The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding appointment of the chairperson of the Standards in Public Office Commission, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 55(2), Private Members' motion in the name of Fianna Fáil Senators regarding the Defence Forces, to be taken at 1 p.m. and with the time allocated for the debate not to exceed two hours; No. 2, Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 – Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 3.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 6.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 3, Credit Review Bill 2024 – Second Stage, to be taken at 6.30 p.m., with the time allocated for the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.

Before I call Senator O'Loughlin, I welcome to the Visitors Gallery the members of the Social Democrats from Cork South-West. They are guests of Deputy Holly Cairns. I also acknowledge the presence in the Gallery of Councillor Peter Feeney and his guest. I hope they enjoy their visit here.

Our guests are most welcome. I hope they have an enjoyable day.

Today sees the start of TradFest in Dublin. It is the largest folk and traditional music festival. It is really important in celebrating Irish cultural identity and I recommend that people get to many of the events. One of the things that is really notable about TradFest is that it partners with AbleFest, which is the largest inclusive musical festival and which will be run over two days at the National Stadium. It provides a place for neurodiverse children and adults, with their friends and families, to enjoy music in the way many others can. Well done to TradFest for organising that. I wish those concerned the very best of success over the next few days.

I extend sympathy, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil grouping, to the family, friends and co-campaigners of Ziva Cussen, who was a very powerful campaigner for breast cancer awareness. She worked tirelessly through an advocacy group that she set up, Too Young To Be Heard, to amplify the voices of breast cancer patients. Despite her own illness, she remained very focused, right to the end, on helping others.

Targeted cancer prevention and early diagnosis are essential in helping and supporting those who unfortunately have a predisposition towards cancer or indeed a diagnosis of it. OECD data show cancer mortality rates in Ireland are falling faster than the EU 27 average rate and than those of our economic peers. That is really important. My county, Kildare, has the second-highest positive rate of having come through cancer. That is also important. However, there is a particular element I want to highlight. It concerns those who have to undergo mastectomies and who, for a myriad of different reasons, cannot go through reconstruction at the time. When there is a delay, there should be a system in place to ensure treatment for the patient does not end until reconstruction has taken place. I am dealing with somebody who has been waiting for five years. She has been moved from one hospital to another. The process started again only 18 months ago. Most definitely, we need to have a system in place. I would like to see a debate on this issue in which delayed reconstruction is seen as as part of the whole treatment process.

It is with very great concern indeed that I stand here today to draw attention to the shocking increases in drug-related crime, drug use and drug-related intimidation in my area, south Galway. More and more, we see decent local families go into debt to pay off the drug-related debts accrued by their sons and daughters, with great fear of repercussions for them and their children if they do not do so. In recent weeks, we have heard of threats to burn houses, the burning of cars and vehicles, extreme vandalism, burnings in farmyards and threats against people themselves. I am worried that it is only a matter of time before we see in my area, south Galway, a repeat of what happened in Edenderry. Therefore, I call for a special drug unit of An Garda Síochána to be deployed in the south Galway area, including Gort, to make an example of the few despicable and unscrupulous characters who are bringing so much turmoil to it, so that they will feel the heavy hand of Irish justice coming down upon them as a matter of urgency.

I rise this morning because the State's protection of vulnerable children is once again failing in ways that should be deeply troubling to this House. In recent weeks, the courts have heard evidence of children placed in State care who were left without proper supervision and without allocated social workers, and who were exposed to serious exploitation.

One teenage girl already under an interim care order went missing repeatedly while in care and was allegedly sexually abused by adult men across the city. The agencies responsible for her did not account for her movements and objectively failed to keep her safe. In circumstances where a child is repeatedly reported missing, where serious criminal abuse is alleged and where sexual exploitation is openly discussed in court, it is reasonable to ask where was the Garda and whether every appropriate safeguarding and investigative measure activated in time.

In another series of cases, despite direct court orders, children were left for months without allocated social workers. In one case, official records show a child having annual contact with a father who was long deceased. That is not a minor error; it is evidence of a system that has lost command of basic oversight. These failures are not isolated. They mirror what the Child Law Project has consistently documented. Interim care orders are extended indefinitely and unregulated emergency arrangements become the default. Judges are forced to repeatedly recall cases just to maintain accountability.

