Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Before I call the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome the Neighbourhood Management Team from Derry. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I hope they have a great day in the Seanad and we look forward to them coming back again soon. I call the Leader to outline the Order of Business.

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is No.1, second report of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight and the adaptation of a new Standing Order 111A, establishment of the Committee on EU Scrutiny and Transparency, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, motion regarding the appointment of An Leas-Ombudsman Póilíneachta, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of No. 1; No. 3, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway on the transfer of passenger name record data to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute terrorist offences and serious crime, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of No. 2; No. 4, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a Council decision on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, of the agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway on the transfer of passenger name record data for the prevention, detection and investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of No. 3 without debate; No. 5, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the agreement between the European Union and Iceland on the transfer of the passenger name record data to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute terrorist offences and serious crime, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of No. 4; No. 6, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a Council decision on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, of an agreement between the European Union and Iceland on the transfer of passenger name record data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of No. 5; No. 7, motion regarding the Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2025, referral to committee, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of No. 6; No. 8, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of regulations under section 60(4) of the Data Protection Act 2018, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to conclude at 6 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed three minutes and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than seven minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 9, statements on the national drugs strategy, to be taken at 6 p.m. and to conclude at 7.30 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 four minutes and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than eight minutes to reply to the debate.

Linda Nelson Murray (Fine Gael)
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In light of tomorrow's sub-Cabinet meeting, I am making my final call to the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, to not increase the personal injury guidelines. We cannot let the progressive, reforming work of countless Ministers in recent years be thrown away at perhaps the stroke of a pen which would decimate countless family businesses throughout the country, particularly in my home county of Meath. If this measure goes ahead, all our premiums will increase, especially business premiums, and businesses are the backbone of our economy. While the worry is that people will skip the Injuries Resolution Board in search of higher discretionary awards, as only 4% of claims are settled before judges, I am not even remotely persuaded that there will be a mass exodus from the Injuries Resolution Board as people head off to wait another five or six years to go through the courts.

The other reason I am hearing is that we have left ourselves with no choice but to accept the findings of the Judicial Council. We should have clear separation of powers. The Supreme Court made clear last year that the guidelines would only be constitutionally permissible if they were approved or consented to by the Oireachtas. If we have no choice but to consent to them, then this consent is not freely given and runs contrary to the holding of the Supreme Court in the Delaney case last year. The recommendations from the committee say that, "The committee did not find it possible to carry out any meaningful analysis of the quantum of court awards given under the Guidelines [to date] that might inform this review." We did not, therefore, have the meaningful analysis and an increase of 16.7% was recommended instead.

The Judicial Council Act 2019 made clear that rigorous analysis should take place, including consulting with the personal injuries assessment board. No such engagement took place, despite the thousands of cases the board processed since the guidelines were introduced in 2021. Presently, without these increases, awards in Ireland for minor back injuries are between €12,000 and €20,000. In England, it is a maximum of £8,300. Awards for minor shoulder or soft tissue injury are up to €12,000, whereas in England it is £5,200. Awards for a minor ankle sprain in Ireland are up to €12,000 and in England it is up to £6,300. Awards for a minor foot fracture in Ireland go up to €20,000 compared with a maximum of £12,700 in England. Our awards are way higher and that is without the increase of 16.7%. I am here to put my trust in all who are sitting at the sub-Cabinet meeting tomorrow. I am trusting in all of them not to allow the personal injury guidelines to go through. It is not the right time.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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Some great stories have been told in the past few days about the capture of the MV Matthew and the drugs haul in 2023. What a fantastic story it is. If anybody has not read it, please go to The Journal and read Niall O’Connor’s description of the capture of that ship. We pulled together the agencies of the State, namely, the Garda, the Revenue Commissioners and the Defence Forces. The time and effort that went into the capture of that ship are simply unbelievable. The story is online and people should read it.

The key issue is that the Army Ranger Wing went to take that ship with only one helicopter. Anybody who knows anything about military service knows that while a fast-roping operation is taking place, there should be a second aircraft with snipers on board covering those who are fast-roping onto the ship. That was pooh-poohed at the time as I and others were accused of being overly dramatic about the danger we placed our special services personnel in. Those who read the story will see exactly what danger they were put in and the thugs they were going to arrest. Thank God, they have all now been put in jail. I understand there is some difficulty in getting rid of the MV Matthew. There is a party interested in buying it but the cost is about €10 million. It is important to get rid of it.

