Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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We are also joined by representatives of the International Police Association. Thanks for being here today. You are most welcome to Seanad Éireann.

Eileen Flynn (Independent)
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I want to bring to the attention of Members the decision of TG4 not to broadcast a debate around the presidential election. What TG4 is doing is keeping thousands of people out of the conversation. I am a member of the Traveller community. My first language should be Cant but, unfortunately, it is not. Our language was robbed from us and I am raising this issue today because I am afraid that the same thing will happen to Irish-speaking people. A lot of Irish people in Donegal get their information from the likes of TG4, which got €60 million in public money this year. It got €60 million but it cannot or will not host a debate around the presidential election. I urge TG4 to think again about what it is doing to its viewers. If this was RTÉ or Virgin Media, we would definitely have them in front of the media committee. TG4 should be held accountable for not having a debate around the presidential election. I know that Heather Humphreys was a Minister with responsibility for the Irish language for three years. I also know that Jim Gavin was a representative of an Irish festival a few years ago. The three candidates claim to value, respect and honour the Irish language.Some of the candidates do not speak Irish but it is up to TG4 to facilitate that debate. It did so in 2011 and there is no reason it cannot do it again. Many elderly people in our society - many people whose first language is Irish - are locked out of this debate. That should not be the case when the channel is getting €60 million of public money. I urge TG4 to review this and have a debate for people who are fluent in Irish and get their information from the channel.

I have very little time to speak about the Irish flag. Before I was a Senator, I used to go to protests for workers' rights, migrant rights and women's rights and feel so proud to stand underneath the Irish flag. Nowadays, our flag is being used to intimidate us by the far right and I would like to have a debate about the Irish flag because there are many people in society who are a bit lost with the conversation about the flag. There is a lot of fear out there as well, so I would like to have a debate on the importance of the flag.

Just to say, I do not have two words of Irish. I am probably the only Senator in here who is ridiculous when it comes to Irish. I could not even say "Cathaoirleach" when I first came here. That does not mean I do not value the Irish language and my colleagues, like Deputies Ó Snodaigh and Connolly, make sure to involve me in Irish coffee mornings and the Irish committee. It is really important we support those who do not speak Irish as well.

Imelda Goldsboro (Fianna Fail)
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Today, we remember our great friend and colleague, Dr. Martin Mansergh, who died at the weekend. It was heartbreaking when the news came in south Tipperary, and so suddenly, but he was doing what he loved best. He leaves behind a legacy defined by intellect, integrity and an unwavering dedication to Ireland. A distinguished scholar, diplomat, politician and peacemaker, he played a pivotal role in shaping Irish political life and advancing the peace process in Northern Ireland. As a trusted adviser to successive taoisigh and a central figure in Fianna Fáil, Dr. Mansergh was deeply involved in the negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement. His gift for bridging divides, fostering dialogue and nurturing mutual understanding earned him respect right across the political spectrum, from Sinn Féin and the SDLP to leaders in both Dublin and Belfast. His service spanned decades from his time as a Senator to his election as a TD for Tipperary South and later as a Minister of State. Through every role, his commitment to the people and the pursuit of people never faltered. On a personal level, he was a great support throughout my campaigns. During the general election, he gave unwavering advice. To Dr. Mansergh's wife Liz, his children, grandchildren and his former secretary Geraldine Fuller, I send my sincere sympathies. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Evanne Ní Chuilinn (Fine Gael)
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Bhí sé iontach an tacaíocht ar fad maidir leis an nGaeilge agus an chraoltóireacht trí mheán na Gaeilge a chloisteáil mar is é sin atá ar intinn agam a phlé tráthnóna. Ba mhaith liom aird a tharraingt ar an éiginteacht atá ann go fóill mar gheall ar sheirbhís nuachta neamhspleách do TG4. In 2022, ghlac an Rialtas le moladh ó Choimisiún um Thodhchaí na Meán go mbeadh “ceannas neamhspleách eagarthóireachta” ag TG4 ar a sholáthar nuachta chun seirbhís níos fearr a chur ar fail dá lucht féachana, rud a luaigh an Seanadóir Flynn cúpla nóiméad ó shin. Faoi láthair, is RTÉ a chuireann “Nuacht TG4” agus “Seacht Lá” ar fáil do TG4.Mar thoradh ar sin áfach, níl sé de cheart ag iriseoirí nó leiritheoirí nuachta scéal úr no nua a bhriseadh ar TG4, go dtí go bhfuil sé briste nó craolta ar RTE.

