Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank all Senators for their contributions on the Order of Business. We began with Senator Murphy O'Mahony, who congratulated Deputy Emer Higgins on her appointment as Minister of State with responsibility for disability and asked for her to come to the House to lay out her plans regarding the sector. I will certainly request that the Minister of State come here at the earliest opportunity to lay out her vision for her role.

The Senator also requested a debate with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, on bluetongue. The Minister has indicated that he is working closely with his Northern Ireland counterparts to ensure that a collaborative and supportive approach, building on the very close relationships already in place in respect of animal disease control North and South, continues to be taken. It is important to note that because bluetongue is spread by midges, the spread of the disease is much less likely in winter and early spring. Firm action is being taken to carry out enhanced and targeted surveillance to discover whether the disease is here. We hope it is not. Continued vigilance is needed. I will request a debate with the Minister.

Senator Boyle raised concerns regarding the courthouse on Tyrconnell Street in Donegal. The latter is an historic building in the heart of the town. It has been closed for some time. The Courts Service has moved its operation to Ballyshannon. I request that the Senator table a Commencement debate on the matter because it is quite specific. I share his concerns. I tend to agree because the longer services are out of a town, the more difficult it is to bring them back.

Senator McCarthy commended all involved in yesterday's joint sitting attended by President Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena. The Senator also mentioned Brendan and Emmett, two friends of his who were supported in dealing with their addictions by Tiglin and who have come out the other end and recovered. Senator McCarthy noted that recovery is possible. I acknowledge that. I commend the work of Tiglin and wish Brendan and Emmett well for the future.

Senator Tully raised the very important issue of sepsis. I join with her in seeking to raise awareness of the condition. She mentioned North East Sepsis Awareness, which reach reaches out to inform people of the symptoms of sepsis. She also spoke about post-sepsis syndrome, which I had not heard of. Many sufferers can have symptoms for months or years. She requested that we contact the Minister for Health, Deputy Jennifer Caroll MacNeill, regarding a meeting with North East Sepsis Awareness. I will raise that with the Minister.

Senator Comyn raised the issue of recreational spaces and acknowledged their importance. She referred to Wolf Tones GAA club in Drogheda and the connection fees for the upgrading of water services. The Senator is asked for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Browne. Perhaps if she could put down a Commencement matter, she could get an up-to-date response. We had a debate on Uisce Éireann recently. I will request that the Minister, Deputy Browne, come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Scahill raised the Vision Zero project which deals with the bigger picture of road deaths and their causes and impacts. The Senator mentioned e-scooters. A number of people have mentioned them over the recent period. I will request a debate on the issue. Multiple factors contribute to road deaths. They are always tragedies for families and communities and are then not spoken about until the next tragedy. Unfortunately, there is always the next tragedy on our roads. I will request a debate on the matter.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised issues relating to an advert from a Department on the use of open fires and stoves that cause health issues. I am not here to tell anybody not to light a fire. If that is the means of heating people have it is important that they light fires and keep warm. There are Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, grants for various insulation schemes, in particular for those in receipt of the fuel allowance. I encourage people to contact the SEAI or their local representatives, councillors or Members of the Oireachtas to engage on those issues. It is important that people keep warm. The fuel allowance was increased in the last budget, as was the pension for elderly.

Senator Boyhan raised the important matter of the investigative work of the Irish Farmers' Journal on Brazilian beef, something that has been talked about not just here but in other parts of Europe in terms of the importance of the issue. The Senator referred to the extensive fact-finding mission place by the Irish Farmers' Journal and the IFA and the report relating thereto, which has been published and which was the subject of a discussion at a private session of the committee of which the Senator is a member.I will urge people to look at that and to engage on the matter. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, as well in the near future.

He also raised the issue of waiting lists for cataract treatments, including 3,600 people in Galway. I did not see that report from Councillor Higgins. I will certainly engage with her on it and try to organise a debate on the matter as well.

Senator Cosgrove called for a debate on child poverty. The Taoiseach has put a lot of emphasis on child poverty. The child poverty unit is in his Department. I point to such things as the increase in the fuel allowance, children's allowance and the hot school meals programme in recent years. That is not to say that a lot more does not need to be done; it does. I will request a debate on child poverty as well.

Senator Nelson Murray raised the town of Athboy as an example. There are other towns where there is so much to offer but there are difficulties with access and parking. It is important to acknowledge that parking is necessary, especially for the elderly, the disabled and those who want to do a short shop, for example to go in and out to the dry cleaners, as the Senator said, and elsewhere. If you have to drive around looking for a space, you are not encouraged to come back. Car parking must be to the fore of the vision local authorities have for town planning and to ensure there is sufficient parking. Where necessary, paid parking is an option. Many towns that have a charge offer free parking in the run-up to the Christmas period, which is so important for retail. It is an area of which local authorities have to be very mindful and ensure the view does not prevail that parking is not necessary. It is necessary, as well as good public transport, bus shelters, bus stops and all of that as well. I will request a debate on the matter as well with the Minister.

Senator Flynn raised her concerns about defective concrete blocks. She called for a debate. Next Thursday, as I understand it, at 3 p.m. we have Second Stage of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill 2025. The Senator will have an opportunity to raise issues concerning Donegal, Mayo and elsewhere on that very important issue.

Senator Andrews raised Dublin City Council properties. I acknowledged his continued raising of this matter and his concerns, in this case relating to Beech Hill Villas in Donnybrook. I will request a debate on social housing and matters relating to the housing stock owned by Dublin City Council and other local authorities. It is important that there is proper maintenance of facilities across all local authorities. I will certainly request a debate on that matter as well.