On a separate issue in security, as Members will recall, the HSE experienced a ransomware attack that cost this country millions. In one particular ward, up on the whiteboard was the username and password for the computer. In another hospital, which is taking security seriously, they took the password, which was taped on to the side of the monitor, and put it under the keyboard. Does anybody take any notice of what it will cost this country if we get hit again? The HSE has cost this country tens of millions of euro. Not only that but there is a strong belief that lives were lost as a result of what happened in the HSE, and there is definitely anecdotal and empirical evidence to show that the appointment system in clinics and the like was pushed out something terrible. We have to wake up to cybersecurity in this country, and do it quickly.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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My apologies to Senator Fiona O'Loughlin. I should have called her after the Leader.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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That is fine. It is no problem at all.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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It was my mistake.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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I will first comment on what our esteemed Senator from County Meath said. She only mentioned one Minister but I remind Senator Nelson Murray that it was in fact her Meath colleague, the former Minister for Justice, Deputy Helen McEntee, who introduced this legislation that is now difficult for the Government to deal with. Regarding the subcommittee, I also remind her that there are three Fine Gael Cabinet Ministers, one Fianna Fáil Cabinet Minister and one Fianna Fáil Minister of State on the subcommittee that is meeting next Tuesday.

Moving on to other issues, I was shocked to see in a recent report that Ireland had the highest level of skin cancer in Europe. Some 12,000 people per year suffer from skin cancer, with 90% of that linked to UV rays. I have raised this before but I believe the 23% VAT rate should not apply to SPF products because cost is a factor in people using them. I pay tribute to Noelle O’Connor, who has done a lot of work lobbying on this issue and has worked with Kelsey O’Donnell, who is a skincare clinical specialist at the Mater hospital. Basically, they are saying, and they are right, that SPF should be classified as an essential product and should be VAT-exempt. I echo that. Perhaps we could get the Minister in to speak about that.

I also raise the issue of the Palestinian GAA group that has come to Ireland over the years. With everything that is going on, it is more important than ever that we should be able to welcome a group of young people from Palestine.I understand this group of about 45 are facing significant delays in getting visas. They are due to come at the end of July. Flights have been bought and paid for. That is now in question. Together with that, a cultural group from Lahiya, West Bank, is in Belfast. They were here in 2022 for music, dance and now football. They were due to be coming at the same time. Again, visas have not been permitted at this point. The group is frustrated in relation to having to pay for accommodation and so on and I would appreciate it if the Leader could raise that issue.

It is good to see there is possible movement in relation to a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. However, to see a wanted war criminal nominating a convicted felon for the Nobel Peace Prize is absolutely incredible. To think of Nobel Peace Prize winners we have had in the past such as Seán MacBride, John Hume and David Trimble, to name but three, and to see somebody like President Trump being nominated is beyond belief.

Conor Murphy (Sinn Fein)
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I echo the comments of Senator O'Loughlin on the GAA visit. Of course they would like to visit the entirety of the GAA on the island and there is an additional complexity in getting into the North, which I know people are working on. It is hoped they will have success on that.

I want to raise the issue of the GPO and the development plans for that. The GPO is one of the most significant places in the revolutionary history of this country. The idea that this historic building would be turned into shopping units and space for office corporations is absolutely shocking. There is a proposal, which I note, in the plans for a museum and a cultural centre at the GPO. Given that just around the corner on Moore Street we are now ten years waiting for a proposal to be developed for a 1916 commemorative centre, it would, understandably, fill you with scepticism about how that would be developed. That is on the back of decision by the Government to support the development of Moore Street by a private developer rather than hand that battlefield site over for development more fitting to the history of that entire area.

The regeneration of the centre of Dublin has to be grounded in a vision for progress. The master plan presented by the Moore Street Preservation Trust is worthy of Ireland's revolutionary heritage and one which will drive regeneration, jobs, housing and community revitalisation into the future. My colleague, Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh, submitted a Bill four years ago which would give effect to such a development. That Bill has not received sufficient support to move forward. It is about conserving and sensitively developing the area around the GPO and Moore Street as far as Parnell Square into a cultural historic quarter for people.

All of us who have had the privilege and the pleasure to go travelling around the world and visit other cities do so because we want to see the sites that forged the history and identity of those countries and those cities. We do so because what attracts us to those cities is that they have preserved and developed that and are proud of their history and heritage and make sure it is something their own citizens can visit and understand as well as international visitors who want to come and see what the country is about. The idea that we would take some of the most iconic sites in this country's history and allow them to be developed for commercial entities and turned into what is normal in so many other bland city centres is very concerning. I would like the Leader to arrange a debate with the relevant Minister so that the Seanadoirí can have some input into this discussion. Let the Minister come here so that we can discuss the development plans for the centre of Dublin, the preservation of history, the opportunity which arises in terms of promoting the revolutionary history of the centre of Dublin and ensuring that the problems which we currently experience in our city centre are dealt with by proper, sensitive development which benefits communities and citizens of this country, and the potential for international visitors.

Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
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I second the proposal from the Sinn Féin Senator for a debate on the GPO. It is an incredibly important building and important site in the history of our State. The disinformation and untruths being put out by Sinn Féin about the plans for the GPO are alarming. We heard them repeated in this House again today. I do not know whether Senator Conor Murphy has been down to the GPO, but it has been operating as offices, retail and a commercial facility for decades, for more than a century in fact.

Conor Murphy (Sinn Fein)
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Very much more.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Fitzpatrick, without interruption.

Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
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It is important then that Sinn Féin stop this dangerous false narrative that somehow there is a plan to sell it off to private enterprise. There is absolutely no plan. In fact, the responsible Minister confirmed that not once, but twice and maybe three times, last week on the record of the Dáil. Sinn Féin has posters up on the main streets of our capital city that say "Save the GPO". It has an online petition - I wonder what it is using that for - asking people to sign to fight to save the GPO. The GPO is not under any threat. It is in State ownership and will remain in State ownership.

The State is investing in developing the GPO and, as Senator Murphy mentioned, 14 to 17 Moore Street. The Senator might want to consult Deputies Ó Snodaigh and McDonald. They were there yesterday with me. They know that a painstaking conservation-led project is being undertaken there. They know the State purchased 14 to 17 Moore Street and put a national protection order on the site. They also know that the State has already spent almost €10 million developing it. I ask Senator Murphy and every member of Sinn Féin to stop with the fake news and scaremongering and get behind the State's plans to keep these important historic sites in State ownership and develop them-----

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Go raibh maith agat.

Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
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-----so every future generation can be aware of our history.

Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael)
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I feel compelled to raise a worrying and serious matter that has come into the public domain following a court case last week in Killarney, County Kerry, in relation to voter impersonation at Kenmare polling station on 7 June 2024. A Cahersiveen man has avoided a conviction-----

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Senator-----

Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael)
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-----for election fraud-----

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator needs to be careful if no decision has been made in the court case

Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael)
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Absolutely. A Cahersiveen man had avoided a conviction for election fraud after he cast a vote in the local election in June 2024 using a polling card that was not in his name. This polling card was registered to an address in Killarney and had been in a tractor along with several others and that one was missing from the tractor. It is quite extraordinary to learn that in a case where a guilty plea was made by the accused to the serious charge of voter fraud, the plea went without a conviction or, as is becoming clearer, a thorough investigation into the facts of the incident. It has made a mockery of our democracy.

It appears at no time was the accused asked who had requested or organised for him to cast a vote under another person's identity. It is also emerging that gardaí incorrectly told the journalists covering the court that no case was being heard and therefore no attendance by the journalists was warranted. This situation has the effect of undermining people's faith in democracy and our democratic institutions. At a time when democracy is being challenged throughout the world, it is totally unacceptable.

The Department of justice and-or the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, the Electoral Commission and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage should review this case and make sure we have a far more robust defence of the laws around voting and the integrity of the voting process. People contest these elections in truth and honesty and in the belief they can represent their people in a fair electoral contest.

I also question An Garda Síochána and the Minister on a separate irregularities case related to the supplementary register in the Killarney local electoral area, which has seen a long investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, and An Garda Síochána into alleged improper stamping of supplementary photo applications, where the many applicants were not present to prove identities. This dates back six years to 2019, with a file referred and pending decision since April 2024. I call on the Minister for justice to come to the Seanad to explain and review these cases. This has made a total mockery of our democratic society.

Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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I ask the Leader to ascertain from the Government, or from the Minister or the Ministers of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, when we will have a new housing plan. We were promised when the Government came to power that we would either have a new housing plan to replace the existing one or a simple update of the current Housing for All plan. It is important. We are shortly to enter our summer recess. The Government has been in place for months and we still do not have a national plan. There is a housing crisis in this country.

I today submitted a Commencement matter in respect of Ardrew in Athy, County Kildare. It was one of a number of public-private partnership bundles to provide social and affordable housing and, indeed, private housing. The Department of housing has pulled out of that particular bundle and it will not be proceeding. The Commencement matter threw up nothing. Neither the Minister nor the Ministers of State at the Department were here, which is now common practice. A Minister of State from another Department came to the House but was unable to enlighten us as to when this scheme of houses, among a number of other public-private partnership bundles, would commence. I ask the Leader to ascertain the situation from the Department. It is rare we seem to be able to get a Minister from the Department relevant to a Commencement matter to come to the House. Will the Leader pursue the issue and ask the Minister or the Ministers of State at the Department to clarify the situation for me and the House? What is the alternative starting date? What are the timelines in respect of the development at Ardrew, Athy, County Kildare?