Anuas ar sin, níl sé de cheart ag Nuacht TG4 cúntas Instagram no X nó Tiktok a bhunú — rud atá an aisteach do dhaonolathas na tíre seo. I mo bharúil, tá sé de cheart ag pobal labhartha na gaeilge a chuid nuacht a fháil trí mheán na Gaeilge, agus is cosúil gur sin a dúirt an moladh o Choimisiún um Thodhchaí an Meán trí bliana ó shin. Cén fáth mar sin go bhfuil moill ar an bpróiséas neamhspleachas? Ní dóigh liom go bhfuil sé maith go leor, nach bhfuil aon dul chunn chinn déanta ón uair sin.

Rud amháin eile atá ag cur isteach orm maidir le seo ná go bhfuil stop curtha leis an bproiseas earcaíochta do cheannaire nuachta agus cursaí reatha TG4. Fógraíodh an post mí Bealtaine seo caite nuair a tháinig Deirdre Ní Choistín i gcomhar-bacht ar Alan Esslemont mar ardstiúrthóir an stáisiúin. De réir tuairiscí anois, tá stop curtha leis an bpróiséas sin agus ní fios cén fáth.

A cheannaire, tá an spéis chéanna i gcúrsaí nuachta ag lucht féachana na Gaeilge is atá ag lucht féachana an Bhéarla. Braitheann daonlathas láidir ar sheirbhís nuachta cruinn, agus tá sé de dhualgas orainn san Oireachtas an cheist a chur ar an Roinn, ar RTÉ agus ar Choimisiúin na Meán céan fáth nach bhfuil aon dul chunn cinn déanta maidir le seo ó 2022 ar aghaidh.

Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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I wish to address the findings of the latest NOAC report. While there are many causes to be optimistic with this good report, I feel it is necessary, considering we are in the midst of a housing crisis, to highlight some of the more alarming findings. Let us look at the facts. Over 4,251 social housing units sat vacant at the end of 2024. Meanwhile, families are sleeping in cars, in emergency accommodation, or couch surfing, with no end in sight. The average re-letting time for these houses is between 35 and 56 weeks, the longest in over a decade. As for the cost, a staggering €105 million was spent to re-let just 3,375 units. That is just €31,000 per home and it is not just inefficient, it is disgraceful. In addition, 84.86% of inspected private rentals failed to meet basic standards. In some counties, over 99% were non-compliant. Yet the Government pats itself on the back, while tenants live in damp and unsafe conditions. While we are at it, let us talk about rental arrears. Even when tenants are struggling, the Government still expects local authorities to chase payments without giving them the tools to do so. In some counties, rent collection rates have dropped as low as 72%, yet there is no national strategy, no targeted support and no urgency. The problem is clear. The Government neither allocates the resources nor delegates the powers that local authorities need. Instead it centralises control, ties the hands of councillors and expects miracles from underfunded and overstretched teams. Enough is enough. It time to give our councils the funding, autonomy and respect they deserve. Let them do the job they were elected to do, because right now the only thing being built is bureaucracy and the only thing being housed is failure.

Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)
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There are many things one hopes never to have to raise in the House and unfortunately what happened in the small townland of Drumgowna just outside Tallanstown in County Louth yesterday morning is certainly one of those, with such a tragic loss of Mark, Louise and Evan O'Connor. It is not an exaggeration to say that there is a pall of shock and disbelief over the entire county and beyond into Monaghan at what happened. I know it is part of a Garda investigation and we will not go into further details but we send our sincere condolences to the entire family on what happened. They have been described as an integral part of the community and that really does not go deep enough. They were so loved and they were so active. They were a youthful, active couple. Mark ran the Boston marathon and Louise raised so many funds for the community. Evan had complex special needs and he attended the Drogheda ABACAS Special School of which Mark and Louise were founding members.Evan was one of the first two students who took part on 10 March 2003 and he stayed there for 14 years. Many families owe Mark and Louise a debt of gratitude for the amount of campaigning and lobbying they carried out. Of course, Evan then went on to attend the Praxis Care day care centre, also in Drogheda, where he was described as "everybody's little buddy" and he was "a bright shining star". For everybody right across the county and country, it has been shocking, and we send our heartfelt condolences to everybody in the O'Connor family.

