Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the First Report of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight on Orders of Reference and Establishment of Committees, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; and No. 2, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2015/848 on insolvency proceedings to replace its annexes A and B, to be taken at 12.15 p.m. and to conclude at 1.45 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 ten minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply on the conclusion of the debate. On the conclusion of business today, the House shall adjourn until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 13 May 2025.

Evanne Ní Chuilinn (Fine Gael)
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Maidin mhaith, a chairde. I welcome this morning's announcement by the Camogie Association that it will convene a special meeting of its ard chomhairle to discuss the issue of playing gear. This, of course, follows last weekend's strike by the Dublin and Kilkenny players, who were forced to change out of their shorts in order to play a Leinster semi-final. What has followed since last Saturday has been an awakening by many to the game of camogie, the long-standing traditions of the game and the difficulty players have had in being heard. The Camogie Association is to be acknowledged here for reconsidering its initial proposal for a 2026 vote but the calling of a special congress in two weeks' time is only half the job of work left to do. Delegates of the ard chomhairle voted down more than one motion in favour of skorts just last year. Players at both club and county levels have said they were not contacted by delegates for their opinions on skorts, so I now urge all players to speak to their club secretaries, and club secretaries to make representations to their county and provincial boards, so members of the ard chomhairle who do not play camogie anymore and do not wear skorts know exactly what the playing population wants, in case it has not been made clear this week. It is important to highlight the fact that votes are anonymous, so the appetite for change really needs to be in the room on 22 May. The work is not finished yet.

I am aware that players have felt very supported and encouraged by the positive public sentiment towards them. They and I now realise that many people in Ireland did not previously understand the rules governing the game of camogie or the fact that the game is not governed by the GAA. Players from Waterford, Dublin, Kilkenny and Cork have contacted me to say they are grateful for the support of the Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. I am delighted to see so many Members take a stance on the skorts issue and I look forward to seeing the same Members at camogie matches, watching on TV or talking about the great players, whose voices deserve to be heard and whose exploits deserve to be seen and celebrated.

Cork and Waterford players want to wear shorts on Saturday in The Ragg for the Munster final, and given that the Camogie Association has acknowledged the glaring lack of voice and choice, I hope it will allow the game to go ahead in that spirit. On Tuesday night, I went to a local club game at which the players from St. Jude's and Na Fianna wore shorts. That game went ahead because the Dublin county board allowed it. I hope the powers that be in Munster will follow suit and take a commonsense approach as we await the outcome of this month's vote. Ní neart go cur le chéile.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I call Senator Dee Ryan. I apologise to her as she should have been first.

Dee Ryan (Fianna Fail)
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I rise today for the first time to represent the Fianna Fáil Party as leader on the Order of Business. It is absolutely fitting that I would raise as my first issue the biggest issue for us in the mid-west, as the Leas-Chathaoirleach will be aware, which is the issue of the University Hospital Limerick, UHL, overcrowding at the accident and emergency department, and the consequent impact on all of us living in counties Limerick, Clare and Tipperary. I ask for the Minister for Health to come to the Chamber for a debate on the accident and emergency crisis in the mid-west. Crucially, I would like the Minister to address what immediate strategies she is going to be bringing forward to tackle the bed shortages in UHL across this coming winter period. I appreciate HIQA will be bringing forward a report - we expect it this month - which will have recommendations on long-term strategies to solve the accident and emergency crisis. We will not, however, see any magical bed blocks built by Christmas 2025, so I wish to ask the Minister what strategies she is proposing to tackle the issue this Christmas.

We welcome the opening of the Bon Secours private hospital. It will be a hospital handling day cases and so, unfortunately, will not have an accident and emergency. We do, however, welcome that new tremendous facility that is being built in Limerick, which will be the first private hospital of its scale across the mid-west and will be opening soon. There is a concern among people living locally that this will see an exodus of healthcare workers from UHL to private hospitals. I wish to ask the Minister also what strategies she is going to employ to ensure that does not happen to us and worsen and deepen the crisis we are experiencing. Unfortunately, we know that, according to the HSE's own medical workforce report 2023-2024, UHL, Limerick and the HSE mid-west has the lowest number of consultants per 100,000 of population across the six healthcare regions. This is a real concern to us. I would appreciate the Minister's time to discuss it.

The second matter I raise briefly is the demand for better public transport services in Limerick. I have made a submission to the acting CEO of the NTA around the expansion of those facilities for the Limerick metropolitan region. I would appreciate the time of the Minister for Transport to discuss that issue.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I welcome visitors from St. Brigid's Girls' National School, who are guests of Deputy McAuliffe. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House and to the Seanad Chamber. I hope they enjoy the rest of their day.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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The Leas-Chathaoirleach and the Acting Leader will know that I have spent the best part of five years - in fact, longer, if I think about it - examining search and rescue. They will also know that the contract that has been awarded is an absolute disaster. They will know further that the Irish Air Corps put forward a 480 page submission to take one base and possibly two. This would have given search and rescue helicopter services resilience they did not have up until that time. Relying on a single aircraft and a single contractor means at any time that entire service can be taken out of service. I have two letters released to me under freedom of information. In my view, there was a conspiracy between two Departments to ensure the Air Corps would not get any part of the search and rescue contract. More importantly, on 23 February, it was decided that the Air Corps should recuse itself from any hand, act or part in that contract. The only place we have aviators qualified to speak on such things as helicopter search and rescue is the Irish Air Corps. It was forced to recuse itself because it was allegedly tendering for part of the contract. The Air Corps does not tender for part of a contract; it is assigned part of the contract. A total of €800 million of our taxpayers' money has been siphoned off to cover Bristow Ireland's contract for the next ten years. It was due to take over in July of this year. It will now not be ready to take over until 2026. There has to be a full inquiry into everything that took place with respect to this contract. We have to see the marking scheme that was awarded to the two tendering bodies, CHC Ireland and Bristow Ireland. We have to see exactly who advised the Department because the Department does not have an aviator, and neither does the Irish Coast Guard, both of which were told following the crash of Rescue 116 that they should have an aviator on staff. The only qualified aviators there were in the country to assist them with this contract was the Irish Air Corps, and it was told it had to recuse itself because it had an interest. Of course it has an interest. It is the single body that should have an interest in this country.

