Before I call on the Leader, I welcome to the Gallery guests of Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, namely, Sam Doyle and Hugh Murphy from Newbridge College. They are most welcome. I also welcome guests of Senator Stephenson, namely, Councillor Shane Hickey-O'Mara from Limerick and student Sean O'Gorman as well. We also have Scoil an Chroí Naofa, Ballinasloe, guests of Deputy Claire Kerrane, who I think is there as well, and the teachers. I hope some teachers are with them but we welcome them if they are and inform them there will be no homework for any visiting school for the rest of the week

The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on defence matters, to be taken at 2 p.m. and conclude and to conclude at 3.30 p.m. if not previously concluded, with 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 can be shared and the Minister to be given no less than ten reply to the debate; No. 2, Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, Committee Stage, to be taken at 3.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 5.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 3, ráitis maidir le Seachtain na Gaeilge, to be taken at 6 p.m., to conclude at 7 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed six minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than six minutes to reply; and No. 4, Private Members' Business, Institutional Burials (Amendment) Bill 2022, Second Stage, to be taken at 7 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.

We were all shocked right across the country at the level of road deaths over the weekend, particularly the accident in Waterford that took the lives of Brian Frisby and Grace Elliott in such a shocking and immediate way. Brian and Grace lived in Naas with their sons Theo and Fionn. Grace was an SNA at Scoil Na Naomh Uilig in Newbridge and I was speaking to some members of the school community there this morning. They are obviously in complete shock and sadness so our very deepest sympathies go to Theo, Fionn and the very many friends, communities and work colleagues Brian and Grace had. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

Friday will be denim day for dementia and Cian Prendergast, Irish rugby player and former Newbridge College student, the same as Sam and Hugh, is the ambassador for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. It is great to try to promote awareness of the excellent work the Alzheimer Society of Ireland does but also to make us all aware of people living with dementia, and their families, and the supports they need within the communities within which they live. On Thursday evening in the Keadeen Hotel at 7 p.m. I will be having a public meeting to help to make Newbridge a dementia-friendly town.

This is something that has been done in a number of towns across the country but this is the first such meeting in Kildare. There are many challenges with a diagnosis of dementia but we can all work together within the community, from sporting clubs to businesses to neighbours to friends, to help make life a little bit easier. I encourage anybody who can to come to that meeting or to contact me if they cannot and we will do it at another stage.

Friday is also the Ireland Reads “Get lost in a good book” day, with excellent Irish authors. We should do that.

Finally, I want to refer to an email I received from Deaglán De Paor, former chairperson of Newbridge Tidy Towns. He is an incredible volunteer with it. He wrote on an issue that I had raised before but we had not had any feedback, namely, the metal nitrous oxide canisters that are discarded around all our parks, footpaths, roads, etc. There is no way of disposing of these. There is for those who have to use them for professional purposes but if anyone contacts their local authority or the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, they are told there is no way to get rid of them in a sustainable way. We need to have that addressed. It is important that we have a debate with the Minister for the environment in relation to solving this.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 12 be taken before No. 1."

I second that.

I am bringing forward a Bill on tool theft to amend the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 to introduce a mandatory minimum custodial sentence for serious theft-related offences involving work equipment where the theft directly prevents someone from earning a living. Under its provisions, where an adult is convicted of theft, burglary, aggravated burglary, robbery or handling stolen work equipment, a court would be required to impose a minimum sentence of three years imprisonment. The Bill would further provide that the sentence could not be suspended beyond 18 months. I intend to put in place a real and clear deterrent so that the punishment for the crime reflects the seriousness of the crime. I believe that is not currently the case.

