Regina Doherty (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 9(2)) (Amount of Financial Contribution) Order 2022 back from committee, to be taken without debate on conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Credit Guarantee (Amendment) Bill 2022 – Second Stage, to be taken at 3.15 p.m. and to conclude at 4.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated for the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed six minutes and all other Senators not to exceed three minutes, and with the Minister to be given no less than eight minutes in which to reply to the debate; No. 3, Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022 – Report Stage, resumed, and Final Stages, to be taken at 6.30 p.m. and with the proceedings thereon, if not previously concluded, to be brought to a conclusion at 7.30 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair which shall, in relation to amendments, included only those set down or accepted by the Government; and No. 4, Finance Bill 2022 – Second Stage, to be taken at 7.45 p.m. and to conclude at 9.45 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes in which to reply to the debate.

Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail)
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Today, I wish to raise the case of Alejandro Miszan, the nine-year-old boy from Enniscorthy who was mauled by a pitbull at the weekend. The story is covered by the media. It is told in particular detail by Ms Amy Molloy in the Irish Independentbut Alejandro's brother, Raul, was on RTÉ as well this morning outlining the impact that this incident has had. The injuries that this nine-year-old has suffered are life-changing but this event has not only impacted on him; it has also impacted on his family, on those who would have seen the attack and, indeed, on the wider community in Enniscorthy in County Wexford.

Unfortunately, we are seeing far too many of these attacks by some of these dogs. As the House will be aware, the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 place particular restrictions on 11 different breeds. There are requirements that these animals must be muzzled in public and, indeed, that they should be held on a strong lead at all times by somebody over the age of 16. It is clear because we know there was another attack in Dublin earlier this year. In fact, Dogs Trust Ireland reported that in 2020 there were 320 people hospitalised due to dog bites.

I hope that Alejandro and his family can come through this as well as they can. I pay tribute to the crew of Coast Guard Rescue 117, who airlifted the boy to Crumlin Children's Hospital, and to those who work in Crumlin, but we need to do more. These attacks are becoming far too common. Ms Molloy reports that between 2016 and 2021, there were 1,705 attacks on humans by dogs. There is also concern about attacks on livestock.In the same period, there have been 1,351 attacks on livestock, according to the Garda. Clearly, the regulations that are in place are not strong enough. It must be asked whether we should continue to allow some of these dangerous dogs to be licensed at all. I fear it is only a matter of time before a child potentially loses his or her life as a result of one of these attacks. For the sake of those children, and particularly Alejandro and what he has experienced, we need to take action. I ask that we look at a review of the control of dogs regulations. It is time to consider a ban on these 11 breeds, or certainly stronger regulations.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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It is high time we had a serious adult conversation about immigration in this country. By serious, I mean both appreciating the gravity of the situation and seriously looking for a solution as a result of that. By adult, I mean a conversation devoid of name-calling or labelling other speakers to allow people to dismiss their points out of hand, rather than engaging and addressing valid concerns. Up until now, perhaps we have had time to indulge that particular parliamentary laziness but that time has passed. It is time to sit down, acknowledge the problems and begin to hash out some solutions. Us Irish are a placid bunch. It takes a lot to get us riled up. Successive Governments have relied on this and implemented policies that the citizens of other countries would not stand for, but we are getting there. We do not do French-style protests but we did with the water charges and it worked. We are heading there now again with immigration.

I am sure many nicely-bound roadmaps and strategy documents exist laying out the Government's approach to inward migration into this country but what it looks like on the ground is this: the Government will not refuse migrants for fear of being called racist, xenophobic or uncaring. Having nowhere to adequately house these migrants, the Government must spend millions of euro renting hotels and converting office blocks in the greater Dublin area and surrounding counties, almost exclusively in areas that have historically been working class and-or commuter or satellite towns. Having secured such premises, the Government rents private buses to transfer large crowds of migrants into these areas.If the locals are lucky, they may get some warning. The migrants are provided with a few paltry meals per day and left to their own devices. It seems in many cases they are left to wander around the towns and engage in antisocial behaviour such as fighting or harassment. Does that sound like caring for anyone? It does not benefit the locals and it does not sound as though it benefits the migrants either.