Yesterday, I spoke about the fact we are losing the air traffic controllers. The Government jet will finish up in Knock or in Shannon. I know the Leas-Chathaoirleach would be delighted to have it in Shannon - she will be able to fly up and down - but it is not good business. We are coming up to our Presidency of the European Union. Baldonnel aerodrome will be vital as Prime Ministers, Heads of State and ministers fly into this country during our Presidency. Why are we losing air traffic controllers? In 2021, they knew they were going and they did sweet damn all about it. The Department of public expenditure and reform needs to be shut down. It is an impediment to the proper running of this State.

Nicole Ryan (Sinn Fein)
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Melanie is a constituent of mine. She has bravely shared her heartbreaking story following the loss of her husband, Dylan, to cancer earlier this year, and he was only 32 years old. Before Dylan began chemotherapy, they followed the best medical advice and arranged to freeze his sperm. With full consent, Dylan signed the necessary forms, clearly stating that Melanie could use the samples in the event of his death. Yet when Melanie attended her consultation this year, those critical forms were missing from the digital system. Only a hard copy existed at the time, so they had not actually been scanned into the system at all. The clinic, rightly concerned, had its solicitor draft fresh documents for Dylan to sign to reconfirm his wishes, which he did just weeks before he died.

Melanie finds herself in a cruel limbo at the moment. Despite having full legal consent and paying monthly to store Dylan's samples, she is being told there is no protocol for a widow in her situation. She has been advised to wait until December and then reapply in the hope that the national guidelines might be in place by then. However, Melanie does not have the luxury of time at the moment. Her fertility tests have shown that she has a lower egg reserve than expected for her age, and her window is narrowing. While she waits, she is being told that she could have an easier access route to fertility from a random donor than from her late husband, the very person she planned that future with. It is just disgraceful to have that, it really is. That is a massive and indefensible gap in our fertility and reproductive care, so I urge that we have a debate with the Minister for Health on this to see how we could help families who are navigating both loss and fertility. They deserve support, clarity and proper legislation on this, not just bureaucracy, red tape and delays.

Patricia Stephenson (Social Democrats)
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Last weekend, Dr. Mike Ryan of the WHO said that if you are not angry, you are not paying attention; if you are not doing something about it, you are complicit in genocide. Last weekend, the Tánaiste said that the world is not doing enough. We have known that the world is not doing enough for the past 20 months and for many years before that. I welcome the well-intentioned and sincere words of the Tánaiste. They are welcome, and I welcome that our Government has acknowledged we are not doing enough. Ireland has not been doing enough, so what more could we do?

We could start today by ensuring no munitions of war pass through our airspace or leave this country in the form of dual-use goods. We could start that today or tomorrow. We have the occupied territories Bill and that could and should be passed immediately. Our Government could seek to trigger an emergency session of the UN General Assembly to adopt Resolution 377(V), the so-called uniting for peace resolution, to recommend collective measures, including sanctions, in this crisis situation.

In Gaza today, 290,000 children are suffering from acute malnutrition. Many of them are at imminent risk of death by starvation. I do not know if anyone has seen children dying of starvation before. I have; I worked in South Sudan. It is terrifying. That is enough children to fill Croke Park three times. This is not a famine caused by drought or natural disasters. It is manufactured by a regime intent on the complete extermination of the Palestinian people by deliberate deprivation.Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur, has made it plain that this is not about defence, it is about destruction. The Israeli Government is moving to annex Gaza completely and erase it physically and politically from the map. What do we do? We issue statements, wring our hands and talk about it. The children of Gaza do not need our sadness or moral outrage. They need our courage, they need us to take action, they need food and water and they need the bombs to stop.

Ireland has always been a voice for justice, peace and humanity, but we have failed to act with sanctions and diplomatic consequences. I implore the Government to stop talking and start acting. Time is running out for the people in Gaza, many of whom are dying. They will be violently forced out of their homes.

We cannot just keep watching this happen. I would welcome a debate. I appreciate that the Tánaiste came to the Chamber a few weeks ago. We ended up talking mostly about tariffs because that was the day that was in it. We need to have a debate about what more we can do and what actions we can take, both domestically and internationally. Ireland has influence, as the Acting Leader, Senator Joe O'Reilly, knows. We have influence in Europe. We need to start taking radical action to exert that. We can no longer sit back and just watch this happen. Time is running out. I cannot reinforce that enough. We are maybe months away from Palestine no longer existing.

Teresa Costello (Fianna Fail)
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On 2 April, I tabled a Commencement matter regarding what I believe is a systemic failure in how our healthcare system is responding to young women in their 20s and 30s when they are referred by GPs to breast care clinics with the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. We are constantly delivering a clear message to women that they should know their own normal and that early detection saves lives. We promote this through workplace talks, school programmes and public awareness campaigns, a number of which I have personally been involved in. The message has been consistent and clear but it is being completely undermined by a system that is supposed to support these women when they act on the advice they have been given.

In general, in order for a GP to refer a young woman to a breast care clinic, the lump must have been present for eight weeks. Following the referral, it can take up to four months for her appointment to come through. That is potentially six months of waiting from the time when she first detects the lump to when she is sitting in the breast care clinic. Incredibly, after all that, she may be sent away without even a scan. I am not talking about mammograms because they are not the appropriate first step for younger women, but there is no ultrasound either. What is the purpose of these appointments? I cannot understand how a system built around the principle of early detection saving lives functions like this. These women are doing exactly what we are asking of them, being proactive, vigilant, and taking ownership of their health, yet they are often being sent away to wait a further six months for a scan. That is six months more with a lump in their breast. If it is cancerous, it is six months more for it to grow and develop. If it is benign, it is six months living under a cloud of uncertainty and fear. That is unacceptable, but I see it as being easily addressed. Until recently, I really was not aware of the extent to which young women were experiencing this and I consider myself as someone who has their finger on the pulse when it comes to breast cancer. They are being sent home without being scanned despite doing everything right. I find that deeply concerning and I call for urgent action. I request that the Minister come before the House for a full debate on this issue. We need to address the gaps in the breast care pathway for younger women and ensure that our healthcare system is supporting early detection.

Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael)
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I rise to represent the hospitality sector, specifically in the west of Ireland, members of which approached me recently about the increased cost of business and the reduction in margins. It is lucky that in the past ten days, the weather has brought increased footfall and has had people out using facilities regularly. As we are all aware, however, the climate in Ireland is not predictable. It could be July or August when it is a much quieter time. The hospitality sector is a big employer in and supporter of our rural economies. I would like this House to have a debate about the reintroduction of the 9% VAT rate to support our hospitality sector. As stated, it is a big employer.

We had a debate about further and higher education yesterday. The hospitality sector supports the students who are going through further and higher education. My party and the Government have been very supportive of business in general. The Acting Leader will know of the impact of the Department of Rural and Community Development and what it has spent on amenities and services over the years in rural Ireland. The hospitality sector ensures that the people in question stay in rural areas and it revitalises and supports rural economies. The 9% VAT rate is a deal breaker that we must discuss before budget 2025.

Frances Black (Independent)
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Last week, I was very heartened to see Senator Manus Boyle raise the defective concrete block crisis, an issue that continues to devastate lives across Donegal and beyond. There are many urgent matters relating to this crisis that remain unaddressed. Just last week, for example, the four 100% Redress party councillors took the drastic step of walking out of a meeting of Donegal County Council. This was an act of sheer frustration at the persistent lack of engagement from the Government and, in particular, the Minister for housing. These councillors are phenomenal. They represent families caught up in this humanitarian crisis. Those victims who are attempting to engage with the defective concrete blocks scheme, because they must, in order to keep their families safe, are under unbearable financial pressure. It is awful to think of what they are going through, yet the legislation that would allow for retrospective payments has still not been passed.

These families are being forced to pay rent and mortgages while their homes sit unfinished. They are trying to negotiate short-term lets during a housing crisis and clinging in desperation to the Government’s promise that the legislation will be a priority. It is important to note that there was no opposition to the amendment. The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland advised the rebuilding rates in March 2024, yet more than a year later the people affected are still waiting. These homeowners have strict deadlines that must be met, yet they cannot meet them due to inaction on passing this legislation. To be honest, it is beyond cruel because the mental health impact on those families is off the Richter scale at this point. I cannot even imagine their frustration.

These are families who already lived through the trauma of losing their home. They were told they would not be disadvantaged for being early movers, yet they have again been left high and dry and are paying a price for doing what they were told. I support these families. We must continue to support them and not add to their suffering. The situation is not of their making. I plead with the Government to pass this legislation as soon as possible and without any delay because these families have waited long enough.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 6 be taken before No. 1. No. 6 relates to seeking leave to introduce the Public Health (Restriction on Sale of Stimulant Drinks to Children) Bill 2025. The latter, which we can refer to as the energy drinks Bill, aims to prohibit the sale of stimulant drinks to young people under the age of 18. The Bill is necessary because it addresses the growing public health concern about the widespread availability and consumption of stimulant drinks, commonly known as energy drinks, among children and adolescents. These beverages, which are often high not only caffeine and sugar but also other stimulants such as taurine, have been linked to adverse health effects, including sleep disturbance, increased anxiety and cardiovascular issues in young people.

Among other things, the Bill sets out to prohibit the sale of stimulant drinks to individuals under 18 years of age, with appropriate penalties for non-compliance. It also seeks to restrict advertising targeted at children, in particular in proximity to schools, youth clubs and other venues frequented by minors. In addition, it seeks to mandate clear health warnings on packaging and at points of sale, informing consumers of potential health risks associated with excessive consumption.

This initiative aligns with our commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of our younger population. We will be following other European nations such as Hungary, which banned the sale of such drinks to minors last week, as well as Poland and Lithuania, where similar bans have resulted in major drops in the consumption of stimulant drinks among minors. I hope the House will grant leave to introduce the Bill. I look forward to engaging in a constructive debate on its provisions in due course.

Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail)
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I ask our Acting Leader, the very experienced Senator O'Reilly, if he would invite the Minister for Health to the House. I am raising the issue of genetic testing in Ireland. We have no clear plan and most genetic testing in Ireland is carried out abroad, which is a great scandal for this country. We had a proposed plan that this would be comprehensively considered and dealt with before March of this year. Needless to say, that has not come to fruition. A national service must be implemented. We have to have a strategy and a plan. We are relying on other countries, often far away. People will understand such travel is not ideal for genetic testing. I would appreciate if the Acting Leader could liaise with the Minister and she if she will come to the House to have a debate on this issue.

Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)
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I raise the important issue of ambulance response times in County Mayo, particularly the Erris region of Belmullet. I have three call logs of incidents from the past number of months. In some instances, the ambulance response times to patients has been two hours. Two hours, two hours and 96 minutes are just three examples from the past number of months. I compliment the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, for her work improving the effectiveness of her office and improving the health outcomes and conditions, but where ambulance response times are concerned, the people of Belmullet and Erris waiting two hours is unacceptable. It is linked to congestion in Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar. We need to ensure that these situations never happen. People in the most vulnerable and needy situation of their lives are sometimes left waiting up to two hours in an area that is often neglected and forgotten about and is sparsely populated and rural. We need to do better for the people of Erris and Belmullet. These response times are not good enough. We need to ensure that, regardless of circumstance, situations or events, there is a plan B and a plan C so that, if ambulances are gone to Castlebar or held up in other locations, we still have adequate response times in emergencies. We want security and safety and reassurances for the people of Erris that we have adequate response times in their hour of need. It is important.

On a separate note, the Ballina Town FC under-12s team are in the all-Ireland final. It is my home club and they are playing Verona FC at 11 a.m. on Sunday. I wish the management team of Colin Syron and Tony Molloy and the team the best of luck.

Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)
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Can we ask that the Minister for Justice attend today to explain why the barriers surrounding the International Protection Office on Mount Street have been up so long and when they are coming down? The Mount Street residents in Power's Court and Verschoyle Place have been living with tents and metal barriers in their neighbourhood for over 18 months. The tents are gone but the barriers remain. Residents are asking why the barriers are being allowed remain. Mount Street and the streets off it look derelict. There are weeds everywhere and rubbish. It is unkempt, untidy and has a kind of ghetto look to it. Grattan Street is a constant rat run and very dangerous. There are many family homes on that street. None of this is encouraging families to move into the inner city. The neglect of the inner city is ongoing. We should be encouraging families into the inner city. Local businesses on Grattan Street like Mamma Mia have seen their turnover go off a cliff but they are still expected to pay rates by Dublin City Council. They were encircled with barriers and their business has gone down the tubes. They need support.The council is not supporting local businesses and it needs to. Given the lack of respect State agencies show to residents and the lack of input local residents have in their own communities, why would they agree to anything the Government proposes? That is the reality. Residents are treated like second class citizens and are then expected to be cheerleaders for the Government. That will just not happen. For social cohesion to be maintained, dialogue needs to be a two-way street.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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Is Senator O'Reilly seconding Senator Keogan's proposed amendment?

Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)
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Yes, I second the amendment.

I raise the issue of TB and, more specifically, the range of proposals put forward by the Department of agriculture at the TB forum in April. I have been speaking to farmers who are really concerned about the proposals. These measures include clamping down on sales from high-risk herds and reduced compensation for farmers who lose cows. This is putting all of the cost back on farmers who are trying to farm while the disease is running rampant. The TB vaccination programme is not working. The Department needs to throw its hands up and acknowledge the flaws in the current system. It needs to stop putting the responsibility back on farmers.

Between 2023 and 2024, 5,906 herds were restricted, which is a 20% increase on the previous year. This increase is happening at the same time as more money is being poured into the TB eradication programme. In the first half of 2024, total expenditure on the programme was €40.8 million, an increase of 23% on the previous year. Why are we spending more and more money on a programme that is not working? Farmers on the ground know it is not working and have been telling the Department of agriculture and the Minister this for years. We need a reduction in the number of badgers if we are to tackle the TB crisis in any substantial way. At the extraordinary meeting to be held today, I hope the Minister will acknowledge this rather than simply spending more money on a broken system or putting the financial burden back on farmers.

I recognise the fact that Paul Brady - "The Gunner" - from our county is competing in the world handball final this Saturday. He is also a cousin of Senator Keogan. I wish him well. He is a fantastic representative for sport, to still be at the top of his game at the age of 46.

Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael)
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I raise a humanitarian issue for a family in Listowel. Over the last ten years, they have been flooded in their home three times. They applied for the relocation scheme through the OPW but it is not working in their favour. The family are Artur and Liene Gabrielyan and their two sons. I will outline the details of their family journey so far with the OPW relocation scheme. They applied for the scheme in 2020 and were approved in 2021 when they were offered X, Y and Z. The offer was increased after the family were flooded for the third time in June 2023. Unfortunately, the amount does not coincide with market values right now.

The family have made bids on numerous houses and have been outbid each time. The clauses in the relocation scheme make it impossible. The scheme does not allow for a deposit so the family has to come up with that money themselves, which can be as much as 10% of the cost of the house. The family's house has to be demolished before they can draw down any money, which is crazy. The bank has a clause in place stating that the timeframe between the house being demolished and the sale finishing cannot be more than three months. The process is protracted and there is very little in the way of support to the family from the OPW to navigate the intricacies of this scheme. For example, in December 2023, the family put a deposit on a house and had an understanding with the agent that they could be caretakers, live in the house and pay rent on it until a deal went through. When the owners learned there would be a delay in receiving the full amount of funds, they pulled out of the sale in April 2024. In effect, this scheme means a family will be homeless between the time their property is demolished and the sale of the new property is finalised. Even if the family could somehow manage all of this, the amount of money the scheme is allocating to them is way too low. I could go on about the despair and anxiety this family are going through right now. They are basically homeless because of the next flood and because of this. I ask the Leader to call on the Minister of State for the OPW to solve this issue and come to the House to explain why this family must go through this torment.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I welcome St. Brendan's Community School, Birr, County Offaly, who are guests of Deputy John Clendennen. I congratulate them on being winners of the European debating championships. I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House today.

Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)
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I second Senator Keogan's amendment to the Order of Business today regarding the Public Health (Restriction on Sale of Stimulant Drinks to Children) Bill 2025.

I also rise to call for an urgent discussion, as my colleagues did earlier, on the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Two nights ago, I was asked to meet the families who have just arrived in Ireland from Gaza. Many of them were carrying unimaginable trauma. There were many children there who have come here for medical intervention. They did not choose where they were born and they are now innocent victims of this horrific situation. Among the young children were many who had lost their limbs - their arms or legs - and many with missing eyes. Their innocence has been totally stripped away from them by this war. The scale of this crisis goes way beyond our comprehension and we cannot turn away from this suffering.

The conflict must come to an end. There are no winners in this war, only loss, and we will see generations devastated by this tragedy. We have seen first-hand in our own country with the Troubles in Northern Ireland that peace is the only viable way forward. I call on Israel to cease its military operations and join whatever diplomatic table in order that we can bring peace and stop this humanitarian disaster. I also call on Hamas to release the hostages taken on 7 October. Their continued captivity only deepens the wounds of this conflict and prolongs suffering on all sides.

Ireland has stood as a voice for peace, justice and human rights. In this Chamber, we must reaffirm our commitment to diplomatic solutions. We must ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need and stand in unwavering solidarity with those calling for an end to violence.

