Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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I join the Cathaoirleach in wishing the ambassador a good national day and celebrations. I wish him and his people well.The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on breast cancer services, to be taken at 4.30 p.m. and to conclude at 5.45 p.m. if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed three minutes each and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than seven minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, motion regarding the recommendation for a Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations on an agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Kazakhstan on readmission, to be taken at 5.45 p.m. and to conclude at 6.45 p.m. if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed five minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed five minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed three minutes each and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than five minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 51, motion 1, Private Members' business, motion regarding insurance reform in the name of Fine Gael Senators, to be taken at 6.45 p.m. and with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.

Anne Rabbitte (Fianna Fail)
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Last week, most of us in this and the other House watched the “RTÉ Investigates” programme on nursing homes. I want to start by welcoming the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donnell's statement today that he will meet with representative bodies of the private nursing home sector. He is expected to provide an update on actions undertaken by the Department of Health and HSE in recent days and an interim report to be delivered by HIQA.

What we saw last week was harrowing and scandalous. As a public representative, I was humiliated to see what was going on. However, balance needs to be in the conversation as well because 87% of all of our nursing homes are compliant.

The fair deal scheme is not the problem. Fair deal works. If people earn less, they pay less and if they have more, they pay more. There was massive investment by the previous Government into home care, day care and meals on wheels, and 24,000 hours of home care were delivered last year. The problem is that the care of older people was privatised for many years and 15 companies now care for 10,700 beds. Of all nursing homes, 87% are compliant.

The question I have relates to HIQA. Is HIQA afraid to challenge those who are too big to fall? I saw it far too often as a Minister of State. This narrative has to be challenged and questioned.

Where I come from in rural east Galway, Killimor nursing home has 100% compliance. It is a 70-bed nursing home. Portumna Retirement Village has nearly 100% compliance. At the same time, they accept - we all accept - the scrutiny that is brought to bear on local, private, family-run nursing homes because it is the care of our most vulnerable. Time and again, however, there were ample opportunities for HIQA to stop admissions to the nursing homes in the programme. Between the two nursing homes, there is no doubt that they received in excess of €15 million in 2024.

I would welcome it if the Minister appeared before the House to have a broad conversation around the care of our most vulnerable - our elderly - where we did not just focus on nursing homes. We have to look at all models of care, including home care, day services and meals on wheels. The other piece we need to have in that conversation relates to 50:50 workforce compliance to ensure that all nursing homes can have the proper permits to ensure they are able to meet the needs of their most vulnerable.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Before I call the next speaker, I welcome Emily Hunt, who is on an internship with Senator Craughwell. I hope she enjoys her time in Leinster House. I thank her for being here today.

Linda Nelson Murray (Fine Gael)
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As discussed during the Commencement debate just a few minutes ago, Wellman International Ireland filed a petition to place its operation in Mullagh into examinership. I thank the Minister of State, Niamh Smyth. She came across as very passionate about the situation there, but it would be remiss of me not to raise it again, being from County Meath, because it obviously affects counties Cavan and Meath and, in fact, counties like Kildare and Louth, from where people travel to Wellman International to work.Unfortunately, the decision has been taken as a result of a deterioration in market conditions over the past three years. Wellman International is Europe's leading producer of high quality polyester fibre products from recycled post-consumer PET bottles, so it is very important. There are 215 people employed in the firm. Only two weeks ago in my office I met a girl who is an employee of Wellman International. She is looking to purchase her first home and she wanted advice and help on how to go about getting finance or a mortgage. Now, her future at Wellman does not look so bright.

I appreciate we are at full employment and that the country is doing well, but that is little respite to the people working there and who perhaps have worked in the company for their entire working life. I am delighted to see IDA Ireland has engaged with the company and will continue to do so, but I urge the Departments of enterprise and the Department of Social Protection to engage in any way possible. They could perhaps help with the sale of the business, assist employees with information and, in particular, provide supports.

There is a competitiveness challenge at present in Ireland, as we compete for foreign direct investment. We must take the necessary steps to position Ireland for the future and avoid the stress this company - Wellman International - and these employees now find themselves in.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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I hear lots of talk about the current situation in the Air Corps in particular, but also in the wider Defence Forces. The Taoiseach recently said the crisis in the Air Corps was a matter for military management. I want to put on the record of this House that military management has no funding of its own. It is at the total behest of the Department of Defence.

We find ourselves in a situation where the Tánaiste had to bring to Cabinet today a special memo for the introduction of a bonus scheme to retain air traffic controllers in the Air Corps. The last time a bonus scheme was brought in to retain pilots, as far as I recall, it took a year after the decision was made before the money hit the pockets of the people in question. How did we finish up having a situation where, two weeks ago, the Taoiseach said it was the problem of military management and, today we have a memo going before the Cabinet to solve the problem that everybody has known about since 2021?

In addition, the Ward report was recently published. After the Crotty case in Limerick, every senior politician in this country jumped up to condemn the Defence Forces. They would not let their daughters serve in the Defence Forces under any circumstances. Peter Ward found there were people like Crotty in the Defence Forces but it was not an epidemic, as it was portrayed. I wonder how many of those who condemned the Defence Forces will stand up now in Parliament and apologise to the decent, honest and hard-working people in places like Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa in Galway, which the Leader and I well know, or in Cork, Limerick, Dundalk, Kilkenny and Dublin. Will they stand up and admit we have fine men and women serving our country day and night? Will they say those men and women are available any time this country finds itself in crisis? Will they also say that poor political and administrative management has run that Defence Force into the ground? Will they do that? Perhaps we could have an honest debate in this Chamber where we would look at these things.

