I thank Senators for their contributions.

My colleague, Senator Crowe, raised the important issue of cancer care at University Hospital Galway, UHG. He and the Deputy Leader, Senator Chambers, visited the hospital recently. There is a meeting on this important matter tonight in Salthill, which we and Senator Pauline O'Reilly will be attending. We will await what Professor Michael Kerin has to say, but it is clear that there is an acute bed shortage in Galway. UHG has been identified as the preferred site for its redevelopment as a model 4 hospital. I agree that there has been a great deal of wasted time. There has been talk of options, appraisals and so on for many years, which has only muddied the waters when we should have been progressing a major development on the grounds of UHG.

Senators Seery Kearney, Boyhan, Buttimer and Ahearn raised the issue of Commencement debates and the disgraceful contempt for the House. While I agree with them, there is also a responsibility within parties to address this with their Ministers. The majority of Departments have a Minister and a Minister of State. The Minister might not be able to attend due to a busy diary, but he or she should make an effort to attend the Seanad. If that is not possible, then the Minister of State should attend. What is happening is not acceptable. We have all seen it. On one of my first days in my previous role as a Minister of State, I was handed a script with only five minutes' notice and told to go into the Dáil and read it out even though I did not have a clue what it was about. That was not good. It is important that Ministers treat questions in the form of Commencement or Topical Issue matters with respect. I will raise this matter with the leader of Fine Gael - I ask that the Fianna Fáil Senators raise it with the Taoiseach and that Senator Pauline O'Reilly raise it with the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan - so that we can see more Ministers and relevant Ministers of State in the House and, importantly, the content of the replies is considered.

Senator Seery Kearney also spoke about the welcome amendments to the international surrogacy Bill. I recently listened to "Morning Ireland" or "Today with Claire Byrne" where this matter was discussed. I thank the Senator and others for their advocacy. It is welcome news that amendments are proposed. I heard Mr. Justice John Jordan's comments about the State's failure to provide information during the court case on how it was making progress on amendments to the legislation.

Senator Craughwell discussed apologies or recognition within the Defence Forces and other bodies regarding individuals who have saved lives through their acts of valour. He mentioned Mr. William Mynes of 31 Annaly Road, Cabra, and the then Lieutenant Patrick A. O'Mahony of Tralee, who lost their lives on 29 May 1962 on board the LÉ Clíona when a fire broke out. Both men acted heroically, but there has been no recognition from the Defence Forces. I will raise the issue with the Minister for Defence, Deputy Coveney. It is a matter for the Defence Forces and the Senator raised valid points. He also raised the issue of protected disclosures. I have dealt with important issues in my own area involving people whose lives are on hold and who have suffered great stresses and difficulties because they made protected disclosures.

Senator Ó Donnghaile discussed the protocol. I agree that there has been a welcome change in the mood music, but there is still a long way to go. I acknowledge that Senators Ó Donnghaile, Blaney and Currie travelled to London to engage with parties and representatives there. We could have statements in the House some day soon on matters relating to Northern Ireland and the protocol.

Hear, hear.

We could have a further in-depth debate on the matter.

Senator Sherlock raised the issue of the living wage. I am not sure whether she welcomed yesterday's great announcement by the Government. I appreciate that it may not have been all that she had hoped for or that it is not happening as quickly as she might hope, but it is a welcome progression. I am told that extensive research and consultation has taken place, including with employer and worker representative groups, unions and the public in order to ensure that the living wage is introduced in a way that benefits workers while also being manageable for businesses. That last point is an important point of which we cannot lose sight. There are business people within the Chamber and elsewhere, and we have heard how every progressive change for workers is another cost for business. This must be recognised. However, it has been agreed by the Government that the national living wage will be set at 60% of hourly median wages in line with the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission and will be introduced over a four-year period. The national living wage will be the floor and will be mandatory for all employers from 2026 onwards. This is welcome news.

My good friend and colleague, Senator Pauline O'Reilly, raised the issue of the Galway city ring road and other transport issues in Galway. We can agree on one point, namely, that there are difficulties with traffic in Galway. Senator Ahearn alluded to them. They are stymying development, putting pressure on families and individuals, bad for the environment and mental health and, unfortunately, giving a bad name to Galway city.

The Senator talked about the promise of 20 years. I would argue that if her party and others had not objected to the original Galway bypass all those years ago, it would have been built by now and we could be talking about investment in all the issues that are needed with regard to public transportation in Galway.