Regina Doherty (Fine Gael)
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These people have come to our country to seek refuge.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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The Leader can answer me later.

Regina Doherty (Fine Gael)
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I can but the Senator is making unfounded allegations against people who have come here to seek refuge from war-torn countries. They have nowhere else to go.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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The Leader can reply when I finish my contribution.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Keogan has the floor. Just so Members are aware, with regard to Standing Order-----

Regina Doherty (Fine Gael)
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The Senator cannot just make stuff up either.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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There is nothing I am making up.

Regina Doherty (Fine Gael)
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There is.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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I respect the Leader's view. The hashtag, IrelandisFull, is trending on Twitter and will continue to do so. I saw one user clap back by saying our population density is much lower than that of the Netherlands. This would be the definitive rebuttal the person thought it was if we were taking in migrants to stand still in fields in order to achieve some arbitrary statistic of persons per square kilometre. However, we are not. We do not have the houses or healthcare system, which is looking for a €1.4 billion bailout. We do not have the transport infrastructure. This country, due to the policies of successive Governments, does not have the structural-----

Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail)
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I am object to this dog-whistle approach.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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Can we have a debate on it then? Why do we not have a debate on it? Why are we not allowed to discuss this in a debate with the Minister?

Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail)
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There is no problem discussing facts.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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This country, due to the policies of successive-----

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I will be clear about the procedure of the House with regard to interruptions. Standing Order 39 allows for Senators to ask for 30 seconds. If the Senator in possession does not wish to give 30 seconds, the Senator in possession stays in possession, uninterrupted. Senator Keogan may continue.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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This country, due to the policies of successive Governments, does not have the structural capacity to take in tens of thousands of migrants annually, yet this Government continues to do so. It is a policy devoid of reason and something has to change. There is still time to stop this from getting any worse. Let us start by having an adult conversation in this House with the relevant Ministers.

Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein)
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Ireland is by no means full. That rhetoric is quite dangerous and normally utilised by the far right. Senator Keogan needs to understand the difference between a migrant and an asylum seeker or refugee. People come here fleeing conflict, war and climate devastation in their countries and communities certainly need to be prepared and enabled for that. The vast majority of communities are open to that and prepared to open their arms to refugees and asylum seekers. The migrants the Senator speaks about come here to work in our healthcare service and hospitality sector and provide first-class services to our people. I am well up for an adult conversation but I want it to be rooted in reality and facts.

I wished to begin by reflecting on last Friday's judgment in the Aidan McAnespie case and commending the McAnespie family for their campaign of more than 30 years to fight for truth and justice for Aidan. The family finally had their day in court and their message to all other victims campaigning for truth and justice to never give up resonates with all of us. I know a number of colleagues called for a discussion last week on the issue of the British Government's so-called legacy Bill which, at its core, seeks to shut down those avenues of truth and justice for all families. I reiterate and support that call to have a debate on the British Government's legacy Bill, which Senators will remember this House unanimously rejected in a motion at the beginning of the year. Today is also UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. It is, therefore, timely that we ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to update the House on what measures the State is taking to address Israel's policies of apartheid and how we are supporting the Palestinian people in their efforts for justice and peace. Perhaps it is worth considering, something we can explore this outside the Chamber, inviting the Palestinian ambassador to the House for next year's UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on 29 November and flying the Palestinian flag above Leinster House in an expression of solidarity, given that we also fly the UN flag.

Mark Wall (Labour)
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I wish to raise Defence Forces issues with the Leader once again. I read a number of comments by Lieutenant Colonel Conor King, general secretary of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, in advance of its annual conference, which takes place in Kildare today. This morning, Lieutenant Colonel King outlined his fears about the growing retention crisis in the Defence Forces, stating that the forces had lost 500 personnel across all ranks in the past 18 months and that the total force now numbered 7,750, including those in training. We are all aware that the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces calls for a serving strength of 11,500 personnel. Like its fellow representative association, Permanent Defence Forces Representative Association, PDFORRA, RACO will today state that the failure to implement the working time directive is having a detrimental effect on recruitment, retention, morale and work-life balance.

