On behalf of the Fianna Fáil grouping here, I also extend our deepest sympathies.

First, I wish Katie McCabe and her team the very best of luck tonight in Grenoble at 8 p.m. This is a very significant match. We are all hearing about another match, but for now, this is very important; it is the World Cup qualifier. Thinking back to when I was growing up, there was not really a thought of women's football being able to compete at this level or indeed at all, so it is fantastic for our Irish women and I wish them all the best.

Last week, the midlands hospice was finally given the green light for much-needed palliative care for those who live in the midlands. It was a very long and challenging road, but Professor Humphrey O'Connor led a grassroots campaign for this. I want to pay tribute to him because there were a lot of twists and corners, as there often are, as regards site acquisition in particular.

What has happened is good. I was delighted to work with the campaign. I worked with our local Offaly representatives as well, including Barry Cowen, MEP, in his time as a TD and with Deputy Tony McCormack. It is just great to see this development and I want to note it, and I thank all of those involved.

Today is a significant day in terms of Cabinet approval of Jennie's law. I first met Jason Poole when Deputy Paul McAuliffe introduced me to him a number of years ago. I was very struck by his story, as were many, and was determined to try to help with what he clearly saw as a void in our legislation. We worked together and I drafted a Bill called Jennie's law, which went through a number of iterations here in the Seanad. I am really pleased to say that it got Cabinet approval today with the help of everyone in the Dáil and the Seanad. This may well become legislation before the end of the summer. It is an important step in helping to protect victims of domestic violence and provide people with information that could help keep them safe. It is a lasting legacy for Jennie and hopefully it will save many lives.

The last thing I would like to mention is the frontotemporal dementia, FTD, brothers. I spoke about them the week before last and then had the opportunity to meet Jordan and Cian, who have taken this incredible race of 33 marathons in 33 days. They are racing against time because they both have the gene for FTD. It was just incredible to meet them, their dad Glenn and everyone around them. This has to matter. It cannot just be about fundraising. They have raised over €2 million, which is absolutely incredible. Half of that money is going to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. It has to matter and we have to make it matter. The Government has to make it matter in terms of helping to support research and support those with dementia and their carers. Equally, all of us within our society and communities have to think in terms of making our towns dementia friendly. It is a great thing to do for those who are living with dementia and their carers. I think we need to have a debate about how we can make their legacy matter, how we can make what we saw around the country matter and how we can all work together on that.

I would like to pass on my condolences to the family of the former Senator, Ernie Caffrey, on behalf of myself and my colleagues.

I want to raise concerns about the liquidation of Tickets.ie and the Rory Gallagher International Festival in Ballyshannon. The festival is one of the most important cultural and tourism events in the north west. Every year, it brings thousands of visitors to Donegal and supports local hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops and up to 30 small businesses. It is reported that the festival is now owed €283,000 following the collapse of Tickets.ie. This is a major concern for the organisers and for all those local businesses that provided services during the festival. What makes it most difficult is the fact that this was the best festival in the 23-year history of the event and had the biggest crowds in Ballyshannon. Organisers are now facing uncertainty about whether another festival can be put together and bills can be paid. We need to get clarity on the protections that are in place when ticket companies hold money on behalf of festivals and other events. I would ask the Minister what engagement has taken place with the liquidators and affected festivals. What supports are available to organisations impacted by this liquidation? These issues are about more than one festival. They are about protecting our community events, supporting local businesses and maintaining confidence in Ireland's events sector. I hope we can all work for those affected and consider what lessons can be learned. This is a very sad situation when an organising committee has pulled everybody together for a great event. I attended it myself. The crowds that were in Ballyshannon were unreal, but now the festival has been landed into a mess like this where it is €283,000 in debt through no fault of its own. Surely we have to get the Minister involved here.

I want to raise a matter of huge concern that has been reported in the newspapers recently and was even on "Morning Ireland" this morning, namely, the Aughinish Alumina factory in Limerick.

The reports suggest that the plant is shipping vast amounts of alumina to be smelted in Russia where it is then used to manufacture aluminium which is then sold to a trading company supplying dozens of Russian arms manufacturers. The CSO figures for the first quarter of this year show that 83% of the factory's total exports were shipped to Russia. The company has said since that was a mistake and a clerical error. I am a convener of the Ukraine group. Ireland has been unwavering in its support for Ukraine and we cannot allow confusion about figures or statistics to obscure the truth. If material is being exported from Ireland and is contributing, whether directly or indirectly, to Russia's capacity to sustain its war against Ukraine, that has to be taken with the utmost seriousness. I call on the Acting Leader to arrange a full debate on the matter. The Department of enterprise is conducting an investigation which must be transparent and independent and conclude without delay. Our integrity and solidarity with the Ukrainian people deserves full transparency.

I also want to mention the tragic death of Alex Coughlan following an assault in Blanchardstown recently. There is a police investigation. When something like this happens, we all express our shock and offer our condolences, and then it seems that we move on until the next time it happens. We need to start asking ourselves why this is happening and why it keeps happening. Alex Coughlan, whom I did not know, was a son, brother and friend. He seems to have been a remarkable individual. He was described as caring and selfless. An article mentioned how he carried an organ donation card. A number of people were thus helped after his death. His family now faces the loss of a loved one and had to face a horrendous funeral. We need to have an honest conversation in the House about violence in our communities.