The triple lock is currently being discussed by the committee. I wonder if the Americans will go through with their threat to withdraw support for UNIFIL. Are we aware of the fact that 26% of funding for peacekeeping in the world is paid by the United States? Where will our troops go if President Trump decides to pull that funding? Where will the funding go? What about the triple lock? It is the red herring that is blinding us to the real problems in the Defence Forces. We need a debate on this.

Nicole Ryan (Sinn Fein)
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Across towns and villages, especially in rural Ireland, we see beautiful one-off homes falling into ruin because of probate delays, family disputes and sometimes the absence of a will. These homes are idle for years while people are crying out for a place to live. We must introduce a statutory time limit after which, if a home remains unused or unoccupied, there should be a process for others to take it at their own expense and risk. This would help address the housing need and tackle dereliction in one stroke. It is a common-sense solution, but this alone will not solve the housing crisis.

The Government has announced significant changes to the rent pressure zone system. Landlords will be able to reset rents to market rates between tenancies and new-build apartments will be exempt from the 2% rent cap, with inflation linked increases allowed instead.These reforms may please institutional investors, but they spark serious concerns in the rental market, growing insecurity and systems that risk encouraging tenant evictions in order to secure higher rents. Meanwhile, renters already struggling to stay afloat in the first place will face steeper costs if protections do not keep pace.

Is the Government serious? I do not know if those in government are living in the real world. Whatever world they are living in, it must be nice because they are literally changing things to make matters even harder for people at a time when homelessness is at an all-time high, children are living in consistent poverty and people are being forced to emigrate. They are locked out of systems completely. It sometimes seems the Government is just throwing half-arsed ideas at the wall and looking to see what sticks. I ask that the Minister for housing stop stalling and come before this House to have a debate on this issue as soon as possible. It is a serious issue, and it needs to be resolved.

Malcolm Noonan (Green Party)
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I want to raise two issues, if that is okay. As regards the UN Ocean Conference taking place in Nice, our Taoiseach made a very fine speech there yesterday, but we have a significant challenge with our marine area. Notwithstanding the absence of the marine protected area, MPA, legislation that the previous Government did not get over the line, I question this Government's commitment to getting such legislation in place and moving towards our 2030 targets during its term of office.

Significant concerns have been raised by those in coastal communities, particularly around Bantry Bay but in other coastal areas as well, about the overfishing of sprat, which is impacting marine ecotourism. This overfishing is impacting other fish species and marine biodiversity. The campaign groups, particularly Save Our Sprat in Bantry Bay, are calling on the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, to bring in a moratorium until such time as we can ascertain what would be a sustainable catch. At present, fishing vessels are probably catching sprat at three or four times the natural replenishment rate. It takes about 3 kg to 5 kg of sprat to produce 1 kg of farmed salmon. They are primarily being used for feed for the aquaculture industry. This is a matter on which I would welcome an opportunity to have a debate with the Minister.

The second issue is the seizure by the Israeli authorities of the Madleen flotilla as it was on its way to deliver humanitarian aid in Gaza. What those involved were trying to do was highlight the fact that the whole aid infrastructure in Gaza has been taken over by the US and Israel and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is completely not fit for purpose. Citizens are being gunned down by Israeli authorities as they queue for food. There is only one way to deliver aid into Gaza. In the first instance, there has to be a free flow of aid, as required by the people there. In addition, it has to be delivered by aid agencies and UNRWA. They have been in this space for many decades and are the only ones who should be delivering aid. It should be impartial and should not be politicised in this way.

Again, we appeal for moderate voices within Israel to be listened to. There are moderate voices there that want this regime toppled and taken out. The opportunity for peace is there but will not be seized as long as the extremist views hold sway. I commend Greta Thunberg and all the people on board the Madleen on the efforts they made to try to deliver aid into Gaza.

Eileen Flynn (Independent)
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There was a debate in this House on mental health two weeks ago. Today, I call for a debate specifically on Traveller mental health. In the past week and a half, I know three members of the Traveller community who have died by suicide. One young girl of 15 years of age passed away through suicide.These are not just numbers; these are real young people in our community who have their whole lives in front of them but feel so worthless within society that they decide to take their lives. We have a mental health crisis in the community. The Minister of State's responsibility for mental health services includes Traveller mental health. I have been in the Seanad five years this month. In that time, not one thing has improved regarding Traveller mental health. Nothing has improved in terms of Traveller accommodation, Traveller health in general or Traveller education. If anything, things are getting worse for the Traveller community. I call for a debate. This is about holding the Government to account for not implementing the health strategy, including mental health, for the Traveller community.

Every single week, we hear of these tragedies. If Members are on social media, they will see them, too. For young children, young people and older people in the community, it is a crisis. If the level of suicide amounted to one in every 11 deaths in the settled community, it would be named a crisis. Within our community, it is a crisis.

I hope my colleagues support my call for a stand-alone debate on the lack of implementation for the Traveller community. Who is to be held accountable?

Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)
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I invite the Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, to the House to get an update on the proposed construction of the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board headquarters in Drogheda, County Louth, and the timeline for its completion. The decision to have a State body headquartered in the town was first floated more than ten years ago. It was seen as a huge vote of confidence, with the largest town in Ireland being chosen over neighbouring Navan and Dundalk. However, three years have passed since new plans were revealed in 2022 for the cutting-edge headquarters for the ETB, which will be situated in the St. Oliver's Community College campus on the Rathmullan Road in Drogheda. Confirmation that the new building is definitely to go ahead at the Drogheda location was given at an announcement in 2022 of a multimillion euro investment at Drogheda Institute of Further Education. This made for a double vote of confidence in Drogheda's future. However, no timeline has since been made available for the construction of the building. More than €300,000 has already been spent on feasibility studies and consultation fees in the past decade.