That said, the Senator called for a feasibility study on light rail and I agree. If she wants me to sign a letter, I will certainly do so. As I understand it, the rail group in Galway is seeking funding from the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, for a feasibility study. I am not sure whether it has to come from the local authority or whether the Minister can advocate and provide for it. I would certainly support that. The initial stages of BusConnects projects regarding the cross-city link are going through the process as well.

Senator Wilson spoke about the Ukrainian famine of 1932 and 1933 of which, I must say, I was not aware. I believe there is a motion to come at some stage. We will look forward to and perhaps have a debate on that as well.

Senator Buttimer raised the issue of increased toll charges and sought a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, in that regard. I will certainly arrange for the Minister of State to come into the Chamber to talk about the increase and costs for motorists.

Senator Boyhan also spoke about issues concerning Commencement matters in the Seanad, and called for a debate regarding the 10,000 children who are waiting for mental health treatment. I will certainly raise that with the Minister.

Senator Maria Byrne welcomed the peace of mind afforded to the Tully and Sheehy families by the decision by the Minister of Justice, Deputy McEntee, to rescind the decision to allow the individual charged with the murder of Kevin Sheehy from seeing out his time in the United Kingdom. I certainly welcome that decision being rescinded.

Senators Wall and Currie welcomed the proposals for the new gambling regulation Bill. They acknowledged the work of the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, with which I concur, while also commending the work of the previous Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, who put in a Trojan effort, as did all members of the Joint Committee on Justice in that regard. It is a long process for complex legislation to get through. I agree that it is a good day for all those who have suffered shattered lives from gambling addiction. Senator Wall also spoke about the lack of school places in Kildare South. I can certainly contact the Minister or the Ceann Comhairle will be able to perhaps arrange a meeting with her regarding Kildare South.

Senator Ahearn talked about local authorities and rates increases. These are difficult decisions. Obviously, decisions on rates and local property tax are a matter for the local authority members. It is fair to say the majority of CEOs, and this was certainly the case during my time in a local authority, will always advocate for an increase in rates as a way of balancing the books. Councillors have to balance that versus the pressures businesses are under. There has been a considerable increase in funding for local authorities this year, which was absolutely needed because of the increase in energy costs. Funding has also been provided to allow for the increases in pay arising from the Building Momentum pay agreement. Local authorities are under pressure; some more than others. That is a decision for the councillors, however.

I congratulate Senator Conway on the well-attended briefing on digital accessibility yesterday, which I attended and at which very valid points were raised. The Senator said 40 Members of the Oireachtas attended. He made some very important points. Accessibility is hugely important in buildings. One issue is obviously that physical work needs to take place. Sometimes there are undue delays with regard to protected structures and all that goes with that. Issues need to be gotten over, however. There is really no excuse now for State websites that are not accessible. Certainly, it is something that should be taken up with all Government Ministers. Senator Conway is advocating for them to take charge with regard to State agencies and their own Departments and also to provide supports for SMEs.

Senator Boylan talked about the CETA agreement. The Government remains committed to ratifying the CETA agreement in full. The Government will reflect on the wider decision and consider its implications. The initial assessment is that a referendum is not required and that some changes may be required to domestic law. I am sure we will hear more about that over the coming months and years.

Good luck renegotiating with the EU.

Senator Dolan raised issues in Ballinasloe town in County Galway for which she has always been a very strong advocate. I acknowledge the former Senator and councillor, our good friend, Mr. Michael Mullins, who was in the House yesterday. Senator Dolan will continue that advocacy on behalf of Ballinasloe.

Senator Gavan talked about issues at University Hospital Limerick, UHL, which is a very valid concern. A special meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health was held a number of months ago with the management of UHL, which I am sure Senator Gavan and others attended. This issue was also raised yesterday by Senator Maria Byrne, who called for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly. I will advocate for that on Senator Gavan's behalf. It is a very important issue for Limerick.

Senator Malcolm Byrne raised the issues of Rosslare Europort and infrastructure around Oylegate. As well as providing relief for motorists to reach their destinations, bypasses are so valuable for communities up and down this country. I am sure the people of Oylegate would very much welcome a bypass and further development of the infrastructure around that town. I will, therefore, call for a debate on road and transport matters with the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, or the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan.

Senator Carrigy also talked about balanced regional development. As the Senator is very well aware, if we look at where the motorways are on a map of Ireland, there is a big gap in the north west. Clearly, additional infrastructure is needed in those areas. The Senator also paid tribute to former councillor, Mr. Victor Kiernan. I also wish to send my condolences to the Kiernan family.

Senator Ardagh raised issues with the probate office around the lack of customer service, delays and moneys being tied up. Having tried to deal with cases, it is very difficult and frustrating for people. I will certainly contact the probate office on her behalf.