Manus Boyle (Fine Gael)
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I raise a planning issue concerning the N56, in particular, the lack of access to the N56, which remains a serious challenge for the communities in south-west Donegal. At present, many people living at home and away want to come home and build on their local farm or along the N56, but they cannot get planning permission along the road. This is totally wrong. We need the Government to intervene to convince the TII this policy is unsustainable and does not work in rural Ireland. We need planning along our major roads to get our young people to stay in our towns and support our football teams and everything going on in the community. We need to get the Minister in to the House to ask him why this policy is in place. I ask that the Minister would come to the House in order that we can ask him why this is happening. We need to get this changed for the rural communities, not just in Donegal but elsewhere in Ireland where planning permission beside the road cannot be got. I hope he will come in soon and we can get this sorted.

I also wish Jim McGuinness and the boys all the best on Sunday. I hope it will be a good day.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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In the context of congratulating our young friends from Birr a few minutes ago, I had a conversation with them, which turned to the topic of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, in which many of us have a great interest. We have our own very fine walking routes in Ireland, such as the increasingly popular St. Declan's Way between counties Tipperary and Waterford. There is also the famous Beara-Breifne Way, which commemorates the famous and ill-fated march by Donal Cam O’Sullivan Beare and his followers in the wake of the Battle of Kinsale in the early 1600s. The march started with 1,000 people but only a couple of dozen people survived the long walk, having suffered from hunger, violence and all the rest. Over the years, huge work has been done on various sections of the Beara-Breifne Way. I think of people like Jim O'Sullivan in the Beara area and Paddy Naughton on the Hymany Way, which covers my own neck of the woods and that part of the Beara-Breifne Way. Senator Scahill probably lives in the Suck Valley section of the route.

It would be timely for a Minister, presumably the Minister for tourism, to update us on the plans for the Beara-Breifne route. Quite apart from the health and recreational benefits for our own people, the amenity has the potential to be a huge part of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands tourism offering. As members of the Oireachtas who come from different parts of the country, we should pay attention to the potential of these kinds of amenities and do our best to support them.

It would be timely for the House to have a debate on Ireland's walking routes as it would allow us time to focus on some of them. We could have a discussion on what Members can do to support them and what steps need to be taken to enable each of these routes to fulfil their potential. I refer in particular today to the Beara-Breifne route but this would apply to the other routes and hiking and walking activities in Ireland. There are health, tourism and economic dividends. I ask for a debate to be arranged in the near future.

Eileen Lynch (Fine Gael)
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I would like the House to acknowledge and pay tribute to the work done by community alert groups as they celebrate their 40th anniversary. Community alert was founded by Muintir na Tíre in 1985 following a spike in rural crime, break-ins and illegal activity. For the past 40 years, community alert has not only protected communities but has also shown the importance of communities working together. It has evolved into a vital support network that helps to prevent crime, promotes social inclusion and strengthens community spirit. It is important that we acknowledge the immense contribution by community alert groups and Muintir na Tíre in ensuring the safety and well-being of people across the country.

Throughout its 40-year history, community alert has continuously adapted to meet the changing needs of society. From its early focus on rural crime prevention to the introduction of text alert systems and modern digital communication, it has embraced innovation while staying true to its core mission. Today, with thousands of local groups, community alert continues to serve as a model of best practice in community-led crime prevention and support. One of the most commendable aspects of community alert is its emphasis on supporting older and more vulnerable members of society. Through programmes such as the senior alert scheme and initiatives aimed at reducing isolation, community alert has made a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of people. The dedication of volunteers working alongside An Garda Síochána and local authorities has ensured that people feel safer, more connected and more supported in their daily lives. As we celebrate this milestone for community alert, we must recognise the tireless efforts of Muintir na Tíre, the commitment of local volunteers and the invaluable partnership with An Garda Síochána. Their dedication has helped create a legacy of trust, security and community resilience that will endure for many generations to come.

Community alert has never been more important in local communities. As we see another increase in rural crime, we see again the impact that community alert can have in making localities safer. I extend a heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed to community alert over the past 40 years and I look forward to its continued success in the future.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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Before I call the Acting Leader, I convey my sympathy to former Deputy Brian Leddin on the passing of his mother, Kathleen Leddin, a former Mayor of Limerick and a councillor for 20 years in the city. I was the fourth female Mayor of Limerick and Kathleen was the fifth. There have only been five female mayors in 820-odd years. Kathleen was a very dedicated councillor and Mayor of Limerick. It was ironic that she served as an Independent mayor while her late husband, Tim Leddin, served as a Fine Gael mayor. I express my sympathy to Timothy, Morgan, Brian, Gregory, Deirdre, Tony, Desmond, Joan and the extended Leddin and Donovan families.

I call the Acting Leader to respond to the Order of Business.

Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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I am happy to accept the amendment proposed by Senator Keogan and seconded by my neighbour and colleague, Senator Sarah O'Reilly. I will revert presently to the substantive issue raised in the proposed amendment.

I thank colleagues for their many and varied contributions on a range of issues, all of which were pertinent and topical. Senator Ní Chuilinn raised one of the biggest contemporary issues, namely, the ongoing discussion regarding the wearing of skorts by camogie players. There is a nice piece on it by Miriam Lord in the newspaper today. Senator Ní Chuilinn is not only well placed to speak on this issue but passionately interested in it. She is a passionate advocate for women's participation in sports and their equality within sport. I was very happy to hear the announcement this morning that a special congress has been called for a few weeks' time to deal with this question. I hope there will be a sensible, realistic and modern-day outcome. I heard Aisling Maher being interviewed this morning on the topic. She made a very good point in expressing her hope that after this debate, we will continue to focus on camogie for the excellence and beauty of the game and its being one of the most wonderful traditional heritage games in our country, and that we will not just forget about it again when the feminist issue is sorted and put it back in the Cinderella spot. Aisling Maher, the captain of the Dublin camogie team, was correct to bring that into focus. I hope she will have the outcome to which she aspires. Well done to Senator Ní Chuilinn on raising the issue. I know she is passionate about it. I will take the matter to the Minister but I humbly suggest that the Senator also keep raising it with him. I hope she is correct that sanity and common sense will prevail this coming Sunday.