What is especially troubling is the moral confusion that surrounds these failures. While many Irish politicians are quick, and rightly so, to condemn the creation of harmful artificial images involving children, they have been far quieter when confronted with documented cases of the actual sexual abuse of minors occurring within State-managed systems. This imbalance discredits public debate and those involved and suggests a troubling preference for performative outrage over confronting reality. Children do not consent to chaos. They do not consent to drifting between placements or protection that exists only on paper.

I ask that this House schedule an urgent debate on compliance with child protection orders, the continued use of unregulated emergency places, the role of inter-agency safeguarding - including an Garda Síochána - and persistent failures to allocate social workers to children already in care before yet another judge is left to ask how the obvious was allowed to happen.

I welcome Jim McMahon and the class of 1975 from St. Flannan's College in Ennis. They are in the Visitors' Gallery as guests of Senator Martin Conway. They have been friends for the past 50 years and have come together to mark that friendship. As is customary here in the House, there is no homework for them for the rest of the day. They are very welcome. I also acknowledge the presence of Annie Nealon, who is an intern with Senator Mark Duffy. She is very welcome. I hope she enjoys her experience here in Leinster House.

RTÉ reported this morning that nearly 1,000 early year childcare services have closed since 2019. I know that 579 have opened, but there is still a deficit of 400. There are 40,000 children on waiting lists for childcare places. There is an absolute need for investment in this sector. Providers are saying that their costs are increasing. We know inflation is increasing and that the cost of everything is going up. Yet, Government funding is not going up by anything near what is needed. Staff are receiving improved pay, which I welcome. There was a promise of €10 per child for the cost of childcare in the budget, but this still has not been implemented. I do not want to see costs rising for parents, but providers are actually opting out of receiving core funding in order that they can increase fees. They need to do that to stay in business, but it is putting an additional burden on parents whose finances already stretched and who are reporting that if they have two or three children, they are spending one entire wage on childcare alone.

In recent days, approval was granted for a State-led early learning and childcare investment programme by means of which the State will acquire vacant buildings. That is to be welcomed, but who is going to run these facilities? We need to put resources into them. Many private childcare operators are not interested in this sector. We need to see more investment in community facilities and we need to ensure that they are run as community childcare and early learning facilities.

One parent was in touch with me recently. Her daughter has been 19 months on a waiting list to get a place in a crèche. Other children are jumping the queue because they already having siblings in the crèche in question. That obviously makes sense because you want to keep siblings together. It still does not help the parent to whom I refer, whose child has been waiting 19 months for a place and for whom there is no end in sight. She is dropping down the list rather than climbing it due to siblings jumping the queue. I would really like another debate on childcare, on how this new scheme is actually going to work and on the projected increase in the number of childcare places.

I acknowledge the presence in the Gallery of Eric Ryan, the son of Councillor Siobhán McHugh from Tuam in County Galway. He is a guest of the Leader and is very welcome.

Like my colleague Senator O'Loughlin, I take a moment to pay tribute to a truly remarkable young woman from my community in Drogheda, County Louth. I refer to Ziva Lily Sheehy Cussen who, at 24 years of age, was taken far too young by breast cancer. Ziva's courage, kindness and strength touched hearts right across Drogheda and far beyond. Her loss has left a deep sense of sadness in so many homes. I send my deepest sympathies to her heartbroken family, namely her adoring parents Jim and Marcelle, and her beloved sister, Lainey, on the devastating loss of their beautiful daughter and sister. Ziva passed away on Saturday surrounded by her loving family and under the wonderful care of St. Vincent's Hospital in Dublin. Her death has deeply affected our town and the wider community. There is a profound sense of loss. She was someone who brought so much light, warmth and compassion into the world. She was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at just 21. She chose to use her voice to help others. She became a really powerful advocate for young women affected by breast cancer, speaking openly about her experience and campaigning for greater awareness, early diagnosis and age-appropriate care through her organisation, Too Young to be Heard.