The Minister for Defence recently attended the House for a debate on neutrality, but a number of questions that colleagues and I posed to him remain unanswered. We are nine months on from the publication of the commission's report. For the sake of the future of the Defence Forces, we need to see action on the working time directive, which is one of the report's recommendations. I support both representative associations in their call for action on this important matter. Will the Leader dedicate some time early in the new year for a debate on the first full year of the report's publication and where its recommendations stand?

I also support recent calls for a debate with the Minister for Transport on a growing number of issues around public transport, including rail. In recent weeks, I have been contacted by a number of commuters who are experiencing problems at rail stations throughout south Kildare. In a previous Private Members' debate, I mentioned that the disabled toilets were not open at Newbridge and other stations. I have been informed that they will only be open when staff are present, but it seems that is not happening in practice. The Leader can imagine the problems this causes for people in need of such a facility in an emergency. There are also issues with the opening of waiting rooms, with the one in Athy rail station closed for a considerable period. I am informed that this is because of staff issues. I have been assured by Irish Rail that it is working on resolving these issues. In light of the unpredictable winter weather that we are experiencing, though, doing so must be a priority for Irish Rail. It is not good enough that commuters paying substantial fees are left out in the cold.

I support the call by the chairperson of the Kildare Down's syndrome group, Ms Cassandra Ryan, for a temporary premises to house the great work it does. Ms Ryan made a call on my local radio station, Kfm. With Councillor Angela Feeney, we supported the group's calls for assistance from the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board, KWETB, at its current premises. Thankfully, the group has received an extension until June. Ms Ryan informed us this morning that the group had located a permanent site but that, due to planning and building issues, it would not be ready for 18 months. Hence our call to anyone who may be able to assist the group with a premises from June for that 18-month period. Through a number of parents who have contacted me, I am aware of the great work that the group carries out and I hope that someone will be able to assist it with a premises.

Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to discuss the horrific mauling of Alejandro Miszan and the seven or eight other such cases that have happened throughout Ireland this year, mainly to young kids. When researching this issue, I saw that a woman who had two small dogs with her had been attacked and severely disfigured by a listed dog. There is a list of ten restricted dog breeds. Owners are responsible for their dogs and control of same.We have the Control of Dogs Act 1986. The Act was updated in 1998 and other amendments have subsequently been made. The legislation stipulates a maximum fine of €2,500, which is at the strongest end of the punishments in this case. The legislation contains a lot of on-the-spot fines and whatever else as well. It is a common sight to see the breeds on the proscribed list of dogs not muzzled in public. One can see them anywhere in Ireland when one walks through a park. The owners should know better and realise that their dogs should be muzzled at all times when in public. As laid out in the law these animals are meant to be muzzled, be on a short lead, and the person in charge of them must be over 16 years of age. The law is very specific, clear and easy to understand.

I ask the Leader to convey up the line that we must strengthen these laws. Also, we must ensure that the owners who break the law should have the full rigour of the law brought to bear on them and i would go as far as to say that should be up to and including jail terms. It is unacceptable to have these animals loose and running around, particularly in parks where there are likely to be children. I firmly believe that anyone who thinks they can do so should face a jail term.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I agree with what my colleagues, Senators Davitt and Malcolm Byrne, said about these dogs. I would love to know how many people have been convicted for breaching the legislation in terms of not muzzling their dogs and I think that it would be an interesting statistic. I hope that we will now have a national debate on this issue. More of these animals should be added to the list of prohibited breeds. Of course, our sympathies go to the family of the young man in Wexford who was attacked and our thoughts are with him at this time.

I welcome the human tissue Bill that has gone through Cabinet today. The Bill is long overdue. The work was commenced by the health committee, which was chaired by Senator Buttimer during the 2011 to 2016 Oireachtas term. The committee did great work to advance this very important issue.

