Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

First, I join with the Cathaoirleach in expressing my sympathies to the family of the late Liam Fitzgerald.

The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on balanced regional development, to be taken at 6 p.m. and to conclude at 8 p.m. if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We in the Fianna Fáil Party would like to express our sympathies to the family of former Oireachtas Member, Liam Fitzgerald. He was a very kind, affable and effective public representative. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

I also think it would be appropriate that the Seanad would extend its sympathies with regard to the Air India crash. Thankfully, it is not too often that we see aeroplane crashes of that magnitude but it was shocking to see 241 passengers killed, and also those who were in the nursing home on the ground.

Very sadly over the weekend, we were all shocked to hear the news that Minnesota state senator John Hoffman and his wife had been badly injured, and worse again, Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband had been savagely killed in a very targeted and politically motivated assassination. It is important for this House to mark that and to say that we absolutely abhor any type of violence against anyone. There is something about one of our own being murdered. We saw that when two politicians in the UK were very sadly assassinated within a short period. Our deepest sympathies to all those affected, including family members and all they represented.

This morning, I was at Rathangan post office in County Kildare with Mr. Shane Dunne, the local postmaster, and Ms Sandra Tormey, the general secretary of the Irish Postmasters' Union. We discussed again the situation that local post offices find themselves in. It is generally not known that postmasters are not actually paid a salary; they are paid per transaction, and it is quite a minimal payment at that. Sadly, the number of transactions in our post offices is going down in the modern world but they provide such an incredible service. In many ways, they are the heartbeat of our communities. Certainly in my experience, with respect to Brendan, Marie and John in Newbridge post office and Shane and Connie in Rathangan, those who work in post offices provide photocopying services, fill in forms, send emails, etc., particularly for our older population.It is important that we ask the Minister to come into this House to discuss the situation. I know we have all had meetings. I want to mention postmaster Tom O'Callaghan from Clare. Subventions are needed. We need a whole new way of looking at and funding our post office system. We must look at other areas that can be introduced, such as peace commissioner duties or post offices becoming the local points for tourism. Perhaps we could do more banking duties through our post offices.

I know we all support and endorse the work that is done in our local post offices. We need the Government to do more and the Minister to come to the House for a debate.

Linda Nelson Murray (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I raise the issue of being able to watch our beautiful sport of GAA either on streaming devices or television. At the weekend, we saw a titanic victory for Meath, who became the first team since Tyrone in 2008 to beat Kerry and Dublin in the same All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. It was a fantastic win and great for our county - come on the Royals - but unless you went to Tullamore, you had no way to see that match. It was not on GAA+ or the television. You had to wait for the highlights. It is grand for somebody like me who can travel for a game and those with access to a car to go down. For other people, it must be soul-destroying not to be able to see their beloved game. The Meath team did well in the 1990s and is back in form again. Many people in our county would have appreciated being able to watch that game, whether on a streaming device or a television. I would like us to ask the Minister to come to the House and speak to us about how we can make more games available to people who cannot travel. That is important. It is our sport.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I also extend my sympathies to the Fitzgerald family, and indeed the Fianna Fáil family, on the loss of Liam Fitzgerald.

I welcome to the Gallery Councillor Jason Murphy from Waterford and his fiancée, Nicola. They recently got engaged. They are welcome as guests of Senator Ollie Crowe.

I rise to highlight two stories from the United Kingdom that are of relevance to us in Ireland. They are connected by the common theme that we must be very wary of certain ideas of Irish exceptionalism and must stop thinking it will not happen here.

The first story concerns the current reform being proposed to abortion laws in Westminster, which would effectively allow for total liberalisation up to birth. The UK has some of the most extreme abortion laws in Europe. Its 24-week limit is double that of nearly every other European country, where the cap is typically 12 weeks. In the UK, if a child is born prematurely at 22 weeks, the hospital will do everything possible to save its life, yet just two weeks later, that same child could be subject to a partial birth abortion, an act which would be considered tantamount to murder.

