Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all the Senators for their contributions.

Starting with Senator O'Loughlin, she welcomed Templeogue Women's Shed and called for a debate on supports for men's and women's sheds. I will certainly try to organise that with the Minister, Deputy Calleary, at the earliest opportunity. We all agree that men's and women's sheds are hugely important for local communities as a place for people to gather, share ideas and have a bit of a laugh and a bit of fun. The Senator also acknowledged Berney Brothers' Saddles and Brendan Clifford, who has retired. Senator O'Loughlin also called for a debate regarding the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, will be here tomorrow with regard to international aid and there may be an opportunity to raise the ongoing atrocities in Sudan.

Senator Joe O'Reilly raised the issue of the Teagasc briefing we had this morning and the issues relating to the nitrates derogation and water quality. I have asked for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, on this post the visit of the Commissioner on Friday. The Senator also called for a debate on succession issues, and I will request that. Next Wednesday, we have a debate on farm safety and farmers' mental health as a sort of combined effort from the Departments of agriculture and Health.

Senator Craughwell raised the matters of vulture funds and mortgages and the ongoing coverage by RTÉ in the past number of days. I suggest that the finance committee take this up because there is a broader piece there that may be worthy of investigations.

Senator Andrews raised the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor-elect of New York. I wish him well in his term. The Senator also raised the issue of funding for greyhound racing. As the House knows, there is a motion to progress the greyhound racing fund to committee. There will be an opportunity in the coming weeks for the Minister to present the greyhound and horse racing fund. There is an annual debate on that. No doubt, the Senator will be able to register his concerns - as he has done here today - directly with the Minister. Obviously, the welfare of greyhounds is hugely important in the industry and to the Minister. In the 2019 figures, there were over 4,000 full-time and part-time jobs in the industry and there are active owners who derive economic benefits, but none of this would be possible without the greyhounds themselves. It is absolutely vital that they be cared for and that there be supports for retired dogs.

Senator Cosgrove raised the issue of the Labour Party motion regarding decriminalisation of drugs. As far as I know, the Government is not opposing that motion and agrees on health-based approaches and drug use. I have to say I do not particularly support decriminalisation. I do not see what positives that would infer on people. The damage drug use can do to people's lives should not be underestimated.

Senators Flynn, Boyle and Duffy raised the issue of mica. Senator Flynn raised the issue of commercial businesses apart from that of homeowners. That issue alone might be worthy of a Commencement debate. With the ongoing issues relating to pyrite and mica, I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Browne. I know the new housing plan is due to be published, I believe, next week or so and we will be requesting a debate anyway on that plan, but this is a specific issue on which I will request a debate with the Minister.

Senator Davitt referred to councillors in respect of pension entitlements and auto-enrolment. I will request a debate on the matter. I am not sure whether the local democracy task force will deal with those issues under its terms of reference, but I will certainly request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, on them.

Senator Keogan mentioned the pre-legislative scrutiny of the assisted human reproduction Bill and wondered if the Attorney General had had oversight of it. The Attorney General has oversight of the drafting of all Bills, so the pre-legislative scrutiny report will now go to the Department and will be taken on board in terms of the instructions to the Attorney General. The Attorney General's office, in relation to the drafting of that Bill, will be taking on board issues that may be raised by the Government.

Senator Kennelly, supported by Senators Joe O'Reilly, Martin Conway, Scahill, Ahearn, Lynch and others, mentioned the untimely passing of the late Jim Finucane, a former councillor. At only 68 years of age, he was a young man with more than 30 years of public service. From Tarbert, he lived in Tralee. Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife Sheila and their children James, Jill and Orla. I am sure that will be a huge funeral in the Kingdom. As dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Senator Ahearn referred to the lack of wastewater capacity in the Clonmel and south Tipperary area. We know the importance of this in terms of housing delivery and improving water quality, which is hugely important for the derogations we spoke about earlier. We must improve our river and water quality across the country. I will request a debate on issues pertaining to Uisce Éireann, wastewater and water quality with the Department of housing. Senator Tully called for a debate on the National Ambulance Service regarding rostering and recruitment issues. I will request that again. I am not sure if the Joint Committee on Health has done anything lately on this matter, so perhaps the Senator can raise this issue with her colleagues who are members of that committee. I know that the National Ambulance Service has changed to a national call-out system rather than one based on geographical areas, so ambulances are travelling further than perhaps they once would have done. That seems to be the model that has been developed. I will certainly request a debate on that matter.

Senator Lynch congratulated her local club, Aghabullogue GAA. The Senator also called for a review of the long-term illness scheme to include inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's and IBD. I suggest that she tables a Commencement matter seeking a review of the long-term illness scheme. I will request a debate with the Minister on the issue.

Senator Scahill mentioned the report by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland that shows the increase in house rebuilding costs and emphasised that if homeowners do not engage, they could miss out when it comes to premiums where there is flooding or fire. Again, insurance works on the basis that an asset of greater value means people pay increased premiums. I will certainly request a debate with the Minister in that regard as well.

Senator Martin Conway requested a debate on tourism. I will reach out to the Minister, Deputy Burke, on that matter. There have been some concerns. Although tourism numbers for August this year were higher than August last year, I think there has been an overall reduction so I will request a debate on that.

Senator Mullen congratulated an tUachtarán nuathofa, Catherine Connolly, on her election, and her inauguration will take place next Tuesday. The Senator called for a debate on processes in relation to the franchise and the nomination process. As I said before, there can be too few candidates on the ballot paper and too many. I certainly believe that on this occasion, the electorate would have benefited from extra choice, but as the only party that ran a candidate, do not blame us. I have requested a debate on that matter in relation to the franchise.

Senator Boyhan rightly acknowledged those who have died in the service of the State and the memorial that took place earlier at Merrion Square. Certainly we remember all those who died in service of the State. The Senator also wished that the talks go well in relation to those who are on hunger strike and are former residents of institutions, and I certainly know that they rightly deserve to get what they ask for and seek. I am sure they will put every effort into that and I wish them well in their endeavours.