I believe that most people in society would willingly carry an organ donor card. However, they do not get around to it for one reason or another so do not have one in their possession and are deemed, at this moment in time, as not being carriers such cards. Thankfully, that situation will change and people can just opt out if they do not wish their organs to be donated in the case of an accident where a person, unfortunately, loses his or her life. Such legislative provision is a great day's work.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Hear, hear.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I acknowledge the role that the Cathaoirleach played in this regard before he became Cathaoirleach. The legislation is the result of the work done by members of all parties and none, and particularly the NGO sector which put legislators under pressure. The Bill is good legislation.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Hear, hear.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I am constantly baffled by the following. Why did it take so long to introduce the legislation?

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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That is a great question.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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The legislation was discussed between seven and ten years ago. It went before the health committee between 2011 and 2016, and a report was prepared.

John McGahon (Fine Gael)
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Fianna Fáil was not listening.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Fianna Fáil is not efficient.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Conway, without interruption, más é do thoil é.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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Why does it take so long for non-controversial legislation to feed its way through the system and the Civil Service by and large? Why does it take so long for good legislation that will impact on people's live to come through the system? Perhaps the Leader might get an answer to my questions at some stage.

Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein)
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Well said, Senator.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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How do I follow the contribution made by my colleague, Senator Conway? I welcome his contribution on the organ donation and human tissue Bill. I also welcome the approval from Cabinet today. I commend the Leader of the House, Senator Regina Doherty, who was with me on the health committee. I, too, lament that it took so long for the legislation to reach this point. Senator Conway asked the very good question why it took so long. However, we will celebrate the fact that today the lives of so many people who await organ donation will be enhanced and improved.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Hear, hear.We should let bygones be bygones because today is a good day. I congratulate the Government on its decision.

In the good mood I am in today, I also welcome the decision by the Cabinet to defer until July the ridiculous proposal by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, to increase toll charges. I ask that the Cabinet ensure that increase is not carried through in July. Hard-pressed motorists, hauliers and bus companies are under pressure. Tá siad faoi bhrú. The decision by the Government to defer the increase in charges is to be welcomed.

Will the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, come to the House to discuss the welcome decision today to purchase 90 new battery-powered train carriages? I hope it will see the Cork-area rapid transit system further progressed and coming to fruition. It is badly needed, long overdue and will enhance the region. Those of us from Cork recognise that the roads in our city are gridlocked and at full capacity. Representatives of TII will come before the transport committee this evening. I appeal to them to continue to improve the road signage as motorists approach Dunkettle from the east and west and, in fact, from all sides. It is important that TII communicates with road users.

Today is a good day for the people of Ireland. I welcome the Government's approval of the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill and urge that it pass through the House with alacrity.

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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I bring greetings from Poland, where I attended an Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, meeting last week in the parliamentary Chamber in Warsaw. I visited alongside Senator Cassells and Members of the Dáil and we were assisted by members of the Irish Embassy in Poland, who always do us proud, receive us well and brief us well. Two things were palpable during our visit. First, everywhere we went, we were met with endorsement and warmth from the people of Poland for what the Irish people have done for their country over many years.

More important was the response from the many Ukrainians we met and spoke to at the OSCE meeting. One Ukrainian delegate read a short letter a little six-year-old boy called Ivan had written to St. Nicholas. The boy said in the letter he would not ask for the tricycle or toy train he asked for last Christmas and did not get. Instead, he had three requests, namely, that his father would come home, he would have light and he would have water. It was a very moving letter. The president of the OSCE suggested that we turn the entire Parliament into darkness and she then asked everyone to turn on the torch on their mobile telephones. It may be seen on the OSCE website and on Twitter how the beaming lights from the telephones of hundreds of delegates from all the jurisdictions of the OSCE shone on the ceiling of the Chamber. It was a reminder, albeit for a few minutes, of the darkness, isolation and loss the Ukrainian people are having to endure. The switching on of the light was a powerful gesture and I would like other Parliaments to take an opportunity to do the same between now and Christmas. The building was in darkness for five minutes and then we took our mobile telephones in our hands and shone out that light. It was not a very powerful light but it was a powerful and moving message.