Senator Dee Ryan referred to University Hospital Limerick. It is always good to have a lot of new Members, as we do, but one of my vivid memories of the previous Seanad, if not the most outstanding memory, is of my great friend and colleague, Senator Maria Byrne, now the Leas-Chathaoirleach, and former Senator Paul Gavan, who was an excellent contributor, vying with each other to speak about University Hospital Limerick. They were outdoing each other with adjectives to try to show the gravity of the situation. They both did their job, as they should. It is sad that this issue is still ongoing and that Senator Ryan, who is a fearless advocate, must deal with it. I will take the matter to the Minister. We should have a debate on it. The situation there is a horror. There should be short-term measures to address the problems. I acknowledge there are plans for the medium and long term to deal with the many issues. It is not just a question of resources, as Senator Ryan knows well; there are management issues and many other questions. I agree with her that it needs an immediate strategy. It also needs a long- and medium-term strategy, a review of management systems and structures and an exploration of the systemic issues. I am glad the Senator raised the matter. That sounds like a horrible cliché but it is important to discuss it. It is shocking that we are back to the future, as it were, in trying to deal with the situation. As stated, there will be a long-term strategy at Christmas. However, we need to deal with this in the interim. Senator Ryan also referred to public transport in Limerick. My colleague Senator Sarah O'Reilly will agree that there has been a huge improvement in public transport in our area. This is one of the great legacies of the previous Government. There was a great improvement in the public transport network, and I hope that Limerick will not lose there. I know Senator Ryan, the Leas-Chathaoirleach and the fine people who represent Limerick will not allow it to fall off the agenda, but it is disturbing that there would be a deficit in a major city. That deficit needs to be bridged. I will take the matter up with the Minister for Transport. I humbly suggest that the Senator bring it to the transport committee also. Even if the Senator is not a member of that committee, she has right of audience. I recommend she does that or gets one of her colleagues to do it. I will certainly see that the issues she has raised are moved forward.

Senator Craughwell raised an issue that is dear to my heart for a very sad reason. There is a family who are neighbours of mine. They are good people who live in the Cootehill catchment area. They are a very well-known family and have a history of huge community endeavours spanning many years. One of the family's uncles, Tom Fitzpatrick, was Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil. One of the Fitzpatrick family lost their life in the awful tragedy a couple of years ago involving Rescue 116. That tragedy took the life of my young neighbour and drew a veil of sadness over our community, For that reason, I am very attuned to what Senator Craughwell is talking about. He made a very good point that the Air Corps is not a lobbyist on the issue. It is not an outside seeker of position. It is, in fact, central and should be the main entity here. The amount of money the Senator says has been spent - €800 million - is very high and calls the marking scheme into question. Needless to say, this issue will be raised by the Senator at the defence committee. I will make sure that it is brought to the attention of the Minister, arising from what has been said here. We will keep it on the agenda. It is an important issue, and I am happy that the Senator raised it. I salute and respect his bona fides and his knowledge of this matter.

Senator Nicole Ryan raised a question about the heartbreaking story of Melanie, one of her constituents, whose husband Dylan had cancer. He began chemotherapy and arrangements were made to have his sperm frozen. He gave his full consent for this. He signed the necessary forms clearly stating that Melanie could use his samples. Yet, when Melanie attended her consultation in January, those critical forms were missing from the digital system and there was only a hard copy that had not been scanned. They drafted a fresh document but now Melanie finds herself in a cruel limbo. Despite having legal consent and despite paying monthly to store Dylan's samples, she has been told there is no protocol for a widow in her situation. Of course, this is disturbing. She does not have the luxury of time. This needs to be dealt with. While the Senator called for debate on the whole area of fertility, grief, etc,, and reasonably so, both the specific case of Melanie and the late Dylan, God rest him, needs to be brought to the attention of the Minister for Health and investigated. Senator Patricia Stephenson, a colleague of mine, Senator Mullen and others on the Council of Europe, raised the question of Gaza. There is not one of us in this room, whether a Member or a member of staff, who is not tragically and painfully aware of the horror that is Gaza. That horror is increasing and has taken a shocking turn. It was genocide, a horror story with targeted destruction, of which children and women were the big victims. Houses were demolished and health schemes destroyed and there was no access for supplies. There was all of that but to think that an all-out ground offensive, a worse form of offensive, and the total demolition and takeover of Gaza are being planned and about to be executed fully, if not already mostly executed, is just tragic. I am heartened to know that the Tánaiste, Deputy Harris, is bringing the heads of a Bill on the occupied territories and trade with them to Cabinet.

RTÉ has raised the question of the Eurovision and there is a debate on it. All of this needs to be addressed. The Tánaiste made the point on "The Late Late Show" the other night that it is difficult to assess and control what is happening in the skies. Nonetheless, an effort must be made there too. Those points were well made by Senator Stephenson. There is not one person in this room or many a room who would have an issue with anything the Senator said or that Senator McCarthy said later. I spoke about this issue at the Council of Europe recently and posted my speech, in which I made the point that what is happening is a totally disproportionate response. It is of course necessary to say that what Hamas did on 7 October was wrong and that antisemitism is a horror. However, that is not what we are talking about. We are talking about a completely disproportionate, genocidal, inhuman response to a particular grievous incident.

Senator Costello raised breast care and the waiting lists for care, scans, etc., involved. This is a hugely important topic. Needless to say, it is a family issue and a people's issue. It is obviously a women's issue but not just a women's issue; it is a societal issue of gravity. I hope the position can be improved. I know the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, is exercised about the issue. Having said that, it needs to be dealt with and we need specific results. The Minister should be invited to the House. I will make the Leader aware that we should have a debate on breast care and the ministerial response.

I have more than a passing interest and knowledge of Roscommon where I have a lot of good friends. Senator Scahill, my colleague and friend from the county, raised the pertinent issue of the hospitality sector. There are a number of challenges in hospitality. One that I anecdotally know about from experience and talking to friends is the huge staffing issue. As a result of societal change and for other reasons, it is very difficult to get staff for the hospitality sector. I am aware of hostelries that are closed for half the week and more for want of staff. That is a significant issue. There are also pricing issues. There has been a bit of a revival recently with the weather, and that is good.