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Fianna Fail)
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If the Leader had one guess, he would guess what I am going to speak about today. I congratulate the Cork hurlers on a fantastic win on Saturday. We are absolutely thrilled. I also say "Well done" to Dublin on getting to the semi-final. The fact that Dublin hurlers made it so far has opened up the whole game. Fair play to them for getting so far. I also say "Well done" to Tipperary on beating Kilkenny. That was an excellent game.

I am concerned about safety on the roads for the All-Ireland final on Sunday week and for the football final to follow. Two Munster counties will play in the hurling final, so the roads from Tipperary are going to be crazy, as are the roads leaving Cork. I appeal to Iarnród Éireann, Citylink and Aircoach to do whatever they can to get people from cars into buses and trains. At least there would be a lot of people on public transport. The excitement is at fever pitch, and that is when things can go wrong. I appeal to anyone who can get cars off the road to supply extra transport.

I wish Cork all the best. I grew up at a time when Cork was in all-Ireland finals and winning them. It has been a bit of a desert for a long time. We have got close but not quite made it. We feel it is in our grasp this year. The fans are on fire. Good luck, Cork.

Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)
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I congratulate my colleagues from Cork. The team played fantastically. It is a great team and I wish it well in the final.

On a more serious issue, it is deeply concerning that the Government has stalled the evacuation of desperately sick children from Gaza due to bureaucratic visa delays. There have been almost two years of genocide in Gaza. For nearly two years, Israel has been massacring men, women and children across Palestine without consequence from the Irish Government and without any action from the European Union. These children urgently need to be evacuated before it is too late. Ireland has a commitment to provide medical care to these kids. It is simply unacceptable that these children's lives are potentially put at risk because of miscommunication and mishandling between Departments. Government Ministers need to act without delay to ensure that the evacuations get back on schedule.

Moreover, we need clarity on what within the Civil Service is causing these visa issues so we can prevent the problem happening in the future. Assisting children who need medical attention is the very least we can do to help the Palestinian people and the Irish State cannot fail to meet that bare minimum.

Evanne Ní Chuilinn (Fine Gael)
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Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach. Ba mhaith liom aird a tharraingt ar chúis imní agus fearg i measc roinnt mhaith múinteoirí Gaeltachta. Aontaímid ar fad sa Teach seo go bhfuil géarghá le tacaíocht agus aitheantas dóibh siúd a bhfuil ag coimeád ár dteanga beo bríomhar. Déanann múinteoirí Gaelscoileanna agus Gaelcholáistí an-chuid oibre ina leith, ach ba mhaith liom labhairt inniu mar gheall ar mhúinteoirí atá ag obair agus ag feidhmiú sna scoileanna Gaeltachta. Táim cinnte go bhfuil an Ceannaire ar an eolas faoin liúntas a bhíodh ar fáil do mhúinteoirí i scoileanna Gaeltachta. Cuireadh deireadh leis an liúntas sa bhliain 2012. Idir 2017 agus 2018 bhí sé mar dhualgas ar scoileanna Gaeltachta glacadh nó diúltú le scéim aitheantas mar scoil Ghaeltachta ionas go bhféadfaidís stádas oifigiúil a sholáthar ón Stát. An fhadhb atá ann anois áfach ná go bhfuil múinteoirí a thosaigh ag múineadh sna scoileanna Gaeltachta i 2012 ar aghaidh, nach bhfuil an liúntas á fháil acu agus múinteoirí i scoileanna eile a dhiúltaigh leis an bpróiseas aitheantas ach a bhí ag múineadh roimh 2012, á fháil. Go simplí, tá éagóir i gceist. Tá múinteoir amháin atá ag obair i scoil Ghaeltachta a dhéanann obair na gcapall chun aitheantas oifigiúil a fháil mar scoil Ghaeltachta, nach bhfuil ag fáil an liúntas, agus múinteoir eile b'fhéidir míle nó dhó síos an bóthar atá ag fáil liúntas go fóill cé gur éirigh an scoil ón scéim aitheantais agus atá ag feidhmiú anois mar scoil lán-Bhéarla. Tá sé mícheart agus éagórach. Tuigim go mbíonn moill i gceist uaireanta leis na scéimeanna seo agus an glanadh suas a thagann ina dhiaidh ach tá sé riachtanach go dtugaimid tacaíocht cheart do na múinteoirí atá ag múineadh sna scoileanna Gaeltachta seo agus ag coimeád ár dteanga dhúchais agus an cultúr a bhaineann leis beo beathach sna Gaeltachtaí. Ba mhaith liom díospóireacht a bheith againn mar gheall ar an scéim sin agus an liúntas atá de dhíth ar roinnt mhaith múinteoirí Gaeltachta.