I have spoken in the House about one-punch attacks which seem to be a part of life, yet we are losing people. Every act of violence leaves victims, families and communities carrying the consequences. We need stronger support for young people, early intervention when problems emerge and a clear message that violence is never acceptable and is certainly not entertainment. I heard videos were shared, which is appalling. My thoughts are with Alex's family, friends and loved ones. I hope his family find peace.

I want to raise the case of a woman in her 30s who is the mother of children, two of whom are very young. She is currently in Cavan General Hospital and has experienced pain for years due to kidney stones. The failure of the hospital and Beaumont Hospital has robbed her of her health and life because she has put up with years of antibiotics, painkillers and steroids while being told her case will be addressed. She has been in and out of hospital. A year ago, she was admitted to the hospital when very ill with an infection as a result of kidney stones. She had a recurrence of sepsis. Her partner and parents were called in one night because it was thought that she would not see the morning. Thankfully, she was rushed to Beaumont Hospital and the infection was brought under control. A stent was inserted into her kidney in Beaumont and she was told it would be in for a maximum of two months and she would then be brought back to have her kidney stones removed. A year on, she is still waiting for that. The stent is still in her kidney and has become infected.

She went back to Cavan General Hospital on Friday for a routine scan and had to be kept in because she was so unwell. She was put on a ward yesterday, but had not yet seen a doctor as of midday today. She does not know what is happening. She does not know if she is being sent to Beaumont. If her issues had been addressed in a timely fashion she would not require additional medication and hospital stays which cost our health service money. People seem to go to hospital on a regular basis with an issue and are given painkillers and told to go home, and then have to return in a few days or a week later because the condition has worsened.

I had a Commencement matter on a different issue a few weeks ago and neither the Minister of Health nor any of the Ministers of State from the Department of Health turned up, which I was really disappointed about. I call for a debate on acute medical care. I will also contact the Minister directly to intervene in this particular case. We need a debate on what is happening in our health service. We are supposed to be looking after people's health, not making it worse. I cannot understand the reluctance to deal with a very routine operation. She should have had those stones removed by keyhole surgery and avoided all of this unnecessary pain.

Recent days have unfortunately brought more disquiet and concern over governance issues at Horse Sport Ireland, a heavily funded organisation to support and grow the vibrant sport horse sector. Representatives for professional riders and equine veterinarians have resigned from senior positions saying their roles are no longer tenable. The Irish Equine Veterinary Association has withdrawn its representation from HSI and cited governance issues. Also resigning last week was Barry O'Connor, representing professional competitors. He is one of the most respected voices in the sector. His decision is damning. I have repeatedly endeavoured to raise issues of concern at HSI, as have many staff members who as a consequence were bullied out of the organisation. The chief executive has been before the agriculture committee several times and continuously stated that the organisation had no cost exposure as a result of HR issues over the past three years but we now know the HSI had in fact been availing of employment practice liability insurance to cover the cost of those actions. All costs, legal and settlements, are covered by a very expensive insurance policy. In January 2025, Nadia Rea took a bullying case and settled for a six-figure sum. In July 2025, HSI settled a case with Michelle O'Reilly, another former staff member. Brian Hennessy, a former press officer, has also filed an action against HSI. I understand the organisation is also facing two defamation actions from former showjumping coaches. In the current Olympics cycle it will receive €3.6 million in funding from Sport Ireland but of greatest concern is the fact that it is one of at least two organisations tendering for contracts with the Department at the moment worth €6 million and €2 million. One is for national equine breeding services and the second is for the provision of marketing services. I have asked in the past for this organisation to be wound up. Now at the very least it needs to be omitted from the competitive process for these two contracts. Anything short of that is a dereliction of the Department's responsibilities to the sport horse sector and the integrity of governance across the public sector.

I remind members in relation to the Standing Orders on the public good that there is a balance between that and the Standing Orders in terms of naming people in the House. I trust Members' judgment but I want people to be aware of it. A lot of the issues the Member brought up are in the public domain but I just want to make sure we do not say anything in this House that could affect any process in the future. I call Senator Scahill.

I raise an issue that has been brought up with me by a number of families recently in relation to domestic wastewater treatment systems. The local authorities through the national inspection plan have an onus on them to inspect a certain number of domestic water treatment systems annually. Unfortunately my area in Roscommon has historically had a very high failure rate. In 2025, the failure rate was 85% of the systems inspected. Thankfully in 2026 that is down substantially to about 50%, I think, so far this year. All of the households and individuals I have been engaging with understand why they need to be inspected. They want to participate and ensure their systems are up to scratch. In 2023, supports for domestic wastewater treatment increased from €5,000 to €12,000 but as we constantly hear in this House and in the Lower House, the cost of doing any job has significantly risen in recent times. People are finding now that even the €12,000 support, when they are eligible, does not cover enough of the cost.

It is leaving an increased burden on these households. These people are potentially facing the prospect of having to appear in court over not being compliant. I was hoping that we might be able to have a look at this in the House. I know the Minister has proposed some amendments to the schemes to try to bring more guidelines in for local authorities but I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss that.

In the time I have left, I would like to acknowledge Ernie Caffrey in Ballina. I extend my sympathies to his family. I did not know Ernie but I was familiar with the Moy Valley Resources centre. Back during the downturn, I know the support that resource centre gave to the community in Ballina in terms of training and access to further job opportunities. It is good that he has a legacy like that to follow him.