Ziva shone a light on the reality that breast cancer can affect young women and people of all ages and on the devastating consequences of delayed diagnosis and not being taken seriously because of your age. Even while living with advanced illness, Ziva remained focused on helping others. Breast Cancer Ireland described her as a much-loved patient supporter whose bravery and selflessness left a lasting impact. Her honesty and compassion helped to change conversations and helped other patients.

I also acknowledge my other colleague Senator Teresa Costello who stood with Ziva and supported her campaign, helping to amplify her voice and the vital message she was sharing with the country. Those who knew Ziva often described her as a ray of sunshine. It is deeply moving and appropriate that, at her request, mourners are being asked to wear a pop of sunset colour at her funeral tomorrow. That is a beautiful reflection of the warmth and light she brought into the lives of others. I again extend my sympathies to her family. If there is any slight hint of comfort, it is in the extraordinary impact she made in such a short life. May Ziva rest in eternal peace.

I attended a corporate policy group meeting in the County House in Lifford with other Oireachtas members and councillors on Monday last. One of the major issues raised was the lack of access to the N56. I have raised this issue in the Chamber before. It was raised by a number of TDs raised in the Dáil last week. It is the planning regulations that have resulted in people's lack of access to the N56. This remains a serious issue. Since I became a Senator, 41 people have indicated their willingness to build on their own farm land but they cannot get access to the road. One couple whose parents' house is located on a lane that they could also use cannot get planning permission. That is totally wrong. This couple were coming home to look after their elderly parents and wanted to live beside them.

The rule that is in place is simply not working for rural communities in Donegal. We have to get the Minister in here to address the matter. On a cross-party basis, councillors, TDs and Senators are all of the same opinion. This rule is not working for Donegal. It is disadvantaging young people who want to come back from Australia. Their mothers and fathers have been living on land in Donegal for centuries. What is happening is totally wrong. Is there any chance we could get the Minister to come to the House for a debate on the matter? I am aware that Deputies are also calling for such a debate in the Dáil. Having a debate is a way to try to see if we can sort this out once and for all. This has been going on for I do not know how many years. People really need to be allowed to build on their own land in order to secure the future of rural communities in Donegal.

Yesterday, Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, spoke at Davos. What a speech and what a strong international world leader. Mr. Carney has finally stood up to the man who is the President of the United States and the greatest bully this world has ever known. Trump moves from one extreme to the other. In 12 months, he has thrown the world, including the world economy, into turmoil. He plays with countries and people. What are we hearing today? We are hearing that world leaders in Davos are waiting to hear what Trump has to say. They will sit there like little boys and wait to hear what the great Trump has to say. A politician from the United States said those attending from Europe should bring kneepads with them, and kneel down and pay homage to this bully.

It is time that we stood up and stopped allowing this man to kick us all around the place. I know the arguments that will be made, such that our economy depends on being nice to the United States and we have to be careful because the United States is the world power. The world has changed. Donald Trump has changed it forever. I experienced bullying in the workplace many years ago, seven years of it. In the end, one night I woke up and said, "I have to stop this". I found out the only way to tackle a bully is head on. Trump must be tackled.

It is not about Greenland because if he gets Greenland, he will want something else. If he gets something else, he will want something more. It is about calling a bully out for what he is. If it destabilises the world economy, it cannot do more than he has already done. Let him bring on the threat of tariffs. We need to start looking east, like other countries, and build relationships with India and Pakistan. Trump cannot hold us to threats any longer.

As a member of the Committee on Transport, I would like to highlight a matter. Yesterday, I travelled to Leinster House and listened to "The Tommy Marren Show" on Midwest Radio when Darren Forde phoned in. He was recognised as Mayo person of the year and is a brilliant community activist from Hollymount. He has led the Hollymount community first responders and is a very entrepreneurial man. We are all very proud of him. He pioneered eco-powered defibrillators.

