Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is Nos. 1 and 2, motions re the continuance in operation of certain provisions of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to be discussed together, 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)
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I take this opportunity to wish the organisers of the Kildare Derby Festival well. On Sunday, the 160th Irish Derby will be held. Many will be travelling to the Curragh for the festival. Indeed, many will be travelling to Kildare town as the week progresses.A lot of really good activities are planned, including a Jack L concert in the cathedral tomorrow night. Unfortunately, with possible voting here, I doubt I will make it. I wish everyone involved the best. Racing has a very special place in Kildare. In saying that, it is ironic that this morning, the legendary trainer, Kevin Prendergast, was laid to rest. He was synonymous with the Curragh, with the Irish Derby and with racing. My deepest sympathies go to Kevin's family and the racing fraternity.

I want to raise an issue that struck us all over the weekend when we read newspaper reports about Tattle Life. I have to confess that I did not know much about it beforehand. This is a gossip forum that draws about 12 million visits per month. It had been hosting anonymous threads full of speculation, harassment, lies and doxxing, especially targeting public figures. A landmark defamation case was successful last week. Neil and Donna Sands were awarded a sizeable amount of money after they proved that Tattle Life defamed them. The case showed the operator of the site to be a tech entrepreneur, Sebastian Bond. It is a big breakthrough, not because of the amount of money, but because of the fact that somebody could be found guilty of something like this. It is really important. Brian Dowling, a fellow Rathangan person, is among those who have shared about how Tattle Life posted really intrusive and harmful content about him and his family. Ireland plays a crucial role in EU online safety because it hosts the European headquarters of many large online platforms. This makes the country a key enforcement point for EU regulations like the Digital Services Act. It is important that we use this. We need to have a debate in the House on it.

I also want to mention the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill 2024, which I introduced and which has gone through Committee Stage. It seeks to make catfishing illegal. This will go hand in hand with Coco's law to make life safer for everybody online. I would appreciate a debate in relation to that. The notorious GAA catfishing case that was related on "The 2 Johnnies Podcast" showed how fake profiles can manipulate, defame and impersonate. It is beyond time for us to take strong action on this.

Linda Nelson Murray (Fine Gael)
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I want to speak about the SME test that was introduced by the Government as part of a series of measures in May 2024. This is a no-brainer because it means that any major new measure from the Government will be assessed for its impact on small businesses through an enhanced SME test. In all cases, they must include a completed SME test or provide an explanation as to why it is considered to not be required. It is important that policy makers employ the principle of "think small first" and consider how the measure will impact business. Ireland's SME test comprises a four-step process: consultation, identification, impact and mitigation. If ever this test was needed, it is at this stage when the personal injury guidelines look likely to come before us with an increase of 16.7%. On 5 March 2024, the personal injury guidelines committee of the Judicial Council submitted the outcome of its review of the personal injury guidelines to the board of the council. This means that businesses will all pay the price, as it will be passed on to policy holders. I have brought this up many times in the Upper House. Only a week ago, my colleagues and I brought a motion to this House on insurance. All of us, bar one Senator, stated that the increase in the personal injury guidelines were excessive. We cannot allow this to go ahead without performing the SME test. We brought in the SME test for businesses to allow us to consider impacts on businesses when policy and legislation is before us. I call on the Minister for enterprise to enact the SME test on the personal injury guidelines before any decision is made to implement them. I would welcome a debate with the Minister on this.

