Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all the Senators for their contributions this afternoon, starting with Senator Rabbitte and Senator Scahill, who both raised the issue of Croí, and we know the valuable work it does in support of those who suffer from a heart condition, whether that be stroke, heart failure or heart attack. Both Senators are right that there is a need for greater awareness of the differences between a heart attack and heart failure and of the signs of stroke and what can be done. They mentioned a range of possible symptoms, such as fatigue, indigestion, pain, nausea and sweating. We probably all say we have those from time to time, but in many cases they are signs that people can be suffering from heart disease, and if there are concerns, we encourage people to get a check-up and to get seen by their GP.Croí does great work in rolling out awareness and checking, be it at marts or football games. It is very valuable screening work. Senator Scahill also raised this and spoke about the volunteers, the fundraising and the 5 km walk in Roscommon. Of course, there is one in Salthill as well. It is a worthy issue for discussion and perhaps we will have some sort of motion on the issues of heart health and stroke.

Senator Clonan raised the issue of the presidential election and expressed concern about the spoil the vote campaign. He rightly said there are people with disabilities who go to great effort to get up and get out and make themselves available to lobby and advocate, while other people will choose to spoil their votes in this election. He has railed against this and I certainly hope there is a good turnout for the election on Friday. Of course there are three candidates on the ballot paper. There may be opportunities in the future to speak about the franchise and the methodologies of getting on the ballot paper. Perhaps we can have too few candidates but I also suggest we can have too many candidates in presidential elections such as this.

Senator Curley spoke about the World Butchers' Challenge and the importance of craft butchery apprenticeships. He called for additional funding. Perhaps he can table a Commencement debate on this as it is quite specific. I am not sure whether it is for the Department of further and higher education or the Department of agriculture. Certainly it would be a worthy Commencement debate.

Senators Ní Chuilinn and Andrews commended Pico Lopes and wished him well playing for Cape Verde in the World Cup. They also wished the Lopes family and baby Diego well. I certainly acknowledge all of this.

Senators Keogan and Sarah O'Reilly raised the tragic case of a young girl who was raped. The Minister for children, Norma Foley, has tasked the national review panel, which examines serious incidents involving children in care, with carrying out an investigation. She said it is a very worrying case but she is limited in what she can say due to the Garda investigation. There was also the case of the Ukrainian man. These investigations are ongoing and our thoughts and sympathies are with all of their families on what are tragic circumstances.

Senator Comyn paid tribute to Maura Geraghty from Collon in County Louth and her children and grandchildren. May she rest in peace.

Senator Fitzpatrick raised the importance of breast cancer research and the continued need to fundraise and support it. It is a very worthy cause. A number of charities are involved in raising funds. Professor Michael Kerin and the team at the Lambe institute in Galway do tremendous work on advocacy and research. It is very important.

Senator Andrews raised the issue of social and affordable housing targets, and the development of the Irish Glass Bottle site which has been going on for some time. I do not have an update on it but perhaps I will direct Senator Andrews to table a Commencement debate as it might be the way to get the most up-to-date information. I think he knows what is going on there anyway and I certainly hope the site can be maximised and that there is mixed development, a sense of community and facilities provided for the locality.

Senator Gallagher spoke about the trauma of Breege and Stephen Quinn on the 18th anniversary of the murder of Paul Quinn. I have read and listened to Breege in particular in the past. It is a very harrowing case. If there was any case where justice needs to be done, and those involved in the heinous act brought to justice, it is this.

Senator Dee Ryan spoke about policing in Limerick city and called for a debate with the Minister. I will certainly request this. As she knows, policing numbers are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I certainly welcome the increase in the number of those in training, the two intakes per year, and the changes made in the time of the former Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, to the Garda entry and retirement ages. I certainly think this has made a difference in terms of the numbers applying.

Senator Joe Conway raised the issue of Waterford Airport and spoke about the difficult period it has endured. He spoke about a new partnership, as agreed by members of Waterford City and County Council, and I hope this bears fruit and that Waterford Airport has a bright future in terms of connectivity. Senator Craughwell raised the history of emigration from Ireland to the US, UK, Australia and elsewhere. As I have said plenty of times, I have ten aunts and uncles in Boston, as well as uncles and aunts in New York, Los Angeles, Perth, Manchester and London. I am only one person. That is a huge diaspora around the world and it is evident of what has gone on throughout our history. He also raised the attitudes to people coming into this country. There are grave concerns in relation to how people are being treated. It has to be said that others have different opinions on that as well.

Senator McCarthy raised the issue of homelessness. He quite rightly said that the homeless figures are not faceless; they are human beings, including children. He called for emergency measures. I will again request a debate on homelessness.

Senator Martin Conway raised the issue of people with disabilities, particularly those involved in sport. He called for a debate and wants changes, particularly in relation to the sports capital grants. The Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, and the Minister, Deputy Foley will be in on the first week we are back after the break to discuss the disability strategy. The Senator may have an opportunity to raise it then. That is an all-of-government strategy encompassing different Departments. There might be an opportunity to raise the issue at that juncture.

Senator Boyhan paid tribute to Peter Finnegan and so say all of us. As a former Government Chief Whip, I worked with Peter in the other House. As well as being an absolute gentleman, he is a thorough and dedicated public servant. I wish him well in his retirement, which I suggest is at a young age. I expect he has other things in mind.

Senator Duffy paid tribute to a number of clubs and individuals in Ballina. I hope he gets down to join some of the celebrations towards the end of the week. All those involved in sport in the town of Ballina, be it judo or any other, do their community proud. I wish all involved in Ballina good for the week ahead.