Mr. Forde highlighted an accident where a car left the side of the road. Many good Samaritans stopped along the way to make sure there was no one in it. Thankfully, the accident was resolved, but the car was still on the side of the road. We have seen this happen many times due to black ice and the inclement weather over the past number of weeks. Mr. Forde made a very good point and I will use this opportunity to highlight it. He spoke about the importance of having hazard tape in the car. This can be wrapped around the vehicle to advise people that an accident has been addressed or resolved. He also used the opportunity to raise a point, which I am amplifying, about the need for drivers and motorists to have safety equipment in their cars.

A few small things can save a life. He suggested motorists carry two high-viz vests, a headlamp so people can use their hands in the dead of night, a windscreen hammer to open a window or windscreen and hazard tape. Small packs like this in every car could save a life. It is something I wanted to share in the House. We should highlight it to the Minister for Transport and perhaps have an awareness campaign with the Road Safety Authority. At this time of year, vulnerable road users can be negatively impacted at a moment's notice and people should be prepared for that.

I welcome Deputy Tony McCormack and his guest to the Gallery. I hope you enjoy your visit to Leinster House.

Today is a critical day in the fight against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, when the European Parliament will vote on whether the deal should be referred to the European Court of Justice. That referral is essential. It is about ensuring that the trade agreement is legally compliant with the European Union's obligations on climate action, sustainability, human rights and the Paris climate agreement.

These are not abstract concerns. The Mercosur agreement raises serious questions about deforestation, environmental destruction, food safety standards and human rights protections. If the deal is incompatible with EU law, then there is no place for it to move forward. That is precisely what the European Court of Justice must be allowed to assess. Many Irish MEPs have publicly stated their opposition to the Mercosur deal and today is the moment when words must be matched with action. If MEPs are genuinely opposed to this deal, they must vote in favour of referring it to the court.

This referral does not delay justice; it seeks it. It ensures proper legal scrutiny before irreversible damage is done to Irish farmers, our environment and public trust in European decision-making. The Mercosur deal would undermine the livelihoods of Irish farmers by allowing in products produced to lower standards than those in place here. It would weaken environmental protections at a time when we should be strengthening them and send a message that trade trumps climate and human rights obligations. It is not too late to stop this deal.

I urge the Government to actively support the referral. I urge all Irish MEPs to vote in favour of it today. The public, farmers and rural communities are watching closely. The House should be absolutely clear that the Mercosur deal must be stopped and every available legal avenue must be used to do so.

On Monday, we learned that €360 million was allocated for active travel and greenways across Ireland for 2026, which is incredible. This investment is dedicated to the development of walking and cycling projects that offer safe, sustainable and healthy transport options to communities around the country. The investment also delivers safer connections for pedestrians and cyclists. It means more of us can choose active and sustainable travel for everyday journeys. Thanks to the Department of Transport, the continued high level of funding for active travel will have a real impact on our communities, cities, towns and villages.

Meath secured €10 million in funding for projects like the cycle and walking route along the Dublin Road, linking the Circular Road with Martha's Bridge. More money was allocated for the Trim Road to the Borallion. I might use my time on a future date to speak about how unbelievably dangerous the Borallion is and how much we need it to be updated as soon as possible. I had a major car crash there, which was horrendous. Other projects include the Flowerhill pedestrian and cycle scheme and funding for the safe routes to school scheme for St. Stephen's National School in Navan and Beaufort.

Some €500,000 was provided for bus enhancements, which is really good. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, and the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, for this. However, I want to focus on the bus enhancement scheme and bus stops. Meath is the only county where most workers commute out of it for work, predominantly to Dublin. As the county town, Navan is a major driver of this trend, with many residents commuting to Dublin despite its lack of rail access. This heavy daily influx to Dublin causes significant traffic, with Meath residents experiencing some of Ireland's longest commutes. This morning, there was another crash on the M3 and I had to divert around the country to get here to work.