British abortion activists still continue to insist that these laws are insufficient, ignoring the majority of UK voters, who believe that current laws are either adequate or too extreme. Here in Ireland, the people consented to the legalisation of abortion on the understanding that we, as a nation, would take a measured and moderate approach. We must honour that promise and not override the will of the people, as has happened too often in the UK and happens increasingly here. In fact, we should be having a real and honest discussion about how to reduce the number of abortions in our country. This is a humane goal that no one should oppose, whether through reasonable restrictions or by providing greater support for women facing crisis pregnancy, giving them a genuine choice.

The second story from our neighbours is the recent release of the report on the grooming gangs. Commissioned by the UK Prime Minister and led by Baroness Casey, its findings are utterly damning. The report found that local authorities and police forces not only failed to act for fear of being accused of racism but, in some cases, the young girls, the victims of rape, were themselves blamed. What is the human cost? The report identified 700 cases of grooming reported in 2023 alone, a figure that is likely an underestimate due to unreliable and, frankly, dishonest reporting. Other studies have estimated that over the past few decades, as many as 1 million young women may have been groomed by these gangs, who are overwhelmingly of south Asian origin. Let us be absolutely clear: this is horrific crime on a sickening scale, enabled by a culture of so-called political correctness, conformity and stifled open debate.When we look to our own country and see that someone who raises concerns about crime or migration is labelled far right, when we see the media freezing out certain voices and when we see politicians in these Houses refusing to engage with accredited media because of their political views, we must recognise this culture is all too present in Ireland today.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I welcome, as the Senator did, the mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Jason Murphy, and his beautiful bride-to-be. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I am delighted to see Nicola here and we look forward to her returning as Mrs. Murphy in the not-too-distant future.

Joanne Collins (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I raise an issue that might not be to the fore in everybody's mind, especially those who have had a child and it has been a single birth. This relates to multiple births when it comes to maternity, paternity and parental leave. It is great to see paternity and parental leave added to maternity leave. It is fantastic for parents to have those options after a child is born. Somebody who has had a multiple birth, such as twins or triplets, just gets the same as the parent of a single birth. They have double or triple the cost and double or triple the care is required. Would it be possible to look at extending parental and paternity leave for multiple births?

Manus Boyle (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I congratulate St. Naul's pipe band, which celebrated 80 years in Inver last Saturday. It was a very good occasion and something I will remember for a long time. I also congratulate St. Naul's school in Keeloges, which won the biodiversity school of the year. I am proud to announce we beat Mayo, with Senator Duffy in front of me. Well done to the Donegal team.

I am standing here to highlight the growing demand for TFI Local Link bus services, particularly in local villages like Ardara and Glenties in County Donegal. The current plan expires this year and I hope a new action plan will include an improved service for Glenties and Ardara. Usage of the service has reached record levels, with over 100,000 journeys made weekly throughout rural Ireland. This demonstrates how essential the service is for connectivity in rural communities. Ardara has two departures each day. They are scheduled before noon. It would be immensely beneficial for residents of Ardara and Portnoo if the Local Link would run three or four times per day between Ardara, Portnoo and Glenties and hook up with the Donegal line. Such an enhancement would provide greater accessibility for the community and allow more residents to travel. The Local Link service has been beneficial for rural communities' accessibility, reduced social isolation and enhanced residents' mobility. The service is a lifeline for those in areas where limited public transport is available.

With the review coming up, I hope we will enhance services for these local towns that were left behind. It is vital for rural Donegal. Other towns have four or five departures per day and it works really well.

Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I raise an important issue with the potential to affect many communities across Ireland. It relates to forestry. In Ballycastle in my county of Mayo, Coillte intends and proposes to plant a 30-acre site but the community does not want it and has expressed clearly that it does not want it in this location. The proposed site is right next to the Ballycastle GAA pitch.There are at least 12 or 13 houses in the immediate vicinity of this proposal. Coillte intends to go ahead with it as it stands but I am asking it to stop and engage. It is really important that we listen to communities. Communities like Ballycastle on the western seaboard and the Wild Atlantic Way have been decimated by depopulation but have very gracefully welcomed international protection applicants within the community and are trying to lead the regeneration of buildings and make them better places for emigrants to return to. Measures like this fly in the face of a community that is trying to lead strong regeneration. I commend my colleague Councillor Jarlath Munnelly who is working with the community on the ground. I have been liaising with various ministries to try to get this addressed. I call on the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, to meet with the community to discuss this further because the community is clear in its objection to it. The key issue, which can affect many communities across Ireland, is that Coillte makes the application to the Department of Agriculture and Food. There is a conflict of interest there that really needs to be called out. There needs to be objectivity. It is in the Department's interest to meet delivery goals and I do not think there is enough objectivity there. We have not clearly demonstrated how to deal with Storm Éowyn and the challenges it brought without trying to bring more forestry to a community that is totally against it. I call on the Minister to engage with the community.

