Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all Senators for their contributions this morning, starting with Senator Fitzpatrick, who spoke of the Taoiseach’s remarks to the UN General Assembly on world conflicts, in particular in Gaza, and of the need for recognition of the Palestinian state, as well as the recognition of the Palestinian state by a number of countries over the course of the weekend. We welcome that.

The Senator also discussed issues relating to energy prices and requested that the Minister come in to discuss those in advance of the budget. She was joined by Senator Craughwell in talking about the protocols and treatments of the Tricolour. I agree the Tricolour is a flag of unity of the island and should not be used to stoke division.

Senator Boyle spoke of Irish Water and the need for additional investment in Donegal in the context of concerns in various locations regarding water pipes over the summer and the need for investment in reservoirs. Irish Water has had a lot of legacy issues and when the announcements are made for each Department in the capital plan, we hope to see additional investment in Irish Water to allow it to continue to invest in both water and wastewater infrastructure.

Senator Craughwell again raised the issue of Bristow search and rescue and mentioned that it is coming before the public accounts committee. He talked about the breaches of employment laws.I will request again that this matter be raised with the Minister but if the Senator submits a Commencement matter on this issue, he may get a more adequate response. The Senator also raised the issue of the post-2013 pensions and, again, I will raise that with the Minister.

Senator Conor Murphy raised the issue of the legacy agreement and the necessary publication of legislation to back this up. I acknowledge the joint framework, which we are told will bring about root-and-branch reform of the UK's legacy Act, which was very controversial, and the commission it established. Among the elements of reform are the lifting of the prohibition on civil cases, the restoration of inquests halted by the legacy Act, ensuring that the legacy commission can carry out investigations to UK-wide standards capable of leading to prosecution, and the establishment of a new judge-led inquisitorial mechanism with public hearings and effective next-of-kin participation. These are all welcome initiatives as part of the legacy agreement and I look forward to legislation progressing on that and to the work of the foreign affairs committee in relation to same. Senator Murphy also mentioned the Cearta protest, those who attended and the ongoing campaign in relation to Irish rights.

Senator Noonan raised the issue of the fish kills in the Blackwater and other rivers over the summer and has requested a debate on water quality. There is now a Cabinet committee on water quality as part of the campaign to support the nitrates derogation. I will request a debate on this matter with the Minister for the environment. Senator Noonan also mentioned the corporate sustainability due diligence directive. I am sure the MEPs are aware of the issues there but I will certainly raise it with my colleagues.

Senator Curley raised the issue of the need to provide funding for Carrabane National School. I suggest that if he submits a Commencement matter, he might get a more adequate response. The Senator raised a litany of concerns in relation to Carrabane, including the long wait for a new school, the lack of car parking, sewerage and electrical issues, floor and ceiling issues and so on. The lapsed planning permission has been renewed and one certainly hopes that funding can be provided.

Senator Brady wished Longford's Cian McPhillips the best of luck. He was unlucky not to have taken a bronze medal in the recent World Athletics Championships and the Senator wished him well.

Senator Boyhan has requested a debate on rural housing. I will request a debate on that specific matter. We are a long time waiting for rural housing guidelines so I will certainly request a debate on that matter.

Senator Comyn wished Kate O'Connor every success and I join her in that. She also made a passionate plea regarding unregulated activities on social media. That is a bugbear of so many people in here. You just never know when you will be the victim of a social media attack. There is certainly a need for stronger regulation and I will request a debate on the matter.

Senator Scahill raised the issues of school meals and school transport. We hope to have a debate on school transport next week. I am aware that certain issues arose at the start of this term in relation to school meals. I hope these can be ironed out because the scheme has been a huge success and is so necessary for those who do not have the benefit of a hot meal at home. It is an equaliser or leveller across the system, whereby all children are able to avail of hot school meals.

Senator Tully raised issues of child safeguarding and highlighted the tragic passing of Daniel Aruebose in Donabate, Harvey Morrison Sherrat and Kyran Durnin. She spoke about the disappearance of children and of how the State is unaware of these things happening. I will request a debate on these tragic disappearances with the Minister, Deputy Foley.

Senator Harmon raised the issue of student fees. She may be privy to more information than I am - I do not know - but I am not aware of any budget proposals that have been agreed. We had a debate on this matter in recent months and will wait to see what budget proposals will come out in a fortnight. The Senator also raised the issue of single adult homelessness and the shorter life expectancy of homeless persons. Indeed, a report was published today on the causes of premature death in men, which include factors such as suicide, cancer and cardiac issues. I will raise this issue with the Minister for housing.

Senator Murphy O'Mahony paid a moving tribute to her colleague, Councillor Patrick Gerard Murphy. I join in her expression of sympathy to his brothers Mike and Noel and all of his family, as well as to those who worked with him and loved him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Senator Keogan expressed concern regarding the presidential election nominating process which, of course, is laid down in the Constitution as agreed by the people in 1937. Whether there is a need for reform of that or not, I do not know, but it would be subject to legislative change. Private Members' motions or whatever can be pursued through these Houses and the Government would make a decision on that. I know councillors had difficult decisions to make. I agree that perhaps there are issues with candidates not being able to get to all local authorities, which certainly does not help the process. Maybe things could be sorted out earlier or in some other way. However, councillors made decisions on whether to nominate or not and that is the process as laid down.

Senator Collins called for a review of the current framework for legal aid. I will certainly request a debate on that matter. If she wishes to table a Commencement matter on it, she may get a more specific response from the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan.

Senators Joe Conway and Martin Conway raised the issue of the Moldovan elections. I am not too familiar with it. However, I hope for the best outcome for the people of Moldova, whatever they decide, and that the elections are free and fair. As happens in many parts of the world, the elections will be monitored to ensure that they are free and fair.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the concerns of parents, teachers and pupils in Cavan in relation to class sizes and education. I acknowledge the campaign that took place over the summer. Many of us had opportunities prior to the recess to meet with the INTO to discuss the need for ongoing investment in schools and we will certainly do that. We are, however, third in Europe for education quality and access. This is based on the PISA test scores involving research, literacy, digital skills and government investment. We can always try and get to first. With greater investment and everything else we could do that, but third is a very good result. We need to continue the investment for our children in that regard.

Senator Martin Conway raised the disability strategy as launched by the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, Hildegarde Naughton, a number of weeks ago. He requested a debate on this matter. I have requested that the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, come in to discuss this issue over the coming weeks. I do not think she is available next week but hopefully we will be able to get her to come to the House in the couple of weeks after that to discuss the strategy and the whole-of-government approach to disability.