PJ Murphy (Fine Gael)
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I wish to draw attention to the condition and structural stability of Ireland's tallest and possibly most iconic monastic round tower, namely, Kilmacduagh in Tierneevin in south County Galway. In documents dating back over 250 years, a slight lean in that round tower was documented. Local archaeologists and local people monitoring the tower have noted a major increase in the lean of the tower over the past 20 years. What is worrying is that, over the past ten years, the rate of increase in the lean has got progressively faster. Local Fine Gael county councillor Paul Killilea has been continuously in contact with the OPW over the past year regarding putting structural supports or the necessary underpinning in place to prevent the catastrophe that would be the collapse of that iconic south Galway structure, but to no avail. On my behalf and on behalf of my colleague, Councillor Killilea, and the people of south Galway, I call on the Minister of State, Kevin Boxer Moran, to intervene and see to it so that, as a matter of urgency, whatever underpinning work or structural supports are necessary are put in place to ensure that no collapse happens in this very important and iconic piece of architecture in south Galway.

Nicole Ryan (Sinn Fein)
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I am calling for the Minister for Health to come to the House for a debate on the future of healthcare on our island. We recently launched a proposal that put the case for an Irish national health and care service. In the context of the increasing discussion around a future united Ireland, healthcare will be one of the defining issues for our people, North and South. It is not sustainable, nor does it make sense for an island of just 7 million people, to maintain two fragmented health systems, both struggling under pressure. The proposal outlines clear practical steps for delivering a world-class, universal and integrated health service across the island, one that includes a ministerial health body with cross-Border oversight, a single all-island waiting list system, shared workforce planning, digital infrastructure, emergency service alignment and a rural health commission to ensure that rural communities do not get left behind.These are not vague ambitions. They are costed, evidence-based proposals that could improve outcomes for patients, staff and communities alike. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate with the Minister to show people that cross-Border co-operation is not just possible but essential for a healthier and fairer Ireland in the future.

Noel O'Donovan (Fine Gael)
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My constituency colleague in west Cork pipped me to the post in congratulating Cork GAA on its success at the weekend. I congratulate the Cork set-up both on and off the field and my own clubman, Kevin O'Donovan, the CEO of Cork GAA, on his work in recent years with Cork GAA. I hope it will bring us back to the place we want to be. As Senators, we all see the value that sport and GAA bring to communities. It is great to see communities in County Cork coming alive again in red.

I will raise two matters in support of my colleague, Senator Nelson Murray, on the personal injuries issue that is coming about. I, too, have been contacted by businesses in recent days about their fears of increased costs and commend the Senator on her work. I remind Senator O'Loughlin that it was in fact the Minister, Deputy McEntee, who introduced this framework. The guidelines were welcome when they were introduced for setting clear cost guidelines. We are now asking that costs and awards not be increased. We call on all Cabinet colleagues in all parties to ensure businesses are supported and no costs are increased.

I commend the recent work done by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Peter Burke, on a cost-of-business analysis and the creation of a new advisory forum to look at the costs facing businesses. We will see the 9% VAT rate discussed in the coming months. That is one issue but there are many more areas where we need to reduce costs for businesses.

In recent weeks, I have met representatives of a number of chambers of commerce in west Cork. They spoke about the costs involved in running their chambers of commerce and the voluntary initiatives they put on in their towns and villages. They mentioned the cost of insurance, the cost of putting in place Christmas lights and many other costs they have. It is time we developed a funding mechanism to support chambers of commerce. I would like to raise this with the Ministers for enterprise and community and rural affairs if they are in this Chamber in the coming weeks. I would welcome a comment on that by the Leader.

Manus Boyle (Fine Gael)
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I express my sincere condolences to the family of Natalie and Ella McLaughlin who tragically lost their lives last week in County Donegal.

I have met many wonderful community groups across Donegal and Ireland in the last few years. These groups do invaluable work caring for their loved ones day and night. One issue that keeps coming up is the cost of legal fees for people who have been diagnosed with dementia. People have enough to come to terms with when dealing with a diagnosis, telling their loved ones, consulting their doctors, trying to plan and get things sorted with the bank and getting solicitors. I have nothing against solicitors but it costs between €4,000 and €6,000 to get power of attorney. I call for the enduring power of attorney application to qualify for legal aid under the Irish system. These people need help. They have served their communities for years and then end up the way they are. Now is the time to do something to ease the burden. From talking to people who have been diagnosed, I know it turns their world upside down and their loved ones are left to try to sort out all the paperwork. I have nothing against solicitors charging fees but we could try to do something to have these fees covered by legal aid in some way.

Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)
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A few days ago, the Department of justice confirmed a plan to move over 2,000 people out of their accommodation. These people have been granted asylum but are still stuck in IPAS accommodation. They will be sent to emergency homeless accommodation instead. This new Government plan is causing chaos around the country, with county councils refusing to co-operate because they do not have beds available. On Friday evening, in the space of a few hours, I received phone calls from two separate local families presenting as homeless. We currently have 16,000 people homeless in emergency accommodation, the highest number on record. The system does not have the capacity to accommodate thousands more at the click of Jim O'Callaghan's finger.If this plan goes ahead, we are going to see direct competition for resources between homeless people locally and those who have recently been granted asylum. If this plan goes ahead, we will see the most dramatic and steepest increase in homelessness figures we have ever seen, in particular child homelessness. Will the Government reverse this stupid and inhumane decision? Who is chosen when it comes to homelessness when there is not enough capacity?

Michael McDowell (Independent)
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I want to raise with the Leader of the House the possibility of having, before the House rises for the summer vacation, the opportunity to collectively consider a resolution on the situation in Gaza. Today, it is reported that Israel Katz, the defence minister for Israel, has announced a plan that the IDF is working on to remove all of the 2 million people from Gaza to a compound which it proposes to create in the ruins of Rafah. It will call it a humanitarian city, from which nobody will be allowed to exit except to go to an Arab country. That is a war crime and it is scandalous.

It is not an isolated Gaza situation. On the West Bank, some 40,000 people have been expelled from places like Tulkarm and Jenin, long established urban refugee camps. Some 6,000 people have had their houses demolished by explosions in reprisals. That is a technique the British started in Ireland during the War of Independence, and their forces brought it to Palestine as a reprisal measure. It survived into the Israeli period of armed confrontation.

Today I note The Guardian newspaper has stated that 32 sq. km on the fringes of the occupied territories, which are Palestinian lands with, I understand, about 12 villages on them, are to be cleared to make way for an Israeli firing range. When do we get together in this House to say this must stop? Surely this House, the Whips and group leaders can get together. It does not require a huge debate to put on the record our absolute revulsion at what is going on and what is now planned, and to make it clear to the American ambassador, in particular, that the complicity of Donald Trump in this plan to create a new Riviera on the Gaza Strip is utterly unacceptable to this House and most Irish people who are decent.

We can do it. It will only take five minutes because I do not believe there will be any opposition to it in this House before we rise. It is shocking to me that right across Europe there is a deafening silence at this further war crime, which is redolent of things that happened 70 and 80 years ago in central Europe, and Israelis should be aware that this is happening again in our time.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I agree with the remarks of the Taoiseach on the banning of sunbeds, following a report from the HSE that over 11,000 people a year are being diagnosed with some form of skin cancer, many cases of which are as a result of people using sunbeds. It is something I have raised consistently in terms of how we support the fight against things like skin cancer. I recently raised the issue of the 20% VAT rate on sun cream. VAT on sun cream has to be removed in order to make it affordable for families and help people in the fight against skin cancer.Following the publication of the report, the Taoiseach stated that he would look at banning sunbeds. Australia did it in 2016. It has helped to bring down Australia's numbers. It is something that should be looked at in this country.

Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)
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I rise to bring the attention of the House to the prolonged incarceration of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai. His wife Heather and human rights activist Sir Bill Browder came to meet me here. In 2010, Mr. Cornelius was imprisoned for ten years. In 2018, however, that was extended by a further 20 years, bringing his total sentence to 30 years, which is the equivalent of three life sentences in Ireland. Mr. Cornelius is now in his seventies. I appeal for leniency on humanitarian grounds. His case has drawn international concern. Amnesty International has taken it on board. It is asking urgently for compassion and justice. Reports indicate that his health has deteriorated significantly. The toll on his family was evident when his wife came to meet me here in Leinster House. I ask the Leader to call on the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to engage directly with his diplomatic counterpart in the UAE and advocate for clemency. Mr. Cornelius's wife is from Northern Ireland. It is not merely a legal matter; it is a humanitarian one. Ireland and the UAE share fantastic long-standing diplomatic ties. I trust this appeal will be received in a spirit of goodwill and justice. We should use our diplomatic channels to seek a fair resolution to this. After so long, Ryan Cornelius deserves the chance to return home to recover and be with his loved ones.