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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I want to raise the naming of the new children's hospital. I do not know if it was discussed in the Cabinet but there was media coverage of suggestions that the Cabinet had actually made, or was going to make, a decision about the name of the hospital. My colleague, Senator Sharon Keogan, and I brought forward a Private Members' motion, as did Fianna Fáil, in the names of Senators Lorraine Clifford-Lee and Mary Fitzpatrick. Both motions were welcomed with open arms across the House.That is important. The motions proposed that the hospital be called after Kathleen Lynn, a nurse who subsequently became a doctor. Kathleen Lynn was born on 28 January 1874 near Killala, County Mayo, and grew up in the aftermath of the Famine. Clearly, through her interactions with people, she dealt with disease and death. She was conscious that there was no infant hospital in Dublin. She opened a private GP practice in Rathmines where she became radicalised and mobilised through her engagement with the lived experience of her patients and children during that time. She was involved in the revolutionary movement from which the Irish Free State emerged. She established soup kitchens and hospitals and dealt with information and health issues. She later became the chief medical officer at St. James’s Hospital and served with the Irish Citizen Army. During the 1916 Rising, Dr. Lynn was the national medical officer and treated many of the wounded casualties. I could go on at great length about her. Everyone knows, or should know, about her. There is a lot of information about her in the public domain. She was elected as a TD in Dublin in 1923, although she never took her seat.

What am I saying? I am saying this is a woman of substance who was hugely committed to health, children's health in particular. Never in her time did she see her real ambition realised, which was to have a dedicated children's hospital. Of course, she crossed swords with the one and only Archbishop of Dublin at the time, Dr. John Charles McQuaid, who opposed her idea and aspiration for a hospital because he said a children's hospital should be run exclusively for Catholics. McQuaid succeeded at that time. What am I saying now? We have a new national children's hospital. What more befitting and greater way to honour the legacy of Dr. Kathleen Lynn than to name the hospital after her.

Fianna Fáil colleagues – it may have been Senator Mary Fitzpatrick - invited many people from the 1916 Relatives Association, who wholly endorsed and strongly recommended this proposal. I ask all Members of this House to use their connections in politics and with the Government to push and advocate for the naming of this wonderful new hospital, when it eventually opens, after Dr. Kathleen Lynn. I also ask for a debate on this matter some time in the near future because there are many sides to this. Many people have experiences and knowledge of her that they would like to bring to this debate. It would be a good thing to have a debate on this issue and invite the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, to the House. I appeal to the Leader to facilitate an early debate on this particular issue.

Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)
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While Dublin hurling has had many dark days over the years, Saturday was not one of them. The Dublin hurlers had a fantastic victory over an iconic, amazing Limerick team. Hopefully, Dublin can win their next match against Cork. I acknowledge those who believed in Dublin hurling for so many years and who fought for it during those dark days. I think of people like Shay Connolly from Ringsend and Seán Lane up in Ballinteer St. Johns. They believed in hurling and camogie and fought the fight to ensure Dublin hurling has days like last Saturday. The win over Limerick on Saturday was on the shoulders of people like Seán and Shay. I wish to acknowledge that.

I also raise the scandalous fact that the IRFU has become a major landlord in the Dublin 4 area. Over the weekend, it emerged that the IRFU has been steadily acquiring rental properties near the Aviva Stadium and renting them out at extortionate rates. The IRFU now owns 23 properties in the vicinity of the Aviva, with at least nine having registered tenancies. The rent for one of those two-bedroom homes is €6,500 per month. It is hard to understand that. This property portfolio is valued at €30 million despite the organisation declaring a budget deficit of €18 million, according to its most recent accounts. For a body that receives considerable State funding, it is highly questionable that it is spending millions of euro acquiring high-value retail estate while making cuts to its operations for the sake of financial sustainability. I think of the men's sevens rugby team, which was cut. This does not seem to have been questioned to any great degree. Not only that, the IRFU, like all organisations that use the Aviva Stadium, has a responsibility to the local community to be a good neighbour. It is important that clarity is provided by the IRFU and the Minister for sport to ensure that residents in the area and IRFU tenants are not being taken advantage of. We also need to ensure that taxpayers' money is being spent wisely. If the taxpayer is funding the IRFU's development programme, that seems questionable. When funding is allocated to the IRFU, it is done on the understanding that it will be used to support the development of sport at grassroots level, as well as to engender success on the highest international stage. It is not done to allow the IRFU to satisfy the desire to be a landlord. The organisation should focus on rugby, rather than squeezing rent out of tenants and residents and becoming a holder of development properties.

