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

The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on nursing homes and care for older persons, to be taken at 11.15 a.m. or on conclusion of the Order of Business, whichever is the later, and to conclude at 1 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, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than eight minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 2, the Finance (Local Property Tax and Other Provisions) (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Second Stage, to be taken at 1.30 p.m. with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.

Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I return to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and continue to express our concerns for the human atrocities being perpetrated there. We have moved to a point where we are not talking about women, children and men dying of starvation. We are talking about them dying of thirst. Water is something we take for granted. I reiterate our criticism of the division within the EU in its approach to tackling this war. I appreciate that the EU is unified in its commitment to a ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian aid and unified in its commitment to address these atrocities with Israel, but the situation is beyond tolerable. I believe the EU must move to suspend its agreement with Israel. These are not words I say lightly but it is beyond tolerable for any of us. The most recent EU-commissioned report said that Israel is perpetrating indiscriminate attacks, starvation, torture and apartheid. What is being perpetrated is inhumane and the EU must move to suspend its agreement with Israel.

I read with great annoyance and disgust the announcement in the papers that the Minister for Health has moved to name the new children's hospital with complete disregard for this House and for the public support for the naming of the hospital after the great Kathleen Lynn. The Deputy Leader will recall that, during the previous term, this House passed a unanimous motion, which is not a common occurrence, proposed by me and supported by all of the Senators to name the national children's hospital the Kathleen Lynn National Children's Hospital. The Minister needs to come to this House and explain why she is ignoring that motion, which was unanimously passed by this House, and the action she is going to take to rectify the situation. It is unacceptable.

I commend Senator Nelson Murray on the work she has done raising the issue of insurance premiums, an issue I have also raised. We have heard about a proposal that is going to go to Government to increase personal injuries guidelines by 17%. Small businesses, clubs and charitable organisations are crippled by insurance costs. We cannot have it and we must bring the Minister in to address it again.

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

On this beautiful morning, I would also like to speak about the issue raised by Senator Fitzpatrick. I believe others might speak about it as well. An article in today's edition of The Irish Times let us know that the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is planning to bring the personal injuries guidelines increase to Cabinet in a week and a half. This is probably the 15th time I have stood up here to talk about this because it is too serious a matter not to talk about. Coincidentally, I received a press release in my inbox from the Alliance for Insurance Reform. The alliance received 775 responses. It showed that premiums continued to rise and one in five organisations have one underwriter willing to provide insurance. I am one of the people in that situation. I had to run around the country six or seven years ago trying to bring businesses together, form a group and get a group scheme. That is the only way my business has insurance. A total of 90% of respondents said they had not benefited from the Government's action plan on insurance reform.

We have the duty of care and the personal injuries guidelines. They have only been in effect for the past three years and now the Judiciary is telling us that the personal injuries guidelines should go up by 16.7%. This should not be the case. This will affect community festivals, businesses and sports clubs. It will affect everybody. We have not seen what these guidelines have done yet. It takes four to five years to get through the system with a claim in the first place. If someone goes through the Injuries Resolution Board, he or she will get a €23,000 payout and it will cost him or her €1,000 in legal fees. If someone goes through litigation, it will cost him or her €23,000 in legal fees and he or she will still get a €23,000 payout. We have put so much work in. We have a Cabinet committee on insurance reform. We have done so much to try to help businesses, sports clubs and other organisations and now, only three years after the personal injuries guidelines came in, we are planning to increase them by 16.7%. This cannot happen.

I know my colleagues in Fianna Fáil have written to the Minister. We have spoken about it. We brought forward a motion on insurance reform two weeks ago. We just cannot see this happen. There is a quote from the Alliance for Insurance Reform that I really do not like seeing. It says "government risks being seen as completely out of touch if it approves an increase in personal injuries awards that will see insurance premiums skyrocket". Does the Government not know that people just cannot afford it? Businesses cannot afford it. It will be passed on. That is what insurers do.It will probably be rounded up to 20%. We cannot let this happen. I would really appreciate another debate with the Minister in here to discuss this. It is very urgent and we do not want to see this happen in the next week and a half.