I want to raise issues about disability rights. I received a letter from a 12-year-old girl called Holly from Killiney in Dublin who was writing about her ten-year-old brother Ciaran, who is in third class in Our Lady of Good Counsel in Johnstown, Killiney. She is terrified about what will happen to him arising from the proposed changes to the provision of special needs assistants in primary school. I have permission from her parents to read this here. It was addressed to "Dear people of the Taoiseach". That is the Government Senators, by the way. She said her name was Holly and she was 12 years old. She writes: "I'm writing to you because what [you are] doing to “help” [neurodiversity is taking] away their SNAs". This is because the new allocation will be based on what is called primary need, a medical model of disability that is ableist and deterministic in its nature and contrary to the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. I know there are Senators who are former Deputies from both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael who have experience in this area and who share this young girl’s frustration. Holly asked how they were going to help her family. Holly writes: "You guys remind me of another person in power (hint he's orange)" because they say one thing and do another. She explained that, if we were wondering why a 12-year-old girl was writing this, it was because her brother Ciarán was ten years old and had autism and ADHD. She wrote that, in case the Government thought what it was proposing would not affect him, it would because "people in the school [industry, by whom she means SNAs] don't just help [neurodiverse] people but everyone, the teachers, students and visitors". She asked, "please do something and write back."

She has taken the time to write to us. She has a little poster that the Leader might give to the Minister, Deputy Naughton. He might also ask the Minister why she is doing this. The poster reads, "Don't take away SNAs". Where are we when 12-year-old girls are writing to this House to find out why absolutely essential supports are being taken away from disabled citizens and schools? That denies them their constitutional right to education. For me as a parent and carer, this letter reinforces that it is not just the person with additional needs, but the stress it puts on their families. A 12-year-old girl is worried. Shame on us collectively. We had Government promises running up to the election that it would do the devil and all about disability rights but it is rowing back on SNAs. The elderly parents of disabled citizens are being told they are legally obliged to care for and accommodate their adult disabled children until they die. The Taoiseach and the Government have had to apologise for that. What trajectory is it on? At their parliamentary party meetings, will the Government Senators please prevail upon their Ministers to straighten up and fly right on disability because the people are exercised about this? They saw the result of the care referendum. There are votes in this even if they do not believe in the inalienable rights of disabled citizens, although I know many of them do. The Government’s actions speak louder than words. It is turning the clock back in every aspect of disability rights.

Hear, hear.

I know Members are aware of the Standing Order about props in the Chamber. I understand the Senator received it but Members need to be aware of those particular rules of the House.

I did not get what the Cathaoirleach said.

The use of material in the Chamber - slogans, banners, T-shirts.

I beg the Cathaoirleach’s pardon. Sorry.

I know the Senator is aware of it. It is okay. I just did not want to interrupt him.

I want to join the Cathaoirleach on sending sympathies to the extended White family. Mary was someone with a great vision, determination and energy. She did not put up with any chit-chat or guff. She got straight to the point. She was a strong republican, as is her husband Padraic. I would like to extend my sympathies to the White family.

I want to propose an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 13 be taken before No. 1." I refer to the Planning and Development (Provision of Public Housing) Bill 2026, which has been put down by the Sinn Féin Senators. This is a simple Bill. It is to ensure and protect the provision of public housing, removing an exemption from Part V obligations for high-density development sites of less than 0.1 ha. We have seen the continual use of this loophole by developers seeking to avoid their Part V obligations. This is particularly relevant in the inner city of Dublin and other highly populated areas across the State. When we see large commercial developments of up to 50 units being exempted from providing public housing on the basis that their sites are particularly small at street level, it is clear that the existing legislation is flawed. This is a common-sense change that would have been put in place when the height limits in Dublin were raised some years ago by the then Minister, Eoghan Murphy. Developers should be held to their obligations to the community on the basis of the true size and scale of their developments and not on the arbitrary assessment of acreage.

Communities in the inner city are experiencing the worst side of the housing crisis. Families are living in damp, overcrowded conditions only fit to be condemned and pulled down. Communities in areas like Ringsend, Pearse Street and Kevin Street are the heart of this city. These communities are facing neglect and the public – ordinary working families – are being priced out of housing in the inner city. We are seeing a generation of people being forced to abandon the community they know and grew up in in order to try to find a home a long distance from the inner city.