The last update stated that the new facility was awaiting departmental approval before proceeding to the planning stage. However, my fear is that it has dropped off a priority list. I recently met the Drogheda city status group, which wrote to LMETB in December 2020 to raise concerns about the delay in building the headquarters in Drogheda, as prescribed under the Education and Training Boards Act 2013. The building work had commenced in 2017, with the contractors on site, but it was quickly halted. All other headquarters prescribed in the legislation had already been delivered at that stage, with LMETB being the exception. The group met the CEO in July 2021. He gave his assurance that the building would recommence in December 2021.

To sum up, it has been 12 years since the legislation was introduced to require the LMETB headquarters to be based in Drogheda. It has been eight years since the work was originally commenced and abandoned. The Department devolved the delivery of the project to LMETB. However, since this has not happened in the 12 years since the legislation was enacted, it would seem that the best course of action may be for the Department to take back responsibility for the project, which is ultimately its legal duty to deliver.

Not only is the delivery of this building enshrined in legislation, but the Minister is no doubt very aware that the presence of the HQ would be hugely beneficial for the community. I ask that the Minister give her assurance that this matter is progressing without any further delays and to provide a timeframe for its completion.

Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael)
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I want to speak today on a matter of importance for the people of north Kerry, namely, the urgent need for the reinstatement of an out-of-hours SouthDoc service in Listowel. As it stands, there is no SouthDoc out-of-hours service operating in north Kerry.This means that for medical attention after regular hours, people in north Kerry and the surrounding areas, from Ballylongford to Duagh, from Tarbert to Lixnaw, from Asdee to Abbeydorney, from Ballyduff to Moyvane, from Finuge to Ballybunion, from Ballyheigue to Causeway and from Kilflynn and Knockanure, must travel all the way to Tralee, which, for some, means a round trip of 80 km. For vulnerable, elderly and sick patients, that is simply not acceptable.

We are not asking for a luxury; we are asking for a basic essential healthcare service to be accessible to the people of north Kerry, the same service that is rightly available in comparable towns around the country. Healthcare should not be a postcode lottery. The absence of a local out-of-hours GP service is putting real strain on families. Parents with sick children are forced to bundle them into cars late at night for long drives. Older people are either delaying care or relying on already overstretched emergency services. Our front-line workers - the paramedics and the doctors and nurses in Tralee - are under increased pressure because of a problem that has a practical achievable solution.

The population of north Kerry is growing. Listowel and other parts of north Kerry have a proud history and a strong community spirit. However, that spirit is being tested by this continued lack of a serious service. Residents are feeling forgotten and, frankly, they have a right to feel that way. Today, I am calling on the Minister for Health, the HSE and the SouthDoc management to act without delay. We need a fully operational out-of-hours GP service based in Listowel, one that meets the needs of our people and restores confidence in our health infrastructure. The health of the people in north Kerry should never have been compromised in the first place. I call on the Minister to come to the House to debate this matter.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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I welcome my Independent colleague from Cork City Council, Councillor Albert Deasy, and his wife, Anne, this afternoon.

To tell the God's honest truth, I am a little bit sick of Members coming in here asking for debates with the housing Minister when Sinn Féin Members' colleagues around the country are voting against housing developments. We had that this morning for 79 houses in Ashbourne in County Meath. I am sick of it. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil Members can take the smiles off their faces because they also voted against it.

I express my deep concern over the ongoing decline in footfall in Dublin city centre, a decline that is not just economic but symbolic of a city losing its accessibility, vitality and common sense. Since 2007, footfall on Henry Street has dropped by 48% and on Grafton Street by 51%. These are not just numbers; these are livelihoods lost, shutters pulled down and communities hollowed out. However, we continue to pursue a transport policy that seems more ideological than practical. The National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council have reallocated road space in a way that punishes motorists, delivery drivers and tradespeople, the very people who keep this city functioning. We are told this is about sustainability but when electric vehicle users are treated no better than drivers of diesel vehicles, one has to ask if this is really about the environment or about control.

We now know that pedestrian data has been distorted by changes in how football is measured, with camera numbers doubling in 2012 creating the illusion of growth where there was none. Even the former Dublin city manager Owen Keegan acknowledged this when asked by stakeholders. How can we make sound policy with skewed data? Part of the issue is that we continue to see transport as a zero-sum game - cars versus buses or cars versus cyclists. The fact is that there are infrastructure options that can increase public transport without hurting motorists, such as the delayed metro plan. Sadly, the Government appears to lack the ambition for plans that can help all of our citizens and not just those who cycle in from the leafy suburbs of Dublin 4.

I am calling for a full debate in this House on the real-world impact of current transport policy, not just on our emissions but also on our commerce, community and common sense. Let us bring transparency, balance and the voice of people back into the room.

Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fail)
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I call on the Leader to invite the Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, to the House for a debate on the roll-out of BusConnects. I was at a meeting last night in Lusk attended by representatives from Skerries, Loughshinny, Lusk and Rush, who are very concerned about the removal of the only direct service to the city, the No. 33 bus, which is due to be implemented next year. The communities have come together because we are very concerned about the lack of a direct bus. It will be replaced under the BusConnects plan with a bus service that will bring people to Swords where they will have to switch over and get another bus.That is completely unsatisfactory because it makes the journey longer and more difficult for commuters from Skerries, Lusk, Rush and Loughshinny. We need a bus service that matches the population of these towns and villages. I will run through the population figures: Balbriggan, 26,000; Skerries, 11,000; Rush, 11,000; and Lusk, 9,000. These towns are significant-sized towns and they will be left without a direct bus service. The rail service serving some of these towns is adequate but it does not serve Rush and Lusk as well because the train station is quite a distance from both towns and it is not accessible for most people who do not have a car to drive to the station. We need buses that bring people from these towns directly into the city without a changeover.

I would like the Minister to come to the House and discuss the roll-out of BusConnects. There are many good things contained in the plan but this removal of the 33 bus is not one of them. We need to look at it seriously before it impacts on very significantly sized communities. BusConnects needs to be for the future. A lot of housing is being planned in all of these areas. While that is fine, we need the infrastructure to go along with that. We have completely inadequate public transport infrastructure as it is and this BusConnects plan will make it worse. Would the Leader mind inviting the Minister for Transport, Deputy O'Brien, to the House to discuss the roll-out of BusConnects?

Manus Boyle (Fine Gael)
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We have a new thatching school centre located in our community hall in Portnoo in County Donegal. The school in Donegal is inundated with interested people after an open day. They have had huge success, with a lot of people attending, and it is their hope to proceed with a new streamlined course to get people trained up. They are interested in setting up a course, similar to the one offered by the education and training board, ETB, in Carlow-Kilkenny, to train thatchers in County Donegal.

As the Leader might be aware, there are only ten master thatchers left in Ireland and it is import we pass the skill on to the next generation. The skill is dying out, sadly, and the school here has a great opportunity for anybody who wants to learn to keep the tradition going. There is rope-thatching in Donegal or reed-thatching in Wexford and Cork, and straw-thatching or flax-thatching in Ulster and east Donegal. It is important we train these young people and we get them in very fast. As the Leader will be aware, tourists come to Ireland and the love to see the thatched cottage. The thatched cottage, sadly, is dying out.

The thatching course in Kilkenny is a full-time course and it is designed for individuals wishing to pursue a career in thatching. We in Portnoo in Donegal would like to do the same. I would like the Minister to come to the House to see whether we could do something similar to Carlow-Kilkenny to get the course recognised in Donegal in order that we can keep our heritage there too and give people employment. It will be full-time employment, too, because, as the Leader knows, the roof has to be looked after every couple of years.

Joanne Collins (Sinn Fein)
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I raise the issue of school transport and this crazy rule of Bus Éireann that its drivers have to retire at the age of 70. I had a phone call from the wife of a gentleman over the weekend. He turned 70 last Thursday and, on Friday, his wife had to drive the school bus to take the children to school and collect them. The school itself can contract him to come down a half an hour after the children finish school and take them on their school tour, take them swimming or take them for whatever they are going out for, but he cannot collect them from their homes to take them to the school and collect them from the school to take them home. It does not seem to make any sense. He could also get into a truck with whatever tonnage is allowed in the back of the truck and drive it down the M50 regardless of what age he is as long as he passes his test every so often or keeps up with his driver certificate of professional competence, CPC, hours. We definitely need to have a look at this because we are giving out every week that we do not have enough drivers.We then have drivers who are being forced to retire and sit at home. I do not know about other Senators, but I know many retired people. When they retire, they lose their passion and will to get out of the house every day. It can take an awful toll on them. We need to look at getting these drivers back on the road and see if Bus Éireann can make an exception. Perhaps it could put some rules in place whereby drivers sit a test and be assessed every year, if that is what is required.

Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail)
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I want to raise the challenges facing the pub industry across the country. Last month, figures from the CSO showed that bar sales dropped 10% in the 12 months from March 2024 to March of this year, the largest annual decrease in volume sales of any sector. In the past 20 years, 2,000 pubs across the country have closed their doors. Outside of Dublin, the number of pubs has fallen by 25% in the same period. This represents not only the closure of SMEs and the loss of local jobs but also the closure of community hubs in small towns and villages across our country. It also represents the removal of hosting areas for local communities, gatherings, important life events such as communions and confirmations, table quizzes and fundraisers. The closure of such premises also contributes to the growing loneliness, which impacts rural communities because people no longer have a place to meet.

As Senators are aware, the Irish pub is also an important attraction for tourists. Every survey on tourism shows that pubs are one of the main attractions the country has to offer, with the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin the number one paid visitor attraction here.

As the Vintners Federation of Ireland, VFI, outlined last month, costs are rising rapidly for pubs. The current situation is simply unsustainable, and we are at a point where the Government needs to act to preserve Ireland's pub culture and sustain rural communities. In France, pub numbers plummeted from 200,000 to just 36,000. The French Government is now offering incentives to revive rural bars because it recognises their cultural and economic value. We need that level of foresight in here. Ireland has the second-highest excise duty rate on alcohol in Europe, with taxes accounting for 30% of the price of a pint. That is simply wrong for a sector that has seen such high numbers of closures and must be addressed.

The VFI proposed an excise rebate on draft beers and ciders which would provide support for traditional pubs. Naturally, the latter serve such drinks on draft. It is a targeted measure that would provide a lifeline to thousands of SMEs and would go some way towards addressing taxes that are unjustifiably high. Ahead of budget 2026, this would be worthy of strong consideration on the part of the Government. I would be grateful if the Leader would raise this matter with the relevant Minister and ask him to come before the House.

Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)
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I want to discuss serious issues with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, and small but important projects which are not being delivered in communities across the country. I served in the local council before serving in the Seanad. I found that basic interventions we raised as councillors and that had the unanimous support of all elected representatives, engineers and planners, along with local transport plans, were ignored in the context of funding. This happens whether a project involves a pedestrian crossing, a small extension of a footpath or low-cost safety and traffic calming measures.

I want to highlight projects in Ballina that have been raised but that have not been the subject of any intervention. At the Quay village, all of the councillors in the area have called for speed reduction and have begged TII for funding for this. We have paid consultants hundreds of thousands of euro for active travel and local transport plan measures, but have had no delivery. Well-paid and well-educated engineers should be empowered to do this work. TII is responsible for building motorways and managing Luas extensions. That is where its competencies should lie rather than being pulled into the weeds on projects that local authorities are capable of delivering if they are empowered and funded to do so.

Another example is Culleens National School on Killala Road in Ballina, which was opened recently but which is missing a 200 m footpath extension. There is a requirement to request TII to deliver this. It is scandalous that this is happening. Another case relates to the Sean Duffy Community Centre in Ardnaree in Ballina, where there are multiple junctions without any intervention from TII to help support, fund and deliver safety improvements. The list goes on.We had a fatality on Lord Edward Street in Ballina. We are waiting for two years. How many lives need to be lost? Is one life not enough? Do multiple lives need to be lost before we get action and delivery in our towns and villages and on our streets from TII? I could go on. There is speeding on Emmet Street. Small interventions and measures are needed to improve the situation and these need to be devolved to the local authorities.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Before I call Senator Andrews, I welcome Marlin Schmidt and Jolene Cusack from the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I also welcome family members of Deputy Joanna Byrne, as well as guests of Deputies Emer Higgins, Barry Ward and Emer Currie. They are also most welcome to Seanad Éireann. If they were all school groups, I would give them homework off for the week. I do not know what to give them. I hope they are all brought to the bar, anyway. I welcome them all to Seanad Éireann today.

Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)
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I raise a shocking and distressing case affecting a young man from south County Dublin, Robert Brady, and how he has been completely failed by our mental health and disability services. It is horrendous listening to the catalogue of failures he has faced. Robert first showed signs of psychosis in 2019 when he was in secondary school. His family sought help from the State but were told that early intervention supports were not available, something which is not unusual. He was finally admitted to Linn Dara CAMHS unit in Ballyfermot in 2020 at the age of 17 after a severe and distressing mental health episode. He is diagnosed with autism and psychosis. The family had to fight for his right to access this facility and avoid being placed in an adult facility.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I urge caution. While Senator Andrews may have the permission of the family, he must be careful when speaking about people who are in those vulnerable situations and referring to them on the record and putting it into the public arena. I ask the Senator to be cautious.

Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Cathaoirleach. I have, obviously, been given permission. On his 18th birthday, Robert was abruptly moved to an adult psychiatric unit, an entirely unsuitable environment for his needs. His condition has progressively become worse within this facility which has been unable to provide the 24-hour, high-level care he needs. Robert remains in this psychiatric unit today, has been in this unit in Tallaght for five years and his condition and quality of life is getting worse daily. His complex condition is now used to justify claims that no suitable placement exists. This is a situation directly caused by the State’s inaction and unwillingness to provide early intervention care. Robert’s case is only one of many. Our lack of mental health and disability services is an absolute scandal. We need the Minister to come to the House to explain to families like Robert’s why Robert and so many others have been failed by the State and why the care system has failed Robert and his family.

Teresa Costello (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to talk about alternative pathways to achieving your dream career and to highlight a remarkable young man whose story proves that success is not defined by a single exam or one rigid path. Liam Nugent, a young man from Tallaght, has recently appeared on RTÉ and Virgin Media to share his journey. He is an inspiring example of what determination and belief in oneself can achieve. While Liam was in school, he experienced significant challenges, leading to a low attendance rate. Though he studied and learned at home, he ultimately did not sit his leaving certificate.

For many, this may have felt like the end of the road, but not for Liam. Liam had a dream to become a heart surgeon. He wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and he refused to let a single missed exam define him or limit that dream. Instead, he enrolled in Greenhills Community College where he completed a pre-university science post leaving certificate, PLC, course, earning nine distinctions. From there, he applied through the CAO and secured a place in DCU to study biotechnology. He is now in his third year of that course. Liam’s journey does not stop there, however. His path to becoming a heart surgeon continues with four years of graduate entry medicine, two years of residency and eight years of surgical training at RCSI. Remarkably, his journey will only take two years longer than the traditional route through the leaving certificate.

Each year, Irish universities allocate a number of places to students like Liam who come through PLC courses. Those courses are deigned to be practical, focused and job specific, offering students the skills to enter the workforce directly or move on to higher education.One of the best parts is that PLCs cover a huge range of study areas, from business and electronics engineering to computing, catering, sport and leisure, and even theatre and stage. Importantly, one does not need a leaving certificate to apply for a PLC. People with relevant work experience or a clear passion and ability in a particular area are often accepted. Liam's story is a powerful reminder that talented people should never be lost to the professions they dream of pursuing, especially not because of a traditional school system or an exam. If you or someone you know is wondering if there is another way forward, the answer is "Yes". Liam Nugent's story proves that.

Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I raise the issue of the South East Technological University. Two weeks ago, the High Court made a determination that would allow the CPO by Wexford County Council to proceed so that the council could acquire the land that was necessary for a new state-of-the-art campus in Wexford town. I hope this will allow students who are currently in primary school education to secure third level education in the heart of County Wexford on a new state-of-the-art campus by the time they do their leaving certificate exams.