Manus Boyle (Fine Gael)
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I wish to associate myself with the condolences for Martin Mansergh and Senator Clifford-Lee's father. I also extend my sincere condolences to the McCloskey family on the loss of their son, Kevin, who tragically lost his life while out fishing in Donegal on Thursday. He will be sorely missed. He was one of the renowned fishermen in the port.

I wonder if the Leader could get clarification for me for the mother of Allissa in County Donegal. Allissa has type 1 diabetes and needs an SNA at the school to monitor her condition. The teacher in the classroom has enough to do and to be honest, with type 1 diabetes, we really need somebody there to monitor. Last week, the SENO reached out and said it would be two weeks before the school would be assessed. Surely somebody from the Department could have a look and see if we can get the assessment done for this little girl. It is unacceptable for Allissa. She missed a week at school last week. Surely the Department can speed things up. This wee girl wants to go to school. She is only small and she wants to learn. At the end of the day, why she should suffer just because she has type 1 diabetes? I ask the Minister to intervene here and try and sort this out. Allissa deserves better. Getting somebody up there as soon as possible would help resolve the situation.

Frances Black (Independent)
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As the Leader is probably aware, the Global Sumud Flotilla set sail in late August and has travelled for over 30 days towards Gaza to deliver lifesaving aid to Palestinians in the midst of an horrific genocide. Among the aid is baby formula and lifesaving medical care. We all know that in Gaza we are witnessing a 21st century genocide broadcast in real time. We have seen the footage of innocent children starving for the lack of food or medical care, with sunken eyes and visible rib cages, while infant formula is rotting on trucks just a few miles away. I think of my own beautiful grandchildren and every day my heart breaks at how obviously, unforgivably and criminally wrong this is. The question we here as politicians have to ask ourselves is would we accept this for our children, and will we able to look them in the eyes in the years to come if we cannot obviously say we did everything in our power stop it?

In the next 24 hours, that flotilla with Irish citizens will be entering a high-risk zone and will embark on the most dangerous leg of the mission to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip. They are doing what governments should be doing, to be fair. So far, Spain, Italy and Turkey have sent naval ships to accompany over 40 vessels with delegations of peace activists from all around the world. It has been reported that Israel now plans to intercept vessels and that those aboard the ships who refuse to be voluntarily deported will be arrested.

I met with some of the families of the Irish citizens who are on the flotilla today and they would like to see a strong public statement coming from the Government to say this is wrong, and to say to Israel, "Enough is enough". What Israel is doing is illegal. It is breaking international law. The world is watching and nobody is doing anything. The Irish people are up in arms about it so we really serious action and no more talking. We need action and we need the Irish Government to really put pressure on Israel to stop what it is doing.We do not know if people in the flotilla are going to be killed tonight. Irish citizens could be killed tonight or arrested. We really need the Government to stand up and be strong and brave. It needs to say enough is enough and stand up to Israel.

Dee Ryan (Fianna Fail)
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I join colleagues across the House in offering commiserations to Dr. Mansergh's family and recognise the significant contribution he made to Irish society and Irish life during the course of his career in the Civil Service, the Seanad, the Lower House and as a Minister of State. I echo the commiserations of my colleagues to his family.

I rise to ask the Leader if he will call on the Minister for Health to come to address the House at the earliest possible time on the issue of overcrowding at UHL. Just a number of hours ago, the long-anticipated HIQA report, which gives advice to the Minister for Health to inform decision-making on the design and delivery of urgent and emergency healthcare services in the mid-west, was published. It lays the facts out starkly for us and diagnoses the problem we have in the emergency department in UHL. Indeed, its findings are that we do not have an emergency department issue, rather an inpatient bed capacity issue in the mid-west. After that, the report makes two recommendations. In order to achieve the number of inpatient beds needed to support the emergency department at UHL, it is recommended the Minister that should devise an urgent, short-term plan to tackle the issue right now and to bring us up to the further 96 beds we will require by the end of this year to stand still. Beyond that, the report also makes three recommendations and options for consideration by the Minister to achieve the number of beds required to support a growing population to 2040, namely, either to develop and expand further at UHL in Limerick; to develop a second location, a co-located campus in Limerick akin to what they do in Galway in the Merlin Park University Hospital; or commission a model 3 hospital, which would have a second emergency department for the region. Will the Leader call on the Minister to come in here and debate this at her earliest possible convenience?

Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael)
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I, too, wish to be associated with the condolence messages that have been echoed in the Chamber today.

Last week, in the Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence, we heard from the young people and youth representative bodies regarding AI and the impact on their lives. This morning, we also heard from representatives from the older bodies, people representing the older demographic. A lot of the information we heard from both demographic groups was about what the apps and the tech companies are doing with our data when they access it.

I was at the train station in Castlerea last week and I realised it was very simple on the machine in the station to buy a ticket to Dublin or to Westport but it was not a simple process, or it was not possible for me, to buy a ticket to Drogheda, Dundalk, Sligo, Cork, Wexford, Roscrea or Limerick. Even though they are on the rail network, I would have to make a connection in Dublin and buy a separate ticket. When I contacted Irish Rail about this, it told me that the vending machines in the stations were two decades old and, unfortunately, it was not a simple change to add stations on other routes and enable the purchase of tickets due to the legacy aspect of the technology in the machines. Just because it is not working does not mean we cannot look at changing this. People are worried about their data and what is happening the data when they go onto any of those websites or these apps, so we need to give them an opportunity to do this at the actual stations. Irish Rail told me that 75% of purchases are done through its website or the app channels, which still leaves 25% and, potentially, when we find out what is happening our data, the number of people who are looking to buy these tickets at the local stations will increase.I call on the House to have a conversation about the different public systems that we are using and to give people of all age groups – not just older people, but young people as well – the ability to buy different things physically in the State rather than by means of apps or websites.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Before I call the next speaker, I welcome the representatives from the International Police Association, which is celebrating 70 years of existence. I thank them for being here. I hope they enjoy the celebrations.

Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)
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The Real Face of Men's Health report is a major report that was commissioned by the Movember Institute of Men's Health. We are all aware, especially after Covid, how disconnected and lonely many people can feel. Too often, men struggle in silence. They are less inclined to open up about their problems. The term "toxic masculinity" has been used as a catch-all explanation for young men's frustration and isolation. This label is too simplistic. Beneath the surface, many men are wrestling with a profound absence of belonging, identity and purpose. This report lays out the stark reality of men's physical and emotional health, particularly those of young farmers. I know young men who have battled mental health difficulties and who felt they had nowhere to turn or no one to open up to.

Even healthcare professionals feel unequipped. Nearly one quarter of the GPs surveyed shared that they were not confident treating men presenting with suicidal behaviour. In this regard, they cited a lack of crisis services, poor access to mental supports and the difficulty in getting honest communication from male patients. We have positive examples of how to tackle these issues. What we are missing is the investment to grow and expand the services that are required. Initiatives such as the men's sheds show how vital community spaces can provide men with a space to connect with one another. Out-of-hours crisis supports like the Solace Café could play the same role and offer immediate help when men most need it. People with lived experience of suicidal ideation have spoken at length about how just knowing they had a place to go made a critical difference in their lives.

Men are at a higher risk of premature death than women. What is shocking is how men in Traveller communities face significantly higher rates of premature death. The All Ireland Traveller Health Study was published in 2010. As a result, the data relating to this matter is 15 years old. This significantly limits our understanding of more recent trends and data. Without a clearer picture, we cannot target supports where they are most needed. I urge the Government to follow through on a previous commitment to the national men's health policy in 2009 and allocate an initial €10 million in the upcoming budget. We need to know if they ask for help there will be real accessible supports for them.

Joe Flaherty (Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the representatives from the International Police Association. I am glad the Cathaoirleach clarified who they are because when I saw all the uniforms, I thought it was a coup. I am reassured to know that there will not be a coup here today.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I thought it was about the speeding tickets.