Michael McDowell (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I agree completely with what Senator Fitzpatrick said about what is happening in Gaza. In the past 24 hours, the Palestinian town of Kafr Malik in the West Bank was attacked by illegal Israeli settlers, who burned property. The Israeli army intervened, arrested five of the settlers and killed three Palestinians who were defending their own property. In the past fortnight, while the Iran crisis was brewing, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. They were people simply seeking food supplies, which are being choked off and channelled through centres where those who come seeking food get gunned down. This cannot continue. The Irish Government has to ensure that the EU, which made a milk and watery statement about what is happening to the Palestinian people, to be honest, mans up, or something else as we cannot use that phrase anymore - stands up - for decency.

Although you might think that some people might share the horror of what is going on, President Trump said on Truth Social said, "I was shocked to hear that the State of Israel, which has just had one of its Greatest Moments in History, and is strongly led by Bibi Netanyahu, is continuing its ridiculous Witch Hunt against their Great War time Prime Minister! Bibi and I just went through HELL together.". Does President Trump know what hell is, sitting in his war room, as he calls it, with his MAGA cap on him while people are being pulverised in Gaza? He goes on to say Netanyahu is the greatest warrior in Israeli history, that the trial against him for corruption should be discontinued, and that the United States should make sure it is discontinued. I do not know too much about the trial for corruption except that I believe it would not have commenced if there was no basis for it. There are pending war crime charges against Benjamin Netanyahu at the International Court of Justice. I want us all to understand that while what has happened over the past fortnight with Iran has been proceeding, the absolutely indescribable series of continuing war crimes against the people of Gaza and the West Bank have continued unabated and uncriticised by the United States. In fact, the President of the United States is actively encouraging their continuation.

Conor Murphy (Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I concur with the views offered by Senators Fitzpatrick and McDowell on events in Palestine and the Middle East in general. Last weekend, two very important events coincidentally occurred which reflect the progress that has taken place with the constitutional debate on this country's future. On the one hand, the vision of a new, united Ireland was presented by the former Taoiseach and former leader of Fine Gael, Leo Varadkar, was presented at an event in St. Mary's University College, jointly organised by Ireland's Future and Féile an Phobail. On the other, a vision of the future was presented by Mr. Wallace Thompson in an interview with Denzil McDaniel in last Saturday's Irish News. Wallace Thompson is a founding member of the DUP and was an ardent supporter of the DUP leader, Ian Paisley. He has worked closely with DUP politicians and was a special advisor and speech writer. He is also an influential figure in evangelical Protestantism.

I commend both Leo Varadkar and Wallace Thompson on their comments. Both have commented and spoken previously on the issue of a new Ireland and the potential for constitutional change. As before, there was a freshness, energy, openness and optimism in their remarks. At the centre of their views was a call for direct engagement by all those with influence who can inject additional momentum into the debates, the Irish Government and the main unionist parties in particular. Leo Varadkar specifically mentioned the setting up of a forum for parties interested in talking about unity. He hoped that at some point in this term of Government, that decision will be taken. He also said that building a new Ireland is the next step on a national journey and the project belongs to all who believe in it. Wallace Thompson also mentioned the importance of dialogue. He said there needs to be an internal discussion and a reaching out; it is a time for conversation. He went on to say the people from his community are not wanted by Britain.

In recent years, the Seanad and the Dáil, through the Good Friday Agreement, have demonstrated the central role they have to play in promoting and advancing the debate around constitutional change and the special place the unionist and Protestant community have in that debate. Last year, the Good Friday Agreement committee published two comprehensive reports dealing with women, finance and economics in the transition to a new, united Ireland. These reports are an invaluable source of credible research which are helping to shape the new Ireland debate, as are the remarks of Leo Varadkar and Wallace Thompson.

I ask the Deputy Leader to reflect those remarks to the Government and ask for it to take serious action on supporting the preparation for the discussion on constitutional change. I also welcome the vote in the Dáil last night on extending voting rights to Irish citizens beyond this State in presidential elections. That was something which was recommended some 14 years ago and has yet to be acted on by various Governments since then. I would welcome, as would many citizens, particularly those of us living north of the Border, movement on this in the very near future.

Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Similar to Senator Fitzpatrick and Senator Nelson Murray, I raise the insurance issue again. It is vitally important to the hospitality sector, which I represent, and sectors across society. I reference general insurance and personal injury awards. As Members will be aware and as was outlined, the Cabinet is scheduled to consider recommendations from the Judiciary to increase personal injuries guidelines by 17% in the coming weeks. This increase needs to be considered carefully. I cannot agree with it, given the current trends, what we are hearing and the facts we know about the insurance market.