Following the decision by the High Court, the Minister for higher education, James Lawless, was interviewed on South East Radio and was asked about the next steps in the process to turn this proposal into an actual reality. From my perspective, as somebody who is from County Wexford, the concerning point was that the Minister was very unclear on the specifics around the funding for the planning permission stage and construction stage. I call on the Minister to clarify his remarks and reaffirm the commitment previously given by the Tánaiste, Simon Harris, when in the role of Minister for higher education that whatever resources were needed for a state-of-the-art campus to be built in Wexford would be provided. The current Minister, James Lawless, said that, to the best of his knowledge, he was not aware of whether the money was there. Be it allocated in a specific budget proposal made in 2024, 2025 or 2026, I would like him to say once again that the Government's full intention is to deliver this campus in Wexford and that the council's CPO process to acquire the land will not be in vain. I call upon the Leader to raise this matter directly with the Minister. This is the biggest project in the development of County Wexford over the next ten to 20 to 30 years and we need to see solid confirmation from the Government that it is fully behind it.

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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I raise again the issue of the boarded-out children who are now elderly men and women. I have discussed it many times in the House. Sadly, I must report that a man who visited the House many times seeking some sort of redress and acknowledgment unfortunately never got that, as he passed away recently in Galway. His daughter contacted me two or three weeks ago. I had last met them in Gullane's Hotel in Ballinasloe and talked them through it. We thought we had made a breakthrough. Tomorrow, we will be discussing redress. That is a different thing. For many of us, it will be our last time speaking to it in these Houses, because Caranua is now being wound down. I will have a lot to say on that tomorrow.

What will not be covered in that debate is the fact that many men and women were illegally farmed out as labourers, in housekeeping and in farm work, with no proper paperwork or anything else. Many of them are still alive. They are elderly and vulnerable and are craving to know where they came from and where they belonged. We need to support them. We do not need legislation for everything, but we do need enhanced medical cards and supports. We need topped up pensions and housing and to meet whatever their particular sets of needs are. Let us not get hung up all the time in these Houses on needing primary legislation. Let us just do the basic human thing to be kind and supportive in any way we can. My appeal is not to the Legislature, but to us as legislators, that we use our contacts in our own political parties, particularly on the Government side, to ask whether we can put in place a support mechanism for these people in their last years, in their vulnerable years, who are deserving of our support.

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Fianna Fail)
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I congratulate the Cork team on a fantastic win on Saturday. Up the Rebels. I am wearing red today in support of them. I thank the team, the officials and the backroom team for giving Cork city and county such a magnificent lift. Go raibh maith agaibh. It does lead to the issue of amateur sports, the commitment involved and the pure exhaustion the match last Saturday led to for the players and the officials.

There are several things I would like the GAA to look at. One is the ongoing issue of the price of tickets. They are in great demand and I know supply is low. Even people who can access the tickets often cannot pay for them. It is a shame if money comes against young people in particular attending our national game. The length of the GAA season does not allow for replays at this stage. Even though it went Cork's way on Saturday, for which I am very grateful, the pure mental and physical exhaustion when it came to the penalties was very tough to look at from all sides. I would like the GAA to extend the season and to look at the price of the tickets. Will the Minister with responsibility for sport come before the House and speak about the issue of amateur sports? These are volunteers. Perhaps we could look at ways to help them in pursuit of their sport.

Shane Curley (Fianna Fail)
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We had great news over the weekend on electric vehicle charging points, including five new high-powered chargers for Mayo, five for Roscommon and seven for Cork. Unfortunately there were zero for the entire county of Galway. There was great disappointment that, out of the 53 new high-powered charging points to be rolled out throughout the country, none of them are coming to my county of Galway. To compound issue, in the southern half of east Galway, below the railway line, there is only one fast charger at present for all of the 55,000 people who live in the region. This is at a time when we are trying to incentivise people to move towards electric vehicles. It is something we need to look at. I would welcome a debate with the Minister on the roll-out of electric vehicle stations in rural Ireland.

Coillte's plan to construct tourist accommodation in Portumna Forest Park has caused great concern for locals. I have met the Protect Portumna Forest Park local community group. It is very concerned that what is at present a very tranquil rejuvenating amenity could be turned into a concrete jungle. Coillte needs to engage meaningfully with the group. Since January it has been trying to achieve any sort of meaningful engagement but nothing has come of it. If Coillte is realising that the harvesting of timber does not lead to profit, then we need to have the Minister come to the House to discuss ways Coillte as an entity will be viable in future. We cannot have a situation whereby it resorts to tourist accommodation to make sure it is a viable entity, especially at a time when, just a few hundred metres up the road, the vacant Shannon Oaks Hotel could cater for the tourism needs of the town. This is something we need to look at.

I echo the sentiments of Senator Flynn. Traveller mental health is a big issue and I would support a debate in the House on it.

Maria McCormack (Sinn Fein)
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I rise today furious about the "RTÉ Investigates" programme into Emeis nursing homes, one of which is in my hometown of Portlaoise. Since the broadcast aired, I have been contacted by many families of loved ones who are resident there at present and residents who have passed away. They have no answers. They are devastated and retraumatised. They are demanding answers, as they should. We cannot dress this up as poor standards or under-resourcing. What we saw was abuse, pure and simple. Older people and vulnerable people were left soiled and distressed. Staff were caught on camera handling residents roughly, shouting at them and denying them dignity. There were no towels, no gloves, no wipes and no compassion. This is just what we witnessed on camera. I have also been contacted by families who, when they were shown the footage from RTÉ, did not agree to have it shown on television because the abuse was too severe. We are only seeing a snippet of what has gone on in these homes. There were only three homes in the broadcast. This is the largest private nursing home operator in the country. If this is what is happening in one, what confidence can we have in the rest? What safeguards are actually in place?Let us call it what it is. We have allowed a system of care to develop that puts profit before people. Over 70% of nursing home beds are now private. That did not happen by accident. It happened by policy. We need the safeguarding legislation that has been talked about since 2017. Social workers, experts and advocates all demand it. We need mandatory reporting of abuse. We need legal rights of entry for social care professionals. HIQA inspections every few months is just not enough.