It is ordinary people like this who make the inner city. Without them, Dublin will be and would be a shell of a city. We need to amend legislation to ensure public housing is delivered in communities most under pressure. The only way we are going to solve the housing crisis is by delivering public housing on a massive scale to bring down private sector rents and ensure that no one is left sleeping on the streets or in a hostel. This Bill is a small step forward towards that goal and I hope this House will support it at a later stage.

This week marks the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine. Across Ireland over the past few days there have been vigils that have been both sober and emotional for the Ukrainians who are living here. Since the beginning of the war Russia has abducted around 35,000 Ukrainian children but that figure could actually be much higher. So far, more than 15,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, including 739 children, due to the relentless and indiscriminate attacks from Russia, according to figures from the UN. I would like to see Ireland leading on negotiations specifically around the return of these children.

In October last year I asked the Ukrainian ambassador what support they needed and she drew specific attention to the question of mental health. The Irish Red Cross is leading on mental health supports through a trauma-informed approach. Wwe must ensure that it is equipped and funded to keep that service going. The ongoing trauma is significant for people in Ukraine and for those Ukrainians living in Ireland who have family and friends at home, living in a war zone, from whom they are separated.

The EU has committed to a loan to Ukraine and I would like to see Ireland lead on getting that funding transferred to Ukraine as quickly as possible to support the reconstruction and humanitarian efforts, despite the obstacles coming from Hungary. War is never the answer and peace can never be achieved through military means. Dialogue is the only way. It is the only pathway for securing peace and the international community must stand firm against Putin's breaches of international law.

I was appalled but not really surprised yesterday by the US Government's abstention on the UN General Assembly vote calling for a ceasefire. The idea that a ceasefire or an end to the killing is in any way controversial is ridiculous. As peace talks continue, we need to acknowledge that they are fragile. For a lasting and just peace, Ukraine cannot be strong-armed into an agreement which does not reflect the brutality of Russia's illegal war. I have always believed Ireland has a role to play, given our position of neutrality, in engaging as a meaningful interlocutor on these questions and I would like to see the Department of foreign affairs doing so much more.

I also want to acknowledge that this week is eating disorder awareness week. Despite increased awareness around those who suffer from eating disorders, sufferers are still woefully under-served in Ireland. One in 20 people will have an eating disorder at some stage in their lifetime. While this is something that predominantly affects girls and women, data from 2023 indicates that 25% of sufferers are men and boys. This is something to be cognisant of because there is still so much stigma for people who suffer from eating disorders in terms of being able to express it and that stigma is particularly difficult for boys and men. We have major gaps in eating disorder services, particularly for those under 18. The timelines for the additional 19 adult beds that have been promised are still very much up in the air. I would like us to consider having a health debate specifically related to disordered eating because it is so pervasive in our communities. The online space and social media contribute to people's sense of self-image. Disordered eating is, first and foremost, a mental health condition and it merits a substantive debate in this Chamber.

On behalf of the Civil Engagement Group, I would like to pass on my condolences on the passing of former Senator, Mary White. I also agree with Senator Stephenson that we should have a debate on eating disorders. That is a really good idea.

We are scheduled to debate the Institutional Burials (Amendment) Bill 2022, in the name of my colleague, Senator Ruane, this evening. I understand that the Government is introducing a motion declining to give the Bill a Second Reading, which is really disappointing. I regret that I will not be able to attend the debate this evening due to prior commitments, but I want to highlight the importance of this debate. I commend Senator Ruane and my Civil Engagement Group colleagues on their ongoing work on the Bill.