The Alliance for Insurance Reform released a survey yesterday which found that three quarters of small businesses and sporting, community and voluntary groups have seen their insurance premium rise over the past two years, despite Government reforms. All members of the House are contacted about this daily and it is hugely frustrating. Virtually none of the almost 800 such firms and groups that were surveyed by the Alliance for Insurance Reform believe that their insurance companies are passing on any savings to them. In government, we have a moral responsibility to do something about that. The survey also found that 76% of its respondents had not had a claim within the past two years. Four in five believed claims were unnecessarily extended by lawyers to increase their fees. Nine in ten said they have not benefited from the Government's action plan on insurance reform, while 67% of policyholders surveyed have seen added exclusions, increased excesses or both in recent years. As was pointed out, this means consumers are now paying more for less cover.

As we know, SMEs are the backbone of the Irish economy. Many of them are under considerable pressure. We are all being contacted about it and one of their greatest expenses is insurance. There is a duty on Government to carefully consider the impact this move will have. Obviously, it will increase premiums at a minimum. Such a move requires long, thoughtful debate rather than simply rubber-stamping it at Cabinet. I would be very grateful if the Deputy Leader of the House would raise these concerns with the Minister and request he joins us for a full discussion immediately on the matter.

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

Today, I want to talk about defibrillators. They are a key part of any local community. However, we have a slight flaw here. If people do not recognise where they are or if they are not well advertised, it is very hard to know where to get them. I will give a wee example. Last year, I got a phone call about a woman who had a heart attack and they were looking for a defibrillator.I went to two places where I thought there were defibrillators. They were not there. They were gone. They were taken away to be fixed or whatever. We were lucky that the local football club, Naomh Ultan, had one and it worked well. That goes to the point. I am local and have local knowledge. I still thought they were there. When I was driving to get them, I thought I could see them on the wall, but they were not there.

We need to thank the first responders who turn out every time there is a call. It is great of the people who give up their time.

I have been thinking for a while about what we can do. I note there are apps one can download, such as DefibFinder. On that day, however, it was not on my phone. Many of us sat down and thought about it, and I came up with a solution. Would it not be great if DefibFinder was on Google Maps? Everybody has Google Maps on his or her phone, if it could just be put in. It would be good if we could get the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, to talk to Google to see whether this could be done. People have their iPhones with them. If there was a defibrillator on Google Maps near me, it could save somebody’s life. Time is of the essence. If something as simple as that could save a life, it would be great. Will the Deputy Leader ask the Minister to approach Google to see whether it would put on a defibrillator option for us?

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

I rise to bring attention to a public health issue, that is, the need for a free shingles vaccine for over-70s in our communities. We know shingles is a debilitating condition that affects thousands of older people every year. It causes severe pain, long-term nerve damage and, in some cases, serious complications regarding visual impairment, etc. As many as one in three people will get shingles in his or her lifetime.

While vaccination is available, the cost of it has been debated and it can be a significant barrier. I think the cost is €470 to €520. Many older citizens, particularly those on fixed incomes, have not budgeted this in and it leaves them vulnerable to an illness that is preventable. The cost to treat shingles in a hospital is anything from €2,400 for diagnosis to €4,700 for diagnosis and conservative treatment. The cost can be significantly higher if it requires long-term specialised care.

Other countries, such as Australia, have introduced free shingles vaccinations. It has been proven to reduce healthcare costs and it has also improved the quality of life of their citizens. By funding a national shingles vaccination scheme for over-70s, we could ease the burden on our healthcare system and GP practices. Prevention, as we know, is always more cost-effective than treatment. As matters stand, we are going back to the start of the 21st century, where diseases that are easily preventable are only preventable for those who can afford the vaccine.

I urge the Minister for Health to prioritise this issue and allocate funding for free shingles vaccinations for all over-70s, protecting thousands of people from unnecessary suffering and strengthening our healthcare system.

Anne Rabbitte (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Yesterday was a proud day for us in Portumna, where we opened the historic courthouse. That was thanks to the investment of rural regeneration and development fund, RRDF, moneys. Some €3.2 million was spent on it, of which €2.9 million was allocated from the Department. This goes back to the then Minister, Michael Ring, fighting hard for recognition of the need to invest in rural Ireland. It continued under the former Minister, Heather Humphreys, and under the current Minister, Deputy Calleary.