We need a system that cares. Our older people should not just be warehoused. We need a system where families do not live in fear of what is happening behind closed doors. I ask the Leader to call in the Minister for Health for a debate on this urgently because the families of the loved ones in these homes need answers. There must be prosecutions.

Dee Ryan (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to draw the attention of Senators to a very positive day of visits that we had with the Minister, James Lawless, in Limerick recently. He started his day at the University of Limerick where he met Professor Shane Kilcommins and the executive committee of the university to discuss recent events there. We next attended the launch of the new iBio masters programme at the university, which is the latest of UL's immersive courses. The university is famous for its disruptive nature in the way that education is delivered. Each undergraduate course is paired with work experience. Thus, graduates emerge with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to help them get further in their careers. We are excited about and proud of the new iBio programme. Its academic lead is Dr. Jakki Cooney. I congratulate her on all that she has accomplished. The industry partners are Analog Devices Incorporated, which was represented by Mr. Martin Cotter, and Eli Lilly, which was represented by Mr. Dave Riordan. I congratulate all involved in delivering this course and offer my best wishes to the student participants.

Next on the agenda was a visit to the hospitality campus at Roxboro, which is part of the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. We were handled with a white-glove standard of care by the students undergoing courses there. I congratulate all of the lecturers and course leaders. In particular, I congratulate Ms Bernadette Enright, Mr. Paul Patton and Ms Bernadette Cullen for all that they are doing. I congratulate the wonderful students on the many awards they have amassed in recent times.

I congratulate the Cork hurlers on Saturday's match. Undoubtedly, it was the tensest and most stressful match that I have attended. Fair play to them and credit where credit is due, it was a match full of heart and tension. The day is not over yet. We will see what happens later in the season.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I am guessing Limerick will be back.

Dee Ryan (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Cathaoirleach.

Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)
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Two weeks ago, an online survey commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on providing supports for the forgotten farmers closed. Like many others, I welcomed the allocation of €5 million in the 2025 budget to support the men and women who, due to restrictions in agricultural policy and administrative delays at the time and through no fault of their own, were denied access to crucial support and entitlements. The survey to establish the number of farmers who missed out on agriculture supports was a positive step but it must be implemented with a sense of urgency. The Government needs to address farmers who set up in farming before 2008. That is 17 years of hard-working farmers trying to make a living but being unable to access key CAP supports.

The online survey is a first step after 17 years but there is still no sense of urgency. Many of these farmers have been campaigning for over a decade. They are ageing, disillusioned and weary of promises that have never been fulfilled. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. We do not need another prolonged consultation or an extended review process. We need action. I call on the Minister for agriculture to ensure that this survey is assessed without delay and that the results are published before the summer recess.The eligibility criteria must be finalised quickly, and payments should begin as early as possible, namely this year. Anything less will be a continuation of the injustice these farmers have endured for too long. It is the very least they deserve for their contributions to Irish agriculture and for their continued perseverance in the face of persistent inaction.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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As we have run over time slightly and the next business is supposed to begin now, I suggest the Leader propose that we begin No. 1 after the Order of Business concludes.

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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I propose that.

Anne Rabbitte (Fianna Fail)
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Before the Leader replies, I wish to raise a point of order. I am not happy about the way Senator Craughwell spoke earlier. I thought his attitude was jarring. When somebody commits a criminal offence and the DPP has it overturned because of domestic violence on the streets, where a woman is beaten to a pulp, I do not think any of us should condone the behaviour involved. What was said was unforgivable and unacceptable.

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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I thank all Senators for their contribution, starting with Senator Rabbitte. The Senator was joined by Senator McCormack in raising the shocking report on nursing homes on RTÉ. I have requested a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donnell, who has called on HIQA to start a review of all nursing homes operated by the group involved in the wake of Wednesday’s “RTÉ Investigates” programme. HIQA’s chief inspector stated that it is taking escalated regulatory action in the nursing homes identified and will take any necessary additional actions with the providers to ensure safe and effective care and support to all residents. What we saw was unacceptable. Those with loved ones in nursing homes rightly cherishes them and wants them to be cared for and loved. The report on RTÉ shines a spotlight on the these services, which is unfortunate because, as Senator Rabbitte said, there are many wonderful carers, staff and facilities out there. I will request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donnell.

Senator Nelson Murray referred to Wellman International, which, unfortunately, has gone into examinership. Some 215 people are employed by the company. The unions have stated that a new owner should be sought. Senator O’Reilly also raised this as a Commencement matter. I hope she got an adequate response. I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, as well.

Senator Craughwell raised numerous matters, including the triple lock, Defence Forces funding and the Air Corps. He is a member of the health committee. We have a meeting regarding Air Corps services next week. The Senator has called for a debate with the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, which I will organise.