Joe Flaherty (Fianna Fail)
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I call on the Leader to draw to the attention of his party colleague the Minister for education details of a bizarre case that unfolded in County Leitrim recently regarding a venerable and much-respected former school principal, who is 66 years of age and who dedicated his life to education and to rural Ireland. He was in the vanguard of the delivery of special education. I was shocked to discover that he has been brought before the courts. It was alleged, and he admitted, that the enrolment figure for his school for the 2019-20 year had been inflated by three in order to make the total up to 201. This was done in order that he could keep a teacher in a rural area. He had adequate reasons as to why it happened. There were two children who indicated they were coming to the school. Their parents had given permission to include them on the roll, but they did not turn up. In addition, a child who was absent was marked down. The school board of management refunded the money relating to the teacher who was kept on the books for that year.It was extraordinary. Even Judge Éiteáin Cunningham acceded that the principal was acting out of goodwill to protect the children and staff at the school.

I cannot see the logic of the Department of education going to the expense of taking this case when there was clearly no reason to bring this man, who had an unblemished career, before the courts for something like that. I was shocked and horrified. While all of us in this House can sometimes be befuddled by and query some of the logic and decisions of some Departments, it was shocking to see that man dragged through the courts and his name appear online on the very front page of the Leitrim Observer. Where the story was placed, is something I would question. There must be accountability within the Department of education as to why the man in question was put through what I have outlined. I know him and I know how passionate he is about education. He was very much in the vanguard of special education at a time when we were struggling to get rural schools to embrace and take on the challenge of special education. He was a leader. He looked after two of the largest classes in a primary school in Leitrim. His reward for that work was to be dragged before the local District Court at a difficult time for him and his family. I found that quite extraordinary.

I would go as far as to say that nothing less than an apology from the Minister is what is needed in respect of this extraordinary situation. I want to know if she knew this case was being taken and if she authorised it. It seems bizarre that any Department would, as happened in this case, go on such a folly and seek to blemish an impeccable career. Will the Leader take this matter up with the Minister for education? I would like the Minister to come before the House as soon as possible to discuss other education matters. If she does come here, I will raise this specific matter with her because what happened is one of the most troubling things I have seen. People who dedicate their lives to public service cannot be treated like this.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I wish to raise the report that was released this morning by HIQA regarding University Hospital Limerick and the three recommendations it contains. My understanding is that all three recommendations are under consideration. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, to come before the House as soon as possible to discuss this issue? One of the key things that came out of the report is the need for 90 additional beds at the hospital. That is despite the fact that we will be opening 92 new beds in the next couple of weeks, as I understand it.

The recommendations are as follows. Option A would involve an expansion on the existing hospital grounds. Option B recommends something the Leader will be familiar with, that is, a model 3 hospital alongside a model 4 hospital, similar to Merlin Park University Hospital and University Hospital Galway. While the model 3 hospital would have an emergency department, it would not cater for acute emergencies. Option C would involve building a completely new hospital with a second accident and emergency department. Discussion is needed regarding those options. In the meantime, however, we need to find an additional 92 beds before the end of the year. There are more than 100 people on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick today. The report is welcome. We have waited for a long time for it to come out, but we need to start acting on it sooner rather than later because this is a pressing issue.

I also wish to be associated with the votes of sympathy to the family of the late former Minister and Senator, Martin Mansergh, and to Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee on the passing of her mother, Mary. May they both rest in peace. Our thoughts are with the families and, in particular, with our colleague Senator Clifford-Lee.

Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)
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I rise to express concern at the Government’s recent decision to increase the voluntary return allowance for asylum seekers. While I realise the pressures that are on the Government in this regard, the financial allowance for asylum seekers to be processed is approximately €122,000 per applicant. That seems a staggering figure. You have to tread very carefully when incentivising vulnerable individuals to abandon their claims for asylum protection. The incentive will increase to €2,500 per person and €10,000 per family. Even though it might appear pragmatic, the question must be asked as to whether costs are being prioritised over compassion.I deal with many of the individuals. We have a homeless cafe and lately a lot of people have been coming in who are seeking asylum. They are fleeing very real danger. They are fleeing war and a lot of them have been maimed. The Government is offering financial incentives for them to leave Ireland and go back to the very place they are fleeing but I do not know how money can solve that issue.