Reinventing these buildings brings them back to life and allows art, community, enterprise and cottage industries to come alive on the main streets of our towns and villages. That cannot happen without the work of the local authorities. In our case, it was Liam Hanrahan, Ronan Conway and their expert team at Galway County Council.

The reason I stand here is to ensure that funding under the RRDF programme continues. It is only now that our local authorities have attracted the skill sets and stood up their teams. It is only now that they are able to address these projects with pace. It is only now that they have a supply of builders with the skill sets to ensure our historic buildings are preserved to a high standard, where we can partner the past with the present and, at the same time, look to the future.

In that vein, since today is our last day for submissions to the NDP, it is important we ensure that, with the funding that has been laid aside for them, the strategies and projects under the RRDF and URDF be allowed to come to completion. In addition, other projects that could come on stream play a vital role and we should be wholeheartedly behind them.

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

Rathmines post office is being sold off. It is a beautiful art deco building in the heart of Rathmines. It is shameful to see it go. Post offices are essential services. They are the social infrastructure of the community. The post office in Rathmines is moving to the local Centra shop close by. This is no criticism of the owner of Centra. If it was not for him, there would not be any postal services at all in Rathmines. The problem is he can decide to close it down if it does not suit his business model, and that would then be the end of postal services in Rathmines. That is happening right across the city and the entire length and breadth of the country.

It is shameful that the Government of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael has decided to maintain a model where the postal services in communities are dying by a thousand cuts and underfunding. The IPU – the postal union – was in the Oireachtas yesterday and said that 40% of post offices would close if funding was not delivered by the Government. This is bleak. Rathmines post office will now have to pick up the tab for the Government's failure to fund post office services properly. The current building, owned by An Post, in Rathmines will go for millions of euro. It is a large, beautiful building. It would be hugely beneficial to local community activities and as a community hub. It is as if the Government is determined to sell any public property. It is shameful and sad to see a beautiful publicly owned building being sold off in Rathmines. I ask that the Minister come in to explain and justify how he is allowing An Post sell off such a beautiful building.

I agree with Senator Fitzpatrick on Gaza. She, Senator McDowell and I all used the word “settlers”, but I think that is not the right word to use, given what is happening. The settlers should be described as thieves, and often murderers, because that is what they are doing in the West Bank and Gaza. “Settlers” is too nice a word for them and it does not reflect what they actually do.

Teresa Costello (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Today marks 15 days since families with children affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy and I held a demonstration and information briefing in the audiovisual meeting room. We were supported by all parties and none. Fifteen days may not seem like much time to you and me, but to people whose children have DMD, that time flies by, and every day their children’s strength and abilities are failing.

To refresh memories, it is a progressive neuromuscular disease that causes the weakening of muscles over time. It almost exclusively affects boys, with symptoms typically appearing between the ages of one and three. It is a life-limiting illness, and givinostat provides hope and a lifeline to these boys, as it can stop progression of this illness, keeping the boys on their feet for longer. If they are wheelchair-bound, it can delay the progression to the lungs and heart, providing them with a better quality of life. Who would not want that for a child?

I appreciate that the Minister for Health is committed to a meeting on all of this. As it has now been 15 days and, as we know, time is muscle, I would appreciate if the Deputy Leader requested a timeline for when that meeting will go ahead. Can I be given a firm date? This meeting, which was to include some family representatives, other key stakeholders and me, was agreed to discuss a pathway forward. I cannot express how important it is that we not take the foot off the pedal in our pursuit of early access to givinostat.

Belgium is providing early access to givinostat through its compassionate use programme, CUP. This allows eligible boys to receive the drugs before formal EU approval, which is expected in July 2025, and national reimbursement. We already have EU approval. The CUP is overseen by Belgium’s FAMHP, ensuring safety while bridging the gap between clinical trials and full market access. Is this something we could do? I welcome the discussion in the Dáil this morning, during which my colleague Shane Moynihan raised the subject of givinostat with the Minister. I commend her activity to date, which includes speaking with the Italian Minister of Health and proactively engaging with the manufacturer. Her work is not limited to that; I welcome all the progress the Minister has made. Will the Deputy Leader convey to her my full support and gratitude for her work so far? I look forward to working with her on this matter and meeting her in the near future.

