something they know will happen in a positive fashion. This was a strange kite to fly and it has taken off into outer space. I hope it can be recovered because it is the right thing to do to continue to reduce the burden on students. We must remember as well that it is not just €1,000. That €1,000 has to be earned, so that is €2,000 gross. If you have two kids, that is €4,000, and if you have three it is €6,000 that has to be earned to pay for that. The Government has to decide on this. It is right that no decisions have been made and that this will be part of budget negotiations. There is a commitment from the Tánaiste, as the first Minister for further and higher education, that the fees would be reduced over the lifetime of the Government. As others here have said, it would be a bad start if fees were to be increased on this occasion. I will certainly raise that on the Senators' behalf with the Minister, Deputy Lawless, and the Minister, Deputy Chambers. Senator Fitzpatrick raised the welcome news of pre-legislative scrutiny of the occupied territories Bill commencing and commended Senator Black. She also called for a debate on the post office network. I will request that the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, come to the House to talk about this issue. Senator Fitzpatrick also wished Dessie Farrell well in his retirement.

Senator Nelson Murray mentioned the proposed 17% rise in personal injury awards. She is passionate about this topic and spoke about it in the House in the context of the motion on insurance. As I understand, this is to go before the Cabinet subcommittee on insurance before going to Cabinet. There are now rules in relation to SME tests. It is an important issue. We will see what comes out of that. It has to be voted on subsequently by both Houses.

Senator Clonan raised the protest in Washington D.C. and what happened there. I had not seen it but it is not hard to believe at the moment. He also raised issues regarding last week's debate on his disability Bill. He asked for an discussion on that early in the new year when we come back following the review of the pilot scheme. I will keep that in mind and try to arrange that.

Senator Collins raised issues regarding foster children and the means test. Perhaps she could submit a Commencement matter. It will have to be looked at the context of budget proposals.

Senator Harmon also raised Bessborough mother and baby home and argued that the site needs to be protected. I concur. Perhaps she could submit a Commencement matter on that and she might get a more direct response on what is happening.

Senator Maria Byrne raised vaping. The issue is a particular passion of hers. I know she is a member of the health committee. I will get an update from the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, on that.

Senators Keogan, O'Reilly, Clifford-Lee and McCarthy all raised issues in relation to Women's Aid, women's rights, women's prisons, the case of Sarah Montgomery and domestic violence. Senator O'Reilly raised the issue of a refuge in Cavan. I do not have an update on the specific case in Cavan. I am sure she could raise it in the House as a Commencement matter. It is the right thing to have a refuge in every county and, indeed, there may be a requirement for more than one. That would certainly be the case in cities or larger counties. It is the least that can be provided to ensure there is safe place for women and their children. I will call for a debate on prison spaces and women's prisons, as the Senator raised. On what Senator Keogan raised, I am not familiar with what Bill will come before the House. It is not on my radar at the moment but there will be an opportunity to debate those issues at that stage.

Senator Boyle raised issues regarding Irish Water and Malin Head. As he knows, there are Oireachtas phone lines to Irish Water. He can also engage locally with the people involved in the different projects and issues in Donegal. We have those contacts in Galway and I assume it is the same in Donegal, whereby we have to speak directly to people about issues like that. Nevertheless, he is right; information is key to keep people informed of what is happening. If the water will not be back until tomorrow or the day after that, at least people would know and have access to another supply.

Senator Craughwell raised the debate last week and today at the defence and national security committee and talked about the bounty scheme to encourage air traffic controllers to come back. He stated that the measures put in place will not assist in getting people back. I encourage him to raise that perhaps at the next private meeting of the defence committee or to submit it is as a Commencement matter to get a more detailed response.