Laura Harmon (Labour)
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The changes proposed by the US Administration regarding visas, including J1 one visas, are concerning. There is a proposal that authorities would potentially check back over five years of people's social media handles before they can be accepted onto the J1 visa programme. This is an unwelcome measure. It is intrusive and will have a chilling effect on people's freedom of expression. It is welcome that the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have made remarks against the proposal, and that the Tánaiste will raise it with the US ambassador. We need more than words; we need action on this.

The J1 visa programme is key to the friendship between the United States and Ireland. Thousands of students have availed of the programme over many summers, and they contributed hugely to the hospitality and tourism sectors in the US. It is valuable to Ireland and the US, and we need to maintain that relationship. For any students who are going to the US on a J1 visa this summer or who are preparing to do so, my message to them is to stay safe but that it is also important that they enjoy themselves while they are there.

I take this opportunity to wish the Cork hurling team the best against Dublin in a few weeks' time. All of the trains between Cork and Dublin have been booked for 5 July. I have written to Irish Rail seeking extra services. It has made some progress in that regard. We also need extra carriages on some trains. It is important that we consider the bus service in order to avoid as much traffic congestion as possible. It is to be hoped that we can do the same for the all-Ireland final as well.

Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)
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It is only a matter of weeks since I asked for compulsory swimming lessons in schools in the wake of three drowning tragedies. I again stand here following the tragic loss of another young life to the waves over the weekend. Kofi Owusu, a 15-year-old Louth teenager, lost his life on a beautiful sunny Friday afternoon while swimming near the Nanny river footbridge in Laytown, County Meath. It is not specifically known if the young man jumped off the bridge into the water, something which has been common practice for decades at this beauty spot. Nevertheless, he did not go home to his family that evening. The same happened to 14-year-old Bilal Tunkara in 2022. There were also two near-drowning events in 2019 and 2020.

Local people, led by sea swimmer, Tonya Mullen, want to see meaningful steps taken to ensure tragedies of this nature never happen again. The current structure of the footbridge poses serious safety risks, especially for young people. Suggestions have been made about increasing the height of the railings, installing anti-climb features to discourage access to the edge, adding prominent safety signage and visual warnings, enhancing surveillance and lighting to deter dangerous behaviour, implementing regular patrols during peak hours on sunny days and launching a youth outreach campaign to educate young people about the dangers involved. This will require significant funding. With the summer months upon us, time is of the essence. No parent should ever have to endure such a loss. These changes could safeguard not only our children, but everyone who uses the bridge. It may be a matter for Meath County Council, to which I have already written, but I wish the Leader to invite the Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Deputy Martin Heydon, to come the House because he may be in a position to offer funding for these vital and lifesaving safety measures in order that this type of tragedy never happens again.

Evanne Ní Chuilinn (Fine Gael)
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I want to speak about a group of 44 talented footballers who were signed a number of months ago to play for Limerick FC under-15 and under-17 League of Ireland teams. This was obviously a moment of great pride for players and families, as were their successful campaigns in phase 1 of this season. They have qualified for phase 2, the first games of which took place last weekend. However, the club's owner very suddenly withdrew both squads from their respective leagues just before phase 2 began. The teenage players and their parents do not know why. All they know is that a summer of great excitement, pride and celebration has been utterly tainted and destroyed by the powers-that-be at the drop of the hat. Their coaches and parents have reached out to the FAI to intervene, but to no avail. The same coaches and parents would do anything that is required to make it happen, including contributing to the costs. These players did not commit to sport or football today or yesterday. They have been building toward a spot on a League of Ireland underage squad for the best part of ten years. Family occasions, birthday parties and commitments to other sports have been sacrificed by these young athletes, all with the end game of signing for a team and playing for a League of Ireland club.