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

This morning's business started with Senator Mary Fitzpatrick, who has been consistent in supporting the people of Gaza and calling out the genocide and war crimes of Israel. The lack of progress and unanimity as to how Europe can support those living in Gaza and the West Bank and call out Israel on its war crimes is, as the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, said, a stain on Europe's conscience. The fact that children are being starved and do not have enough water to drink in this century and this modern world is shocking and crucifying. The fact that there are mass casualties where there are food distribution banks is shocking. The first set of casualties numbered 21, I think. Waking up that morning and hearing that 21 had been killed while they were trying to get food for themselves and their families was appalling.

I met the Palestinian ambassador and her deputy head of mission on Tuesday. They are genuinely appreciative of the sentiment from all parties as regards the support for Gaza. The ambassador told me very clearly that the Palestinian people themselves were very aware and appreciative of the support of the Irish Government and that they recognised that our Government, led by our Taoiseach and Tánaiste, is leading the charge within Europe and across the world in terms of support for Gaza.

Senator Fitzpatrick also raised the issue of the naming of the children's hospital. I read the newspaper report with a sinking heart because that debate was informed by a lot of really good public sentiment recognising a very fine woman who was way ahead of her time, Dr. Kathleen Lynn. We had conversations with the previous Minister for Health and, while a clear commitment was not given, there was a sense that the people of Ireland, and we representing them, were being listened to. I agree with the Deputy, therefore, that it is very disappointing and disheartening. We will ask the Minister to come before the House and explain the decision to call it just the National Children's Hospital. I feel it is quite a bland statement. It is a national children's hospital - we all get that - but losing the opportunity to name it after a female icon who did so much to care for and support children is an opportunity missed. We will bring that message back to the Minister.

Senator Fitzpatrick also raised the issue of insurance premiums, as did our colleague Senator Linda Nelson Murray, and again Senator Fitzpatrick has been consistent in that regard. I raised this myself when I first saw the report that the Judiciary had recommended 17%. I had hoped that the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, would not accede to that. We need to make a stand on it. We need to look for an urgent debate not just with the Minister for justice, but also with the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, who, to be fair, has been doing a lot of really positive work on this.

I will blend that into what Senator Nelson Murray said. I appreciate that insurance is quite complex as to how payments are made. I read a report recently that said that the balance had shifted such that, where it had been 70:30 between personal injuries and vehicle damage, it had shifted to 50:50 since the cost of vehicles had gone up so much. The report said that was one of the reasons insurance had gone up. We still should not go to 17% for personal injury. There was a previous action plan for insurance reform. The last date for submissions was in late May, I think, and over 70 submissions had been received. That is important. We need the new action plan urgently, but in the interim - and I will respond to Senator Crowe, who brought this up as well - we need to make a very strong stand on this. I think that would be unanimous across the House, no matter the party. We will write to both the Minister and the Minister of State, express our very strong views and look for a debate in the House about it.

Senator McDowell spoke about what was happening in Gaza and the need for Israel to be decent. This is about more than decency, however. It is about survival, life and death, and human rights. The Senator spoke about the report he had read about what Trump had said about the President of Israel. I had read that and was quite shocked myself. Really, the whole Israel-Iran thing has been a distraction. It is good there is a ceasefire there, but it took the spotlight off what was happening in Gaza. For President Trump to talk in such glowing terms about the President of Israel was quite shocking and it needs to be called out in different ways.

Senator Conor Murphy spoke about the vision of a united Ireland that former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Wallace Thompson gave. I did not get an opportunity to read or see that, but apparently it was a good vision as to how we needed to go forward and how constitutional reform could come about. It is important to acknowledge the excellent work of the shared island unit we have in the Department of the Taoiseach. I know we have called for the Taoiseach to come in before and I know that he plans to come in, but having a debate on the shared island unit is really important in terms of the work it is doing and plans to do. I commend the Good Friday Agreement committee on the work it has done and the comprehensive reports it has produced.

Senator Murphy also called for movement on the presidential vote being extended beyond the Twenty-six Counties.

Senator Crowe spoke about insurance reform and, particularly, how it had impacted the hospitality industry and small businesses. A forum has been set up within the Department of business to deal with the cost of business. We need to ask that forum to look at this. We need to have the SME test applied to the proposals being made, particularly around the 17%. With all the work that went on in terms of insurance reform, it is a concern that the cost has gone down but that has not been passed on to the consumers, be they in the hospitality sector or the type of business the Senator often talks about, namely, the leisure business. That is really wrong and needs to be called out because there are people making money on foot of this. We have no issue with people making profits, but when they are made at the cost of businesses, that is wrong.

