Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all Senators for their contributions this afternoon. Senator O'Loughlin, who was joined by many other colleagues, expressed sympathies to our colleague Senator Teresa Costello on her dad's passing. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Senator O'Loughlin also raised the tragic case of Sarah and the autopsy in relation to inhaling deodorants. She commended Sarah's parents, Deirdre and Joe, who donated her organs to save others, and the Senator called for this very important issue to be highlighted and for there to be engagement on it. I will certainly raise that with the Minister. The Senator also raised the matter of blister packs and multiple medications. I confess I am not particularly au fait with that, but I will engage with her afterwards on that matter.

Senator Duffy raised the lack of NCT facilities in the Belmullet, County Mayo, area. He joined with Councillor Gerry Coyle in recommending an NCT centre for Belmullet. I ask him to put down a Commencement matter on that with the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, to see if he can get progress on that matter.

Senator Clonan and many others raised the peace deal in Gaza. We will come to that in a while. He also raised the case of Noel McGree and wrongdoing in relation to the Irish Prison Service. I have engaged with Noel on numerous occasions and I am due to give him a call again on that. I will request a debate on whistleblowing. I know he has gone through a lot. Obviously, he is presently going through even more with his eviction. I will engage with Noel on that matter as well.

Senator Dee Ryan raised CORU and the derogations in public service safety and has called for the Minister of Health. I ask her to put down a Commencement matter on that issue. It might get more of a direct response as it is quite specific.

Senator Stephenson has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 11, which is the Domestic Violence (Free Travel Scheme) Bill 2025 - First Stage, be taken before No. 1. I am happy to agree to that. The Senator also spoke, as did Senators Andrews, Black and others, about the peace deal in Gaza. Obviously, this is the first phase of the peace deal, which is the release of the hostages, and that Israel would withdraw the troops to an agreed line. There is certainly a long way to go. I certainly hope that the 20-point peace plan can be put into being and that we can have a full and permanent cessation of violence and move towards a two-state solution in that area.

Senator Black talked of voting rights, and I acknowledge she is having an event later in the audiovisual room. She acknowledged the work of Billy Lawless, a former Member of this House. I will request a debate on this matter. Obviously, we have a huge diaspora around the world, which means that if change were to be enacted, there would be possibly more people outside of the island with a vote than inside. It depends how broad you make it. I will request a debate, and obviously that will be a matter for the people to decide by referendum at a later date if that were to be the case.

Senator Curley talked of the critical skills visa and why two State bodies are duplicating work, the immigration bureau and the RSA. I suggest he puts down a Commencement matter on that. He also raised the matter of the ceasefire and welcomed what has been done.

Senator Kennelly raised the issue of illegal fireworks. He has commended that there is an awareness campaign but that An Garda needs additional resourcing. There is the criminal justice Act 2016, which allows for hefty fines and imprisonment for those who are engaging illegally in fireworks. Obviously, properly organised fireworks displays look well and are part of many different festivals and whatever else, but illegal use of fireworks is dangerous. A constituent in my area lost their sight in one eye last year as a result of illegal fireworks. I will certainly raise it with the Minister. I raised it on behalf of that person over the summer. There are stiff penalties under existing law, but it is about ensuring those laws are enforced and that illegal fireworks are seized. There is also the issue of cross-Border trade and sale.

Senator Keogan raised the matter of the Muslim Brotherhood. I confess I am not au fait with that matter. Perhaps if she puts down a Commencement matter for the Department of justice, she may get a direct response.

Senator Comyn raised the announced closure of Dunnes Stores in Drogheda, County Louth, and talked about the renewal of our town centres.I welcome the addition, in the budget last week, of Drogheda to the living cities initiative, which has been extended to five towns. I hope that all those staff are redeployed and that good use is made of facilities in the centre of the town.

Senator O'Donovan talked about fishing communities and the threatened impact of cuts in the mackerel quota, which is our most valuable source. It is worrying for fishing communities across the country. I know the Minister will be engaging as part of the Commission proposals over Christmas. I know he will have much engagement with his officials in ensuring the best deal for Irish fishermen and sustainability for the stock. Sustainability is important for mackerel and, indeed, all stocks to ensure that we have an industry going forward.

Senator Collins welcomed the announcement of EuroPride 2028 for Limerick and Clare. I agree and congratulate all involved in that. She also raised matters regarding the cost of cigarettes and vaping, and that there will be a 100% increase in the cost of vape juice. I had not heard the term "vape juice" before. The Senator said it is increasing by 100%. Senator Dee Ryan also raised the matter of taxes on tobacco and vapes for independent grocers. The Minister, Deputy Burke, will be in to speak on budget matters later today, so it may be an opportunity for both Senators to raise that matter with him.

Senator Boyle raised the boil water notice for communities in Ardara. It might be an idea to table a Commencement matter or engage directly with Irish Water. There is commitment to additional funding by Irish Water for a range of projects around the country.

Senator Cosgrove spoke about the need for a breakdown of the allocation of the €8 million for youth work in the recent budget. I know it is stipulated to be for current and capital increases and will support the sustainability and development of youth services, providing tailored supports and spaces for young people. I will ask the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to come into the House, or perhaps the Senator can table a Commencement matter. We will try to get Ministers in, if possible, to talk about their budgets. The Minister, Deputy Burke, will be in today to talk about business.

Senator Flaherty raised the EPA results and called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, on water quality, particularly the nitrates derogation. I will request a debate on that matter. As the Senator knows, there is a Cabinet committee on water quality which will hopefully assist in retaining our derogation. Obviously, we have to ensure that the results regarding water pollution improve across all sectors of society. I agree that there has been huge investment in the farming community over the years. That needs to continue and the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme, TAMS, has an important role in that.

Senator Scahill raised the matter of Roscommon being the safest place to raise a family, yet there are rising costs of car and home insurance. These are valid points. He also said there is an older population and that may, unfortunately, be reflected in insurance premiums. He also mentioned Garda resources and is concerned that this would result in lower levels of gardaí being allocated. Garda resources are a matter for the Garda Commissioner but the Senator can certainly continue to raise and highlight that in these Houses and with the Minister for justice directly.

Senator Andrews welcomed again the deal and respite for Palestinians. He raised matters regarding Dublin city dog pound and the need for investment and a change in policy, including a neutering and chip programme and a national euthanasia policy. I ask him to table a Commencement matter.

Senator Cathal Byrne raised Gaza and the need for a two-state solution, which is not part of the 20-point plan, but is something we have to move and aspire to.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised her concerns about a free HRT team for trans women. I do not have information on that and perhaps the Senator should table a Commencement matter for the Department of Health. She may get a direct response but I will raise it with the Minister anyway.

Senator Tully raised Garda recruitment and a specific case. Perhaps she might engage directly with the Minister for justice or the Garda Commissioner about a specific case. She can raise the larger issue of the timeline in a Commencement debate, but if she wishes to go into a specific case, I suggest she engage directly with the Minister or Garda Commissioner.

Senator McCarthy talked about the innovative child peer-to-peer online safety initiative, which mirrors the "it takes a village" policy. He talked about digital literacy and empowering students. He called for the Minister for education to fund this as part of a national programme. If I get the Minister in to debate the budget, the Senator can raise it at that stage or he can table a Commencement matter.