We all know the benefits of young people being involved in sport. Young men in particular stand to gain so much from an involvement in sport and the discipline and resilience acquired in a high-performance sports setting. The FAI is currently designing its new academy structure, with plans for academies around the country for both boys and girls. Just down the road from Limerick, in Ennis, a councillor recently suggested setting up another club in Ennis, but there was no point in reinventing the wheel if current clubs and academies are operating on such an ad hoc basis as what we are about to see in Limerick. It is a real shame this situation has transpired. What can be done to salvage this playing season for these teenage boys from Limerick, Kerry and the surrounding areas? There must be a way for the club and the FAI to take an athlete-centric approach to this. One parent I spoke to this afternoon said his son is broken and is contemplating giving up soccer. There are 44 elite teenage players with no prospect of playing summer football this season. It is not good enough.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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Today I rise to speak for the voiceless, those 200,000 Irish citizens, many of them in their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s, who were sold out by their own Government and financial institutions. These are not reckless borrowers; these are neighbours, pensioners and parents trapped in a nightmare of missold mortgages and are now preyed upon by vulture funds operating in the shadows of our financial system. Let us call it what it is: a systemic betrayal. The Central Bank, tasked with protecting consumers, instead played both referee and player, overseeing prudential supervision while failing to enforce consumer rights. The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, FSPO, is a toothless body, rejecting nearly half of all complaints before they even reach mediation. This is not justice; this is bureaucracy shielding banks and funds from accountability.

While our people suffer, this Government continues to pour petrol on the fire. Its reckless unvetted migration policy is exacerbating the housing crisis, driving up demand and pushing vulnerable Irish families further into the margins. On Saturday, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in protest. They were ordinary citizens, not extremists, demanding fairness, transparency and a Government that puts Irish people first. What was the Government's response? Silence, dismissal and smears. We need action. We need an independent consumer protection body, a reformed FSPO that serves the people, not the banks, and a migration policy that is sustainable, lawful and rooted in the needs of our communities, not dictated by globalist agendas. The Irish people are watching and they will not be ignored.

Manus Boyle (Fine Gael)
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Today I raise the issue of the A5, on which more than 50 people have been killed since 2006. It was a dark day in Donegal yesterday when we heard that the A5 project was not proceeding. Transportation and connectivity are crucial for a big county such as Donegal. For people living in rural areas, it is the single biggest solution to rural isolation. Donegal has been patiently waiting on the A5 for a number of decades now. This news was devastating for Donegal, to say the least.

Will the Leader use his office to ask the Minister for Transport what effects this will have on the TEN-T project in Donegal?Furthermore, will the Minister for Transport come to this House and assure the people of Donegal that the Ballybofey-Stranorlar bypass, the Letterkenny-Lifford project and the Bonagee link road will proceed? We need the Minister to come to the House to tell us what went wrong with the project. We need to find out who was asleep at the wheel. Who is to blame? Who is responsible for this? We need to try to rescue this project because it is a crucial part of the development of the north west. We need to get down to the nitty-gritty of what went wrong and try to get it sorted before it is too late.

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Fianna Fail)
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I raise the ongoing problem with allowing people to drive for Bus Éireann beyond the age of 70. By today or tomorrow, every secondary school child and nearly every primary school child will be on their holidays. Every level of public representative - councillor, Senator and TD - knows what is coming around the corner. We will be inundated with people who have been refused school bus places and are waiting to see if they will get on the school bus. People over the age of 70 who are able to do so should be allowed to continue to drive for Bus Éireann. It is not just those who drive for it directly, but also those who are subcontracted, who must retire. We are all for child safety. I recommend that there would be a driving test and obviously a medical, even if it was on an annual basis. Many people aged 70 and over are in better fettle than myself and are very obviously healthy. I call on Bus Éireann to reconsider this rule. It makes no sense. Once drivers have proven that they are healthy and able to drive, I can see no reason they should not be allowed to do so. It would definitely free up spaces. Many people have recently turned 70 who have had to retire. We all know what is ahead of us from the middle of August. It would put a good hole in the appeals and help with allocations if those drivers were allowed to continue to drive.