Joe Conway (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is gratifying to note that a recent announcement from the Minister for Defence is the harbinger of a contract with Thales to supply a sonar detection facility for the Irish Naval Service. The lack of this has been pointed out routinely by Members in this House and I am sure our urgings have hastened that initiative. We often hear the cliché "it's just a sticking plaster" that will only last a short while. In this case, that might be a bit ambitious. A wet sticking plaster might be more appropriate because it will not even adhere in the first place.

As any Dunmore East or Killybegs skipper could tell one, towing anything behind a vessel is not an exact science. It becomes infinitely more challenging when used at great depths where massive and unpredictable currents come into play, where salinity and visibility can vary greatly and imperceptibly and where both of these are attended by an ever-present hazard of potential snagging. All of this points to the imperative for highly trained and skilled operatives. To add to that, consider the significant area of the exclusive economic zone, which is approximately 500,000 sq. km. This is roughly the equivalent of the US exclusive economic zone in the north Atlantic from Maine to Florida. Between the US Navy surface vessels, submarines and other assets coupled with the plethora of US Coastguard vessels, the aggregated number is in the several hundreds. In contrast, we might just have two but most likely one serviceable and suitable asset for this complex work. I can only see delay and dithering and very little defence and detection.

I entreat the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and indeed the entire Government to approach NATO positively with a view to urgent membership. It is preposterous that we, a sovereign state with an exclusive economic zone the size of the US in the north Atlantic, is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization but instead uses for a functional naval service what are essentially a few lengths of the inquisitive rope to defend and monitor the assets that carry $10 trillion worth of business and commerce every day. We are sleepwalking into doom if we continue to fail to address this critical national emergency.

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Leader is aware that this country is very blessed with many beautiful beaches, many of which are in both our constituencies. For anyone who can get to a beach, there is a big feeling of well-being so it is very important. I rise today to talk about accessibility on a beach - not necessarily to it. Many beaches have a buggy service, which is way better than nothing, but, unfortunately, some people with a disability find it hard to get on buggies. They have to get out of their wheelchairs and on to the buggies. This often requires a hoist, which, obviously, are not at beachesThere is now a new initiative for Blue Flag beaches, namely, the blue path or blue mat. It is a blue mat on which people can use their own wheelchair that runs from the car park right down to the beach. It is absolutely brilliant. People who can walk but are a bit compromised can also use it because it is very even. It is funded by local authorities. I call on all local authorities responsible for Blue Flag beaches to use these blue mats. I also ask the Minister to ensure there is adequate funding for this because everyone deserves a day out at the beach.

Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Last night, I attended a public meeting of approximately 600 residents from Wexford, south Kilkenny and Waterford to discuss a 6 km stretch of road along the N25 where, tragically, there have been 12 fatalities over the past 12 years. There was a phenomenal turnout from the local area. This stretch of road is the main carriageway taking people from Wexford, through south Kilkenny, to Waterford. Hundreds of thousands of journeys are made every year along this stretch of road. Tragically, the people who lost their lives have endured so much trauma. That was very evident from their contributions last night. Among the speakers were representatives from the Irish Farmers Association who spoke about the difficulties that tractors and farmers are having, together with agri-contractors, on that stretch of road. A representative from the Irish road haulage industry spoke about the enormous difficulty it is posing for trucks and lorries. Most important of all, the turnout included people who spoke on behalf of families who have suffered loss along that stretch of road. I place my support four-square behind that campaign to see an upgrade of it.

