Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all Senators for their contributions here this morning. We started with Senator Anne Rabbitte, who rightly raised the issue of misinformation regarding autism, paracetamol and vaccinations. It is deplorable. I am not qualified to say what vaccines or drugs anyone should take for any illness. That is why we have the Irish medical agency, the European Medicines Agency and the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. They are the ones that provide expert advice to our GPs and other medical professionals across the country. They are the ones that should be listened to and give advice in relation to this. I acknowledge the hurt this misinformation has caused and the concerns of expectant mothers and those who have children with autism who feel their lives have been questioned. I feel strongly about this and I will request a debate with the Minister on this matter.

Senator Maria Byrne raised the matter of a young girl with Crohn's disease who is looking to get her eggs frozen. That is not something I had thought about before. Perhaps the Senator could raise this is a Commencement matter. That might result in a more direct response. I will certainly raise the matter with the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, as well. Senators Boyhan and Stephenson raised the matter of the protest by survivors of residential care. Senator Boyhan has been a strong advocate of survivors of residential care during my time in these Houses. I will certainly raise that again with Ministers and the Tánaiste.

Senators McCormack, Stephenson and Ruane raised the issue of the flotilla that was attacked off Crete. I acknowledge that our colleague, Senator Andrews, is on that flotilla. There will be a debate on Gaza tomorrow in Fianna Fáil Private Members' time and it will be an opportunity to discuss this further. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is in New York so I presume the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, will address us tomorrow on that. I will certainly raise the matter with the Tánaiste when I see him when he is back from New York.

Senator McCormack also called for a debate on the cost of living and energy. I will request that. I am not sure it will be possible in advance of the budget but I will certainly request it.

Senators Ruane and Craughwell also raised the subject of Commencement matters. I agree there are issues. I have raised them in my party room. It has become a habit for a Minister or Minister of State who is on front-line duty to be given four or five scripts to read out in some cases. It is not best practice. I have asked that, certainly where Departments have two or three Ministers of State, that they provide one to answer questions. I do not have an answer, except that I will keep raising the issue. It happens in both Houses. It is not just in this House. That does not make it right.

Senator Ruane also questioned comments by the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, regarding the housing list. I hope we will have statements on housing at some stage in the future. She can raise the matter then.

Senator Paul Daly complimented Anna May McHugh and all involved in the National Ploughing Championships. They were a great success, as they generally are. If the weather holds up at all, it is a pleasant day or three days out. The Senator called for a debate on the tillage sector. The Minister, Deputy Heydon, will be here next week for a Fine Gael Private Member's Bill on agriculture so there will be an opportunity to raise the matter then. I will certainly discuss it with him in the meantime as well.

Senator McDowell raised the issue of the cost of asylum seekers. The Government is looking at pursuing State delivery of services, but a figure floated by the previous Minister as well was that up to 70%, 80% or now approaching 90% of asylum seekers are coming through the UK. As we head towards the next general election in the UK, if Reform UK gets in, I can see that number increasing as people avoid that possible change of Government. We are a long way off that, but I will certainly continue to raise that with the relevant Ministers.

Senator Collins raised the matter of the flooding in Dromcolliher. I ask her to table a Commencement matter on that with the Minister of State, Deputy Moran. I will also see whether, under the capital plan, there will be an opportunity for him to come in to discuss his plans under the NDP review.

Senator Scahill and Senator Craughwell raised the matter of social media spreading misinformation affecting present and future elections and called for a debate. Senator Craughwell suggested that the Cathaoirleach could take this up. I am not sure what work the committee has done on this matter lately. It comes up here quite often. Many Members are the subject of online misinformation or abuse, so I will raise that with the Minister as well to see what can be done.

Senator Keogan raised the tragic disappearance and death of Daniel Aruebose whose remains were found in Donabate. She called for a debate on Tusla regarding child disappearance. I will request that from the Minister, Deputy Foley.

Senator Tully spoke about the issue of a young child getting access to accessible taxis. They turn up and are not able to take a child. I have requested statements with the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, on the disability strategy, which was launched a number of weeks ago. It is an all-of-government approach. It is not only in her Department. Transport issues fall under the Department of Transport. I will certainly request a debate with her on that matter.

Senator Craughwell spoke about international evidence on the RSV vaccines. He made a fair point. That is why we are in the European Union and there is commonality across that. I will raise it with the Minister for Health.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly mentioned Maria Steen missing out by two votes on a nomination to be a presidential candidate. She mentioned dignity and truth. I would like to think all candidates who are selected have dignity and truth.