Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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I extend my welcome to the ambassador.

The Order of Business is No. 1, Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 11.30 a.m, with the proceedings thereon shall if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 2.30 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by Government; and No. 60, motion 1, Private Members’ business, motion regarding the EU-Israel Association Agreement, to be taken at 2.30 p.m., or on conclusion of No. 1, whichever is the later, with time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.

Alison Comyn (Fianna Fail)
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I also extend my warm welcome to the Swedish ambassador. Having just purchased my first Volvo electric vehicle, EV, I feel an extra special connection. I wish the ambassador a happy national day.

I also extend my congratulations and best of luck to Drogheda businessman, Edward McCloskey, who founded WaterWipes in 2009. His excellent product is stocked in over 50 countries. Last year he won the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award. Today he is representing Ireland in the final of the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year in sunny Monaco. We have our own sunshine here but we will find out the results tomorrow. I wish Edward and all his staff the very best of luck.

Tomorrow is also a very special day called Make Way Day. This is a special day for the Disability Federation of Ireland to get all of us, including businesses, to see the world from the point of view of somebody with a disability, be that someone in a wheelchair or with other mobility issues. It is intended to raise awareness of issues such as people parking on footpaths, putting bins out in the middle of the footpath in front of a house or chaining bikes in odd or unusual places. Café sandwich boards out in the centre of footpaths or low-hanging trees can create serious problems for anybody with a disability. It might not be something we necessarily think about and it is not perhaps what businesses are thinking about. We need to have a discussion about looking after the public realm and taking into account the needs of people with serious disabilities.

The sun is shining today. We do not know how long it is going to last but today has been designated Amber Thursday. This is a local authority awareness campaign across the country to raise awareness of three particular areas of safety, namely, fire safety, road safety and water safety. When we think of people having barbecues on beaches, the last thing we want is forest fires. When disposing of cigarette butts and throwing them out the window, people could create serious hazards. On the roads on bank holiday weekends we know the dreadful tragedies that can happen. Like all the local authorities, I urge people to slow down and take care this weekend. Water safety is also important. The last thing we want is any more horrific tragedies in our lakes, rivers or on our beaches. This particularly applies to young people. I urge parents to have a word with their children. We do not want to stop fun but they are not invincible. I have asked previously for a debate on making swimming lessons compulsory and freely available in primary schools across the country. It would be timely to ask again for that debate.

Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)
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I would also like to acknowledge and welcome the Swedish ambassador to the House.

Today I would like to highlight the 40th anniversary of Knock Airport in my home county of Mayo. This is an incredible milestone for what was snubbed as the "foggy boggy runway" when it was first proposed to be built. However, Monsignor James Horan had the vision to light that spark in the west and to have the faith to see through what many people dismissed as a project that could not be done. He famously said, "They said it couldn't be done", as he stood at Knock Airport as the first flight took off. Sadly, he passed away on the first pilgrimage to Lourdes later that year in 1986. However, the airport has gone from strength to strength since it opened 40 years ago.My own family had land and bog turbary rights around the area of Kilgariff, Barnalyra and Barnacahoge. We have strong family ties to the area. As Mayo people, and as people across the west, we are extremely proud of Knock Airport. Approximately 1 million passengers travel through it every year. It is a beacon for the whole west of Ireland. We all celebrate and enjoy how easy it is to park up and get through security. The airport connects people with destinations throughout the world. The airport was built on the back of faith and vision, and support from communities right across the country, provided through dance halls and jumbo draws. Support from the diaspora around the world, and in particular in America, helped to realise the vision that woke the west. I acknowledge that and pay tribute to it on the occasion of the 40th anniversary celebrations, which will take place this evening. I remember the late Monsignor James Horan and all that went before to make the airport a reality that we all enjoy. We sometimes take it for granted.

I acknowledge the Government investment to continue to support the airport. It is such a vital link. Many people use it to commute. They live in the west and commute for work every week. It links our diaspora in the UK and across Europe, as well as connecting us through business. Importantly, the pilgrims who still travel to Knock benefit from the airport.

The airport welcomed Pope Francis and President Biden in recent years. Please God, we will have more high-profile visitors coming through it in the coming years. I acknowledge Mr. Joe Gilmore, the chief executive, and Mr. Arthur French, who is the chairman of Knock Airport. I wish them well with the celebrations. Here is to the next 40 years of Knock Airport.

Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)
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The ambassador is very welcome to the House. It is wonderful to have her here. Unlike my colleague, Senator Comyn, I am saving up for a Volvo. I do not have one yet, but we are working on it.

Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)
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Is the Senator saving to buy a Volvo truck?

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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The ambassador makes nothing on commission from Volvo.

Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)
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It is a Volvo truck he is saving for.

Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)
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It is a business venture.

I raise an issue that is happening regarding the Presidency, which is the forced closure of the Silk Road Cafe in Dublin Castle. It has operated there for 25 years and has employed, over time, up to 25 loyal staff. The cafe has been told that it must shut its doors, understandably, because of the Presidency. Workers are facing layoffs and there is no certainty about what will happen after the six months have passed.

As a member of the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, it goes against everything we say downstairs in the committee rooms. We claim to stand for supporting local businesses, protecting employment and respecting workers. I understand the importance of the EU Presidency. It is a time for Ireland to shine. I acknowledge there are security and logistical concerns regarding Dublin Castle. However, there must be a duty of care to the ordinary workers and small businesses caught in the middle of the decisions.

What is upsetting is that there is an apparent lack of engagement or consultation with the owners of the cafe. The owners have said they were given little notice. No compensation package was discussed nor a pathway to protect the livelihoods of the people who work there, including the baristas, chefs, cleaners and managers. Those are long-serving staff who have supported this community initiative. Many have worked there for decades.

We in this House cannot tell SMEs they are the backbone of Ireland when, if something important in the State comes along, disruption is caused and they are shafted. I call on the Government, the Office of Public Works, OPW, and all the relevant Departments to urgently intervene to discuss and engage directly with the business owner and provide proper supports and pathways for the staff there. If the State is spending millions of euro on the EU Presidency, surely basic fairness and decency to its own people are important.

We have a meeting downstairs with the housing committee from the European Union. Many of the MEPs have put on record that they are surprised at how Ireland has the same regulations as our European counterparts yet when it comes to planning houses, the system takes forever and a day. One example was given dating from when the UK was a member of the EU. Mr. Sean Mulryan of Ballymore Group said that when he was dealing with Canary Wharf, he dealt with the Mayor of London. Decisions were made and everything was expedited. In Ireland, it is laborious and takes forever.

Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)
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I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to the effect that debate on the Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025 should adjourn at 2:30 p.m., and not conclude at that time. This is important legislation and the Government should not force it through the Oireachtas without proper scrutiny. Pre-legislative scrutiny was denied and the debate in the Dáil was cut short. The same should not happen in the Seanad. Dozens of important amendments need to be discussed and I urge the Government parties to show some respect to the Seanad and its role in scrutinising legislation. They should allow us to do the job that we are paid to do.

I also raise the payment scheme for the Stardust fire victims. Yesterday, they gave a presentation in the audiovisual room. They are upset and quite angry, and understandably so. The scheme, as it currently stands, has faced considerable criticism from many of the worst affected survivors of this tragic event. It gives no consideration to the severity of injury or experience and gives a flat rate of compensation, rather than one proportionate to the individual cases.

The Government claims that this decision was taken to streamline the compensation process and make it easier for survivors to receive payment. It was taken without consulting the survivors or campaigners. Yesterday, some of those families expressed their concern and hurt that they heard about the new payment scheme through the media. There has been no engagement with them. They are upset. The least they deserve is some sort of engagement. There is considerable inequality in not recognising differences. Some people may have been there on the night and left early. They may have lost a coat. They may have been in circumstances whereby they suffered life-altering and devastating consequences. Jimmy Fitzpatrick had serious burns and injuries. It is important that the Minister meets and engages with them. It is the least they deserve. They have been through an awful lot since 1981 when the 48 children were killed. It is imperative that the Minister meets them. I ask that we raise the matter with the Minister to ensure there is some engagement and consider the payment plan, which seems very unfair to those worst affected.

Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail)
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I raise the issue of social media, and in particular the impact it is having on our children. A submission from senior UK doctors at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges outlined their views. In terms of risks to health, social media ranks alongside smoking. The academy surveyed 132 doctors, more than half of whom saw at least one case of health harm that could be related to tech and devices every week. Over one third saw evidence of harm multiple times per week.