How is it even remotely fair that Navan and Meath get €500,000 for bus enhancements when, with no disrespect to any other county in Ireland, counties like Longford or Laois get the exact same? We need an increase. The National Transport Authority gets a certain allocation - I understand it is around €13.5 million per year - for bus stops. We get the same as every other county, which makes no sense. We are the county with the highest rate of commuting, in particular, from the town of Navan to Dublin. Commuters leave for work every day. We need more bus stops and more than €500,000 in funding. The NTA needs to look at us separately from other counties.

I welcome Benjamin Moloney from the University of Limerick who is interning with Senator Joe O'Reilly. You are very welcome. I hope you enjoy the experience.

Last week, I spotted something in The Irish Times relating to a guide produced by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, ICCL, with support from the State's human rights watchdog, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC. Basically, it stated that schools must use the preferred name and pronouns of transgender students who should also be allowed to use the bathroom of their preferred gender.

This is all in this guide on the rights of trans people. We all agree that, when it comes to schools, there should be an approach of compassion, gentleness and awareness of the many challenges that children who are confused about their gender face. What concerns me, however, is that two legal advocacy bodies, one of which I understand receives quite a lot of money from foreign sources and the other of which receives a considerable amount of money from the taxpayer, are basically pushing an idea that certain approaches on schools are somehow legally mandated. Their narrative on this is cloaked in the language of legality. In the guide, it states, “your school must make every effort to update your name and pronoun in relevant systems and documents". A layperson reading this would think that the laws in this area are clear, have been passed and that things have changed and everything in the guide is mandated. This is pure dishonesty on the part of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and IHREC to the extent that they stand behind such an approach. They are trying to pretend that the law is clear in this area when in fact our courts have not determined meanings around gender in the way they are leading us all to think. At most, occasional equality officers or minor tribunals have made decisions in particular cases that they may be attempting to point to. I am raising today my objection at the dishonesty of these organisations that are cloaking their advocacy in legal language and pretending the laws of this State require schools or other institutions to act in a particular way. Many of these approaches are highly controversial and not evidence based. The law is certainly not clear in this regard. The courts have not pronounced. Legislation around equal status, for example, was passed long before the whole current gender identity debate started. This is a call for honesty from these State-funded and so-called public interest NGOs. It is also a call for a debate so that we can hear from the relevant Minister about what the law says.

Hear hear.

Everyone is talking about Enoch Burke - there is a lot to criticise about the way he has gone about what he has done - but let us find out what is the law in this area and what kind of law and policy we want to have guiding schools when it comes to dealing with the problems of children with gender dysphoria and, indeed, the needs of their parents and families.

Before I call Seanadóir Scahill, I welcome guests from the Military College of the Defence Forces in the Curragh. They are guests of Fiona Cashin, who works here in the Seanad. They are very welcome here today.

I also welcome the measures this week announced for active travel. A total of €360 million will be available for schemes like the safe routes to schools, SRTS, programme which is an area on which I worked closely with a lot of councillors in County Roscommon, including councillors in north Roscommon such as Councillor Liam Callaghan and councillors in south Roscommon such as Councillor Valerie Duffy. Thankfully, their advocacy for schemes for particular schools that were quite dangerous have been accepted. I cannot wait to see the works taking place around the schools around Roscommon.

I also welcome the significant investment in greenways. Greenways and national trails are something for which I have been advocate for a number of years, long before I was ever in this House. I welcome my guest, Mr. Jeremy Schewe, who has participated in the Irish Camino, or the Ireland West Camino, for a number of years. Some people know it as the way of St. Patrick, as it goes from Downpatrick to Croagh Patrick. We were lucky to meet a number of Senators and TDs this morning to discuss that particular project. I want to take this moment to highlight that “Ireland West Camino: A Pilgrimage Reborn” is a documentary that Mr. Schewe has commissioned. It will be premiering in the Mayo Movie World, Castlebar, on Thursday – tomorrow - at 6 p.m. It will also be shown in the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre on Saturday at 2 p.m.; Knock House Hotel, Knock, on Sunday at 6 p.m.; and Ballintubber Abbey, County Mayo, on Monday at 6 p.m. The beauty of it is that it is highlighting a number of areas in rural Ireland where significant investment is not needed to bring in tourism. It is untapped tourism. Walking tourism is our fastest growing tourism sector in the country at the moment and we need to get out and support initiatives, such as Mr. Schewe’s initiative, and the voluntary community in promoting the meitheal that we have in Ireland. We should promote communities coming together and emphasising and highlighting what they have. I look forward to welcoming anyone who wants to see the “Irish West Camino: A Pilgrimage Reborn” in any one of the showings over the weekend.