Rónán Mullen (Independent)
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I welcome the announcement by the Government about the establishment of a commission of inquiry into allegations of historical sexual abuse in Irish schools. In particular, I welcome that this is going to focus on all day and boarding schools. I was particularly concerned about the narrowness of the remit given to the previous scoping inquiry. In focusing on all day and boarding schools run by religious orders or employing members of religious orders, there has been a danger because of the context in this country of scapegoating one particular cohort of people when what is needed is accountability by all who have responsibility for past wrongdoings or failures, without fear or favour. I therefore welcome the broad nature of the remit given to the commission of inquiry, which will be led by Mr. Justice Michael McGrath. This brings its own problems, though. He has been given a five-year period in which to report. It is part of the modern history of our country that all of this involves a certain amount of grief-letting, which is difficult as a society. Let us hope that, as a result of all this, there will be comfort brought to people who have suffered and redress where it is deserved.

On that point, it is obscene that the Government has been seeking to get redress from organisations such as the Legion of Mary in the context of the Magdalen homes. A look at the Murphy commission's report and at the McAleese report should leave us all clear that, while people must always compensate where they have been abusing or have failed to act on abuse, the fact that religious organisations were involved in giving care in a very impoverished and sometimes cruel Irish past is not a reason to target those organisations simply because they are religious organisations. It is a form of extortion when one considers the disproportionate resources that the State has. To think that Roderic O'Gorman and, as far as I know, his successor Norma Foley are going after the Legion of Mary, an organisation that worked so hard to keep mothers and their babies together, shows the failure to think this issue through and the failure to be responsible and fair as we assess where responsibility lies in these matters.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Before I call on the Leader to respond to the Order of Business, I welcome to Seanad Éireann members of Castleknock Bridge Club, who are guests of Deputy Emer Currie.

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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I thank all of the Senators for their contributions, starting with Senator Linda Nelson Murray and her ongoing campaign regarding personal injury awards. Senators O'Donovan and O'Loughlin also commented on this matter. I fully agree regarding the importance of this issue. This matter will be discussed by the Cabinet subcommittee on insurance. Much work has been done over the past decade by successive Ministers concerning reform of the insurance industry. The benefits have been seen in reduced premiums and payouts. As the Senator highlighted, however, there are still comparisons to be made between this country and the UK. I certainly accept and acknowledge the Senator's work in relation to the importance of an SME test on this matter. I am sure this issue will be fully debated by all the Ministers and officials at the Cabinet subcommittee. I certainly hope they will be able to deal adequately with this issue and that we will not see an award of the scale referred to. This matter must also go to the Cabinet for a decision. We will watch this space with interest because it is an important issue.

Senator Craughwell raised the topic of the MV Matthew, commended the work done by the Army Rangers and all involved in that operation, and again highlighted issues regarding cybersecurity. This is an issue close to the Senator's heart but it is also an extremely important issue in relation to the HSE. There is a risk to our State from cybersecurity attacks. I join the Senator in commending all involved in the seizure of that ship.

Senator O'Loughlin spoke about skin cancer and Senator Maria Byrne raised the linked issue of sunbeds. Senator Byrne had a Commencement matter a couple of weeks ago concerning sunscreen as well. This matter has been debated before and there are issues with different rates of VAT. The Minister has stated it is not possible. Again, this is an issue that needs to be fully debated and explored in relation to what is possible and whether this issue needs to be led from Europe, because VAT is a competency of the European Union. I do not know. Regarding banning sunbeds, a body of work was done before and legislation was passed to ban sunbeds for those aged under 16. Is this being enforced? Anecdotally, we hear it is not. It should be because it is a health protection measure. The legislation was passed by the Oireachtas, so enforcement is needed. As the Senator said, the Taoiseach responded to the suggestion of a possible ban here too. No decision has been made, but I am sure it will be examined, perhaps by the health committee too, of which the Senator is a member. This would be positive.

Senator O'Loughlin also raised the issue of visas, as did Senator Andrews, in relation to Palestinians coming here. Perhaps the Senators could together submit a Commencement matter for debate on Thursday or next week and they might be able to get an answer on this matter. I will raise it with the Tánaiste in the meantime.

Senators Conor Murphy and Fitzpatrick had differing views on the issue of GPO. I am not sure I will be able to sort out those differing views here today, but it is an iconic building. I certainly hope the plans for the GPO and the greater plans for Dublin city will be successful in terms of bringing life back to O'Connell Street and inner-city Dublin, getting people living there and bringing vibrancy and improved safety. These aspects are all part of the plans and I am sure they will be debated. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, on this matter.

Senator Kennelly raised a matter regarding voter personation and a court case, which I will not mention. Obviously, the Electoral Commission is the body now charged with the oversight of all electoral registers and the running of elections. I will raise this issue with the Minister, Deputy Browne, or the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, in respect of the franchise section of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It is a real issue. This would not be the only case where there would be suspicions. There have been cases where there were suggestions polling cards had been sold for a pint of Guinness or whatever else. A better system needs to be examined, where there is voter ID, the use of PPS numbers or something like that. As I said, the Electoral Commission is the body charged with that.