In recent weeks we have heard reports that additional infant human remains have been recovered from the site at Tuam. The Institutional Burials Act 2022 provides a legislative basis for interventions at institutional burial sites. It sets a very high legal threshold that, in practice, makes it difficult to authorise State-led interventions at institutional burial sites other than Tuam. The Act was drafted with Tuam in mind and several of the criteria for intervention are specifically referential to the context of Tuam, to the extent that other known or suspected institutional burial sites cannot meet them. The special advocate for survivors, Ms Patricia Carey, recently called for urgent consideration to be given to identifying, preserving and marking in a dignified and agreed manner all remaining burial sites of children and adults who died in institutions to show that we are a modern, moral and kind nation that values and honours its dead. Ms Carey highlighted sites at Sean Ross Abbey, Bessborough and Castlepollard, where the burial grounds of the mothers, babies and children who died there are not known. She outlined how, from 1921 to 1998, over 15% of children born in institutions died, numbering over 9,000 children. These are horrifying numbers and our response to the deep trauma caused by the experience of survivors in these institutions must be highly sensitive to their needs and the needs of their families.

The Institutional Burials (Amendment) Bill 2022 seeks to expand and strengthen the powers granted to the State under the Act of 2022. The Bill's central aim is to ensure that the State can intervene appropriately in cases of suspected inappropriate or undocumented burials linked to institutions such as mother and baby homes, industrial schools or other institutional settings. The Government's decision to deny a Second Stage debate on this Bill is really disappointing and regrettable. The 2022 Act needs to be amended in order to be fit for purpose for other inappropriate institutional burial sites. It would be preferable for the Government to meaningfully engage and work with Senator Ruane to achieve outcomes we can all agree on, including equality, fairness and a dignified approach across all sites and for all survivors.

I also want to be associated with the Cathaoirleach's remarks on the late former Senator, Mary White. I have no doubt we will have statements on her in the future and I will make a more detailed contribution then.

This morning I want to raise an article published in today's Irish Independent about the post mortem service being in crisis, causing delays to funerals of more than a week. When I read that article this morning, I was taken aback. The article quotes a report from the faculty of pathology in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland pointing out that there is a real crisis in the provision of autopsies. Unfortunately, the biggest delay is in specialist baby death autopsies. All of us will have suffered bereavements of loved ones in the past. It is very hard to get the terminology right here but we are noted in terms of how we respect our dead, how we grieve our dead and how we treat our dead. When someone we know dies in a neighbouring country, we often have no idea when the funeral will be held. It could be anything up to a fortnight after death. That is beginning to happen here, unfortunately. I would like to have a debate on this in the House. It is a complicated issue in that the pathologists are employees of the HSE generally. When an autopsy is requested by a coroner, it is paid for on a case-by-case basis by the local authority but ultimate responsibility lies with the Department of justice. I will let the Leader decide who we would invite here to discuss this issue. I know from personal bereavements that there is such solace in getting the remains of one's loved one back into one's possession for the wake or whatever. It must be a nightmare to have to wait one, two or three days. According to the article I read, funerals scheduled by churches and funeral homes have had to be deferred at the eleventh hour because the remains had not yet been returned. Locum pathologists are being flown in to carry out autopsies in the Waterford region. We really need to have a debate on this. We do not want to see the situation deteriorating any further. The sooner we make improvements to bring the service back to the usual high standards of respect that we have for our bereaved, the better.

I second the proposal from Senator P. J. Murphy that we deal with No. 12 before dealing with No. 1 on the Order Paper.

I welcome the news announced yesterday that the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Deputy O'Donovan, brought a memo to the Cabinet yesterday in relation to the repurposing of the former International Rugby Experience museum on O'Connell Street in Limerick city.

This is an award-winning building. It was built out of the generosity of the McManus family and was gifted to the State. At the time, it was proposed that Limerick City and County Council would take over the building but it was not in a position to do so. I welcome the fact that the Minister has decided to bring it under the auspices of the National Museum of Ireland. Currently, there are four different places for the museum. There are three in Dublin and one in Mayo. This will be the fifth once the plan is put in place. It is going to be a museum to acknowledge the achievements of women, and it will be the first in the country to do this. According to the Minister and the Department, women have not been acknowledged over many years for different achievements, so the plan is that this will be a national museum dedicated to the lives of women. However, it will also be a tourist attraction along the Three Bridges Walk around the city. Limerick is synonymous with the Three Bridges Walk. Many people come and visit different cultural attractions as well. There is a ticket people can get for going to different attractions, be it King John's Castle or the Hunt Museum, and this will now be a welcome addition to Limerick city and the cultural tourist trail.

