Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is No. a1, report of the Committee of Selection, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 1, motion regarding the appointment of members to the Joint Committee on the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish-speaking Community, to be taken on conclusion of No. a1 without debate; No. 2, motion regarding the appointment of members to the Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsman, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1 without debate; No. 3, motion regarding the appointment of ordinary members of the Houses of Oireachtas Commission, to be taken on conclusion of No. 2 without debate; No. 4, Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Bill 2024 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. or on conclusion of No. 3, whichever is the later, and to adjourn at 6 p.m. if not previously concluded; and No. 5, Private Members' business, Parole (Special Advocates) Bill 2024 - Second Stage, to be taken at 6 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader.

I wish to bring up the escalation of antisocial behaviour. I have no doubt that this issue crosses many of our paths across the different areas in which we live. Obviously, antisocial behaviour can happen in any estate and comes from people of different backgrounds. It is not something that is just related to council tenants; it can happen in private estates as well. When local authorities are housing people who have caused problems before and have a history of extreme antisocial behaviour, it is simply not good enough to move them from one estate to another. I would like to refer to a particular situation I am aware of. Obviously, I am not going to name the place where this is happening. As a result of the level of intimidation by a family that has been housed by the local authority in an older private estate where many of the residents are in their 70s and 80s, many of them are now looking to sell their houses and move. It is simply not good enough. This has escalated beyond ongoing threats and intimidation. There have been physical assaults. The family living directly next door has had to move out of their house and are in the process of trying to sell their house. Threats have been made and antisocial behaviour has taken place. Sadly, the children of the perpetrators in this home are now copying that type of behaviour.Recently, a 14-year-old who was wearing a balaclava and in possession of a would-be firearm threatened people within the estate. We need a debate with the relevant Ministers in this House to discuss how allocations are made and how to equip local authorities and the gardaí. An Garda Síochána has a big file on this situation. I have spoken to gardaí and to those within the housing allocations section of the local authority. It is absolutely and simply not good enough.

Barry Cowen MEP has launched a new position paper on the future of CAP. There has been months of dialogue with farmers and producer groups. I was glad to facilitate a meeting with some of them in Kildare. Barry has suggested that we put food security at the heart of EU strategy. At the core of his proposals is a new voluntary environmental pillar within CAP that rewards farmers for sustainable efforts without binding them up in red tape. I would like to see a debate on it in this House.

Linda Nelson Murray (Fine Gael)
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On behalf of my Fine Gael colleagues in the Seanad, I congratulate Pope Leo XIV. This has been a significant moment. We send him our heartfelt congratulations and we wish him well in his role. We hope he uses his voice for peace in an uncertain world. I am sure the Pope will do a lot of good for humanity and kindness. I would like to speak about volunteers who do this every day. Over the last week I have had the pleasure of meeting representatives of Navan Meals on Wheels, the Scurlogstown Haymaking Festival and the Meath Befriending Service. At the weekend the very popular Dunderry Fair took place on the same day that Meath played Louth in the Leinster final. It was a great match. I wish Louth massive congratulations. We could not have lost to a better team. Volunteers do so much work. When I meet volunteers, it never ceases to amaze me how they give up their time in an unpaid role to help people. In our political roles, we see that more than ever. I believe we need to give volunteers respect and encouragement. This morning I met members of the Meath Befriending Service who visit people who live on their own and feel isolated. They call to 45 people, which is an incredible number. Last week, I met representatives of Navan Meals on Wheels. These volunteers use their cars to deliver meals to 70 homes every day. I want to thank these volunteers and ask them to let us know if there is anything we can do to help them. I thank volunteers for all the work they do on a daily basis.

Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)
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I also extend my condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Garda Kevin Flatley, who sadly lost his life on Sunday. His passing marks a heartbreaking milestone because he is the 90th member of An Garda Síochána to lose their life in the line of duty - to make the ultimate sacrifice - since the beginning of the force in 1922. This figure reminds us of the dangers faced by those who are protecting our roads, enforcing our laws and serving our communities. Having read the papers and listened to the news, it is clear that Garda Flatley's dedication, courage and commitment to public service, never mind the sports clubs around Balbriggan, must never be forgotten. I think we must respect and remember him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. The recent revelation that a new $400 million luxury jet is to be gifted to President Donald Trump by the Qatari Government has raised global discussions on diplomacy, influence and expenditure. The aircraft is meant to be the new Air Force One, and no doubt it will have gold taps, marble floors and, possibly, a golf simulator. It is apparently destined to become the main jet for the US President. It demonstrates the extraordinary generosity extended to certain world leaders. While the United States navigates the implications and ethics of this arrangement, it is worth reflecting on our own approach to governmental expenditure, particularly in respect of State aircraft. Last December, the Department of Defence signed a deal for a French Falcon 6X aircraft at a cost of €53 million plus VAT. The aircraft has a range of 5,000 miles and it represents a significant investment by Irish taxpayers. Given the willingness of Qatar to provide such high-value assets as gifts, should Ireland not explore similar opportunities? If Qatar is giving out jets, perhaps we should throw our diplomatic hat in the ring. Maybe we could talk them into giving us a Learjet or a Gulfstream or something that is not as flash as the one for Air Force One but has leather seats, decent Wi-Fi and perhaps a microwave for heating sausage rolls. I know the Irish are not flashy, but I am calling on the Minister for foreign affairs to explore these diplomatic opportunities. While we do not need a palace in the sky, such diplomacy could yield a significant saving to Irish taxpayers.

Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)
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I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 11 be taken before No. 1. I refer to the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, signed by all Sinn Féin Senators. This Bill seeks to prohibit socioeconomic discrimination or any sort of discrimination based on social background or economic disadvantage. The purpose of the Bill is to amend Irish equality legislation and two Acts, namely, the Employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status Act 2000, in order to add a tenth form of legally defined discrimination, to include socioeconomic discrimination. This issue affects countless numbers of people across country, particularly in disadvantaged parts of the inner city. If this Bill is enacted, employers will not be able to discriminate against a job applicant or current employee because of his or her accent or the socioeconomic status that their home address might imply. Furthermore, it will prohibit service providers from discriminating against people on the basis of where they live. It will provide a legal basis to challenge socioeconomic discrimination and will give people who experience this hardship on a daily basis a practical and rights-based means of fighting back. I previously introduced this Bill as the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021 during the term of the previous Dáil. Unfortunately, it was effectively killed by a Government amendment to delay its reading by almost 18 months. I am sure we can all agree that discrimination on the basis of disadvantaged social origin or disadvantaged socioeconomic status is unacceptable. I sincerely hope that all my colleagues across the Seanad will support this legislation.

Speaking of discrimination brings me to the neglect of and discrimination against residents of the inner city, in Pearse House and in City Quay, who are facing State antisocial behaviour and neglect. The residents of Pearse House continue to be left in limbo. There was a commitment that there would be a regeneration programme for the flats in Pearse House. The conditions in which the people there are living are appalling. We need the Minister to come to the House to discuss the matter. We also need to look at the ongoing violence and criminal activity on City Quay, which is happening nightly. Residents, including older people, are terrified to leave their homes. When we talk about discrimination and antisocial behaviour, the State is the biggest discriminator. It is guilty of neglect of inner-city communities. This needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Malcolm Noonan (Green Party)
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On behalf of the Green Party, I want to be associated with the expressions of sympathy for Garda Kevin Flatley. I extend my sympathies to his family, colleagues and friends. Earlier today, some of us attended a packed briefing in the audiovisual room, held by Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine. We sat through one of the most harrowing presentations I have ever seen in these Houses. The figures are quite staggering. A total of 300,000 children are malnourished, of whom 3,000 are acutely malnourished. There are many child amputees. There is huge psychological trauma on children. UNICEF has called this a war on children. Deep psychological scars are left, not to mention the physical injuries these children are suffering. We pay tribute, obviously, to the medical workers who are working on the ground in absolutely deplorable conditions. This again, and it can never be raised enough, highlights the need to enact the occupied territories Bill and for the Irish Government and State to continue to raise its voice. That is one thing that was said to us clearly by the medical workers and other workers on the ground in hospitals in Gaza, who are working in such horrendous conditions. Dr. Mike Ryan said we are all complicit if we do not do so. I cannot highlight this enough.

On a more positive note, the national network of No Name Clubs will gather in Tullamore, County Offaly, for its annual awards ceremony this weekend. My son, Colm, is a volunteer leader with the organisation. It is a wonderful organisation that probably does not get enough credit for the work it does with young people in providing safe, alcohol-free venues and outlets for activities for young people. We do not have enough of these activities in this country. We have heard from many youth organisations that they are underfunded. It is also about having safe spaces for young people to go to alcohol-free gigs, for instance, and to be able to enjoy alcohol-free spaces in our towns, villages and cities. We see the sale of alcohol Bill that is being pushed through and the alcohol industry trying to extend licensing hours. What we actually need is the opposite. We need spaces for young people to congregate where they feel safe and are free from the impact of alcohol. I wish the national network of No Name Clubs all the best with its celebration this weekend. Perhaps we could invite it in here at some stage to celebrate the work it does.

Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to be associated with Senator Nelson Murray’s comments welcoming Pope Leo XIV. He is a great Augustinian. We have a tremendous association in Drogheda with the Augustinians there. We hope to welcome him to Ireland soon.

I will continue on the comments of my Meath colleague. As the sole Louth representative in the Seanad, it would be remiss of me, standing here in my county colours, not to congratulate the Louth senior men’s team on its tremendous win in the 2025 Leinster Senior Football Championship in Croke Park. Some 65,000 people were in attendance, which was the second-highest attendance at any football match in Europe this week, behind the Manchester United and West Ham match. It was a tremendous final. I congratulate the Louth manager, Ger Brennan, and the captain, Sam Mulroy. I also congratulate every mother, father, granny, grandad or whoever else who has stood by the edges of the pitches. We all know what the GAA brings to the community. This is bringing a tremendous lift to Louth, one for which we have waited 68 years. As the last time we lifted the Delaney Cup was in 1957, we welcome the win at the weekend.

As I am talking about the crest of a wave of pride and positivity, that is what we need to bring to Louth, and to Drogheda in particular. I would welcome a debate with the Minister for housing, Deputy Browne, regarding our funding from the urban regeneration and development fund. We have received great news that planning approval has been granted for the Westgate Vision project, which will clean up quite a poor part of the town centre. This will be exactly what we need for our heritage. We need developments and investments. We would also like to see, if possible, the town centre first heritage revival, THRIVE, funding, which is badly needed for Westgate House and the former Drogheda youth development buildings. A planning application for the project is currently going in. We have seen what our neighbours in Dundalk have done with this incredible funding of €7.5 million. The capacity is for funding of €7 million in Drogheda. Those two projects together would bring the exact amount of dignity, pride, positivity and investment that we so badly need.

Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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It is an occasion of great sadness to stand here and express sympathy to the family and colleagues of Garda Kevin Flatley, who lived in Balbriggan. He was 49 years old and a father of two, and our sympathy goes to his wife Una and his daughters Aoife and Erin. He was coach of the under-10 girls' team at O'Dwyers GAA club in Balbriggan, and there were huge tributes there about his positivity and the affection he was held in by people. The phrase used was that he had a great grá for the GAA. He spent 26 years working as a garda, having been part of the roads policing unit since 2018, serving as a community garda before that. Among the phrases, expressions of sympathy and remarks used after his tragic death were that he was an all-round gentleman, he was diligent, and he always completed the job perfectly. It is a cruel irony and a cruel twist of fate that he should be killed while trying to preserve our safety and that of others by controlling speed on the roads. That this should happen is a particularly brutal form of fate. There certainly needs to be a review of safety around these operations on the roads, and the Garda Commissioner said this would be the case. The deputy general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, Mr. Bolger, has called for the same.

I wish to express my sympathy to all of Garda Flatley's colleagues, to members of the GRA and its officer board, to all gardaí in the country, to the Commissioner, etc. It is a huge tragedy for our country. He was clearly a good man - a good family, GAA, club and community man, a good professional, and a patriot who was serving the people of Ireland and trying to keep us safe. It is a sad day to be doing this. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Joe Conway (Independent)
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Many people have expressed sympathy with the family and the force of An Garda Síochána with regard to the recent taking of life. Whereas Senator McCarthy mentioned that a large number of gardaí have died in the line of duty, in our own generation - since the turn of the millennium, not quite 25 years ago - 16 gardaí have died in the line of duty. Oftentimes, we can get complacent about the level of a pacific and peaceful society we live in, but those figures bear out that the challenges borne by An Garda Síochána are immense and ever fraught with danger. As a State, we talk up the Garda a lot but, unfortunately, the support is a tad hypocritical because I do not think the service gardaí give to the State is reflected in the level of remuneration paid to them. There is no more tangible way to express support for a force than to pay it properly.

As a peace commissioner in Waterford, I have fairly regular interchanges with the Garda. I talk to young members and I realise it does not take very long for the level of dissatisfaction, disaffection or loss of morale to build. Unless we value our police force, An Garda Síochána, which is now 100 years old, and unless we continue to support it in very practical ways, we will have an attrition rate among the young members. You see it happening already, and I do not think it is the way to bring a progressive police force into the next generation. In these Houses, we should all make a special plea for the Garda to be sufficiently remunerated in the light of the awful tasks it is sometimes asked to do.

