I thank all Senators for their contributions this afternoon. One of the most common themes was recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, raised by Senators O'Loughlin, Clonan, Higgins, Duffy, Comyn, Flynn, McCormack and Cosgrove. I join them in paying recognition to this important day, and indeed 16 days of awareness-raising about violence against women.

Senator O'Loughlin also talked about catfishing and the need for evolution of technology, and called for a debate with the Minister.

Senator Clonan talked about the realities of Sharia law, the mutilation of women in Afghanistan and the attack of a woman here in Ireland, Caitlin Hassan, and adult safeguarding legislation. Senator McCormack talked about the Sinn Féin Bill in this area.

Senator Higgins talked about the conflicts in Palestine, Sudan and Congo.

Senator Duffy raised the local groups in Mayo who are involved in raising awareness and supports for women, and Senator Comyn likewise raised the offline and online issues.

Senator Flynn raised the safe spaces and refuges for women and children, as did Senator Cosgrove, with regard to the lack of refuges in her own area. She also acknowledged the 303 children and 12 teachers from St. Mary's Catholic School in Nigeria who were kidnapped over the weekend and the last number of days. I hope they will be found safe and well. I will request a debate on this area of violence against women and raising awareness, as well as the issue of refuges.

Senators O'Loughlin and McCarthy raised issues relating to the leadership role of women in the context of the women’s business network. Senator O'Loughlin spoke about access to credit and mentioned that LEO supports do not apply to services. She highlighted an organisation that has won a tender for mentoring women across the island under the shared island fund.

Senator O’Donovan raised the challenges and deficits of respite care in west Cork and other parts of the country. A number of years ago, the issue related to funding but now it relates to getting the staff to carry out the caring and getting the respite hours for someone to go in to provide that respite care for people. I can only imagine it. The Senator mentioned people who have never gotten respite care. It is a huge challenge. I have dealt with many families who would want to look after their loved ones all the time if they could, but they are physically unable to do so. They need that respite and break. I ask the Senator to submit a Commencement matter regarding the specific challenges in Cork. I presume it is a staffing issue rather than a funding one. He mentioned the additional €600 million, which is certainly welcome, although I do not know whether it will involve additional respite hours. The Senator is right about the importance of the role. Carers are doing the job for the State. I ask the Senator to put down a Commencement matter on that issue specifically for Cork and I will see if we can get a debate on the matter as well.

Senator Noonan requested a debate on the COP Belém talks as we look forward to COP31. I will request that. I know there has been some progress in relation to the national adaptation plan and moving towards the transition away from fossil fuels. There has also been progress with our climate adaptation finances. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, in that regard.

Senator Costello paid tribute to Garda Emer Lamon, who is involved with the Little Blue Heroes and has been named as the Tallaght person of the year. I wish her well and I thank her for the role she has played over the last number of years with this.

Senator Duffy raised the issue of Inland Fisheries Ireland and salmon anglers on the River Moy having reduced access to salmon fishing for next year. There are many challenges with salmon coming back to our rivers. The number of smolts that leave and return is a very low percentage. There are numerous issues at stake such as predation, warming oceans, feeding grounds and, obviously, super trawlers and the likes across the country. I know Inland Fisheries Ireland does a lot of very important work in the area of science, so it will know the exact results coming back regarding returns to the River Moy. There is also predation from seals in many of the mouths of our coastal rivers. That may be the case there as well.

Senators Andrews and McCarthy spoke about the raising of council rents as part of Dublin City Council's budget vote yesterday. As I understand it, the overall budget vote passed with 31 votes in favour and 30 against. I think this has been flagged for a period of time. I am not sure what case the chief executive officer put forward in that regard but, obviously, the democratically elected councillors voted on it. Certainly, it is beholden on all the councillors to ensure that any additional funding raised is put back into the maintenance and improvement of flats and council houses.

Senator Cathal Byrne raised derelict properties owned by the HSE, which is quite a specific issue. I suggest he puts down a Commencement matter regarding the two properties he mentioned in Enniscorthy and Wexford town to see exactly what plans the HSE has.

Senators Ahearn and Scahill raised the issue of Storm Éowyn and the lack of reimbursement to local authorities in relation to money spent on that. Again, I will raise that with the relevant Minister. I am not sure if it is the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, or the Minister for housing, Deputy Browne, who is responsible. Maybe that is part of the problem. I am not sure which of them will be reimbursing that money. I presume it is the Minister, Deputy Browne. That might be the issue in terms of what exact pot the reimbursement is meant to come from. That is of no use to the local authorities that have to balance their books and have spent that money, however. I will request that as well.

Senator Brady spoke about the emotional scenes with the return of the 125th Infantry Battalion from Lebanon. He is right to say that UNIFIL will wind down at the end of 2026. Certainly, we do not know what will be left behind once UNIFIL leaves and what impact it will have on the people in the area. He has asked for a debate.

We have a request in for that. We had confirmation prior to the change of Ministers that there would be a defence debate, but I will request with the new Minister for Defence that that be continued over the next number of weeks.

Senator Scahill also raised the issue of access and inclusion in childcare in relation to capital investment. He mentioned Councillor Liam Callaghan, cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, and the good work he is doing and is involved in there. The childcare section of the capital plan is due to be published soon. I certainly hope there will be good news in that on the roll-out of additional capital funding for childcare places because these are very badly needed.

Senator Nelson Murray mentioned Johnstown in Navan, where there is a lack of facilities for 12,000 people in 4,000 homes. I am not sure whether any lands are available at all. Obviously, Meath County Council can apply for sports capital grants and local clubs, with agreement from Meath County Council, can also apply for those grants for AstroTurf and playgrounds. I do not think CLÁR covers that area of Meath, so LEADER would be the way to go for a playground, but if land is available for the county council or the local community, there are schemes. If no land is available, that is a bigger challenge and people would have to look for land elsewhere through Meath County Council. I certainly wish the Senator well in her advocacy for that community.