I second Senator Andrews's amendment to the Order of Business regarding his Bill.

I am going to bring up an issue I have brought up in this House previously on the Order of Business and through Commencement matters about the loss of jobs in Abbeyfeale at the Kostal plant. We are looking at 140 job losses. My issue is the lack of investment in our rural towns and villages. We are constantly seeing Ministers and councillors who all delight in taking pictures when a job is created, but we do not seem to see them very often when the jobs are being dropped. We have Kostal in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick. Wyeth in Askeaton will be closing its doors next month resulting in the loss of a whole load of jobs. We need investment in our rural areas. We need to start seeing them as actual opportunities for job creation and not just let them continue to decline. I have been in contact not just with the workers in Kostal but with SIPTU. It is still waiting for any engagement from the Minister for enterprise on this. SIPTU wants to know if he is going to engage with it. I would like to see him hold a meeting with the workers in Kostal. A lot of these workers would have gone straight from secondary school to work there, which would have been the 40 years ago. They will not have the skills that are required to redo curricula vitae, CVs, and conduct job interviews. They are going to need a lot of support. I would like some supports put in place. I have also sent an email to the Minister to see if I can get an update on what is happening. We need to look at investment in rural Ireland. Lidl had a proposal in for planning permission in Abbeyfeale. It has been rejected because it does not suit the town plan. Maybe town plans need to be readjusted to suit the needs of the people within the town. It might just be a Lidl store, but not having that Lidl store is forcing the people of Abbeyfeale to leave the town to do their food shop somewhere else because they have a lack of choice. It would also increase employment in the area.

I share my condolences on the passing of former Senator Mary White with her family and loved ones.

I am monitoring with interest the proposed talks about a merger between Aurivo and Dale Farm, which is based in Northern Ireland. Aurivo is a brilliant company owned by over 10,000 farmers. They contribute a huge amount to each of the communities where they are based and where the production is based. I would welcome a discussion with the Minister for agriculture on it. Without trying to interfere in a process that will be democratic and no doubt constructive and maybe make sense for both parties, I would like to make sure, in the interests of the 10,000 farmers who are part of the Aurivo ownership, that in the event of challenges the sector may face into the future, whether that is something like we discussed yesterday with bluetongue or different scares that might threaten the industry, an incorporation of Aurivo outside of the jurisdiction of the Republic and outside of the European Union will not have a negative impact on potential supports for farmers. I am sure this will be discussed in any of these ongoing talks. Next month, there will be conversations and meetings on this but we need to have everything answered and considered for farmers before any decisions are made to make sure the livelihoods and farmers in my home county of Mayo and right across Ireland are protected in any potential merger. I would, therefore, welcome an update from the Minister on this and clarification, in particular, for supports for farmers into the future if the ownership is incorporated outside of this jurisdiction.

I warmly welcome the announcement of €65 million in funding for local and national roads in County Kerry last week. This is a significant investment, and it will make a real difference to communities right across the county. I acknowledge the Minister and his Department for recognising the scale of the need in Kerry and supporting the work of Kerry County Council in maintaining and improving our road network. However, while the roads funding announcement was very welcome, I must raise an issue that has been a source of deep frustration for the people of Listowel, north Kerry and, indeed, me personally for many years. I am referencing the section of the N69 leading into Listowel between Boland's Cross and the Tim Kennelly roundabout in Listowel. It is approximately 1.2 km. This is not a minor road by any measure. It is a main national secondary route, a key artery into Listowel and a road that thousands of people rely on every day, yet its condition is, quite frankly, disgraceful. Kerry County Council placed this section at number three on its priority list for national roads resurfacing. It has repeatedly highlighted its deteriorating state. I have been calling consistently and publicly for this stretch to be resurfaced for seven years. While I welcome the funding package, I must ask the question the people of Listowel and north Kerry have been asking of me for the last week: why was this section of the N69 not included?

