Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all Senators for their contributions on the Order of Business. I will start with Senator Fitzpatrick who rightly congratulated all involved in the organisation of today's events for the joint sitting in both Houses with President Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena. The Senator expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and mentioned the importance of the non-military aid being given and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Many other speakers concurred with those sentiments. Senator Keogan raised issues regarding corruption and asked if there is any concern about Irish moneys and where they went. That would be a matter, presumably, for the foreign affairs committee or the public accounts committee. The Senator might raise it with her representatives on those committees.

Senator Boyhan expressed solidarity with all of those who are working here and thanked them all. Senator Paul Daly raised issues regarding memorandums of understanding with the universities in Ukraine and Irish universities as well. I acknowledge all who thanked and congratulated everyone involved in the joint sitting today.

Senator Fitzpatrick also raised issues of concern to SMEs, including the cost of doing business, and the need for a debate. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke.

Senator Maria Byrne expressed concern regarding e-scooter regulations and noted that parents need to be warned about what is allowed and what is not allowed. This issue was raised a couple of weeks ago as regards Statutory Instrument 199 of 2024. I will request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, on the regulations if that is in order.Senator Craughwell called for a debate on neutrality. I will request that the new Minister come to the House to discuss the importance of our being a militarily neutral State.

Senator McCormack raised concerns that the persons who ended their hunger strike after 51 days are now threatening to resume the strike, which is very regrettable. I will raise the matter with the Taoiseach to see why relevant Ministers have not engaged, as the Senator said, and request that they do so.

Senator Rabbitte has proposed that No. 12, First Stage of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2025 in the names of Senators Rabbitte and Paul Daly, be taken before No. 1. I am happy to accede to that and I wish the Senators well in the Second Stage debate on Thursday.

Senator Lynch referred to the turning of the sod last week by the Minister, Deputy Calleary, for construction of Rylane community centre. She raised concerns about water and wastewater connection fees. The Senator might put that forward as a Commencement debate. It is a matter for Irish Water but the Minister would have oversight of it.

Senator Boyle has concerns that Meentinadea National School in Ardara, which was built in 1932, has been excluded from DEIS status. I ask that he propose this rather specific issue for discussion on the Commencement debate. I will raise the need to review criteria with the Minister, Deputy Naughton.

Senator Tully spoke about the income thresholds for county and city council housing, particularly people on the working family payment being pushed over the threshold. I have requested a debate with the Minister for housing on the overall housing plan, which will give an opportunity for the Senator to raise this issue. In the meantime, she may wish to put forward a Commencement matter.

Senator Comyn congratulated Nicola Pierce on winning An Post history book of the year for Great Irish Wives, which details the lives of women married to famous men, and wished her well with the sales of the book. The Senator also mentioned that President Zelenskyy, in his acting days, visited Drogheda eight years ago.

Senator Ní Chuilinn made a strong contribution on the campaign regarding the Chapelizod bus service and the changes that have been made. It is hard to believe that residents living only 5 km from the city centre are being discommoded in the fashion she described, with people waiting an hour and 45 minutes for a bus. The Senator might put this forward for discussion on the Commencement debate. She could also engage with the Cathaoirleach of the transport committee to see whether representatives of the NTA could be brought in quickly to deal with this specific issue. That might be in order because it is an important matter. I have read some of the information on it online. Changes are being proposed but, clearly, people in the locality are not happy with the service. The Senator is right to raise it.

Senator Gallagher requested a debate with the Minister for agriculture on the caps on farmers whose livestock has been destocked by TB and on the Mercosur deal. I will request that the Minister, Deputy Heydon, come to the House to discuss those issues.

Senator Curley commended Ms Aoife Noone on her Think Smart Cyber programme on the dangers of the online world. I certainly will raise that with the Minister. He also mentioned the community safety fund. I will request a debate on the whole area of online safety.