Evanne Ní Chuilinn (Fine Gael)
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Yesterday, I called on the Camogie Association to take the decision-making out of players' hands ahead of this weekend's Leinster finals. As things stand, it is against the rules for women to wear shorts while playing camogie matches. However, while we await the outcome of a special Congress vote on 22 May, there is a way to avoid any further distraction for players and managers regarding protests and playing gear. As per the rule book of the Camogie Association, today is the last chance for President Brian Molloy and members of the ard comhairle to call a special meeting that could see a derogation from the skort rule put in place by Saturday. Five days' notice is required, so time is almost out.

In the meantime, crucially, Kilkenny and Wexford are in an almost impossible position. Do they refuse to play a Leinster final, thus denying themselves a proper run at their all-Ireland series preparation or do they play the game in skorts and, by doing so, take a different stance from that taken last week by their Munster colleagues? Antrim and Derry, it should be pointed out, played an Ulster final last weekend and wore skorts under protest, but if Kilkenny and Wexford, two senior teams, do the same, will they be inadvertently causing division in the ranks of inter-county camogie players and the GPA? Unfortunately, this headache is what consumes the players five days out from a championship final. This is the headache I called for the Camogie Association to alleviate yesterday. While that has not happened, there is still time to rebuild trust, claw back some of the reputational damage done in recent weeks and derogate from the mandatory wearing of skorts ahead of this weekend's senior and intermediate Leinster camogie finals. It should give notice today of a special ard comhairle meeting on Saturday morning and take the spotlight, pressure and decision-making away from elite camogie players preparing for a match.

Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)
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I share in the sympathies expressed on the death of Garda Kevin Flatley, which was a tragedy to befall the force and, most particularly, his family.

I offer my sympathies, those of my Fine Gael colleagues and, I am sure, those of the House on the passing of former councillor Senator, TD and Minister, Paddy O'Toole, who passed away over the weekend. Paddy O'Toole was a native of Erris and went to Ballina to teach in Knockanillo National School, where his commitment to education and local development laid the foundations for his future in public office. He will be sadly mourned from his native Doohoma all the way to Ballina. I offer my sympathies to his wife, Jacqueline, his children, Jackie, John, Padraig and Helen, and his relatives, neighbours, colleagues and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm.

May I raise an issue that has caused huge concern for communities in County Mayo and that has been highlighted by my colleague Councillor Alma Gallagher in Ballyhaunis, namely, the reduction of services of five credit unions, in Achill, Balla, Ballyhaunis, Swinford and Kiltimagh? These are five First Choice credit unions and they have announced only recently that they are going to reduce their services down to three days. Councillor Gallagher and the chamber of commerce met officials from First Choice Credit Union to relay their dismay, frustration and anger at such a move. A decision was due to be made last week but it has now been put off until the end of May. These changes and decisions are due to be enacted by 14 June. It is totally unfair when we have seen power outages and a recent finance Bill that refers to access to cash for communities. The credit union is supposed to be of the people and for the people. Unfortunately, despite this there is a proposal to reduce operating hours. I would like us to invite the Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, to discuss this. I have reached out to him and look forward to working with him on the matter and supporting Councillor Alma Gallagher to achieve a satisfactory outcome in order that the affected towns and villages, namely, Achill, Balla, Ballyhaunis, Swinford and Kiltimagh, which have been neglected and deserve better, will have access to proper credit union services.

Pauline Tully (Sinn Fein)
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I want to raise an issue that affects home care workers employed directly by the HSE. Up to recently, the practice was to submit claims for travel expenses on a paper form. However, the HSE has changed this and there is now an online system. One carer submitted a paper form and had it returned to her. She was told to use the online system. The online system requires the use of a tablet or laptop but not all carers have one. This is causing a lot of stress and worry because the carers do not know how they are going to submit their claims. I have written to the HSE highlighting this and I have not got a response as yet. This is a matter I want to highlight in the House to determine whether we can get an answer on it because there are many carers who do not have a laptop or tablet and need to be able to submit travel claims on paper forms.We do not want to lose any more carers in the home care sector; they are scarce enough as it is. I have asked the HSE to provide clarification whether this is the case and, if so, what kind of supports can be put in place to actually support carers to make the claims without undue hassle and worry. I would appreciate getting an answer on this.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Is the Senator seconding the amendment by Senator Andrews?

Pauline Tully (Sinn Fein)
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I second the amendment.