Senator Scahill also spoke about bringing back the VAT initiative, which was probably one of the best initiatives of the then Government and Minister, Michael Noonan. I do not have to remind Senator Scahill, who is a man of extreme intelligence and rationality, that one of the issues with that initiative was the misuse of it by certain hoteliers and the price-gouging that occurred despite it. That has probably been its greatest enemy. That is not to take from the Senator’s argument, but the point needs to be made that it should not have been abused. Tragically, it was abused in the big cities, notably this one, and particularly at concert events and so on.That abuse lost public support for it. Having said that, the Senator's point is well made that there is an issue in hospitality. I would also remind the Senator, who is more than aware, that there have been rates remissions for the hospitality sector, that these have been very valuable, and they were an initiative of the last Government which will hopefully be continued by this one. I will take the Senator's point. We have an excellent Minister now, my neighbour in this area, the Minister for tourism, and I will bring the Senator's point to him. It is a point well made. He is actually visiting Cavan tonight and I will raise it with him personally on the fringes of that visit.

Senator Black, who is not with us at the moment, raised the question of the concrete blocks scheme. She acknowledged that Senator Boyle had raised this on the previous day. She was saying that there has been a delay in the payments. There has been a holding up of people who need the money to build new homes or to renovate their homes. The scheme is in a frozen state, not to flippantly use a term from conflict, and it was said that the scheme needs to be put into activity. The payments need to go out and people need to be compensated for the defective blocks, which is not their fault. I had the occasion to visit Donegal and to be brought around by former Councillor McGuinness to visit homes and see walls, and it was a horror to see the broken-down walls. It is through no fault of the homeowners who have mortgages and all of that. I will take Senator Black's point. We will bring it to the Minister. I will mention it to Senator Kyne again. Senator Black makes the point well and it needs dealing with.

Senator Davitt raised the point that genetic testing in Ireland is outsourced abroad and that we should have a national service. Without being patronising or showing partiality to a colleague of long standing, I do think Senator Davitt has a happy ability to bring very pertinent issues to the floor of this House and he is yet again correct. We do need to have this service within this country, to make it available here and not to be outsourcing it. We should never outsource anything that can be done in this country. Action needs to be taken on that.

Senator Mark Duffy raised the question of the ambulance response time in Mayo, specifically in Bangor Erris, if I heard him correctly, Belmullet and that area. I have a very good friend, Councillor Coyle, there, a wonderful individual and quite a character who has a huge family history in this State from its foundations. Councillor Coyle keeps me abreast of these things too. Senator Duffy makes a really good point that we cannot have a two-hour waiting time for an ambulance. My middle son was grievously ill a few years ago and thank God, the ambulance arrived within 20 minutes. Were the ambulance to have been an hour late, let alone two hours, I would not be standing here today. That is why I get the point, and anyone sane gets the point. We cannot have a two-hour wait for an ambulance. By definition, the need for an ambulance means that two hours is too long. Senator Duffy is right to bring this to the floor of the House. This point must go to the Minister. I humbly suggest that he raise the matter with his local HSE officials as well and that he gets it raised at local level. It needs to come on to the national and local forums. It is a horror. The Senator wants to wish his under-12 football team well in the all-Ireland and I think that is a reasonable wish. It is a great credit to them that they have reached the all-Ireland. I hope Senator Duffy will have a good day at the match and that they will win.Senator Andrews raised the pertinent question of the barriers around Mount Street, which I understand extend to the canal. Thank God, the tents are gone and there has been somewhat of an alleviation in the situation that gave rise to the barriers in the first instance. There was a health and safety exercise, among other things, at that time. The barriers should of course be removed. Dublin is a great tourism location. It is our capital city and attracts a phenomenal number of visitors during the summer. For that reason, anything that is an eyesore and blight on the tourism product and life for local people, traders and so on is wrong. The Senator is correct to raise this point. It behoves the Government and city council to respond immediately. Without getting into any party political issues, the Minister for Justice is quite local and should surely be as conversant as the Senator is on this issue. It is to be hoped he will respond and I have no doubt he will. The issue requires a response. As the Senator said, there are family homes, traders and so on close by. The situation needs to be dealt with and I will bring the matter forward.

My neighbour from down the road at home and somebody who is a fearless advocate for our community, Senator Sarah O'Reilly, pertinently and correctly raised an issue. One of our jobs is not only to seek investment in public schemes, works and services, but to also ensure that there is not wasteful investment and that there are results. That is as much a function of a public representative as to call for further investment. We must ensure that money invested is used well. The Senator made the point that the TB scheme had a disappointing outcome. I am of a certain age and happen to remember the scheme as a child. It was consistent over many years and the story did not alter over that span of years.. The scheme still seems to have the same aspiration and has not dealt with TB in any comprehensive fashion. The Minister will make announcements today, I gather. I understand that to be the case; I am not au fait with the elements thereof. I accidentally had a good chat with him when meeting an Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association, ICSA, delegation that was visiting the Minister, Deputy Heydon, this morning. It was led by our neighbour from west Cavan, Hugh Farrell, general secretary of the ICSA, and met the Minister to discuss the badger cull. Members of the delegation told me there was a staffing shortage in the section. It is difficult to recruit staff and there are not always enough resources to keep them going. It is lunacy that we would not adequately staff the section if the scheme has been in place for so long and is not getting the desired result. It is a shocking hole for money and a waste of public expenditure for 40 or 50 years. The matter needs to be dealt with. I congratulate the Senator for raising the matter. I will bring it forward to the Minister. It will be interesting to see what arises from the Minister's response today. I understand he will respond in a public sense today; I am anecdotally aware that he is so doing. We will have to see. He will make a statement shortly, if he has not done so already. I have no difficulty with suggesting a debate. It is reasonable that the Senator would call for that.

