Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all the Senators for their contributions here this morning. Senator Fitzpatrick acknowledged the two-year anniversary of the 7 October attack at the Nova music festival in Israel and called for a meaningful ceasefire, the release of hostages, the release of humanitarian aid and a permanent solution in Gaza. She also commented on budget 2026 and invited people to participate in the festival of history in Dublin. I wish everyone involved well.

Senator Boyle raised an issue regarding coastal erosion in Inver village where two houses have been impacted. I suggest putting down a Commencement debate. He mentioned the length of the coast in question is 95 m so it may fall under a minor or major works scheme. The Senator might request a Commencement debate with the Office of Public Works on that.

Senator Joe Conway talked of the importance of renewable energy and the good news regarding solar and wind internationally but highlighted inconsistencies, particularly in the United States, and in that China is way ahead on green energy and solar power. I will request a debate in this area because it is an important one. There are positives and difficulties. I am sure that some of the countries powering ahead may not, in certain aspects, have the stringent planning laws we have in this country. It is important and it is welcome to see progress being made on an international scale.

Senators Conor Murphy, Black and Cosgrove raised the occupied territories Bill, which completed pre-legislative scrutiny before the summer break and is in drafting. The Tánaiste is meeting with Senator Black this week or next week and I hope there will be clarity on that. I certainly have no information at this stage as to whether services are or are not being excluded. The report gave the recommendation from the committee and I have no indication as to when that Bill will be published or made available for drafting. I will raise it with the Tánaiste again but I have no additional information on the timeline of that Bill. Senator Murphy also raised the issue of his party colleague Senator Andrews and the 462 people, including 14 Irish citizens, who were detained in international waters, brought to Israel and sent home thereafter. As I said, they are activists for a good cause.

Senator Stephenson mentioned the Connors family and the ten-year anniversary of the Carrickmines tragedy and fire. She has called again for a debate on Traveller rights. I will request a debate. One of the issues is that it is an area that encompasses a large number of Departments so I will attempt to get a Minister who would be involved. I suppose housing would be the main Department involved, in terms of funding local authorities and so on.

Senator Black mentioned the Gaza genocide. She read a press statement from an MP. I did not get the name but she has that on record, I am sure. She also raised the issues in the West Bank and expressed exasperation at the actions of Israel. She again mentioned the occupied territories Bill. We had statements here on it last week, although it was rushed given the agenda, so maybe we did not have as many speakers as we had hoped. The Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, facilitated those statements. We will have an opportunity again to raise those matters.

Senator Comyn welcomed the provisions in the budget regarding the recognition of Drogheda and Dundalk, together with Athlone, Sligo and Letterkenny, as part of the new inclusion of towns in the living city scheme for a carrot and stick approach to tax relief and also to derelict taxes and levies collected by Revenue. She has called for city status for Drogheda. I am not sure of the exact definition of a city in this country and how that is reached but certainly it is an area I know others have advocated for and she may wish to put down a Commencement debate on that matter as well. She called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Browne, which I will certainly request.

D’ardaigh an Seanadóir Ní Chuilinn an maoiniú breise a fuair TG4 sa bhuiséad agus cuirim fáilte roimhe sin freisin. Tá maoiniú ann de €5.4 milliúin do TG4. Tá an eagraíocht ag fanacht ar na mionsonraí maidir le neamhspleáchas an seomra nuachta agus na haipeanna, mar shampla Instagram agus X, ach cuirim fáilte roimh an t-airgead breise ó na hAirí, an Teachta O’Donavan agus an Teachta Chambers.

Senators Boyhan and Martin Conway raised the issue of sectoral discussions of the budget.I will certainly request it, but of course neither I nor this House can compel Ministers to come in. The other House can do so, but I will certainly request that there be more sectoral debates on certain issues. Disability and the Disability Federation of Ireland were mentioned by both Senators as well. I will request and try to finalise an appropriate date with the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton. I will ask her to come in and engage on the disability strategy and the budget at the same time, if that is possible.

Senator Flaherty raised the issue of additional supports on housing and the benefits that will accrue to County Longford in relation to additional social housing. He also mentioned the community centre fund and the needs in Lanesborough in County Longford.

Senator Scahill mentioned Storm Amy and that there were again power outages and people impacted. He has called for a debate on this issue. He is right in terms of the availability of news and updates on when power will be restored and the need for people to write in MPRN and mobile phone numbers on apps. The digital divide was again mentioned and the difficulties this causes. I will request a debate on this matter too.

Senator Collins raised an important issue in relation to miscarriages and the need for sensitivity around those who suffer from miscarriages, who have the trauma of losing a child, depending on the age, and are in maternity hospitals at the time. I can imagine it is a difficult issue for the women and their partners in those cases. I will bring this matter up with the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, in relation to, most importantly, any new hospitals or hospital renovations including this aspect in their design.

Senator Curley raised the issue of STEM Racing, as he called it, and the success of the Increvex team from St Brigid's College in Loughrea. Four young women have won an award in relation to STEM Racing, which involves building miniature racing cars. I congratulate them and wish them well.

Senator Tully raised the matter of the 109X bus from Cavan to Dublin via Kells and people being left stranded. Obviously, direct responsibility lies with the NTA and I know the Senator has been engaging with the authority. The Senator can put down a Commencement matter in this regard. It will remain to be seen whether the Minister will come in. The Senator's colleagues on the transport committee can also raise this matter when bringing in representatives of the NTA. If I get an opportunity, I will also certainly raise it.

Senator Costello commended those involved in the BreastCancerKnowMore group of six brave survivors, including one male. It is a real concern in so many families up and down the country and I commend those survivors on increasing awareness of and advocacy in breast cancer.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised a concern regarding the choice in the presidential campaign. I am afraid I cannot do anything about that at this stage. The future is another time and we will not feel seven years coming around when it comes to whether changes could be proposed in this regard by the Opposition or the Government or whatever. The Senator also mentioned the Fianna Fáil presidential campaign, which I will not comment on. On a more serious note, the Senator also spoke about the survivors of industrial schools and day 17 of their protest. I am not sure if the Senator has already put down a Commencement matter on this issue.