Senator Boyhan raised the issue of the new housing plan and when it might be published. I will try to get an update on it. He also sought information on the PPP bundle in a development in Athy in County Kildare. Again, I will try to get information on the matter. The Minister, Deputy Browne, the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, and the Department have been proposing and enacting a great deal of legislation and changes to try to boost housing supply, some of which we will see on Thursday and next week. Previous changes have been enacted by this House. In respect of the housing plans, there has been a body of positive work done over the last while. Senator Murphy O'Mahony raised the issue of safety on our roads for the All-Ireland final. It is two Munster teams. She has appealed for Irish Rail and coach providers to provide more services. I agree with that. It makes absolute sense that there would be additional services. I hope Iarnród Éireann and the private and public coach providers will respond to that.

D'ardaigh an Seanadóir Ní Chuilinn ceist maidir leis an liúntas do mhúinteoirí Gaeilge. Bhí mé sna Tithe seo nuair a cuireadh deireadh leis an liúntas sin. Is ceist í don Aire Oideachais agus Óige, atá ag ullmhú don bhuiséad. Tá deis ag an Seanadóir an cheist seo a ardú mar Ní i dTosach Suí. Is ceist thábhachtach í. Ardóidh mé í leis an Aire, an Teachta McEntee. Is ceist fhíorthábhachtach í an difríocht sin idir múinteoirí sna scoileanna taobh amuigh den scéim aitheantais agus dóibh sna scoileanna laistigh di. Is ceist thábhachtach í.

Senator P. J. Murphy raised the issue of the Kilmacduagh round tower. It is an iconic building on the outside of Gort town. There are concerns about its structural stability. He may submit a Commencement matter to the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works or the Minister of State with responsibility for heritage, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan. Both Ministers of State may have a role, but the Minister of State for heritage would have a role initially. Any work that would be needed, if it was deemed to be appropriate, would be vested or charged to the Office of Public Works for carrying out.

Senator Ryan called for a debate on the future of healthcare on the island. I will try to organise that. There is an amount of collaboration at the moment, whether it be between Letterkenny University Hospital and Altnagelvin Area Hospital or other facilities along the Border. It is an important issue. It makes sense to provide that co-operation between the health services on both sides of the Border, including the ambulance services.

Senator O'Donovan mentioned the cost of business and competitiveness. He referenced the 9% VAT rate. That is a commitment in the programme for Government. He called for supports for chambers of commerce in some of their endeavours. There are different funding schemes and sources that come out - some regularly, some less regularly - to support initiatives and community groups around the country. The work chambers do in supporting the work of our business community should be acknowledged. I will raise this with the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Burke.

Senator Boyle acknowledged the tragic passing of Natalie and Ella McLaughlin. May they rest in peace. He also raised the matters of dementia and legal costs. The Senator can perhaps put down a Commencement matter on the topic. He might get a more direct response. It is one of those things that would be better answered by the Department of justice, but it is a health matter, so he may not get the best response. He can raise the issue with the Minister of Health initially as the first port of call.

Senator O'Reilly raised the issue of IPAS residents being forced into homeless emergency accommodation. I do not have an adequate answer on that. We have responsibilities to ensure people are housed, but it does not make a lot of sense if they are being moved from one service in a way that puts pressure on other services. I have asked the Minister for State at the Department of justice to come to the House to address issues of migration. I am not sure if we will have that debate before the recess, but it will certainly be as soon as possible because it is an important issue.

Senator McDowell raised the matter of Gaza. Perhaps we can discuss that at the meeting of the leaders and Whips on Wednesday or Thursday, whenever that meeting is scheduled. I will engage with the Tánaiste's office to see what motion might be possible and be acceptable to Members.Senator McCarthy raised the case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai, who has been in prison for an extended period. I am not familiar with the background of the case. Perhaps he could raise it directly with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade or table a Commencement matter on it. Unfortunately, I am not fully au faitwith the background to the case.

Senator Mullen welcomed the announcement by the Cabinet of the establishment of a commission of investigation into allegations of historical sexual abuse in schools across the country, and the appointment of Mr. Justice Michael McGrath as chair of the commission. The terms of reference are due to be published and agreed. I wish the commission well in its work in the coming years.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Before we deal with the motions, I welcome guests of Senator Tim McEllistrim, a proud Ballylongford man from north Kerry. He is most welcome. I am sorry, I mean Senator Mike Kennelly. I am mixing up my Kennellys. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. I hope they enjoy their time here. I played a few football matches in Ballylongford. I think it was the drive up that did us in, but the footballers were kind of handy too.