Paraic Brady (Fine Gael)
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I find myself raising something I raised here last week. We had a TB task force last week involving farming organisations, the Department of agriculture and the Minister. At the task force there were nine hours of discussions. No. 2 on the list was to promote badger biodiversity. No. 5 on the list was mandatory disclosure of TB herds categorisation. For anyone who does not understand this, categorisation means actually labelling a farmer in a mart where his animals are being sold. It means putting something up on a board that completely discriminates against that man, his livestock and his herd. With that up on the board, nobody would want to buy an animal that has come from a restricted herd in the past. Then we are talking about having a gap of at least a two years and six months before we have a clear test for the livestock unit.

Before any decisions are made on this on this TB forum, I call on the Minister and departmental officials to come in and meet the agriculture committee that has been set up. That is what we are actually elected to do: to represent farming communities and listen to the people on the ground. It took 70 years and this mess is still going on. We now want to solve it overnight by just bringing in rules and regulations and blaming the farmer again. The badger has more biodiversity than the people actually producing food. I find that very hurtful to my community and the farming community. At the bottom of it, there is not one word about a task force that actually helps farmers deal with the loss of all these animals. There is something seriously wrong here and it needs to be dealt with by the task force.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I wish to raise something I raised last week, which is to pass a vote of sympathy to the former Deputy Brian Leddin on the passing of his mother, Kathleen, a former councillor and mayor of Limerick. She was buried on Saturday and may she rest in peace. She served on the council in Limerick for 25 years and her husband before her was mayor of Limerick. Brian Leddin was a Deputy in the last Dáil and I propose a vote of sympathy.

I wish to mention sunscreen. We have beautiful weather at the moment and everybody is out and about at the seaside or on the streets. There is 23% VAT on sunscreen. We need to encourage people to use sunscreen because skin cancer is one of the more prevalent cancers in Ireland. Some 20% of people diagnosed with cancer have skin cancer. The VAT on sunscreen should be reduced. I would like the Leader's support in bringing the Minister here to look at it. It has been spoken about many times but nothing has happened. We need to encourage and support people to make sure they wear sunscreen to protect their faces and the rest of their bodies. Even farmers, and I am looking at-----

Paraic Brady (Fine Gael)
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A bald head.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I am looking at Senator Brady in front of me. Many other farmers do not wear caps when they are out and we need to encourage them to wear sunscreen.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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I would like to be associated with the expressions of sympathy on the death of Garda Flatley to his wife, his two daughters and his extended family. As my colleagues have mentioned, 90 gardaí have left their homes to go on duty and never returned.There are also the gardaí who left their homes, went on duty and were injured while on duty. I am mindful of my young brother, who was sitting in the family home in Galway while visiting my mother and father and watching the RTÉ equivalent of "Prime Time" or whatever it was called at that time. There was a piece on about prisoners in Mountjoy Prison. As he was watching the programme, one of the prisoners came on and explained about how, as a sufferer from AIDS, he was being treated so badly. The prisoner in question had bitten my brother. My brother was sitting in the house and this was the first knowledge he had of having been bitten by somebody with AIDS. He left the house quietly, came back to Dublin and went to a physician, who subsequently diagnosed him with hepatitis. He died at 47 years old. I have no doubt that what happened to him led to an early death. There were other circumstances as well but I have no doubt but that it led to an early death.

On social media every night, we see thugs walking beside gardaí filming them for social media, taunting them and trying to get them into a situation where they will injure themselves. We need to put legislation in place to protect gardaí while they are out on duty. I welcome the body cameras and similar things that will come down the line. There need to be tough sentences for those who interfere with a garda carrying out his or her lawful duty. It has been going on in this country for far too long now. I offer my sympathy with the Flatleys but also with all the gardaí who are today sitting at home unable to work because of disablement.

Eileen Lynch (Fine Gael)
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I rise to speak on biomethane facilities and their development throughout the country. It is an issue that has become incredibly prominent and problematic in recent months. I appreciate that the national biomethane strategy was published last year. It contains 25 key strategic actions to address the challenges and opportunities of anaerobic digestion and biomethane production. However, these guidelines completely fail to address the issue of the planning and location of these biomethane facilities. It is becoming more and more prominent across the country. In Kilboultragh, which is an area just outside of my home town of Macroom in Cork North-West, there is a proposal to convert a former piggery to a biomethane facility. Residents of the area believe that this is completely inappropriate. It will be located within 2 km of 200 residents. The roads are not up to scratch for the HGVs and other vehicles that will be attending this property. It is something that needs to be addressed. At the moment, planning guidelines in this regard vary from local authority to local authority. This quite simply is not good enough. While biomethane production does produce many opportunities for us, it is important that facilities are strategically and properly placed. For that reason, I am calling on the Minister for climate, environment and communications to come to the Seanad to discuss the matter of planning in respect of biomethane facilities.

