Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I am a bit hoarse this morning. Senator Costello started off with a number of local organisations. I wish CARP Killinarden, the people behind the south Dublin age-friendly strategy and Tallaght TU Dublin well in their endeavours. In particular, I wish CARP Killinarden well on their 30 fantastic years working for the local community.

Senator Boyle raised concerns about the domiciliary care application form. I agree with him that it is certainly onerous. For some parents, it can be arduous and take a long time, and assistance would be of benefit. I will raise that with the Minister, Deputy Calleary. Perhaps Senator Boyle could ask his colleagues on the social welfare committee to raise it at that forum as well.

Senator Clonan called for a debate on defence and security, while Senator Murphy called for a debate on the North-South shared island initiative and North-South health co-operation. There are common themes there and I will request a debate with the new Minister for foreign affairs and defence, Deputy McEntee.

Senators Wilson, Boyhan, Conway and Scahill referenced World Pancreatic Cancer Day. I commend Senator Duffy on organising this morning's briefing held in the audiovisual room. The main ask from Pancreatic Cancer Ireland is that there would be at least one rapid diagnostic pancreatic cancer clinic where patients can be seen and investigated within two weeks of referral. I will take that up the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. I will also call for a debate on the national cancer strategy. The cancer strategy has been successful over the years. The problem is that the lower hanging fruit or easy wins have been achieved. It is becoming harder and harder with every strategy to have that level of success, but it is still important that we endeavour to improve cancer survival rates and access to treatment and rapid diagnoses. I will certainly bring that up with the Minister.

Senator Brady raised the matter of the article in the Irish Farmer's Journal, which relates to its visit to Brazil and concern about the use of over-the-counter antibiotics in Brazilian cattle and that Brazilian beef would find its way here if the Mercosur agreement were ratified. I agree that the excellent beef standards, traceability of livestock and farm to fork procedures that we have in this country and are renowned for have to be maintained in any trade deals across the world, and that includes Mercosur. I will request a debate with the Minister for agriculture on this issue.

Senator Murphy O'Mahony raised the topic of World Children's Day, the conventions on the rights of the child and the work being done at committee level on child poverty and deprivation. The mantra that we should allow a child to be a child is important. Children are the products of the environments in which they are raised. The State needs to be there to provide support where parents do not have the wherewithal or where there are other issues that are impacting on a child's life. Unfortunately, where you are born, the circumstances you are born into, the family you have and the pressures you are surrounded by are in some ways a postcode lottery. I will request a debate on the rights of children as well.

Senator Andrews raised concern about there being no Christmas market in Dublin Castle this year or next year. I do not know the exact reasons there is no Christmas market this year in Dublin Castle. I invite the Senator to come down to Galway, where Eyre Square is already looking splendid with the wonderful Christmas market and the Ferris wheel all lit up. For people in Dublin and tourists alike, it is important that there is investment in terms of the public realm and the Christmas atmosphere.The Senator might put down a Commencement matter on exactly why there was no Christmas market this year in Dublin Castle.

Senator Crowe rightly raised the issue of damage to public property. We have seen a number of examples in the last couple of weeks of damage and destruction of playgrounds and play facilities. They are so important for children and young people. To see those facilities blatantly destroyed, it is hard to fathom the mentality of it. I will certainly bring it up with the Minister as well, in respect of whether there is a need for additional investment in CCTV or other ways of ensuring that valuable State investment and that valuable asset for a community are protected.

Senator Gallagher called for a debate on TB. It is a scourge that has been with us for so long. It has a huge emotional and mental impact for farmers, particularly where there is full destocking of a herd. The Minister, Deputy Heydon, has received an additional €85 million this year to compensate for TB, bringing the total to €157 million. That is reflective of the increased rates of TB and the increased value of our beef animals over the last couple of years. It is certainly important, and the cap on pedigree animals in particular is an issue that has been raised with me recently as well.

Senator Nelson Murray raised the topic of insurance premiums and the proposed code. I will check out exactly where that is at. Certainly, transparency and visibility on how premiums are calculated is crucial. I will raise that as well.

Senator Scahill raised the health concerns about UK and improperly branded vapes being available here in stores. I do not know if they are illegal or not. One assumes they have to approved by the Irish medicines agency or the EU medicines agency. Perhaps the Senator will put down a Commencement debate for the Minister for Health on that issue.

Senator Duffy spoke earlier about the briefing. I commend him and welcome Niall Rochford from Ashford as well. Personal testimonies were presented in the audiovisual room earlier in connection with World Pancreatic Cancer Day. I have read out the key ask that at least one rapid diagnostic pancreatic cancer clinic be set up, where patients can be seen and investigated within two weeks of referral. We will certainly take that up further with the Minister. I thank our guests for their attendance today and for briefing and inspiring so many Senators to raise this matter this morning. We intend to follow up on their concerns.