Ukrainians are deeply moved by and thankful to us as a nation for what we have done for their people. I hope we will continue to do the same in a spirit of hospitality, kindness and generosity. I ask that we be patient and understanding of the difficulties in local communities. Yes, integration is very important and many people want and choose to remain in our country. I hope we will big enough and our arms wide enough to embrace them and keep them here. It is important that this House is regularly briefed on what is happening. We support what is happening and we also acknowledge that there are communication issues in communities that must be overcome. Let us be resolved and determined to be reasonable and responsible, to show political leadership and to embrace the challenges facing the people who seek a safe home in our land.

John McGahon (Fine Gael)
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As we approach Christmas, it would be timely to have a debate on the retail sector and how important it is to the Irish economy. Coming from a Border town like Dundalk, I have seen over the years how resilient both the retail sector and consumers have to be.Over the decades we have had to deal with currency fluctuations on both sides of the Border, Covid and Brexit. An example of how we have become very resilient and developed individual ingenuity is the shop local voucher scheme that was initiated by Dundalk Chamber of Commerce five years ago. It was the brainchild of two local business people, Paddy Matthews and Paddy Malone. It started off as a €500 tax-free cash voucher given to businesses to gift to their employees instead of cash at Christmas. The concept was that it was usable in all local shops in Dundalk. What is most important about it is that it is a great way for a business to give tax-free money to its employees and the money goes directly back into the local economy. In each of the past five years, €1 million was raised. We are now in the last days of November and we have already reached €1 million. That figure is expected to reach €1.5 million by the end of the Christmas season. It is a great example of how to make sure money stays in a local economy. Dundalk was the pioneer of this approach. It has now been expanded to one or two other chambers of commerce. It is no longer just about business. We now have grandparents buying these vouchers for their grandchildren. In a year when shopping local is so important it is a great way to keep money in a local economy. It is something that other chambers of commerce throughout the country should consider. The budget for 2023 increased the amount it is possible to gift from €500 to €1,000. It is a great example of how the budget is putting more money into people's pockets. I would appreciate a debate on the Irish retail sector at some stage before Christmas.

Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein)
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I will begin by welcoming the changes to the regulations on who can give blood. I am delighted that the ban on donations from men who have sex with men has come to an end. Many people played a role in this, including these Houses, NGOs and the Government. LGBT activists and groups have long advocated for reform of this discriminatory restriction. All donors will now be asked the same questions about their sexual activity regardless of gender or the sexual orientation of the donors or their sexual partners. This change will ensure a blood provision service that ensures patient safety and embraces inclusivity. I am delighted that men who have sex with men can now provide much-needed donations to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

It is more than a year since welcomed the report on a family-friendly and inclusive Parliament. The recommendations contained in the report have the power to be transformative to the Houses of the Oireachtas and the lives of those who serve and work here. They are also accessible and achievable within this mandate. We are now halfway through this mandate and many of the key recommendations have not yet been implemented, including arrangements for proxy voting, greater flexible and remote working arrangements and the scheduling of a referendum to amend Article 15. I am particularly concerned about the delay in implementing recommendations that seek to address threats of political violence and harassment. Such abuse often originates online and can escalate into personal abuse and concerns about physical threats. No one should have to face threats to their safety and well-being in carrying out their duties as a representative. Unfortunately we know such threats disproportionately target women, the LGBT community and other minority representatives. These incidents directly impact the number of people from these groups who put themselves forward for election or re-election. A safe and healthy workplace free from such threats is not only necessary to ensure a diverse and inclusive Oireachtas but it is fundamental to democracy itself. The recommendations that specifically address these threats must be implemented as matter of urgency. It is time for all of us in the Houses to implement the full range of practical steps recommended by the family-friendly and inclusive Parliament report.

Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)
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Back in July 2021, a number of security firms received a High Court injunction preventing the Minister from moving ahead with an employment regulation order which I understand would have improved significantly the pay and conditions of staff who work in the security sector. Nothing further appears to have happened since. Many of these people work very long hours. They work very hard and are almost always in the front line. If possible I would like a debate on this issue in the House at the earliest opportunity given that costs have increased for families and working people.There has been a significant increase in the cost of living. These people working on the front line, many of whom work in our hospitals and do a really difficult job right around the clock, deserve to be paid. The Government has a wider project in place to secure a living-wage agreement and it has indicated this will be introduced in the coming budgets. However, that does not cut the mustard for people working in the security sector facing Christmas and all the burdens that come with it. For some, it is a joyous time. For those on low pay, it is a traumatic time, trying to meet the cost of bills while, at the same time, trying to provide a Christmas for their family. I ask that the Minister be invited to the House to explain what he intends to do in that regard.

Annie Hoey (Labour)
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I wish to reflect on a public meeting I ran with my Labour Party colleague, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, and Senator Sherlock in the Dublin Skylon Hotel, Drumcondra. It was about drugs policy and the decriminalisation of the drugs user. We had some incredible speakers on the panel, including former Dublin GAA player, Philly McMahon, Fr. Peter McVerry, who everyone knows about, and Anna Quigley of CityWide, who is probably the most knowledgeable person on anything to do with drug use and drug policy in Ireland.

It was a privilege to listen to people who have experienced addiction and whose families have been affected by it. We listened to stories from the audience and it was moving to be in a space in which they felt safe enough to talk about their personal addiction experience or how addiction affected their families and cost lives. One person said it cost multiple lives in her family and, by the luck of the draw, it did not affect her and she went down a different path. That should not be how things happen.

There were some really difficult stories about family members who were lost. We did not prescribe how people would respond to the public meeting, but everyone who spoke from the panel and those who spoke about their personal experience, all agreed about decriminalisation and that if those addicts had not been criminalised, their lives would not have gone the way they did. A person spoke about how his brother being put into prison ended up being a rite of passage and made the situation even worse. His brother became one of the cool kids in his community and was even more hardened in his drug addiction. It was a rite of passage to be part of the grown-up gang of drug dealing and selling, and he died a couple of years later. Instead of treating a person's addiction, we try to criminalise it. Every person who spoke asked that if they or their family members had not been criminalised, what would their lives have looked like. It was profound that they all spoke about that.

We will table a motion in the Chamber tomorrow about drug policy reform and the decriminalisation of drugs, which will call for a date for the promised citizens' assembly on drugs. People who came to last night's meeting will be in the Public Gallery. They are people who have real, lived experiences of their own drug use or of drug use in their communities. They want to see Senators and the Government to taking a leading role in this regard. We have to have a citizens' assembly and we need to decriminalise it. Society is way ahead of the politicians. That meeting informed me as to where the people are on this subject, and it is time that we as politicians caught up.

Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein)
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Others have mentioned that today is International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People and I want to say a few words on this. There will be a vigil outside the GPO at 7 p.m. with the Palestinian ambassador. It would be great to see a large turnout at that because it is important to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.

We rarely hear the figures of those who have died in the occupied territories. Since 1 January 2008, nearly 15 years ago, some 6,129 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied territories of the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including 1,389 children. Three lives were lost as of this morning. It appears we are somewhat immune to the deaths given hardly a day goes by that a Palestinian is not killed.There is also, and it is right to call it out, a hierarchy in death for the Palestinian people, whereby the world repeatedly tends to look away. There was a prime example of this in one of our broadsheet newspapers last week. A 555-word article that was about, rightly, the tragic killing of an Israeli teenager in Jerusalem ended with the sentence "Elsewhere in the West Bank, a 16-year-old Palestinian boy was killed by Israeli army gunfire on Tuesday night in clashes in Nablus". There are always "clashes" when a Palestinian child is killed. Palestinians deserve to be treated equally through their lives, and that extends to their deaths as well.

