Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all Senators for their contributions today. There were three common themes. I join everyone here who expressed their sadness at the passing of Chloe, Alan, Shay, Dylan and Chloe in that tragedy in County Louth and expressed their sympathies to the parents, families and siblings. How difficult it must be for the siblings of all those who lost their lives. I also think of the communities and all of those who knew and loved the deceased. I certainly concur with Senator Gallagher that we should have a minute's silence at the end of the Order of Business. Senators O'Loughlin, Collins, Black, Comyn, Kennelly, Tully, Boyhan, Kelleher and Gallagher all raised that matter. Others may have as well.

The second issue raised was one of celebration, namely, Troy Parrott and the Irish international men's soccer team reaching the playoffs.They certainly gave a lift to the country, not just on Sunday but in the previous match as well. Great excitement was generated up and down the country in relation to it. It is something that very much unites the country when the Irish soccer team does well. We wish them well in the playoffs.

Paschal was another common issue that was raised. We pay tribute to Paschal for his service to the nation and to my own party, Fine Gael. He will certainly be missed within the Fine Gael family, but I also refer to his work in terms of management of the economy, his role in public finances and ensuring that money was put aside, and his working relationship with both the previous Minister, Mr. Michael McGrath, and the Minister, Deputy Chambers, and others. He is a gentleman and someone who will be sadly missed.

Senator O'Loughlin also raised World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day and lung cancer disease and called for us to remember those very important diseases and conditions.

Senator Nelson Murray raised the matter of SMEs and called for a rates pause where businesses are affected by roadworks. It often happens when roadworks are taking place, whether it be on a main street or a side street, that businesses could be discommoded for a day, two days, five days, a week or longer. It is an issue that is certainly worth raising. Perhaps she could put down a Commencement debate on that matter with the Minister for local government.

Senator Joe Conway raised the announcements about changes in the UK, and we are closely aligned with the UK on migration with the common travel agreement. Fine Gael has tabled a Private Members' business debate on the whole area of migration tomorrow, and there might be an opportunity to raise that then. I understand the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, will be in House for that matter. Perhaps Senator Conway could raise it then but, if not, we can ask the Minister to come in at another time as well.

Senator Collins raised the Sinn Féin Private Members' business on Mercosur in the Dáil. I understand the Government is not opposing that motion. It fully recognises the concerns raised in the motion and the need for robust trade and sustainability commitments in relation to any importation of beef from the Mercosur countries.

Senator Boyle also raised the issue of dental services in Killybegs. Perhaps he would put down a Commencement debate on this matter. It is quite specific, but it is important that all areas are serviced in regard to dental care.

Senators Keogan, McCarthy, Boyhan and Costello raised the matter of the housing plan. I have requested a debate on it with the Minister, Deputy James Browne. It is an important area and obviously it is in all our interests, in particular those of our constituents, that the housing plan succeeds.

Senator Costello raised in particular a commitment on page 61 of the housing plan in relation to victims of domestic violence who, if they relocate to a new local authority, will not be discommoded in terms of their place on a previous list. That is certainly an important one. I commend her on her work on that area.

Senator Andrews raised the issue of Uber, taxis, the setting of fares, the regulator and the NTA. Again, perhaps he might put down a Commencement debate on the matter to get a fuller response from a Minister.

Senator Curley raised the lack of facilities at Seamount College in Kinvara and called for funding under the sports capital grant scheme. Perhaps there may be opportunities as well from the Department of education. The Senator might put down a Commencement debate on the matter. He also raised the announcement by Local Link in the Tuam and Turloughmore area. Again, he might put down a Commencement debate on that matter.

Senator Cathal Byrne raised the need for urgent regeneration in Enniscorthy. He asked when the new fund would become available. Perhaps he could put down a Commencement debate on the matter in general and it also might be in order to raise the specific needs of Enniscorthy.

Senator Scahill raised the issue of the school bus service and the 12 to 15 occasions that the bus has not turned up. That is not good enough. I am sure he has started with a meeting with the local inspector or the manager in the area. What he referred to is not good enough. Once or twice a term might be forgivable, but 12 or 15 times is not good enough. No matter if the parents are notified the night before or the day before, if there is that level of buses not turning up, it is not good enough. Perhaps he could raise that directly with the inspector or table a Commencement debate for the Minister of State for transport who has responsibility for bus services.

Senator Tully has raised the topic of roads in rural Cavan and the level of funding, which seems to be at a particularly low level in terms of the number of roads that are done every year. Again, the grants for local authorities for roads funding for the next year will be announced in the coming weeks or soon after Christmas.I hope there will be an increase in budgets, but in relation to the specific issue of Cavan roads it might also be an idea to put down a Commencement matter.

Senator Clonan again raised the triple lock and issues relating to peacekeeping and asked by what international standing deployment shall take place. I know he is an active member of the defence and security committee. We will have an opportunity to debate the triple lock when that comes before us. Obviously, there is now a new Minister for Defence in Deputy Helen McEntee. I wish her well in her role and we will see if we can arrange a debate with her once she gets her feet under the table.

Senator Brady raised a concern regarding e-scooters, as raised by Councillor Danny Byrne. E-scooters are regulated under statutory instrument, SI 299 2024. It has references relating to speed, lighting, reflectors and so on. It is probably an issue of enforcement, so I suggest either putting down a Commencement debate or asking Councillor Byrne to raise that directly with the relevant gardaí in his area. Senator Maria Byrne also raised that issue and spoke about Paschal Donohoe.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the issues of the 9% VAT rate, SME costs and the minimum wage. The Low Pay Commission sets the minimum wage and that is then agreed by the Government. The 9% VAT rate was of huge benefit to thousands of small businesses across the country. It was not a case that the main benefactors were large multinationals. Thousands of small businesses will benefit from that, which will help protect jobs and businesses in rural Ireland, but I will call for a debate on SME costs as well.

Senator Cosgrave raised the national swimming strategy and the large scale sports infrastructure fund. I will request a debate on sport and we will have an opportunity. I know we had a recent debate with either the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, or the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan. However, I will request a debate on swimming in particular.

Senator Duffy commended the work and the volunteering spirit of the Sunflower Children's Hospice and Martina Jennings and noted the €7 million raised for such an important cause. It is right to commend them, and I wish them well in their ongoing fundraising. We all hope we will never have to use the services of such a facility but, unfortunately, there will be many parents who will. It is wonderful to see this level of fundraising and commitment to such an important cause.

I ask Members to be upstanding for a minute's silence for those who lost their lives in County Louth.