I thank all Senators for their contributions, starting with Senator Clifford-Lee who raised the issue of violence against women on an all-island basis and commented that some 88% of the women killed on the island of Ireland since 2020 were from Northern Ireland.

It is a very damning statistic. The Senator also spoke about the need to address the issue of violence against women on an all-island basis, and the reasons behind this. She referred to the need to break the silence and the cycle of violence, and the causes behind it. Senator Sarah O’Reilly also raised the issue of domestic violence and called for statements on this important issue. Both Senators mentioned Natalie McNally, Amy Doherty and others who have lost their lives in these tragic situations. I will certainly try to arrange a debate on the issue of domestic violence in the coming weeks.

Senator Clonan spoke about Chloe Maher, a young woman who had been a sufferer of scoliosis and who has died. He again questioned and raised issues in relation to Children’s Health Ireland. As the Senator knows, a statutory inquiry has been announced. In the last number of weeks, the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, has announced that Remy Farrell is to be an independent facilitator for the scoping exercise that will form the terms of reference for a potential structure of the inquiry. I hope the movement towards the terms of reference will assist in terms of coming to get answers in relation to these particular issues.

Senator Andrews commented on a video circulating from Parteen of four greyhounds in deplorable conditions. One had an anti-bark muzzle. Quite rightly, the Senator asked why Greyhound Racing Ireland inspects itself. If it has not already been done, that might be a question that one of his colleagues might be able to put down directly to the Minister in the other House or it could be one for a Commencement debate in this House. The Senator has also called for a Garda animal crime unit. Again, the Senator may wish to put down a Commencement debate on this matter as well.

Senator Cosgrove raised the abuse in the Farrell family and the courageous coming forward of those people in seeking and receiving justice. I commend them on what must have been a very difficult life they had and I hope there is now some peace and comfort for them.

Senator Ruane proposed an amendment to the Order of Business of the House that No. 12 be taken before No. 1, and that has been seconded by Senator Higgins. Both Senators spoke about the Child Maintenance Bill 2026. I am happy to support that and I look forward to the debate on it. From what the Senators said, it is clear that a lot of work has gone into this and a lot of engagement with the women’s caucus. I certainly hope the Government will be able to see its way to supporting that Bill progressing.

Senator Duffy has raised the community futures programme in County Mayo, particularly in relation to Brackloon. This is where the county council supports a local community to devise a plan for its own future and submissions are sought in respect of community needs, opportunities and so on. He quite rightly said that these plans cannot just be sitting on a shelf.

Senator Comyn raised world Down's syndrome day and called for a debate regarding the lack of special class provisions. This has been raised regarding the Louth-Meath branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. I will certainly request a debate on that matter with the Minister.

Senator Lynch raised the Residential Tenancies Board, RTB, and the need for co-ordination between it and local authorities. She referred to the need to look closely at and bring forward practical solutions in cases where there are issues and the RTB cannot help because it does not have, as I understand from what the Senator said, the addresses of tenants. Clearly, there are shortcomings in relation to proper liaison.

Senator Keogan raised the issue of commercial rates, particularly in respect of the DAA and other such bodies. She talked about the proper visibility of rates and commented that there were court cases in this regard. I will request a debate with the Minister. It is the Minister for local government who is in charge of rates. She also may wish to put down a debate with the Minister for enterprise in relation to the DAA.

Senator Flaherty raised the issue of our national games and their importance in terms of our culture. He spoke about the plans in relation to camogie and ladies' football amalgamating with the GAA. I certainly agree with the need to ensure that everybody, particularly youngsters, know the origins of the games and that they are part of our culture, and ensure they have opportunities to play and support the games as well.

Senator Boyle welcomed the subsidy for bus and haulage companies but stated there needs to be more for the marine sector, contractors and farmers.

I know that green diesel will be cut by 3 cent per litre, VAT inclusive. The National Oil Reserves Agency, NORA, levy on petrol and diesel will be paused for two months, and I understand this legislation may be coming to this House towards the end of the week.

Senator Collins also raised the measures announced today, which will see the price of diesel fall by a total of 22 cent per litre and petrol by 17 cent per litre. The reduction includes a VAT-inclusive excise duty cut per litre of 20 cent on diesel and 15 cent on petrol, which will come into effect at midnight tonight and last until the end of May. The 2 cent per litre NORA levy on petrol and diesel will be paused for two months. This levy also applies to home heating oil and will reduce the price of that fuel by 2 cent per litre as well as the 3 cent per litre cut in excise on green diesel and a temporary increase in the maximum rebate allowable under the diesel rebate scheme, which is administered by Revenue, to 12 cent per litre until 30 June. Heating payments to social welfare recipients will be extended for four weeks and there will be enhancements to a rebate programme for hauliers. Those measures have been brought before the Dáil today and the NORA legislation will be towards the end of the week. Clearly, the Government has responded and stated that these things will be kept under review and monitored.

Senator Kennelly discussed the temporary measures introduced in recent years to waive student exam fees for the junior and leaving certificate exams. They are not being continued. This announcement was based on what happened with one-off measures last year. The Senator may wish to put down a Commencement debate on that to see if any changes are being proposed.

Senator Tully has rightly raised the important role of young carers and the valuable work they do. There are between 6,000 and 7,000 young carers nationwide and supporters are creating awareness of this matter. I will again request a debate on carers with the Minister.

Senator Boyhan asked for a follow-up debate on the Inspector of Prisons report laid before the Houses regarding unannounced inspections. That particularly relates to Mountjoy. I have raised this matter with the Minister and invited him before the House. I understand he is due to come here on 21 April to discuss the Mountjoy report.

Senator Flynn, supported by Senator Scahill, raised the issue of children with dyslexia and dyspraxia and the comments of President Trump. I agree with what both Senators said in that whole area. Like all politicians, presidents will face future elections, in the mid-terms in the case of President Trump as part of the democratic process there.

Senator Scahill also acknowledged the journey towards sainthood of Fr. Flanagan of Ballymoe, County Galway, in the diocese of Elphin and his work on the creation of Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska. The Senator pivoted to the ten-week driving test delays and appealed for divine intervention in, or at least a Government response to, what was an important and serious issue. I will request the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, look at that matter.

Senator McCarthy raised the matter of addiction services, the important work of Tiglin, the failure of the rehabilitation system and the need for better in the context of the system not meeting needs and lives being left in the balance. I will request a debate on the issue of drugs and addiction services.

Senator Cathal Byrne raised the need for urgent funding. There is a €20 million request from Wexford County Council to the Department and the Government for the repair of the roads and bridges damaged in recent storms. I will certainly support that. He may wish to put down a Commencement debate on the matter to get a more direct response from the Department.