The representatives last night included the CEO of Kilkenny County Council, who spoke about the difficulties it is having in engaging with TII and with a block of funding coming through to allow the upgrade works to that road progress. I place my support behind the campaign's call for greater engagement from the Minister for Transport, TII and Kilkenny County Council, and for the individuals in decision-making roles within those organisations, including the Minister, to get together and co-operate so there can be an improvement for road safety and users along that stretch of road. I express my appreciation to the committee members for their invitation to last night's meeting. I look forward to their second meeting at the end of September when, hopefully, clear, tangible outcomes and improvements will have been progressed for them.

Nicole Ryan (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will raise an issue I raised previously in the House: greater investment in youth work and youth services. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with youth workers on the ground. I have seen the impact they can have in offering guidance, support and a safe place for young people to just be themselves. They are not just community leaders They are often a lifeline for young people who are facing isolation, mental health struggles or risky situations. Despite their dedication, they are being asked to do more with less and are being underfunded, overstretched and undervalued. In many rural areas, there are no structured youth services at all. Young people are falling through the cracks simply because of where they live. There is no access to diversion projects, youth cafés or safe spaces to gather. This is not just a rural issue. It is a national failure of planning and priority.

We talk a lot about prevention and early intervention but without consistent core funding for youth work we are setting up our young people to have problems in future, such as mental health issues, substance abuse and, sometimes, contributing to antisocial behaviour. Will the Minister for Children, Equality and Disability come to the House to set out how she will properly fund and expand youth services, especially in areas that are chronically underserved? Youth work does change lives but only if we support it.

Paraic Brady (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I want to address something that has again raised its head in the last number of weeks. In the beef and lamb sector we have seen beef and lamb prices falling steadily. However, all over Europe we have seen an increase in beef and lamb prices. Members of the House may be aware that we have an independent agrifood regulator in this country. Over the last year the regulator has published price and market analysis on two sectors, namely, the egg and the horticultural sectors. I hope the regulator will now look at the beef and lamb sectors, as we have seen this happen year on year. At certain times of the year we have seen the price of lamb and beef fall with no explanation from the sector itself. It is a commodity that is welcome and wanted all over the world. We have seen shelves in supermarkets in Europe and England that are empty and yet, we have seen the prices fall here. There has to be accountability and stability in this market. As farmers, we cannot be asked to produce a product and not know what the end price of that product is going to be. It is the only industry in the world where one is asked to produce a product without knowing the price of the product when it is finished. I ask the regulator to look at the beef sector going forward. I hope that Meat Industry Ireland and the sector itself could co-operate and that analysis could be published regarding the markets we have seen open up over a number of years.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On Saturday I was fortunate enough to have a ticket to the rugby match. On my way back, as I was walking through Dublin city I was struck by the number of houses that were locked up with nobody living in them. On my drive home through Rathfarnham, I found an entire block of apartments empty. Close to Stillorgan, I saw another entire block of apartments empty. When I looked a little bit further into it, I found there are 81,000 addresses in Ireland that are unoccupied. Some of them are owned by AIB, some of them are owned by Pepper Finance and some of them are owned by vulture funds - who knows? - but they are empty and there is nobody in them. Today, AIB paid €305 million to buy back the 2% shareholding the Government still had in that bank. At the same time, the Minister has lifted the pay cap on senior bankers' salaries above €500,000 a year. I have to ask this: where are our priorities? I know there is a debate in the other House on homelessness and on Raise the Roof etc. I raise the 81,000 addresses with nobody in them and a bank that was saved thanks to the taxpayers of this country. Would that bank consider going back to the people, who are on their knees, and giving them a break? Maybe it could give them a 60-year mortgage, which they can pass on to their kids. At least they will have something to pass on. Give them a break. Instead of that, we saved them, and they save themselves by throwing all of the debt out to vulture funds that are now sitting back and waiting to make a profit. There is something terribly wrong when there are 81,000 addresses empty in this country and we see and hear of people who have nowhere to live. It really is outrageous. Yesterday evening, driving home, I listened to Deputy Matt Carthy on the radio talking about Ukrainian refugees and how we were maybe too generous towards them. How rich is that, when they will be outside the gate tonight protesting about homelessness etc.?

Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I recently had the privilege of meeting representatives of SMA Ireland in the audiovisual room. Spinal muscular atrophy, SMA, is a rare condition that causes weakness throughout the body. People living with SMA can experience difficulties swallowing, breathing and performing basic day-to-day activities. In recent years, the HSE has approved three treatments that can halt the progression of this condition and significantly improve an individual's quality of life. Unfortunately, these treatments are unavailable to those who are over the age of 18.During the general election, one woman reached out to our south Kildare representative, Melissa Byrne, to share her brother's experience with spinal muscular atrophy, SMA. She described the difficulty people with the condition face as they find themselves unable to access essential healthcare. We cannot stand idly by when we know there is treatment available that could dramatically improve their quality of life. When we look at the details of this, it makes zero sense. A child who starts treatment at age 17 can continue to receive it after they turn 18, but an individual who is aged 19 cannot receive the same treatment and this needs to change. I ask the Minister to consult the HSE to remove the restrictions that see people with SMA locked out of the healthcare system.

We also need to ensure there is timely access to givinostat once it is rolled out within the EU. This drug is a game-changer for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, DMD, as it slows down the progression of the disease. There is a concern that even with the drug approval being fast-tracked within the EU, it could take up to two years for Irish patients to be able to avail of it. Children with DMD cannot wait. Their disease is a progressive one and needs to be treated quickly. We must ensure timely access to givinostat for children with muscular dystrophy. It is a priority.

Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I bring the House's attention to this evening's Raise the Roof housing protest that will happen outside Leinster House at 6 p.m. I hope all of us who recognise this Government's failure on housing will attend and show their solidarity with renters, tenants and residents from throughout the country.

People throughout Dublin and the country are living in completely unacceptable housing with unaffordable rents and inadequate conditions. Flat complexes in the south-east inner city, including Markievicz House, Pearse House, Glovers Court and Rathmines Avenue, are all in urgent need of regeneration and investment. Residents have been crying out for support for years, with their flats nearly collapsing around them, and they have received nothing from the council or the Government. Likewise, renters across the city are being forced to pick up the tab for the Government's failure to deliver enough social and affordable homes. Last week, I met residents of Pearse House and a group of other residents of flats across the inner city and they said that the lack of hope for regeneration and the setbacks to the regeneration of flat complexes are turning their flats into coffins. They feel with their mental health that they will die in these flats that are in an absolutely horrendous condition. There needs to be an investment and ramping up of the regeneration process for residents living in flat complexes right across the city of Dublin and throughout the country.

The proposals being pushed through the Oireachtas by the Government this week are another example of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael bending to the will of developers and that they will do nothing to help the ordinary people of this city who need secure homes.

Also, last week I raised the issue of Nicola Fox who is an Irish woman in jail in England. The family contacted me and they are really concerned that Nicola has not been given her medication for the past three weeks. It is very important the Minister for foreign affairs, Deputy Harris, contact the authorities to ensure she at least receives her medication. It is really important to her and her family.

Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I studied economics and, as a child, I was always fascinated about investments and stocks worked on the Stock Exchange, etc. I remember reading about Warren Buffet and he was asked about what stocks ordinary people should invest in. He said to make sure they were low cost, indexed funds. Yet, I notice in Ireland we penalise such investments with an excessive 41% tax rate and then there is a deemed disposal rule every eight years regardless of whether one wants to sell the investment or not. The result of this is that people in Ireland are hindered and held back from investing in indexed funds. Large numbers of people have cash on deposit in current accounts, etc., and it is not earning anything else. Either that, or there are others who are investing in the Stock Exchange and it is like a lottery. Will the Government address the complicated tax rules regarding these funds? They should be treated in the same way as gains in other stocks are, with the 33% rule and no deemed disposal. Ireland is an outlier on this. If we introduce these changes, it will give ordinary people like me an opportunity to participate and build sustainable and diversified wealth. I mention also the Raise the Roof protest that my colleague, Senator Andrews, spoke about. I am on the housing committee and I think it is vital that all parties work together. Housing has to be a priority. If all parties work together with joined-up thinking, we can make a huge difference here. I hope the protest tonight highlights that and we can all work together.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach. I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator O’Loughlin raised recent deaths, including in the Air India crash and those of Melissa Hortman and her husband in the United States, and she expressed her sympathies. She also called for debate on post offices, having recently met the postmaster and others in Rathangan post office. I will try to arrange that with the Minister, Deputy O’Donovan.

