Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin raised the issue of community pharmacies and the importance of shopping locally. Senator Pal Daly also raised this matter in relation to Black Friday. The concerns are that foreign multinationals are availing of supports from Irish consumers when there are local businesses that need to be supported. I fully agree in relation to the proper marketing and adjudication of Irish businesses in that regard. As Senator Daly said, local businesses support their local GAA clubs and different clubs and should be supported as well.

Senator O'Loughlin also raised issues in relation to Kildare's child poverty profile. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley, in that regard. The Senator also commended the work of Women's Aid and its new online tool in relation to domestic violence.

Senators Maria Byrne and Martin Conway raised the passing of Donal Carey. May he rest in peace. Our sympathies go to Joe, Leonara and Donal Jnr. As has been said, Donal was a consummate constituency politician, a former Minister of State, a TD and a Senator. He was involved in programmes relating to rural Ireland back when he was a Minister of State during the rainbow coalition. Our thoughts go to his family and friends in County Clare and across the country.

Senator McCarthy raised the great work of Tiglin and the South East Technological University in supporting those with addiction and those who fall into homelessness in terms of education and how that can transform lives. I agree with that. The Senator also raised issues relating to road infrastructure and the queues that are being faced on the routes to Dublin. The population is growing, as are the number of cars on the road. We need continued investment in road infrastructure and also in public transport to enhance rail and bus services, whether they are BusConnects services or bus lanes across the country to support commuters on the way to Dublin.

Senator Andrews raised the issue of surgical AI. As Senator Kennelly pointed out, there was a debate last Thursday. Senator Andrews said the Minister sat on his hands for 14 months. The Minister, Deputy Heydon, took over in January or February and has not had that long in the role. However, he said that he has told his officials that he wants this report to be published as soon as possible and indicated it will happen this year. He gave that commitment here in person last week when we had a debate on the greyhound fund and I take his word on that.

Senator Comyn raised the needs of Marymount National School in Drogheda and her concerns about the safety of children. She also asked for an update. I suggest that she put down a Commencement debate on this matter. I know the capital plan for the next five years has been agreed within education. I understand a list of schools will be published in relation to that. I hope that Marymount is on that, but if the Senator puts down a Commencement debate on the matter, she might get a more up-to-date answer.

Senator Nelson Murray raised Rathmoylon. I lived near there once upon a time, out the Longwood Road. I used to pronounce it differently but I was corrected in that regard, in line with how the Senator said it. She talked about Ringfort development and raised concerns about first-time buyers being asked for additional money. Again, I am not sure where I can go with that, but I will certainly raise it with the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins. Perhaps the Senator can put down a Commencement matter on that and on the wider issue of people being impacted in relation to additional money being sought for developments. It is something that could raise its head in other parts of the country as well.

Senator Keogan raised the extension of the outdoor seating regulations. While I accept her point, I do not know the exact medium-term plans on that, but I will raise it with it the Minister. I know that this goes to committee and comes back. I am sure it has been discussed at committee, but I will find out and see what the long-term plan is on that.

Senator Boyle raised the issue of flooding in Bridge Street in Killybegs. I ask him to put down a Commencement matter on this matter. I know work was done at the time on supports for businesses, but I remember from the pictures that it was quite a severe flood at the time, nearly a year ago. The Senator might put down a Commencement matter with the Minister of State, Deputy Moran.

Senator Kennelly called for investment in rural transport. He mentioned the case of Abbeydorney. He made a valid point. I will raise the matter with the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, and ask him to come in to talk about LocalLink and rural roads as well. The Senator may want to put down a Commencement matter on the specific case, but I will engage the Minister of State on the matter. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised issues regarding rural Ireland, the importance of pubs and making local schemes accessible. I agree. I will investigate the matters she has raised and see what plans there might be for those schemes.

Senator Cathal Byrne raised Wexford, the disappearance of the coastline and the possible impact for landowners in the first instance but also homeowners who may see their properties under threat. I will ask for a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Moran. On the specific case of Wexford, the Senator might put down a Commencement debate.

Senator Dee Ryan raised an agreement between Shannon Foynes Port, ports in the UK and BrestPort in France in relation to floating offshore wind and suggested sharing experiences. That would certainly seem to be of benefit. In regard to proposals there, I know there has been some work on floating wind turbines and I can see that would be of benefit to those areas where there are objections to that whole idea.

Senator Gallagher raised the issue of pensions for school secretaries and caretakers, who went on strike, and the collapse in the talks. I am sure the Minister for education, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, will be re-engaging with those. I will certainly seek an update on that matter for the Senator.

Senator Craughwell raised worrying issues regarding the taxi sector and concerns about people being charged €30 while taxi operators are being offered much less by the industry or by owners. That is a worrying issue with regard to taxi pricing because the consumer, at the end of the day, pays a significant amount of money for taxi journeys. You would like to think that money is going to those who drive the taxis and their families. I will certainly request a debate on matters relating to the taxi industry.