This stretch of road that has been flagged time and again. It is a road that carries heavy traffic. It is a road that is vital for business, tourism, commuters and families. Indeed, with all the entrances on greenways and such, the entrance to the completed multimillion euro greenway from Limerick into Listowel is on this dangerous stretch of road. You could not really make it up. It is now a national road that has fallen far below an acceptable standard. I ask the Minister for Transport to immediately review this decision. I ask that this section of the N69 be given the priority it deserves. I ask that the people who rely on this road and who have waited long enough finally see it repaired. While I appreciate the investment announced last week for County Kerry, investment must also be fair, strategic and regionally balanced. Not one Deputy in Kerry cared to highlight this road, which is really disappointing for the people of north Kerry.

Senator Collins mentioned the issue in Abbeyfeale. Immediate negotiations are needed between SIPTU and the Kostal plant in Abbeyfeale. It is over the road from Listowel; it is in north Kerry-west Limerick.

Tomorrow night in Belfast, there will be an event recognising those who work in the blue light sector for excellence and those who are in the voluntary sector as well. One of the great things about that event was one of the top people awarded was a man from County Wexford with search and rescue dogs. The level of training that goes into his dogs is incredible. They have worked internationally in very serious situations. It is something of which we should be very proud.

There is a hope that the same event will move to the Republic of Ireland later this year or early next year. It is only right and proper that we should recognise those from the blue light sector and the voluntary sector who put their lives on the line in saving lives.

The Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse in Northern Ireland has contacted me and provided a brochure asking people who lived in institutions in Northern Ireland and may have suffered abuse to contact her office. Many times in this House we have discussed abuse in the Republic of Ireland. The same happened in the North of Ireland and various other parts of the world. Details of the brochure will be available on my various social media, except for X. I am not on X because it is a toxic place and everybody should get the hell off it. Leaving that aside, I have the brochures in my office. If anybody wants one for their local area back home, they might drop me an email and I will send one along. It is really important that the commissioner is proactive in trying to find people and provide the supports they need.

I thank the Cathoirleach for bringing forward a proposal for a formal vote of sympathy for the former Fianna Fáil Senator Mary White. When I think of Mary White, I think of a very successful entrepreneur, a politician, a republican who espoused the values of a true republic and someone who spent much of her time on this. I knew her well and she was a great friend of mine and a great visitor to my home. I had many a long day and evening with both her and Padraic. They were an incredible, dynamic couple. For me, what stands out about her is her advocacy for penal reform. It was her humanitarian response to the families of prisoners up and down this island and beyond, which she went about dealing with very quietly. She was also a great friend and a great mentor to people of politics of all shades and opinion in these Houses and outside them. She was generous with her time and, more importantly, with her resources. It is a tribute to anyone when we can say that a person was generous with their time and resources. Of course, I cannot go without saying we are thinking of Padraic White. They were a duo of entrepreneurs, risk takers, encouragers, facilitators and supporters of others. May Mary rest in peace.

We will have time later to discuss the Civil Engagement Group's Institutional Burials (Amendment) Bill 2022. At 3.27 p.m., the Government will issue a public apology to people who campaigned for justice in relation to industrial schools and institutions. Today, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Canney, will gather in Dáil Éireann. I will be there to listen to that apology. It is ironic and somewhat sad and disappointing that a few hours later, we will discuss a proposal the Leader is bringing to this House to shut down a Second Stage reading in response to a tragedy. Let us leave it at that and we will talk about it later, but there should be some robust engagement and I would encourage Members of all sides of the House to articulate their views. I do this with one caveat. Let us wait and see the words in the transcript that will be issued for the speeches in the Dáil at half-past three today. That will be the canvas and the background for my engagement later in this House. I ask the Leader to also read it and reflect on it before he pursues his proposal this afternoon in the Houses of the Oireachtas.