To end, I remember especially the Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was brutally killed by the Israeli army in May while reporting and doing her job as a journalist from the occupied West Bank. There are strong reports she was targeted by the Israeli army. She was only 51 years of age. We cannot forget Israel's first reaction after her death, namely, the heavy-handed raid of her home and the confiscating of Palestinian flags. The Israeli authorities then refused to conduct a criminal investigation by saying there was no suspicion a criminal act had been committed. Those of us in Ireland should recognise that reaction. Again I ask Members to show solidarity to the Palestinian people and if they can, to be outside the GPO at 7 p.m.

Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein)
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Hear, hear.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I raise a matter related to the regional hospital but this time it is not the waiting lists, though in another way it is. I refer to the long Covid clinics, which were due to open but have not yet opened. There are at least 24 people on a waiting list. While they are receiving care within the hospital and are being triaged, there are many people who have respiratory problems and other issues associated with long Covid. I call for the clinic to open as soon as possible. These people feel ill and it must be followed up on.

The other issue with the hospital is one I raised last week. There is a shortage of many specialists. I believe the issue with the Covid clinic also has to do with getting specialised staff. There must be some sort of incentive to encourage people, especially those with relevant qualifications, to apply for jobs. There needs to be a fresh way of thinking to get continuity and encourage people to apply for jobs. Working in the medical field is a very important role but we must encourage people to stay here and work in the various roles. We need to think afresh and find some way of incentivising and encouraging people to stay and work in our hospitals.

Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael)
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One of the proudest things about being a person living in Ireland is our generosity of spirit. That generosity extends to the welcome so many families who have come here from Ukraine have received in towns and villages across the country. Ballinasloe College of Further Education has people coming to it from Athlone to study English. The college authorities have spoken about how the students are absolutely incredible. These young people include teachers, doctors and nurses from Ukraine who are trying to improve the life they have, learn our language and be part of our society. There are around 12,000 of those people working here and we have nearly the same number of children again attending our primary and secondary schools. We saw that generosity of spirit on "The Late Late Show". Was it not wonderful to see the camaraderie between the young children, especially where families are in pledged accommodation?

I would like to mention an event I attended on Saturday evening in Castleblakeney, which is just outside Ballinasloe. Due to the lockdowns, I have not been to many events like this but it was a fund-raiser for a school for the blind in Ethiopia. A number of tradespeople from the local area, including plumbers, electricians and builders, are going there to construct dormitories.There are approximately 300 blind children at the school in Sebeta, which is just 30 km outside Addis Ababa. The tradespeople are going to be working on the school and the community is trying to fundraise for it. I commend the generosity of spirit of Irish people at a time, after lockdown, when we have become more inward-looking than outward-looking. We need to consider what we can give back and how, and do so every day.

Regina Doherty (Fine Gael)
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I thank colleagues for the variety of topics that have been raised. I agree with Senator Dolan. It is not just post Covid; we have always been known for being very giving as a nation. Through the years, there have been plenty of stories, similar to hers of that community going to Ethiopia, of Irish people going to build schools for the blind across most of Africa or south-east Asia. Long may it last. I thank her for raising that.

Senator Maria Byrne raised the need for a long Covid clinic at the regional hospital in Limerick. I suggest we need a long clinic in every county. I listened with dismay to Dr. Jack Lambert telling us that speciality doctors at the Mater Hospital are looking to continue the long Covid clinic they have had there for several months but there has been a refusal to give them the money for that. I wrote to the Minister yesterday to find out what is the problem. It may be that there is no policy on long Covid but, given that thousands of citizens are still suffering from the symptoms of long Covid, we definitely need such a policy. I will raise the concerns of the Senator, particularly in respect of Limerick and the shortage of specialists there.

Senator Boylan highlighted that today is International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People and there will be a protest of support outside the GPO at 7 o'clock this evening. I thank her for bringing that to our attention.

Senator Hoey spoke about a meeting she and her colleagues held regarding drugs and the need for decriminalisation. We need to bring forward the drug policy reforms in the ongoing review at the Department of Justice sooner rather than later. I thank her for raising that issue.