I welcome the safeguards that we have for vulnerable individuals. I also welcome the exclusion of those convicted of serious criminality. We have to ensure, however, that no one is pressured, explicitly or implicitly, into returning to unsafe conditions. We must remember that Ireland is a nation built on empathy and justice. I urge the Minister to monitor this scheme and the new recommendations closely. We must ensure transparency and uphold the dignity of every person who seeks refuge on our shores. We must balance the fiscal responsibility with moral leadership.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I too want to be associated with the votes of sympathy for Dr. Martin Mansergh, and to Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee on the death of her mother.

I stand here regarding the HIQA report. I am doing this against the backdrop of there having been 147 people from the mid-west region on trolleys in University Hospital Limerick, UHL, at one stage over the past couple of days, which is completely and totally unacceptable. Back in 2024, I think it was late April or early May, the Minister announced a short, sharp review of emergency services to be conducted by HIQA. It was anything but short because 18 months later we finally get the report. I am somewhat baffled by the report. I was hoping there would be a clear recommendation to the Minister on what was needed but what we have are options. We have one option about expanding capacity. That is happening anyway. There is a second option about building a hospital beside the hospital. There is another option about building a separate hospital completely which would have its own emergency department. There are options and there are recommended options but where is the clear guidance that I was expecting and which the people of the mid-west were certainly expecting? I want to know what are the next steps. Are we going to have another review or committee or expert group to look at the options and to recommend an option? Is that going to take another 18 months to come back with a recommendation?

One thing I welcome in the report is that it said immediate action is needed. That is correct. Immediate action is needed because what has been going on in UHL for the last number of years is nothing short of a national scandal. I do agree with that but clearly the guidance I and the people of the mid-west were hoping for from this report is really not there. I wanted a clear pathway, a recommended action that the Minister would implement tomorrow morning. It is appropriate that the Minister would come in here and outline what the next steps are to deal with this issue and to provide the necessary services that are needed in the mid-west so we would no longer have 147 people on trolleys. These are people in their 70s, 80s and 90s. It is totally unacceptable. I want a debate here with statements on this specific report, which is the HIQA report into emergency care in the mid-west. I want it as urgently as the Leader can arrange it with the Minister. I hope we are not going to enter another lengthy process of reviewing with expert groups and so on as to what happens. I want to know what the timeline is, what is happening, which option is going to be advanced and escalated, and how long it will take. This is urgent because what is going on in Limerick is totally and utterly unacceptable.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I join my colleagues in expressing sympathies to our colleague, Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee, as well as her father Mossie, her two brothers and her sister, on the sad passing of her mother, who died all too soon.

Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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I thank all Senators for their contributions, the majority of which raised the untimely passing of Dr. Martin Mansergh. We will have an opportunity to agree a motion later expressing condolences and sympathy with his family and with our colleague, Senator Clifford-Lee, on the passing of her mother, Mary. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.

Senator O'Loughlin raised the 20-point peace plan between the United States and Israel. I certainly hope it will yield the results we all desperately want. I have stated often that there is only one person Prime Minister Netanyahu will listen to, ultimately, and that is President Trump. I hope agreement can be reached for all citizens of Gaza and indeed the wider area. The Senator also commented on her recent trip to Ukraine and expressed solidarity and support for the Ukrainian people. We can all agree to that.

Senator P.J. Murphy as a commercial beekeeper raised the issue of the Asian hornets' nests located in Cork and explained the delays and problems that will arise if there are discoveries of hornets next year. He called for a retrospective derogation for the use of technology to track and monitor hornets' flights to their mother colony. I suggest he table a Commencement matter on that to get a fuller response from the Minister of State with responsibility for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Deputy O'Sullivan, because it is an important issue.

Senators Tully and Black raised the flotilla to Gaza. Our colleague, Senator Andrews, is on that and has called for strong public support for it. I have no doubt the Minister, Deputy Harris, and his Department are monitoring the situation and will liaise with relevant individuals. We hope the flotilla is allowed to pass through and deliver its much-needed aid to the people of Gaza.

