I call an Ceannaire to respond.

I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator Fitzpatrick started by welcoming the recent Cabinet decision on Grace's law, which will ban the use of scramblers in public places. She acknowledged that the Minister for Transport will propose regulations to implement a total ban on scrambler use in public places and strengthen the existing enforcement powers of An Garda Síochána, with the intention of closing off any cases where scrambler use may previously have been legal outside appropriate off-road settings and to enhance powers of seizure to reduce the number of seized vehicles that end up back on the roads. We will have an opportunity in the coming months, following the publication of the legislation, to debate that matter.

Senator Fitzpatrick also referred to the weather we are having and commented that those in Dublin who want to get out of the rain may wish to go to the premiere of Eureka Day at the Gate Theatre. Róisín McBrinn, Colm O'Callaghan and the team at the Gate are to be commended on this play, which is being performed here following successful hit runs in London and on Broadway.

Senator Craughwell again raised the issue of defence and defence funding. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, is due in the House on 25 February to discuss matters relating to defence. The Senator also raised concerns about cadet pay. He acknowledged that the Government has increased qualified entry pay for enlisted ranks. As a result, there is certainly a better career trajectory than there was a number of years ago.

Senator Collins referred to the decision to increase the pay of some of our CEOs and called for a debate on the waste of public money. I will request that. The Taoiseach is on record as saying that salaries for CEOs are set by an independent body and reflect recruitment challenges and the need to retain talent.

Senator Boyle referred to Garda numbers in Donegal and is looking for the Minister to come in. I am conscious that deployment is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, but, obviously, resourcing in that regard is a matter for the Government. I will request that the Minister come to the House to discuss policing in general. If the Senator wishes to have a debate on Donegal specifically, he may wish to table a Commencement matter.

Senator Crowe alluded to the ongoing saga of the Galway city ring road. The Senator is a strong advocate for the project and has spoken on many occasions about the need for that road, as have I and a majority - I will not say all - of the politicians from the city and county. The local authority has been a strong advocate as well. As the Senator knows, this is not just a road; it is part of the overall transportation strategy. The previous bypass was just a road project, but this is a transportation project. It includes the additions that have either been put in place and that are in progress in Galway, including BusConnects and a number of other initiatives. Now that the additional information has been submitted by Galway County Council on behalf of the city and the county and as a result of the fact that An Coimisiún Pleanála has decided not to request an oral hearing, we can have a decision on the ring road soon. I acknowledge the message from Karen Ronan, the CEO of Galway Chamber, on this matter during the week.

Senator Murphy O'Mahony raised the issue of women in farming. I acknowledge both her interest in this matter and the important role women play in their own right and as part of the family structure as well. In most cases, farming is not just about farmers themselves, be they male or female, because there is the structure of a family around that. Not everyone has that, perhaps, be they male or female, and we have spoken before about the issue of loneliness and things like that, although it is slightly different. I acknowledge the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. I hope to see advocacy for, and promotion of, the role of women in farming and the agricultural sector.

Senator Martin Conway called for a debate on the future of retail. I will request that the Minister, Deputy Burke, come before us for such a debate.

The Senator commented on the sad news about the liquidation of EuroGiant and the loss of employment for 600-plus individuals. I hope they find employment close to home.

Senator Dee Ryan referred to the comments of the Irish Dental Association's CEO, Fintan Hourihan, at the health committee and outlined her particular concerns regarding Limerick. I am a former member of that committee. We have had a number of debates in this House on this matter over the past five years. There certainly are issues. I have suggested that recently retired dentists who may not wish to perform procedures could be encouraged - and paid, obviously - to perform checks in schools and highlight dental issues. The Minister spoke recently at a dental forum and mentioned encouraging people who have recently graduated to spend a period working in this country. I will again request a debate on this hugely important matter.

Senator Tully referred to housing and co-operation with the HSE and local authorities in respect of the housing waiting list, especially regarding disabled citizens, those with autism, etc. Sometimes, people end up being housed in different counties, which is hugely upsetting for them and their families. I will request a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, on his plans for housing for the elderly in particular.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the issue of planning delays. There is a process that once a planning application goes in, a check is carried out to ensure it is valid. In general, such checks can identify immediate problems. It is unfortunate that an error or omission was not picked up in this case. I do not know how much time was lost but I am sure the HSE will be in a position to resubmit that application very quickly. There is a validation process, an approval process and a period for submissions, etc. There could be issues if we allow a system whereby it is too easy for an applicant, be it the HSE or a private entity, to put in additional information. There has to be a statutory process. I hope that on this occasion the HSE is able to resubmit quickly and get that project moving.