Senator Boyle spoke about defibrillators and how we could get them. They are a vital part of communities. I know from our own LBDC group in Kildare that they are fantastic in terms of the training they give, the volunteers there and the number of defibrillators they have.He raised the very valid point that there are times when people do not know where the defibrillators are. We will certainly ask if it is possible for Google Maps to show the location of the defibrillators. Then again, there is an onus and responsibility on community groups and groups that have defibrillators to notify Google if things change. There is nothing more frustrating than getting a sense that something is going to be in place and people can find it on Google Maps when it is not actually there. That is worse because perhaps they have taken time out to find it. There has to be a balance of roles and responsibilities.

Senator McCarthy spoke about the public health issue of the free shingles vaccine. This is I something I support, as many of us do. Dr. Ronan Glynn gave a presentation in the RCSI a number of months ago about the case. It is a very valid case. At the all-party committee on dementia, Deputy Martin Daly spoke about new research that is coming out that shows the shingles vaccine can possibly help to prevent dementia in older people. There is a lot to be said for it. I think of our former colleague, Gerry Horkan, who got shingles when he was serving in the Seanad. He was really very ill. Talking to him and learning about his experience was something that stays with me. We will look for a debate with the Minister for Health.

In response to Senator Rabbitte, it is good to hear about Portumna courthouse. It is amazing the new life that can be brought into a rural area by such a project. For many years, Newbridge had a town hall in the centre of the town that was absolutely redundant. When I was mayor of the county, I was given one project and I said we would do it up. It is still not used as much as it could be but it is beautiful to see it living and breathing. The Senator is 100% right that bringing these iconic buildings back to life is important. We talk about the revitalisation of town and village centres and these are the buildings that can do that. Senator Rabbitte made the valid point that we need the support of the local authorities. However, it takes time to build up the teams that have the expertise to be able to apply for a shovel-ready project. That is what funding is often sought for but there is often very limited time in which to do that. I agree that under the stewardship and leadership of the Minister, Deputy Calleary, we need to look for extra support for those types of projects going forward. Those submissions should go to the NDP.

Senator Andrews spoke about Rathmines post office being sold off. It is a shame that the service has finished in the Rathmines post office but I am glad the community did not lose the service and it went to a nearby place. We are seeing that happen on an ongoing basis. The model would seem to be that it is easier for people to access post office services when they go in for other messages, and I am seeing that. I am not saying it is something we always want to see because, particularly when they are iconic buildings, it is important to keep them.

The Senator is completely wrong when he deliberately said that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are not supporting post offices. There is national funding of €10 million going to support post offices. Like Senator Andrews, I and many of our colleagues have been meeting with postmasters around the country and here in Leinster House. I know there is a call for €15 million to support the sector as it is and to look at other services that could possibly be given to post offices, such as becoming tourism hubs for local tourist information and possibly offering a peace commissioner service. Quite often, we see a call for a peace commissioner to do things in communities. We support and have called in the House for extra financial support to be given and for an examination of the other services that could be provided. However, the Senator is completely wrong to say that, because we are Government parties, we are not supporting post offices. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Regarding the sale of these businesses, where they are owned by the State, they are first offered to the LDA and then offered to the local authorities. It is not that they are just going onto the private market. They are there so the State can use them in other ways. For example, I raised the question of the use of the Curragh post office last week.

Senator Costello spoke about it being 15 days since the demonstrations and about the event in the audiovisual room that she organised with regard to children with DMD. Along with many colleagues, I had the opportunity to meet families from across the country. It is a very difficult disease. To see many families with more than one son with this disease is heartbreaking. We need to ensure that givinostat is administered as soon as possible. I acknowledge that the Minister has committed to a meeting. I appreciate that Senator Costello is looking for a timeline and I support that. We will write to the Minister to ensure she gets that.

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

Before we agree the Order of Business, I welcome the residents of Sunbeam House in Wicklow town. They are guests of our colleague, Senator Pat Casey. I hope they enjoy their visit today. I also acknowledge Deputy Martin Daly and his guest in the Gallery. I hope you enjoy your visit to Leinster House.