In any public forum that I have had the privilege of being in or elected to over the years, I have always promoted and supported the role of carers. They give people the privilege of living in their own homes where they are happiest in general. In purely clinical and cold economic terms, they save the State phenomenal money in terms of the cost of institutionalisation. It is for that reason that I wish to suggest strongly, in light of recent discussions around the Revenue Commissioners’ flagging of the carer’s allowance into the future, that the carer’s allowance should be exempt from taxation. It should be exempt. The actual quantum of money would be small but irrespective of that, that stress and extraction of money should not be the case because if it is a source of taxation, it is minimising the benefit for the carer. A lot of people leave potentially lucrative situations and make difficult personal decisions to become full-time carers. It is a very honourable and wonderful thing to do. It is transformative for the lives of the people for whom they care. Through my family and my wife’s work, I have an intimate knowledge of this whole area. I am asking the Leader to convey strongly to the Minister for Finance, Deputy Harris, and the Cabinet the view that we should not be taxing carers on their allowance. In fact, we should be celebrating them and looking for every budgetary opportunity to increase their allowance.

I thank all Senators for their contribution this morning. I will start with Senator O’Loughlin who acknowledged TradFest and, indeed, AbleFest, which is an inclusive music repertoire for neurodiverse children and adults. I certainly concur with that and wish them well in their initiative. Certainly, it is very inclusive and welcome. She also, along with Senator Comyn, raised the passing of Ziva Cussen, who was an initiator of the charity, Too Young to be Heard, which amplifies the voice of victims of breast cancer, particularly young victims. While the Senator has said that cancer mortality rates are falling here, there are issues in terms of mastectomies and reconstruction and delays in the system. She also said construction should be part of the whole treatment. I certainly concur with that. Perhaps if the Senator puts down a Commencement matter she may get a more direct response from the Minister.

Senator P.J. Murphy raised the issue of drug use and related crime and intimidation in the south Galway area, including the issues that have taken place recently such as threats to burn houses, the burning of cars and intimidation. He has called for a special drug unit to visit south Galway on this matter. Drug use is something that is becoming more prevalent. Those who socially use drugs, perhaps, are not aware of where they come from and the issues at stake for people. For those who become addicted, that has an impact on, first, themselves and their health but also on their family. Certainly, the Senator is right to raise the issue of intimidation and the corrosive impact that there can be on families and parents, particularly elderly parents where there are drug debts that have to be repaid. People are put under huge pressure and stress. Sometimes, intimidation and violence are used. Certainly, I acknowledge that. The Senator may wish to raise that directly with the local gardaí in the district, which I am sure he has.

Senator Keogan raised the issue of children in State care.

She made the point that certain agencies are not accounting for the movement of vulnerable children who may be trafficked or abused. In some cases, records are clearly incorrect. The Senator talked of the need for a debate. I will certainly request a debate with the Minister for children on this matter.

Senator Tully raised the issue of childcare waiting lists. Clearly, there are issues with these lists. The Government’s focus for the last number of budgets has been on reducing the cost of childcare for parents - those who were lucky enough to find a place. Clearly, there is now a need. We saw a recent announcement in relation to the ramping up of places, in particular, public places. With those providers that are outside of the core funding model, the parents are not benefiting from the reductions in fees that we have put in place in recent years. We need to increase the public provision of places where there are gaps or where communities have insufficient capacity. We do not want to remove the private providers, but to supplement them to ensure there is the addition of public places. We have also seen the changes that have taken place with regard to the pay of those in the early childcare sector, which is to be welcomed. It was an issue that was raised by SIPTU and other organisations, certainly in Galway.