Tom Clonan (Independent)
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I echo the sympathies for Garda Flatley and his family. My father was a garda. I remember as a child that you expected your mum or dad to come home from work every day. I was particularly struck to hear in the reporting of the tragic incident that the number of gardaí who are injured in roads policing is up to 70 every year. I hope that the Commissioner and the representative associations can get together and try to meditate the risk that is obviously there on the roads for members of An Garda Síochána. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

I again raise the case of Louise Hassan and her daughter Caitlin. I have raised this issue many times in the House over the past year. Caitlin is a young woman who has been sexual assaulted - raped - while in State-funded care. This is the Grace case happening right now in real time. I am particularly puzzled that while everybody quite rightly decries what happened in the Grace case and we have had statements from the Taoiseach and Tánaiste saying that this will never happen again, it is happening right now to Caitlin and Louise.I am receiving correspondence from Caitlin's mom, Louise Hassan, that leaves me gravely concerned about her and Caitlin's welfare. The Minister for Health has not attended the Commencement matter that I have raised. The Minister of State, Deputy Grealish, who was the last Minister to attend, came here in good faith and in good offices. Since raising this issue with people who are deputised to come in here, there has been no change in the attitude of the HSE and Avista. In fact, they have doubled down and are more hostile and adversarial to Louise and Caitlin at this very sensitive moment. I do not know how to address this further. Could we have a debate in the Chamber about safeguarding so that we could get the Minister in here to address this because this is the Grace case happening again in real time?

Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)
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I wish to raise an issue that I raised last week, just as my colleague Senator Paraic Brady has. After 70 years of failed policy, the Minister for agriculture is going to rush through ill-thought-out proposals made at the TB stakeholder forum. The IFA recently published a report revealing that TB compliance is costing Irish farmers €150 million annually. The Minister cannot talk about new proposals for TB eradication and leave farmers footing the bill without evidence that they will work. If the Department is planning on bringing in additional mandatory testing for herds, it needs to fully cover the cost of it. Farmers are incredibly worried about suggestions of increased restrictions and blacklisting of herds. I appreciate the Minister is trying to move quickly on this but it should not be implemented so quickly that farmers barely have a chance to critique or question the new proposals. One farmer at the stakeholder meeting asked whether farmers were there to dot the i's and cross the t's or whether there was genuine engagement. Unfortunately, some farming organisations that made submissions were not invited to the forum. All stakeholders should have been invited. The reality is that the Department is telling farmers that they will have to restrict their herds further, while also suggesting that they have special marked sales for high-risk animals. This is a total contradiction. There will still be movement. The only difference is that farmers will be getting a much lower rate for their beast. Another shocking proposal involves the denial of compensation for farmers who buy or keep high-risk animals. The Department seems intent on using a stick rather than a carrot when it comes to TB eradication. These proposals will do little to address the increase in reactor rates but will financially cripple farmers. The Minister should ensure that any new proposals are entirely evidence based. The priority needs to be protecting family farm incomes.

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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I thank the Leader for putting two important motions down on the Order Paper. This is, of course, the Order of Business slot in Seanad Éireann. We will be dealing later with one of the motions, which relates to the Oireachtas joint committees and is self-explanatory. It is somewhat surprising, months after a general election and months after a Seanad election, that we have finally got our act together in order that we can actually start working for what we are being paid to do. It is to be hoped we will have the committees up and running from now. That is enough about that.

I am conscious there is an important and timely motion down on the appointment of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. As we will not be having a debate on the motion itself, I am going to use this opportunity and time to commend the Seanad Independent Group's nominee. We will be pursuing later the proposal that the nomination of Senator Michael McDowell to serve on the commission be considered. Nobody needs an introduction to Senator McDowell. He is an eminent lawyer, a former Attorney General, a former Minister for Justice and a former Tánaiste with vast experience. One thing I can say for this man, whom I have known for over 35 years, is that he is a man of integrity and consistency. In all his time in these Houses, he has championed and advocated strongly for the members of all parties and none. That is what we need. When I had a look at the membership of the commission, I saw that the document speaks about "responsibility, integrity, loyalty [and] commitment". One really interesting line is that members of the commission have a responsibility to "serve and act in a collective corporate capacity to support the work of parliament and its members as a whole" and "accordingly do not represent their own interests or those of their parties or groups or any other interest". Senator McDowell is a man who has the experience, the capacity, the will and the willingness to serve our Parliament. I hope he will have broad support when the motion is put before the House later on today.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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This day last week the name Robert Francis Prevost would have been known to very few people in this House or elsewhere. A week on, he is arguably the most famous person in the world as Pope Leo XIV. He has certainly relegated you-know-who to the position of only being the second most intriguing and interesting person in the world and that is probably no bad thing in most people's view. While the Pope is primarily a religious leader and, as such, his work would be beyond the scope of interest or scrutiny of Parliament, he is a huge figure and has already shown great promise in terms of his capacity to be a bridge builder, to bring people together, and to be a voice for justice, inclusion and decency at a time when the world badly needs such voices in high places. The goodwill that everybody has towards him at this important moment has been well reflected in commentary from all strands of political and cultural opinion. I would like to add my voice of congratulations and support and who knows, please God we will welcome him to our shores before too long.