Senator Nicole Ryan referred to derelict houses and the statutory time limits for derelict houses. Properties are protected under the Constitution, so there may be legal issues with what she is proposing. There are two choices – either the carrot or the stick. The carrot is schemes like the Croí Conaithe, in the context of which a great deal of good work is done regarding grants for vacant and derelict properties. We want to see that enhanced.

The Senator also referred to rent pressure zones, RPZs. As Senators know, the Government has decided that RPZs will be retained and expanded nationally to cover the nearly one fifth of the country that is not currently covered. RPZs will remain capped at either 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. To activate new apartment construction for the rental market, the 2% cap will not apply to new apartments constructed after a specified date. That is what has been agreed by Cabinet. This will take time to go through, and we will have an opportunity to debate that matter.

Senator Noonan referred to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice and the 2030 targets, and called for a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, which I will arrange.

The Senator also raised valid points regarding the Madleen and its seizure, and the ongoing difficulties in getting absolutely necessary aid into Gaza.

Senator Flynn called for a debate on Traveller mental health and Traveller matters in general. I will request that this happens. One of the issues is that Traveller supports are across multiple Departments. Finding a Minister to cover all those areas would be difficult, but I will certainly put in a request. Senator Comyn raised the new HQ for LMETB, which is planned for Drogheda. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, will be in the House on Thursday to discuss education. There may be an opportunity to raise the matter then. Otherwise, it could be raised as a specific Commencement debate.

Senator Kennelly called for the reinstatement of SouthDoc services in the north Kerry area. Again, as this is a specific issue, the Senator might request a Commencement debate with the Minister for Health on that matter.

Senator Keogan talked about declining footfall in Dublin city. That is more a matter for Dublin city councillors and the council executive. Perhaps the Senator is engaging with some of her colleagues on that. I note that a survey last year stated that Dublin ranked as one of the slowest cities in the world as regards traffic and congestion. That spurred the executive and councillors to look at changes to the roads.

Senator Clifford-Lee called for a debate on BusConnects. I will certainly request that from the Minister, Deputy O'Brien.

Senator Boyle called for the recognition of a course in thatching. Again, raising the matter as a Commencement debate may allow him to get a more specific answer but I will certainly raise it with the Minister. I presume it is a matter for the Minister of State with responsibility for heritage, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan.

Senator Collins raised the ongoing issue of those over 70 not being allowed to drive buses. I absolutely agree. It is an issue that has been discussed for some time. The RSA recently carried out a review into the matter. That is complete. The last word from the Minister is that she is engaging with the Minister for Transport and with Bus Éireann to see if a solution can be found. It makes absolute sense to allow 71-, 72- and 73-year-olds to drive buses if they are medically fit.

Senator Crowe called for a debate on the drop-off in pub sales. I note the drop in alcohol consumption in the country and the lifestyle and cultural changes in respect of pubs. More people, particularly younger people, are drinking at home. Drink-driving measures are obviously a major deterrent in rural areas. There is no likelihood of that changing. Alternative initiatives are needed. These might be flexible bus services run within local communities or by a number of publicans. The Senator has called for a debate and I will certainly request it.

Senator Duffy raised a number of matters regarding TII. While his points are very valid, under the Roads Act 1993, Transport Infrastructure Ireland has a say in respect of national routes. It has the ultimate say under law, but the Senator makes valid points on active travel. He could certainly raise this with the Minister to see if the Roads Act could be changed to allow for local authorities to be involved in those sections of national routes that are within towns. He mentioned Ballina.

Senator Andrews raised the specific case of Robert Brady and his ongoing mental health issues. It is a very specific case the Senator might raise as a Commencement debate. I know we recently had a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, on this but the Senator might be able to raise this specific case as a Commencement debate.

Senator Costello gave very positive testimony regarding Liam Nugent, alternative pathways and career progression. I wish him well in his career.

Senator Cathal Byrne raised the Wexford campus proposal and sought clarification on some remarks the Minister, Deputy Lawless, made. I ask that the Senator put down a specific Commencement debate on the matter to get a more comprehensive response.

Senator Boyhan raised the specific case of men and women who were illegally farmed out and who are now elderly and vulnerable. I recently saw a picture of a gentleman somewhere in London posted online along with his name. He was originally from Sligo. He had passed away and the poster was looking for any family or relatives. These are really tragic situations. There is a debate tomorrow on institutional care. While the Senator may not have time in that debate because I am sure he will have a lot to say on other matters, he could raise this issue and see if the Minister would address it. I will certainly have a word as well.

Senator Murphy O'Mahony mentioned something about Cork winning a match or something. I congratulate Cork on their victory in the Munster final. The Senator raises valid points regarding the price of tickets, the length of the season and all of that. She has called for a debate with the Minister for sport. I will certainly raise that. However, on the price of tickets, someone has to pay for Páirc Uí Chaoimh, notwithstanding the €30 million investment the Fine Gael-Labour Government put in back in the day.Senator Curley raised the issue of EV charging points. A total of 53 EV charging points were announced nationwide, but none for Galway. I will certainly ask why that is the case. Perhaps there is a plan for a large number for Galway at a future date, maybe 54 for all of Galway or something like that. It is certainly a very real issue, and I will take it up. The Senator also raised a number of issues regarding Portumna and Coillte. Perhaps he could table a Commencement matter on that.

Senator Dee Ryan talked about the visit by the Minister, Deputy Lawless, to the University of Limerick and the various other events that took place across Limerick. I hope the Minister follows up on all the commitments he might have made. I am sure he will.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly referred to farmers not being able to draw down certain grants and called for the Minister for Agriculture to publish results. I will raise that with the Minister. The Senator might raise this as a Commencement matter.