Senator Boyle raised the issue of rural planning permission, particularly on the N56 in Donegal. He has requested a debate with the Minister. There is an ongoing issue with planning everywhere, but in particular with regard to traffic coming out onto primary, national and secondary routes. Transport Infrastructure Ireland in general puts in submissions or objections to pretty much every application on a national road, and asks the local authorities to take cognisance of national guidelines in this area. I will certainly request a debate with the Minister in relation to rural planning.

Senator Craughwell commended the Canadian Prime Minister, Mr. Carney, on his speech at Davos, and said that Trump must be tackled. Obviously, President Trump is the democratically elected President of the United States. The best way that the citizens of the United States can lessen the powers of a President they are not happy with is through the mid-term elections in November. It will be a decision for voters in the United States as to how they wish to vote in those elections. Clearly, threats against sovereign states, parts of the European Union and the membership of NATO have to have consequences for those organisations. I certainly hope that the powers that be across the European Union and NATO strongly react to those threats.

Senator Duffy commended the Mayo person of the year, Darren Forde. He also raised an issue that I have come across myself, that is, cars that are abandoned at the side of the road, whether they slid off due to black ice or following an accident. Your inclination is to stop and check if anyone is in there, as I have done myself, but you could be causing a hazard by pulling in, or causing a further accident. Senator Duffy talked about the need for safety equipment, including tape that can be put around the car to show that it has been checked and there is no one in it. Perhaps that would be a nice package or gift for somebody who passes a driving test, for example, and is something the Senator may wish to pursue. I agree it is a good idea.

Senator Collins raised the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, its referral to the European Court of Justice and the decision of MEPs. Obviously, MEPs will have a vote on that today. I am sure they are very conscious of the concerns within the different political party groupings and of their memberships, Oireachtas colleagues, councillors and citizens of the country. I know a number of MEPs have clearly stated they are opposing Mercosur and some are in favour. I would like to think that anyone who does so has balanced all of the issues at stake. We have certainly discussed it within our own political party, and I am sure others have done that as well.

Senator Nelson Murray welcomed the commitments on active travel, as did Senator Scahill with regard to active travel, greenways and safe routes to school. It is all very important funding that is very much needed and very popular among local communities. The volunteers who raise issues can now see that there is a funding stream and a methodology through the local authorities, different bodies and Departments to provide and allocate funding for greenways and active travel. Bus shelters are very beneficial. Some people have to use public transport, and some wish to do so, but standing out in the rain is not something that makes that journey attractive. We will do what we can to improve the number of bus shelters. There are sometimes issues in terms of getting land or the location of bus stops, which can take some time, but where they work out, they are of huge benefit. I certainly agree with Senator Nelson Murray regarding the needs of the commuter belt, including Meath. I hope her advocacy works for those areas that need additional bus shelters.

Senator Scahill spoke about the Ireland West Camino. Walking, trail walking and hiking are hugely beneficial for one's health, both physical health and mental health. As he rightly said, they are becoming increasingly popular. I again acknowledge the investment from the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, in that whole area.

Senator Mullen referred to leaflets from a number of NGOs in relation to preferred pronouns and the use of preferred gender toilets in our schools, and to the laws and policies in this area. Policies come from the Department of education and from boards of management, not from NGOs. That is where these policies should emanate from, not from NGOs. If the Senator wishes to put down a Commencement matter on the particular issue to the Department of education, he might get a response on that.

Senator O’Reilly raised the issue of carers. I know he is a strong advocate for those involved in caring - I will not say it is a profession because it is caring and looking after loved ones. As the Senator rightly said, they save the State so much money. As the Senator knows, there has been some discussion on it this week. Carer’s benefit and carer’s allowance are and always have been subject to income tax, but carers were required to submit annual returns, so that has changed. The point he is making is whether it is fair and just to have carer’s allowance and carer’s benefit taxable. Perhaps the Senator will put down a Commencement matter to the Department of Finance, or we will raise it directly with the Minister for Finance as we engage in the process of preparations for budget 2027.

I acknowledge that the members of Hawkfield Active Retirement Association from Newbridge were in the Chamber for the debate.