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Seanad
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Order of Business reply

Summary

Senator Kyne replied by summarising contributions, beginning with Senator O'Loughlin's remarks on St. Patrick's Day, the White House meeting, and tributes to Dolores Keane and Jessie Buckley.

I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin commended all those involved in the St. Patrick's Day festival in County Kildare, particularly Newbridge, and around the country. She also mentioned the meeting between the Taoiseach, Deputy Micheál Martin, and President Trump and commended the Taoiseach on his handling of the meeting. She also paid tribute to the late Dolores Keane. May she rest in peace. I extend our sympathies to her family and friends. The Senator also acknowledged Jessie Buckley for winning the best actress award, as well as the drama festivals in Kildare and Rathangan.

Senators Kennelly and Comyn also commended Jessie Buckley, the first female Oscar winner from Ireland. I agree with Senator Kennelly that it would be a wonderful idea to suggest having a civic reception for Jessie Buckley, possibly in Kerry but wherever she may wish to attend.

It would certainly be a fitting tribute for a history maker and someone who will inspire a whole new generation of women and men to get involved in acting.

Senator Boyhan acknowledged the work of Tesco Ireland and Bord Bia in opening the door for small Irish businesses to sell into the United Kingdom. There are rising opportunities for new markets. He called for a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Grealish, on the matter of new markets and I will request that. He also acknowledged Ambassador Fraser in the UK and the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, for organising the events in Westminster for St. Patrick's Day.

Senator Andrews welcomed the Cuban ambassador and acknowledged that these are worrying times for the Cuban people. He mentioned that €581 million is to be spent on moving Dublin City Council offices to Camden Yard from Wood Quay. In that context, he raised the maintenance of flat complexes at Pearse House, Oliver Bond flats and Markievicz House. As I understand it, the move to Camden Yard will result in modern energy-efficient civic offices and 300 public homes, and moving from Wood Quay will also allow for in excess of 500 homes on the Wood Quay lands. However, I take the Senator's point on the need to invest in warmer homes and the regeneration of council properties. I will try again to organise a debate on the matter with the Minister for housing.

Senator Rabbitte spoke about Coillte's plans for Portumna Forest Park. She would like to see investment in toilets and accessibility at the forest Park. She has called for statements on the matter. If she puts down a Commencement matter to the Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae, it may be allowed.

Senator Nelson Murray referred to Willow Domestic Abuse Services in Navan in highlighting the importance of new refuges and investment in refuge places. I acknowledge that and the €80 million investment into Cuan and refuge services in budget 2026. I know there are ongoing plans to invest this year in new safe homes in Dublin and Louth, in particular, and in a refuge centre in Monaghan.

Senator Comyn called for a debate with the Minister for arts on the funding of smaller drama groups. I will request that the Minister come to the House to debate this matter.

Senator Cathal Byrne raised the plight of families in Ballyhealy on the Wexford coast where there has been erosion of the coastline. He acknowledged the work of Councillor Frank Staples and called for the direct funding that is required for works at Ballyhealy. I suggest that he should table a Commencement matter to the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Deputy Moran, to see what investment might be available. He mentioned works in Seaview so maybe there could be an extension to those works. Perhaps similar works are needed in Ballyhealy.

Senator Scahill raised the finding in a European Drugs Agency report that there has been an increase in ketamine and cocaine in wastewater across Europe and in this country. He spoke about having a discussion on the drugs strategy. I will request a debate on this matter with the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor. It is an important issue. The Senator mentioned that evidence has been found of increases in drug use on Fridays and Mondays, which would indicate that it is happening during the weekend period. Those statistics provide a certain amount of information for those involved in prevention and in detection. He also commended St. Mary's College in Mullingar on winning the Hogan Cup. Congratulations to the members of the team and their families.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about the deterioration of roads and called for the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, to come to the House to debate roads funding. She said that he has not been seen much in this House. I know he was here on 24 February for a Commencement debate on wind energy, but I will request that he comes to the House to talk about roads. It is a serious issue across the country and is not helped by the level of rainfall we have had, not just in the past three months but since last September. We have had some very wet periods of weather.

Senator Clifford-Lee raised a number of issues that the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has been dealing with such as MetroLink, the rail expansion and Luas.

On the climate side, he has a heavy agenda in terms of meetings overseas as well but I will request that he comes in to talk about roads issues.

Senator Duffy talked about the 3D technology virtual experience at the foot of Croagh Patrick. I am not sure if he climbed himself, but he was talking about the inclusive tourist experience for those who are not able, who may have accessibility problems or age or mobility issues. It sounds very interesting and exciting, and a good offering to the community there.

Senator Clonan talked about the triple lock and the need for a referendum regarding neutrality. He commended Micheál Martin on his commitment to the rules-based order in his comments in the White House. I will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy McEntee, on that matter.

Senator Mullen commented about the defeat of a Bill on assisted suicide in Scotland by 69 votes to 57. He talked about the need to ensure that supports and care are provided to people who have health issues and maybe have end-of-life issues. I will request a debate on the matter of ageing, palliative care and areas around that.

I thank all Senators for their contributions.

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