Nicole Ryan (Sinn Fein)
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It is frankly embarrassing that we are having a discussion again about workers who make our democracy visible and audible to the public and yet are treated as second-class citizens in the very building where they serve. These skilled professionals are paid half the industry rate with no pension, no healthcare and no job security. They get their shifts at short notice and are often left without an income during recess. Some are on social welfare between sittings. It is a two-tiered system which we would not tolerate anywhere else. What is worse is that public money is being funnelled into a private contract where profit is being prioritised over fairness. This needs immediate intervention. There has been strong and amicable cross-party support to fix this and many of us have spoken directly with the workers. Their demands are modest - decent pay, job stability and access to basic protections – but now we are hitting a bureaucratic brick wall. Parliamentary questions on this issue have been disallowed because we are told it is not the Minister’s responsibility but a letter received by the workers says it is not the commission’s responsibility either. Who is responsible? We need answers and they need answers. The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission does not meet again until 9 July. Meanwhile these workers are stuck underpaid, undervalued and passed from pillar to post. We say we all stand with workers; these are our workers, so let us act like it.

Malcolm Noonan (Green Party)
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I look forward to an all-Leinster all-Ireland hurling final in a few weeks between Dublin and Kilkenny.

On 4 June, the Public Accounts Committee in Westminster received and considered a damning report on the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing facility in Cumbria. It heard of a crumbling site where there is a suboptimal workplace culture, where the clean-up will take 135 years at a cost of £135 billion and where there are intolerable risks. It is our next nearest neighbour. It already has a pretty damning track record, notwithstanding the nuclear industry in the UK and the potential nuclear new-build projects that are going to be located at Hinkley Point. It is important for the Minister for the environment to engage with his counterpart in the UK. The regular meetings that used to be held with the Environmental Protection Agency and Euan Hutton, the CEO of Sellafield, need to be made public.They need to engage in a much more proactive manner in relation to what is a really damning report about the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing facility for its previous track record down the years since 1957. It was then called Windscale and it had probably one of the worst nuclear accidents in history prior to Chernobyl. The Irish Government needs to have a say in what happens there, needs to be proactive and actually hold the British Government to account as to what is happening there. The report that was presented to the PAC in Westminster a few weeks ago was pretty damning. We talk about accidents waiting to happen. This is one that is waiting to happen on our doorstep. We need to have a say in its future.

Pauline Tully (Sinn Fein)
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I raise the issue of boarding-out services. These are services that support older people to live in their own community, people who do not require nursing home care but cannot live on their own or do not want to live on their own. They live in their community and are supported where they need to be they but live practically independent lives. At one time there were eight houses providing this service in County Cavan. The last one is due to close at the end of July. The reason that all the providers, including this one, is leaving the scheme is the failure of successive governments to actually update and review the regulations and increase the supports to providers.

The cost of supporting an older person in one of these settings is approximately one fifth of what it would cost if they were in nursing home care. The remaining provider has six people living with her at the moment, all of whom are upset because it is like being evicted from their home. They are going to have to find a new place to live. That will be done through the HSE but is most likely going to be nursing home care. They do not have families they can live with and they cannot, as I said, live alone.

I have been bringing this issue up since 2020. I brought it up with then Minister, Deputy Donnelly, with Minister of State, Deputy Butler and now with Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell. They have all promised me that this scheme will be reviewed and updated and that it will be expanded because it is a very good scheme, but nothing has happened. I have promises on paper from the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, and she has done nothing on it. Now, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, keeps telling me when I meet him that he is going to do that. Unfortunately, all the providers are leaving one by one because of the failure of the Government to act. This is one last plea. Will the Minister please look at it and review it very quickly? We are going to lose our last provider. It really is a scheme worth looking at and expanding throughout the country. It keeps people in their communities and it is very much supported by the charity ALONE.

Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)
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I want to speak today about the fact that the upgrades to the A5 road, which links Derry with Aughnacloy in County Tyrone, have effectively been cancelled. The project has been quashed by the Belfast High Court as it was in breach of elements of the climate action Act. This is a devastating result for the 57 families who have lost loved ones on a road that we all know to be unsafe. The climate change Act was enthusiastically supported by Sinn Féin, People Before Profit, the SDLP and Alliance who were all informed throughout the consultation and committee processes that it would have a detrimental impact on projects such as the A5 road.