All I can say to Senator Kennelly, my Kerry colleague, is to remind him, in the spirit of personal and social banter, of the time we beat Kerry in 1947 in the Polo Grounds. Sadly, we are still dining out on that one. We have had some victories since, but that was the last big victory over Kerry. I never cease to remind him of it.To get more to the point, he raised a number of questions. He raised the case of the Gabrielyan family, who, he tells us, were the victims of flooding two or three times. He is right to advocate for them. It should not be the case they were flooded two or three times. The amount of compensation they have been offered is not adequate to provide an alternative home, and that is a nonsense. You would be better offering them nothing than gratuitously and insultingly offering them something that will not get an alternative home. It is a question that I humbly suggest the Senator pursue on a personal basis with the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, but it should and will also be brought to him as a consequence of today. It is hoped proper compensation will apply. It is very little in the context of our national budget. It is shocking that these kinds of arbitrary exercise take place and families suffer in this fashion. I agree with the Senator that something needs to be done. Am I correct that he said that they were three times flooded? Yes. That is the point I wanted to bring out. That is shocking. That adds insult to injury. It was a point well made and it will be brought forward. I suggest the Senator, as he probably is doing, go into dialogue with the Minister of State.

Senator McCarthy eloquently, as always, raised the question of Gaza and Hamas, as was raised earlier by Senator Stephenson. I responded then, and I make the same response to Senator McCarthy. It is one of the shocking blights on humanity. When our grandchildren get to be ten and 12 and are aware of the world, read a bit of history and hear things, they will ask us what we did about Gaza, did we go to the protests, did we stand up against what was happening, and did we speak against it if we were in public life. It is a shocking horror. It is a blight on humanity. It is terrible that it should happen in the cradle of civilisation and the cradle of Christianity. This inhumane action and collection of actions are terrible. Imagine keeping food, medical supplies and water from people. Imagine indiscriminately bombing and razing homes and people in pursuit of Hamas personnel, for example, bombing 1,000 people in pursuit of maybe two Hamas personnel. It is a travesty. I lack the English to properly describe it, and I think most of us do. I agree with Senator McCarthy about that.

Senator Boyle raised a point. I was a member of Cavan County Council for 20 years-----

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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Does the Acting Leader mind if I welcome the students before they leave?

Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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Of course not. Please do.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the students from Sancta Maria College in Mayo, who are guests of Deputy Keira Keogh. I hope they enjoy their visit here today.

Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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I concur with that. I welcome the students. It is great to have visitors here in the people’s House – it is their House.

I return to Senator Boyle. As I said, I was a member of Cavan County Council for 20 years. Senator Sarah O’Reilly followed me onto Cavan County Council some years later, and she may tell me, formally or informally, if this continued to be the case, but the question of planning, including one-off planning, and the capacity to build houses in rural areas was always on the agenda. It nearly arose monthly. Cavan had one of the most benign planning systems, and I would have thought one of the most sensitive in the country, yet it arose. Donegal is a beautiful and fabulous county. I agree with Senator Boyle that we should have a planning system where, within health and safety guidelines, needless to say, and those parameters only, it should be possible to build a home, live and raise a family, live on family farm or buy a local neighbour’s site and live there. It is reasonable. Senator Boyle, as always, raised an important matter. It should be dealt with. It is across a couple of Departments and it is a local authority issue as well. We will bring it forward and see what can be done. It certainly arises. When our Seanad group meets - I presume all parties are similar - the question of planning laws also arises. We will keep it there. Senator Mullen raised the very interesting question of the walks and the Irish caminos, if you like, such as St. Declan's Way. He asked about the O'Sullivan Beara walk right through the country up from Kinsale. He made the point that we should talk about our tourism walks, identify them, market them, make them fit for purpose and make them accessible. The Senator makes a very good point. In the town of Bailieborough where I have the pleasure to live, we will have a Plantation museum because that is Plantation country. It is in that genre and that sphere that heritage sites, heritage walks, religious trails etc. should be celebrated, made fit for purpose, made accessible and marketed by our tourism people. If people will go to do the camino, why would they not come here and do St. Declan's Way? There is a new camino in Killashandra in County Cavan which is doing very well and has a walk a couple of times a year.

Senator Lynch has drawn our attention to the 40-year commemoration of the community alert scheme. It is certainly one of the better schemes. In an area called Laragh near me, I get messages every day from the community alert there. It is a wonderful scheme involving communities and is very reassuring for older people. It is a great thing and those involved are all volunteers. I gather, anecdotally, that, at the moment, it is very difficult to get volunteers in everything because of two people working in homes, because of commuting and because of so many societal pressures. We should celebrate our volunteers. The Senator is right in identifying this group of wonderful volunteers who bring comfort and service to people living in isolated places. A son of mine just did a thesis on the impact of rural isolation on people. I have read it. I actually helped him get some people to do the interviews for him. Rural isolation is challenging in its own right without adding to it, and community alert is a great help here. Indeed, there is also isolation in cities and towns, so it is very important.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly mentioned Paul Brady, whom I know very well. He is a professional colleague from primary teaching. He is a nephew of Senator Keogan or a first cousin.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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He is a first cousin. Do not make me feel that old.

Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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Paul Brady has brought honour and distinction to himself and his family, to Mullahoran, to Cavan and to Ireland in handball. I wish him well yet again. He is teaching in a school where I previously taught in Cavan town, St. Phelim's school. He is a wonderful asset to that school and to that community because of his sporting prowess and his being a wonderful role model for young people.

Senator Keogan proposed an amendment to the Order of Business relating to sugary drinks, etc. She makes that point very well. It is very pertinent. It is a real health issue. It is an issue for our young people. Obesity is a national challenge, with subsequent type 2 diabetes arising. It needs to be dealt with and I support her in all of that.

I thank Senators for all their contributions. With the help of the administrative personnel, I will make sure their points are passed on to the relevant sectors.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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Senator Keogan has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 6 be taken before No. 1. This was seconded by Senator Sarah O'Reilly. The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed to? Agreed.