D'ardaigh an Seanadóir Ní Chuilinn seirbhísí nuachta TG4 agus tá sí ag lorg go mbeidh téarmaí tagartha agus feidhmeanna TG4 neamhspleách. Aontaím go hiomlán lena tuairimí. Molaim go n-ardaíonn sí an cheist mar ní i dtosach suíonna chun freagra níos iomláine a fháil.

Luaigh an Seanadóir Flynn an easpa díospóireachta sa toghchán uachtaránachta. Le bheith féaráilte do TG4 agus RTÉ, tá muid i lár phróiseas uachtaránachta. Is próiseas dlíthiúil é. Níl Gaeilge líofa ag an triúr iarrthóir atá ag seasamh sa toghchán. Luaigh sí freisin go raibh díospóireacht as Gaeilge san olltoghchán in 2021 ach bhí Gaeilge ag an am sin ag Enda Kenny, Micheál Martin agus Eamon Gilmore. Is é sin an fáth go rabhthas in ann dul ar aghaidh le díospóireacht ag an am sin. Nil Gaeilge líofa ag Heather Humphries ná Jim Gavin. Is é sin an fáth nach mbeidh díospóireacht ann. Beidh siad in ann ceisteanna a fhreagairt faoi chúrsaí Gaeilge as Béarla. Sin a mbeidh siad in ann a dhéanamh.

Senator Keogan raised the NOAC report - NOAC is the oversight body for local authorities - on vacancies in social housing and the costs and delays associated with that. Unfortunately, there are delays that are too long. Many local authorities, when there is a vacancy, take the opportunity to do deep retrofit and that takes a long time. It is not a case of one person leaving, getting the house ready and handing over the keys. In many cases, that retrofitting piece is responsible for the delays. I will request a debate on housing, to include retrofitting.

Senator Comyn raised the tragedy in Drumgowna and Tallanstown yesterday in the O'Connor family. Obviously, there is a Garda investigation. The Senator painted a picture of a family that was well known, liked and respected. It was an absolute tragedy and our thoughts go out to all involved, the extended family, neighbours and friends in the area.

Senator Boyle raised the case of a young girl with type 1 diabetes. I have asked him to table a Commencement debate on the matter or to speak directly with the Minister, Deputy McEntee, on the assessments needed. Senators Dee Ryan, Maria Byrne and Martin Conway raised the situation in the mid-west. Unfortunately, it is a hospital that has suffered a lot of publicity for overcrowding over the years. When I was a member of the health committee, there was a special meeting of that committee during the previous Oireachtas on this. I welcome the publication of the report. All three Senators talked of the recommendations that have been expressed. It is important that the Minister, obviously, and the Government agree on a path forward as quickly as possible in the interests of people in Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and the extended area. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, because it is of importance and a number of Senators from the general area would like feed into that debate. I will request that debate as soon as possible.

Senator Scahill raised the issue of apps for older people, particularly in relation to technologies and vending machines. I will certainly raise that. The Senator is on the Committee on Artificial Intelligence. I am sure he will continue his work in relation to whatever recommendations will come from that. If he puts down a Commencement matter or talks directly to Iarnród Éireann about the situation, it might improve, but he talked about technology that is 20 years old.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the matter of men's health, particularly mental health supports, facilities for men and out-of-hours supports. Again, I will request a debate on mental health services at the earliest opportunity. It is a very important area. Unfortunately, there is such a high rate of suicide among men, particularly young men, that there certainly needs to be concerted effort by Government and by us all.

Senator Flaherty raised a matter that is - or was, I am not sure - before the courts and the outcome of the verdict. There is a process in relation to school places and the reporting of information, so I am not sure what happened in that case. I dealt with cases, as I am sure we all have, where schools have lost teachers based on the data they provided, including that there was not enough or it was insufficient. A case was in the news this week in County Clare where a school is one pupil short of keeping the school open. Rules are laid down. I am not sure exactly what happened in this case but I will speak to the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and draw her attention to Senator Flaherty raising this matter.

Senator McCarthy raised the issue of voluntary return allowances for asylum seekers. The Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, was before the House last week so I am not sure we will be able to get him in again, but if the Senator raises this matter in a Commencement debate, he might be able to get a fuller response on the Government's plans in this whole area. This is part of a package of measures the Government is initiating in respect of asylum.