Fifty-seven lives have been lost on this stretch of road and 1,200 people have been injured over the years. The Sinn Féin infrastructure Minister stalled a number of roads in 2023 because of the implications of the Act. They knew there was a problem and did nothing to address it. Why did they not repeal the Act or elements of it? MLAs are highly paid to scrutinise legislation like this. To see the extent of incompetence laid bare in the determination of the court yesterday shocked many. Political parties were left scrambling to distance themselves from a law they had championed. The Executive now has to get expert legal advice and fix the mess it has created through the laws it has introduced.

We cannot have the A5 upgrade stalled any longer as such a delay poses a threat to drivers' lives and disrupts the connectivity of the north west, in particular for the people of Donegal, Derry and Monaghan who have waited a long time for Stormont to deliver a project that is now over a decade in the making. Will this Government still commit to the huge infrastructural road projects for Donegal that are depending on this infrastructure?

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Would Senator McCarthy like to speak?

Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)
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I would, if possible.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I thank him for making a dramatic entrance.

Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)
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I was at a committee.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Does the Senator want me to stall a bit while he gets his thoughts together? We are honoured that he has come to join us.

Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)
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There are too many committees. I thank the Cathaoirleach.

I spoke a few weeks ago about Jason Power, a good friend of mine who had health issues. Unfortunately, Jason sadly passed away last Friday. I was asked to speak at his funeral yesterday and share my thoughts about his life, how I had met him and how he had recovered from a life of addiction and trauma. He turned his life around and had ten years of sobriety, but, unfortunately, his lungs had been damaged and he was dealing with bad health. During all that, he bravely fought the bad health and was in hospital a lot.

I have spoken about the gaps in our system. As Jason did not have a cancer diagnosis, palliative care was not available to him. The gap in our care system caused many issues for his family, namely Aoife and his two boys, because he had to be hospitalised. However, I have to give credit where it is due. Jason died last week in the care of Naas hospital and the HSE in the solas room. The staff there were tremendous. I cannot overstate the care they gave and the kindness and professionalism they showed. I refer to the nurses, doctors and family support staff. They brought comfort not only to Jason but also to his family in his final hours. While I continue to call for reform of the care sector and area of non-cancer end-of-life care for which the HSE is responsible, I offer special praise in respect of what compassionate healthcare looks like when it works at its best. I sympathise with Jason's wife, Aoife, and his sons, Fiann and Ódhrán. Our deepest sympathies are with them. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Before I call on the Leader to respond, I welcome those from Blackpool Men's Shed in Ballyvolane, County Cork, who are here as guests of Deputy Frank Feighan.

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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I thank all Senators for their contributions. I will begin with Senator O'Loughlin, who raised a number of issues. She wished those involved in the running of the 160th Irish Derby at the Curragh well. Kildare has a proud history of horse racing. She also mentioned a recent defamation case against Tattle Life, which I had not heard about until recently. I do not think I have been a subject on it, and I hope I will not be. However, those who have and who have been defamed have the right to seek recourse. The Defamation (Amendment) Bill is before the other House, so I am sure we will have an opportunity to debate issues of this nature. Senators called for a debate on the matter.

Senator Nelson Murray raised the SME test for the possible upcoming increase relating to the personal injury guidelines, which she spoke passionately about. This matter was the subject of Private Members' business a number of weeks ago. It is clearly an area to which an SME test needs to be applied. I am sure those in Cabinet are conscious of that.

Senator Boyhan raised the issue of the national children's hospital. I am not aware of what has gone to Cabinet. I have seen reports in the media. What has been suggested as a name for the hospital is "the National Children's Hospital Ireland", which encompasses its national ethos, that it is a children's hospital and that it is in this country. Like any hospital, we want to attract the best people to it. Having a name that reflects what the hospital does is hugely important. Dr. Lynn needs to be remembered as well within the hospital or elsewhere, but I imagine that will be a matter for the Minister, the Cabinet and the board of the children's hospital. Senator Andrews wished the Dublin hurlers well. It was a great game. Any time the underdog wins, I always appreciate it. I wish the team well in its endeavours in the next match. I also wish Cork and Kilkenny well. That covers all the teams that were mentioned here today. I wish them all well.