Online safety has been highlighted by Ministers as a matter that will be at the forefront of our EU Presidency. These findings only further make clear the need for action. It would be ideal if we could find a common consensus with our EU counterparts on the issue and agree the best way to limit the impact of social media on our children. However, if common ground cannot be found, we should be ready to take action on our own, and I encourage the Government to do so. When senior doctors are comparing it, in risk terms, to smoking, it hits home how dangerous it is to allow often unlimited access to social media for our children. It would be of benefit to have a longer discussion in this House. I would be grateful if the Leader would invite the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, to join us to discuss the issue in the weeks ahead.

Pauline Tully (Sinn Fein)
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I second the amendment to the Order of Business.

I will raise an issue around a recent EPA report on domestic wastewater treatment system inspections in 2025. There are nearly half a million domestic wastewater treatment systems in the country. Most of them are septic tanks. Homeowners are required to register their septic tank with the local authority. The local authority is required by the EPA to carry out inspections but they only carry out a limited number every year. Most local authorities do and even carry out in excess of what they are required. There were three who did not carry out the required number last year, but they will have to do that this year. Of those inspected, 59% failed the inspection. If a septic tank is not working properly, it is a risk to human health. If it is a faulty system, it can contaminate drinking water from wells. There can also be a run-off into rivers and lakes. It is a risk to the environment as well because then our lakes and rivers are being polluted.

If your septic tank or domestic wastewater treatment system is inspected and it fails, the local authority will issue an advisory note asking you to get it fixed and then you can apply for a grant to do so. The cost of repairing these systems can vary depending on where you live in the country because it depends on the type of land that your septic tank is in. It could cost anything from €5,000 up to €20,000 plus. There is a grant available, if you get this advisory note, of up to €12,000, which is a great help, but if you suspect that your septic tank is not working properly, there is no way of getting that inspection done. You cannot request an inspection. You have to hope that your septic tank will be called.

I am wondering whether this could be looked at. If you think your septic tank is not working, you can request the inspection and, therefore, get access to the grant if it fails the inspection. Otherwise, you are waiting and hoping that your septic tank might be inspected, and only a very limited number are inspected every year. It is a serious issue, both for human health and to the environment. It is something that could be looked at and I ask the Minister responsible to do so.

Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)
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Irish households are being asked once again to carry the burden of rising electricity costs while some of the wealthiest corporations in the world continue to expand their energy demand across this country. A new report warns that households could pay up to an additional €644 on electricity bills over the next decade because of the growth of data centres. Collectively, that could amount to well over €1 billion taken from ordinary families due to higher energy costs. Data centres now consume 22% of Ireland's electricity - more than all urban homes combined - but it is the average person who ends up paying higher electricity prices while many of these large companies benefit from lower commercial rates. For example, Amazon has 14 data centres in Ireland and the company brings in billions of euro in profit every year. Their increasing demand for energy is driving higher electricity costs and the Government is expecting the average homeowner or renter to simply pay the bill.

Over 300,000 households are currently in arrears with their energy bills. Ordinary working people have far less ability to absorb higher costs than multimillion euro corporations. It is totally unjust to ask families who are already struggling with rent, groceries and childcare to subsidise the energy demands of big tech. The Government is talking about the need to transition to renewables but any cheaper renewable energy that is produced will be immediately gobbled up by data centres. If these corporations are placing huge additional pressure on our electricity system, they should also contribute directly to upgrading and expanding the national grid infrastructure required to support that demand. Taxpayers are effectively paying more so that the large tech companies can continue growing their profits with limited responsibility for the environment around them.

Teresa Costello (Fianna Fail)
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In the past week, I attended two very different but equally inspiring events that highlighted the importance of investing in our young people, not only financially but with time, and the impact that can have on their lives and communities. The first was Citywise Education awards night in Tallaght. It was a celebration of achievement, commitment and community spirit. A special mention must go to Elizabeth Valentine, who was recognised as volunteer of the year. Her award reflected the incredible contribution volunteers make. The evening was a reminder that when young people are surrounded by encouragement, mentorship and opportunity, they thrive. It was a room full of friendships and acceptance and everybody was just so happy to see each other succeed. It was heartwarming.