Senator Dooley sought an update on an employment regulation order and the injunction that was taken out by a particular security firm against the new pay and conditions that have been agreed by the Minister. I wish to put on the record of the House that I have been informed the Minister will challenge that injunction in the coming days.

Senator Warfield spoke about the welcome changes with regard to the people who can give blood. He also sought a review of the report on a family friendly and inclusive Parliament that was published a year ago. We might raise that at the next meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight.

Senator McGahon is looking for a debate before Christmas on the retail sector. I normally stand up here and say I will do my very best to facilitate such requests but the clock is ticking in respect of the next couple of weeks and the list of things Ministers want to do is getting longer, so I am not sure the House will get to have such a debate before Christmas. I will try, however.

Senator Boyhan spoke about a moving event he witnessed the other week at the OCSE debate at the parliament in Poland with regard to solidarity for immigrants who have had to flee Ukraine and have come to all the corners of the European Union. He referred to the welcome received. It was particularly poignant when he spoke about the little letter to Santa from Ivan, who is looking for his daddy, for light and for heat. We all need to check ourselves when we think that we probably have difficulties in our lives. We should compare our difficulties with those of some citizens across the European Union.

Senators Conway and Buttimer welcomed the human tissue (transplantation, post-mortem, anatomical examination and public display) Bill agreed by the Cabinet this morning and being published today. I will try my best to find out for Senator Conway why it has taken so long, but we are all well aware of issues that have taken far longer. A particular policy I had when I was in the Department was started some 20 years ago by the late Seamus Brennan but it still has not come to fruition. We will do our best to find out.

Senator Buttimer sought a debate on the purchase, agreed this morning, of 90 new battery-powered train carriages. I expect we will have a debate on COP27 between now and Christmas. I am just waiting on a date from the Minister in that regard. I know that is not really related to the 90 new battery-powered train carriages but I am sure we can include the issue in that debate rather than having a separate one.

Senator Davitt, and Senator Malcolm Byrne in leading off on the Order of Business, spoke about the absolutely tragic situation of Alejandro Miszan. I heard on the news that not only has the little boy's entire bottom lip been destroyed and taken away from him, he cannot breathe independently. As you can see from the photograph of his little frame, he is only a baby. I will certainly join with both colleagues in seeking a review of the restrictions in respect of 11 breeds of dog but it is clear the regulations that currently exist must not have been in place yesterday. We need to have stricter responses.I wish that little boy a speedy recovery and extend my support and solidarity to his whole family.

Senator Ward asked for a debate on our Defence Forces, given that there is a growing retention problem. I will try to arrange that as soon as I can after Christmas, particularly with regard to the Commission on the Defence Forces report. We will have that debate as soon we can in the new year.

Senator Ó Donnghaile spoke about the McAnespie case and the review last week, which I am sure was extremely welcome after years of looking for justice. It gives us mind to never, ever give up. When you know you are right, it is important to keep going and eventually things will come. The Senator sought a debate on the British Government's legacy Bill. I will try to organise that as soon as I can after Christmas.

To respond to Senator Keogan, I hope we always have adult conversations in debates because we are adults. We should never get to a scenario where we are calling each other names, for whatever reason. I do not disagree with the Senator insofar as there are some concerns being raised by people in communities which need to be addressed. I do not think the Government disagrees either, which is why this issue is part of the negotiations on changes in Departments over the next couple of weeks. However, when the Senator says we have immigrants roaming around towns causing antisocial behaviour, it is not fair. They are genuinely human beings fleeing from situations which I do not think we can even begin to imagine. We need to be conscious-----

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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When there are 30 children in my area who have not been in school since September I think we do have a problem.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I ask the Senator to allow the Leader to speak without interruption, please.

Regina Doherty (Fine Gael)
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We need to be conscious of the language we use and if we are really concerned-----

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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I am concerned.

Regina Doherty (Fine Gael)
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-----that should show in our language. That is all I am saying. We can continue to have grown-up conversations about it.

Senator Kyne asked me to send a letter to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to Coillte pensioners. I will do so today.

As I noted already, Senator Malcolm Byrne began by talking about the little boy who we hope will recover very soon.