The Senator also raised the issue of the IRFU becoming a landlord. I saw media reports but have not delved into it. I am not sure the Minister for sport would have a direct involvement but the Senator could put down a Commencement matter and see if it would be an issue. I am not sure if they are renting to players or who they are renting some of their properties to. Clearly they have a sizable portfolio and the Senator has expressed concern about them buying up future properties.

Senator Harmon raised the J1 visa programme. I know this has been raised by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste as well and has been brought up in the House in the past. The former president of the students' union has raised the matter and urged students to be conscious of what they put up on social media and what they have posted in the past. I am not sure where that will run. There are lots of Irish people over there at the moment but there has been a drop-off. I do not know whether that is a direct response to this or to the uncertainty in that part of the world now, unfortunately, with all that is going on. The Tánaiste has said he will raise the issue with the ambassador.

Senator Comyn raised the tragic loss of a young man, Kofi Owusu, near Laytown over the weekend. We extend our sympathies to his family and friends. She has raised again the issue of compulsory swimming lessons and talked about funding in respect of issues there. I am not sure what Department that would be, possibly the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Minister, Deputy Calleary. Perhaps the Senator would put down a Commencement matter on that.

Senator Ní Chuilinn raised the Limerick FC under-15 team and mentioned that 44 teenage players have had their great plans for the summer ruined. I am not sure of the exact details. The Senator spoke about the owner pulling out. I hope the FAI will get involved and see if it can find a resolution. It is important that the preparation and work these players have put in would be realised.

Senator Keogan commented on a case of missold mortgages. I am not exactly sure what the issue is but she might put down a Commencement debate for the Minister for Finance on the matter.

Senators Boyle and O'Reilly spoke about the A5 judgment, which is disappointing. On Monday the High Court of Northern Ireland made a ruling on the A5 upgrade. The Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland has confirmed that she will consider the judgment in full and remains committed to delivering the A5 upgrade. The Government funding commitment of €600 million remains. The A5 upgrade is of great significance for everyone who needs a better, safer road in the north west and beyond. Further delay is clearly not desirable. It is hoped that the issues raised by the judgment will be promptly addressed as needed by the relevant Northern Ireland authorities. The Minister for Transport and his Department will continue to engage with Northern Ireland Executive counterparts with a view to seeing the project move forward as soon as possible. It is something that is very much committed to by this Government as well.

I fully agree with everything Senator Murphy O'Mahony said about the importance of the over-70s bus drivers. The Road Safety Authority under the remit of the Department of Transport committed to reviewing the upper age limit of drivers. That review has now been completed and published. The programme for Government commits to carrying out an independent assessment. I am not sure if that is one and the same or if there is going to be a further independent assessment. I had a quick look at the review summary. I do not see anything there that would inspire a great deal of hope. Certainly it is an issue that we have to keep on the agenda.

Senator Ryan raised the broadcasters' contract issue. Again, as far as we are concerned, the majority of Members of both Houses have expressed their support for the broadcasters. We are leaving it in the hands of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. I would hope that the commission will deal with this matter effectively. As the Senator said, it is meeting in early July. It is up to them when they can schedule that. I am sure they could bring it forward if they felt there was a need. There are numerous representatives from these Houses on the commission and I hope they will make progress on the matter.

Senator Noonan mentioned a report on Sellafield that was received by the Public Accounts Committee in Westminster on 4 June. Perhaps the best approach there might be to write to the Taoiseach or the Minister to see if it could be put down as a line item for a future meeting of the British-Irish Council.

Senator Tully raised services in County Cavan and called for a review. She might put down a Commencement matter on that. I do not know the ins and outs of it but it is clearly something the Senator is passionate about. If she puts down a Commencement matter, she might get a more direct response. Alternatively, if the Senator writes to me on it, I can raise it with the Minister. Senator McCarthy referred to his good friend Jason Power. My sympathies go to Aoife and to Jason's family. I thank the Senator for being a good friend to Jason and for raising the issues of concern to which he referred in the context of services. The Senator also rightly commended Naas General Hospital for the care it afforded to Jason.