I was listening to the Minister, Deputy James Lawless's, plans for smart scheduling when it comes to lectures. While at first glance it seems like a positive step, it really misses the point when it comes to college education. I would like the Minister to consider the other side of this debate. Many of us know the importance of the gaps between lectures when students go for coffee or hang out at the arts block, the library or the student bar. Many of our young people are incredibly lonely. They are commuting for hours to get to college because they cannot find accommodation and they cannot go out with their friends because many of them do not live anywhere near the campus. College is about deepening a person's education, but it is also a rite of passage. It is where young people fly the nest and start to get their independence and return home at the weekends. They learn to manage their budget, to cook, to realise that their washing is not done by a magic fairy, and to clean and look after themselves. This Government and previous Governments have failed our young students. They cannot afford to rent, and for those who are can, there is no accommodation for them. The lack of public transport means that they have no opportunity to go out for a drink with friends, and many universities do not even have parking spaces for students because we are supposed to be walking or taking public transport, which often does not exist.

The Minister has also introduced talent scouting to bring international academics to Ireland. Where does he plan on housing them? Our homegrown academics cannot access funding or accommodation, yet the Minister is focusing his time on recruiting international academics. His focus should be on addressing issues at home and supporting our students, not on global missions to source academics abroad.

I want to focus my remarks on the debacle of the SNA cuts. I welcome the decision to pause the roll-out of the proposed cuts to SNAs and also the announcement of the €19 million for additional SNA supports. However, the question as to where this money came from still has to be asked. While it is very welcome, how could it be just plucked out of thin air? Because parents and school communities have been contacting people across the country about the long-term security of this, I would encourage people to take part in the many demonstrations taking place across the country. I am very proud that the Labour Party is very involved in these. Parents, schools and young people themselves are looking for a long-term commitment that this is not going to go away and change again in 2027 or 2028. The announcement was unnecessary and was a very obvious mistake. It has caused so much upset for SENOs who have to deal with schools. An awful lot of work needs to be done to resolve this. Along with many others, I am looking for a commitment that there will be a long-term funding model for special education in this country.

I welcome the announcement of the most recent communications regarding the commitment for special educational needs and the commitment to our special needs assistants. They provide an invaluable service in our schools. They enable young people to access education and they assist teachers, parents and the whole community. They are truly invaluable. It would be really helpful if, at some point in the near future, we could invite the Minister of State with responsibility for disability into the House and have an update on the Government's commitment to special educational needs.

I too offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of the former Senator Mary White. Mary White was a formidable woman, a huge personality, a mother, an entrepreneur, a businesswoman and a dedicated public servant. She served in this House with distinction. We were very proud that Mary White was a representative of our party. I was always struck by her interest in other people, particularly other women, and in helping everyone to raise their game. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.

I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin expressed her condolences to the Frisby family in Waterford and Naas on the recent passing of Brian and Grace in an accident.

She also spoke about denim day for dementia and the role of the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland. She also acknowledged Ireland Reads “Get lost in a good book” day. Senator O'Loughlin also raised an issue regarding metal nitrous oxide canisters and I ask her to table a Commencement matter on this as she may get a direct response from the Minister, Deputy O'Brien.

Senator P.J. Murphy proposed that No. 12, Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) (Work Equipment) Bill 2026, be taken before No. 1. I am happy to support this.

Senators Clonan, Cosgrove and Fitzpatrick raised special needs assistants and spoke about the recent changes and pausing. They acknowledged that there will be no reduction in the number of special needs assistants for the next school year. Budget 2026 funded an additional 1,700 SNAs for this year, bringing the total figure close to 25,000. We all know the invaluable work that SNAs do and obviously the letters from the NCSE caused particular concern and annoyance. The Minister, Deputy Naughton, and the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, will be in the House next Wednesday for a discussion on SNAs.

Senator Andrews acknowledged, as did many other Senators, the passing of Mary White. I will move a motion later in memory of her. He also asked that No. 13, Planning and Development (Provision of Public Housing) Bill 2026, be taken before No. 1. I am happy to support this proposal.