Last week I mentioned the plight of people in Haiti and the dreadful situation that is unfolding there; the chaos, displacement, gang violence, rape, the death of police and civilians and so on. I want to emphasise again what is going on there. I have heard again from Gena Heraty about the death, violence and terror, with people unable to sleep in their homes at night where she is working. When it begins to get dark they go down deeper into the valley in an attempt to avoid the raiding gangs. A person rang her at 4 a.m. the other morning and told her to stay alert because there was shooting over the hill. Another employee living in the area where the gangs are shooting was hiding in the fields. They ran, as they put it, because there was shooting everywhere. Twelve people crammed into a garden shack and when they could not all sleep there, some slept outside. The police station came under attack locally, a neighbour was killed and others were injured. People and their children are literally sliding and rolling down the hills as they run for their lives. People are being shot in front of others. People are being pulled and dragged, kidnapped, and made to carry the dead bodies of gang members who had been shot. Automatic gunfire is keeping everybody awake at night. Fear is growing and swelling throughout the valleys through nights that seem endless. I repeat again my simple call that we would turn our minds and discussion to the dreadful plight of Haiti at this time. I ask that the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade would come in to discuss that, and only that, in a particular session very soon.

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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I thank all Senators for their contributions. It was a day of condolences and congratulations, particularly condolences to the family of Garda Flatley. I would like to join with the Cathaoirleach and Members in expressing my condolences on behalf of the House to the Flatley family on the tragic death of Garda Flatley in the line of duty. As others have said, it is a burden that all Garda families have to carry each day. They all share the hope that their loved ones will return home safely. Our condolences to Garda Flatley's family.

Condolences also to the family of the late Mr. Paddy O'Toole, to his wife Jacqueline, and his children Jacqueline, John, Helen and Padraig. He was a former councillor, Senator, TD and Minister and I am sure there will be an opportunity at a later date, subject to the wishes of the family, to pay formal tributes to Paddy O'Toole. Condolences also to the Leddin family on the passing of Kathleen. We express our sympathies, in particular, to her son and former Deputy, Brian Leddin.

Congratulations were expressed across the House to Pope Leo XIV. Members wished him well in his very important role. Whoever is Pope has a pivotal role in the world, as Senator Mullen said, as a bridge builder, a peace maker and we wish him well in his role as head of the Catholic Church and on the world stage. Senator O'Loughlin raised the matter of antisocial behaviour, which is prevalent in so many areas. It can be an absolute nightmare for families and individuals if they are subject to antisocial behaviour near them. It can be as simple as noise outside one's home or may extend to the more intimidating aspects of antisocial behaviour highlighted by the Senator. I will ask the Minister to come to the House to discuss the matter. Senator O'Loughlin also raised the future of CAP and a report by her colleague, Barry Cowen MEP. I will see if the Minister is available to come to the House to discuss the future of CAP at a later date.

Senator Nelson Murray raised the issue of volunteers. We all know the importance of volunteering and the hours volunteers contribute to society and to their local communities, clubs, societies and associations. It is important they are recognised, as we do in terms of volunteering week and various other tributes volunteers receive.

Senator McCarthy talked about the Government jet. I will not comment on that. I know there was a full, open and transparent process in relation to the purchase of the Government jet and no gifts will be accepted by the State in that regard.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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Are there sausage rolls on it?

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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I was on it once and had a Wagon Wheel. That is all I remember. It was some time ago.

Senator Andrews proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 11, a Bill to provide for prohibiting discrimination on the basis of a person’s socioeconomic disadvantaged background, for those purposes to amend the Employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status Act 2000, and to provide for related matters, be taken before No. 1 I am happy to agree to that proposal and I am sure we will debate the Bill at a later date.

