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.