Senator Nelson Murray raised streaming devices and TV coverage of GAA games. She called for a debate with the Minister for sport, which I will try to arrange. I certainly agree with her on making streaming available for everybody.

Senator Keogan raised issues across the water in the UK in relation to grooming gangs. She mentioned changes being proposed in abortion laws there. Those are matters for the other jurisdiction. She expressed concern that such changes could happen here. Obviously any changes in laws here would be a matter for these Houses and in some cases a matter for the people via referendum.

Senator Collins spoke about the need to extend maternity and paternal leave for those who have twins and triplets. It is an interesting proposal. Perhaps she might put it down as a Commencement matter to see whether she can get a direct response from the office of the Minister, Deputy Calleary.

Senator Boyle expressed congratulations to a number of local organisations, including the Donegal footballers. He has also called for the extension of TFI projects locally. TFI has been a wonderful success across the country in terms of rolling out local services. The Senator has expressed the view that the review should lead to an extension of these services. The Minister, Deputy O’Brien, is due in here in the coming weeks to discuss public transport so it might be an opportunity to raise those matters.

Senator Duffy raised a forestry matter in Ballycastle. He is working with local councillor Jarlath Munnelly on those matters. There is concern locally from some homeowners and in the community as well regarding a 30-acre site that is proposed to be planted. The Senator might put down a Commencement debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae, to see whether he will get a direct response.

Senator Conway called for a debate on all matters of defence, especially our Naval Service, and I will arrange that.

Senator Murphy O'Mahony spoke about the importance of beaches to our well-being and called for the wider roll-out of the blue mats that are available at certain beaches. I recently saw a scheme that is working somewhere in north Mayo. It is especially important for people who have a disability and she called for funding for this as well.

Senator Byrne raised a particular 6 km stretch of the N25. Again, this is a very important issue. He talked about 12 fatalities over the last 12 years. It certainly sounds like it was a very packed debate full of emotion, sincerity and calls for action. Maybe he will raise that directly as a Commencement debate. There may also be an opportunity during statements in this House or at the transport committee.

Senator Ryan raised issues pertaining to youth services and called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley, on the expansion and funding of youth services. I will certainly request that from the Minister.

Senator Brady talked of the independent agrifood regulator and the recent fall-off in beef and lamb prices. He is a member of the agriculture committee and I am sure it will have the regulator in at some stage as part of its work programme. Other than that, he could raise it as a Commencement debate in the coming weeks. I will speak with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, about whether he will be able to come to the House to address these matters. Senator Craughwell raised issues regarding vacant houses and apartments. Senator Andrews referred to the Raise the Roof protest later on today, and he was supported by Senator McCarthy. Senator Andrews mentioned the emergency legislation. There will be an opportunity to debate that in these Houses tomorrow and in this House on Thursday, as I understand. Obviously, there are supports for individual homes such as the croí cónaithe grants of up to €70,000 for derelict houses and there are grants for vacant houses as well. Obviously, housing is a major priority. That is why the Government is enacting the proposed changes that were recently announced, such as the changes to the RPZs set out in the emergency legislation. Certainly, we must have a continued focus on delivery of housing of all types, whether it be private, social, affordable, student accommodation or from approved housing bodies as well.

Senator O'Reilly spoke about her recent meeting with SMA Ireland about muscular atrophy and the new drugs that are available in the EU. For a more direct response, she might submit a Commencement matter on this question and see if the Minister's office will be able to provide information.

Senator McCarthy raised issues regarding the tax rate on low-cost investment funds and indexed funds. The only change that could happen there is via the Finance Bill. Perhaps in advance of that, he could engage with the Minister for Finance and provide suggestions, or indeed submit a Commencement matter for a more direct response.

Senator Andrews also raised the case of Nicola Fox and I will try to raise that with the Tánaiste's office again today.