The second event was the opening of a new woodwork room at Rosary College in Kimmage. It is a state-of-the-art facility. The investment in practical education will give students the opportunity to develop valuable hands-on skills, creativity, confidence and pathways into future careers and apprenticeships. Facilities such as this are more than a classroom. It is about giving young people the tools to build their future. I looked at some of the creations the sixth years had on display and the standard was unbelievable. I stood in both rooms and could see possibility and bright futures. It reinforced what investment in young people can do.

Talking about investment in young people, I did not have such a good experience yesterday. I met with families and young people affected by Friedreich's ataxia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. There is a drug, Skyclarys, for Friedreich's ataxia and givinostat for Duchenne's. Without these, these children will waste away. These children will not get to realise their dreams and hopes. With these drugs, they can continue to have their independence, their mobility, their voice and their dignity. I urge the decision makers to make these available. We need these drugs in Ireland for these children.

Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy Leader for being here today. I will highlight an initiative launched in Limerick last Tuesday that is to do with the fact that the Ryder Cup is coming to Limerick next year. A company called Golf Limerick has been set up. It is the seven golf courses, including the municipal golf course above in Rathbane, coming together. Where people are coming to Limerick and the mid-west region, and to Ireland in general because people will stay all over the place when they are attending the Ryder Cup, they will be able to access the golf courses and there will be a lot of joined-up thinking. It is about the different courses working together to promote the sport of golf. I see, certainly in Limerick, that a lot of young people have taken up golf in recent times in anticipation of the Ryder Cup coming. It is wonderful to see young people getting involved in sport because sport is something that we all have an interest in. I believe that this coming together and collaboration between the golf clubs will be a success story and will encourage more people to come out and play the sport of golf.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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I thank all of the Senators who contributed today.

We started with Senator Comyn. I wish the Senator happy and safe driving in her Volvo EV. She mentioned Edward McCloskey, a Drogheda businessman who won EY Entrepreneur Of The Year. That is always a very interesting contest, with participants from lots of different backgrounds. I had the privilege of being at it once. Obviously, Mr. McCloskey's company is doing very well to win that because there is a lot of competition. WaterWipes, I understand, is the name of it. I wish Mr. McCloskey well, as he is representing Ireland in Monaco in the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year. What a lovely place to meet to do that.

The Senator also mentioned Make Way Day tomorrow. It is really important that we try to walk in the shoes, so to speak. Sometimes it is sitting in the chair and rolling on the wheels as well as walking in the shoes, but it is about looking from the perspective of somebody with a disability at the small things that we all do everyday, such as parking our car or a business putting out a sandwich board. It is important we do it everyday, but tomorrow is a day to particularly highlight the public realm. It is important to note.

The Senator also mentioned Amber Thursday, the local authority awareness campaign around fire, road and water safety. The Senator mentioned, and it is certainly a good idea, that all young children should have the opportunity to learn to swim and those swimming lessons should be free of charge. I totally agree, but when there are not enough swimming pools it is a real issue. I am thinking of the young people in Newbridge, Rathangan, Kildare and Monasterevin who do not have access to a public swimming pool.In fact, many of them used to go over to the pool in Portarlington but that is now closing for two years for a refurbishment. It is certainly a good idea, but we need to bring the infrastructure up to scratch as well.

Senator Mark Duffy spoke about the 40th anniversary of Knock Airport, the "foggy, boggy runway" as it was called and paid tribute to the vision of Monsignor Horan, a man who was larger than life and an incredible force of nature. He had the support of so many communities not just in Mayo but right around the country. The airport has gone from strength to strength with approximately 1 million passengers a year. It was undoubtedly a beacon for the west of Ireland. When I hear of Knock airport and Monsignor Horan, I think of that wonderful song "The West's Awake" because it brought a real rejuvenation both in terms of the diaspora and business. It just shows that build it and they will come. When a person has that vision and they build something, it most certainly will be used. Senator Duffy also acknowledged Government support for the airport right throughout the years.