Senator Stephenson raised the ongoing issues in Ukraine and the supports that are necessary, particularly for children in relation to mental health. She acknowledged the importance of dialogue. We had a tribute yesterday when the ambassador was here and we agreed a motion in the names of a number of Senators. We will keep it on the agenda. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, is due in the House in March to discuss foreign affairs matters. We will keep open the possibility of having a debate on Ukraine itself. Senator Stephenson also raised eating disorder awareness week. I will seek an update from the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill.

Senators Black and Boyhan raised the Institutional Burials (Amendment) Bill 2022, which will be before the House later today. I look forward to the debate and the response from the Minister. Yesterday the Cabinet agreed what is called a "considered opinion" and this, in my name, outlines the reason for declining Second Stage. It is a sensitive matter and a matter of great importance. For that reason, the Cabinet has decided to provide a considered opinion to make it quite clear why it is reluctant to support the passage of the Bill. We look forward to the debate later on with the Minister.

Senator Paul Daly raised a very important issue in relation to pathology services and autopsies. It is something I have considered. As he said, we all go through these situations. From time to time many families will experience delays. Circumstances may deem that an autopsy is required. If somebody is in a nursing home and was not seen by a doctor in the previous month, an autopsy will be required. This is something we came across in my family. It does cause delay and concern. Senator Daly is right that we have a great tradition of showing great respect for the deceased in this country. I certainly would not like to see the delays that happen across the water and elsewhere in relation to funerals taking place. There are other issues, such as the availability of priests for Christian burials and everything that goes with them, but that is another matter. I will request a debate with the Minister for justice on the delays with pathology and autopsies.

Senator Maria Byrne welcomed the proposals and decisions brought to the Cabinet yesterday by the Minister for tourism, Deputy O'Donovan, on turning the old rugby museum into a museum to acknowledge the role and achievements of women. It is certainly a very good suggestion. Senator Byrne may wish to elaborate on it next week when we have statements on International Women's Day.

Senator Collins, supported by Senator Kennelly, raised the loss of jobs in Abbeyfeale at Kostal. I understand 140 jobs have been lost and this is of grave concern to the workers themselves and their families. I understand there are still 360 jobs in Kostal, which is very important, and this includes the Mallow plant which is not affected. It has very much been a mainstay of employment in Abbeyfeale since 1981. I will bring to the attention of the Minister the concerns raised here in relation to it.

Senator Duffy raised the possible merger between Aurivo and Dale Farm in Northern Ireland. Perhaps he might table a Commencement debate. I am sure the Minister is across this and aware of it, and would be very attuned to any negative impact on people here in terms of the cross-Border nature of the merger.

Senator Kennelly raised the positive measures and announcements regarding local and national roads funding in Kerry of €65 million. He is concerned about a section of the N69 that has not been included and called on the Minister for Transport to review it. He might table a Commencement debate specifically on this matter to get an up-to-date response from the Minister on whether it is on the radar and the agenda, whether it has been put forward by the local authority and whether it might be included for next year.

Senator Craughwell spoke about an event in Belfast that acknowledged the work of the blue light sector in relation to search and rescue. He commented that a similar event is due in the Republic. He also acknowledged the commission for survivors in Northern Ireland reaching out down South with regard to anybody down here who may have been a resident in an institution in Northern Ireland. This is a very important issue.

Senator O'Reilly raised the rite of passage of students going to universities. She said it can be incredibly lonely, particularly for people who are not able to live in student accommodation or in a town or city centre. This is a real issue and a real concern. We are increasing the supply of houses and this includes student accommodation. It is a great asset to a university if it can have student accommodation on site. Universities, in conjunction, with the Government are seeing increases in the amount of student accommodation being provided. We hope to continue with this. I will raise Senator O’Reilly’s concerns with the Minister, Deputy Lawless.

Senator P.J. Murphy has moved amendment No. 1 to the Order of Business: "That No. 12 be taken before No. 1." This has been seconded by Senator Maria Byrne. The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.

Senator Andrews has moved amendment No. 2 to the Order of Business: "That No. 13 be taken before No. 1." This has been seconded by Senator Collins. The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.