Senator Noonan called for the enactment of the occupied territories Bill. The Government is committed to this, subject to changes that are necessary. He also applauded the network of No Name Clubs in his community and across the country and called for the provision of safe spaces for young people. I will certainly raise those matters, and certainly the matter of the occupied territories Bill with the Tánaiste and Minister for foreign affairs.

Senator Comyn congratulated County Louth on winning the Leinster championship. I was going to say, "So do all of us," but I will allow for some exceptions and speak on behalf of the majority of us who like to support the underdog in these things. I am sure the celebrations went well and will not stop any day soon. She also called for a debate on the urban regeneration and development fund, URDF. I suggest she table a Commencement matter with the Minister regarding the Westgate project.

Senator Joe O'Reilly, too, spoke about Garda Flatley. The Senator was nominated by the Irish Conference of Professional and Service Association, which includes the Garda Representative Association, GRA, and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, and I know he is in regular contact with Garda representatives on the ground. His tribute was heartfelt.

Senator Connolly raised the issue of Garda remuneration, which is obviously a very important issue. I suggest we have a debate on the Garda and security, in which case we can debate these matters with the Minister at a later date.

Senator Ní Chuilinn raised the matter of the Camogie Association and the ongoing, can I say debacle, at this stage in regard to shorts versus skorts. We should certainly take the spotlight and pressure off the players. I said last week that player power will probably change these things and that is true but, at the same time, the players have a match to prepare for and it is unfair pressure on them. I hope the Camogie Association can respond to the Senator's request.

Senator Duffy raised the issue of credit unions and the reduction in services. I invite him to table a Commencement matter on that issue. I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, as well, but the Senator might receive a faster response by tabling a Commencement matter on the issue. Senator Tully raised the issue of home care workers and the online system they use to submit claims for expenses. It is important that carers, who are low paid, are provided with a simple system for claiming their expenses, which are absolutely necessary. I will raise that with the Minister for Health as well.

Senators Brady and O’Reilly raised the issues of TB and the TB task force. I acknowledge the hours of discussion - the Senator said nine hours and I heard 11 hours – that took place last week on this important matter. I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Heydon. There has been a 36% increase in the number of herds restricted between 2022 and 2024, which means that more families are facing the emotional and financial pressure of TB breakdown. There are five key pillars to address the current rates of disease: support herds free of bovine tuberculosis to remain free; reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of TB; detect and eliminate TB infection as early as possible in herds with a TB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown; help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity; and reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading TB. The Minister said he hopes to achieve a broad consensus on these issues but that there is an urgency to act also. It is important to ensure any measures adopted are based on the best scientific and veterinary advice and have the best interest of farmers and the agri sector in mind. Last year, some 14,000 badgers were vaccinated or culled, and the expenditure on this programme has doubled since 2019. There has been a deer management strategy group, which relates to the possible impact there on the spread of TB. This is an important issue. I ask all members of the Oireachtas joint committee on agriculture, after their appointment here in the Seanad today, to highlight this, as I am sure they will, as one of the first issues of the work programme. I am sure the Minister will be happy to engage on this matter then.

Senator Maria Byrne raised the issue of VAT on sunscreen. I note there are particular rules around VAT and exemptions and there can only be a certain number of VAT rates. This has been raised in the past and perhaps she can table a Commencement debate on this matter.

Senator Craughwell raised the matter of Garda Flatley and gardaí who are injured in the line of duty. Our condolences to the Senator and his family on the loss of his brother in the line of duty. Senator Craughwell raised an important point on those who have died and those who have been injured in the line of duty.

Senator Lynch raised the issue of biomethane facility strategies. It is always a tricky issue. There are many issues, whether they be biomethane or offshore or onshore wind production, where getting consensus is problematic. Many people believe these things are important and necessary. At the same time, when there are issues in a certain community, people have strong opinions on them, and it is the same with solar farms. I will request that the Minister comes in, but if the Senator wants a quicker response, I suggest she tables a Commencement debate on that matter.

Senator Clonan raised the issue of Louise Hassan and her daughter Caitlin. I have requested a debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley, on the Grace case, the Farrelly commission and safeguarding. I will try to see if she can come in again as soon as possible.

Senator Boyhan raised the matter of us getting down to business in respect of the committees and the establishment of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. There will be a motion later in relation to names, including Senator McDowell, and we have to let that process see its course. The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission is an important body in the running of these Houses. We will wait for the outcome of the work before I make any comment about individuals on it.

Senator Mullen raised the matter of Haiti and requested a debate. I will raise that again with the Minister for foreign affairs.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Chris Andrews has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 11 be taken before No. 1, which has been seconded by Senator Tully. The Leader has indicated he is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.