Senator McCarthy spoke about the forced closure of the Silk Road Cafe, a really lovely cafe that is part of the Chester Beatty Library, because of its proximity to Dublin Castle and security concerns related to the EU Presidency. It is a shame. I read an article about it recently and, while I accept that sacrifices will have to be made, it is concerning that there has been a lack of engagement with the owner and no compensation put in place. We will ask that this happens as it is important. Senator McCarthy also raised the issue of planning in Ireland, which arose at the housing committee. Part of the problem is that it can vary from county to county. Planning is not an exact science but we should be able to streamline applications and decisions and ensure that people have straightforward responses even in preplanning meetings. It is important.

Senator Andrews proposed an amendment to the Order of Business that was seconded by Senator Tully and which I will not be accepting. Senator Andrews also spoke about payments for the Stardust victims. I heard a small debate on "Morning Ireland" yesterday morning in relation to this issue. The Senator is correct that it should not be a flat rate because while everybody was traumatised by what happened, there were degrees of severity experienced. It should be proportionate and we will ask the Minister to look at that and to engage with the victims.

Senator Crowe spoke about social media and the impact it has on our children and the fact that recent research has shown that it can be as bad for our health as smoking. He is right. We have a commitment that it will be raised during the EU Presidency but the Senator is right when he says that we need to have a consensus among our EU partners. That is the best way to deal with this crisis and let us a call it a crisis because it is. We will look for the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, to come in and talk about it. We have looked for him on several occasions. He has not come yet. I do not think he has been in the Seanad Chamber during this mandate, so we will put pressure on to try to get him here in relation to this. It is an important issue.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about energy costs and in particular the energy costs for homeowners and renters as opposed to the energy demands for business. One should not be exclusive of the other. We should have enough energy to ensure that the house occupier is not in competition with business because we need the business element as well. She spoke about the transition to renewables. At the moment, about 46% of our energy comes from renewable sources and these businesses are paying very high development levies when setting up. I accept that in general energy costs are a concern and I assure the Senator that it is something that the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Government are looking at.

Senator Costello spoke about investing in our young people and about the Citywise Education awards in Tallaght with a particular mention of Elizabeth Valentine. She is so right about young people thriving in positive situations where they have positive engagements with their peers and mentors in their lives. She also spoke about visiting the new woodwork room at Rosary College. It is wonderful to go to new schools or extensions and see the home economics, woodwork and science rooms. My God, it is quite incredible to see how they are kitted out. We would all love to be back in school to be doing that again. The Senator also spoke about the drug givinostat and I thank her for organising a good briefing yesterday. It was heartbreaking to listen to those who are suffering and to the parents of those who are suffering. We will continue to bring that message back to the decision-makers, to the HSE, the Minister and, of course, to the drug companies as well.

Senator Maria Byrne spoke about Ryder Cup coming to Adare Manor, which we are all looking forward to, and about the golf clubs that are coming together to encourage young people to take up golf. She said that there are seven golf clubs around Limerick. It is great to see young people participating in any sport, but golf is unique in that a person does not need a big team and they can go out at any time of the day. I know young people who have taken up the sport and they find it really good. It is certainly something that we need to encourage.

I missed Senator Tully, and I apologise to her. She spoke about the recent EPA report on domestic wastewater treatment systems and about the inspections that are carried out when owners register because they are required to do so as we know. It is a fact that 59% of systems fail the test but homeowners then have access to get a grant of up to €12,000, which is significant funding. It is a concern that when systems fail the test there is a risk to health and the environment. The Senator makes a very fair point in relation to the fact that it is random testing and that if people are concerned, they should be able to request it. It is something that we will bring back to the Minister. It needs to be teased out in case everybody went looking for the test, but it could maybe be done on a phased basis to ensure that requests that come in from different geographical areas are done. It is worth a lot of merit, and we will bring it back.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Andrews has moved amendment No. 1 to the Order of Business: "That No. 1 be taken at 11.30 a.m. and adjourned at 2.30 p.m. if not previously concluded." It was seconded by Senator Tully. Is the amendment being pressed?

Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)
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Yes.

Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Before I put the question, I welcome the group from St. Pius X Girls National School student council. They are visiting the Seanad today as guests of Deputy John Lahart. They are most welcome. Deputy Lahart may have made them aware that there is no homework for the rest of the week for students who come to the Seanad, so there is no homework tomorrow for the student council.