Senator Gallagher, along with Senators Sarah O'Reilly, Mullen and McCarthy, spoke on the eighth amendment. There is a vote on a Bill on this matter in the Dáil tonight. We do not have a vote on it in the Seanad, but it might come at some point. Senator Gallagher and the other Senators raised some very valid personal views they have on tonight's decision. We all know it is a personal decision for everyone and we have to respect everyone's view on it. It is very hard to disagree with some of the points that were expressed here in this Chamber. Senator Mullen spoke about leadership and lack of leadership. When we are talking about this issue, it is a personal viewpoint.

Whether we agree or disagree we have to respect that it is a personal view. It is difficult for everyone to come to a conclusion on that. I would not disagree with the statements that were made here today. There are a lot of people in the country who voted in that referendum with the assurance that there were things in place. That is something that needs to be-----

And a few who are alive because of the three-day waiting period.

On the referendum, people certainly felt protected by having that three-day cushion in place but that is a wider debate we can have. The vote tonight is one for it to continue to Committee Stage. Perhaps it is at that point where those discussions can be had. However, at all times we need to be respectful of everyone’s personal opinions on that. We are always good to do that in this House.

Senator Noel O’Donovan spoke about social media and the UK ban, which was brought in because of what happened in the last number of weeks. As he said, parents are just asking for some sort of comfort because of the fear they have of social media, their lack of understanding of what kids are using and how they can become addicted to it. It is a real worry. The media committee, which I sit on along with Senator Mullen, produced a report on that. It did not include a recommendation that those under 16 years should be banned from social media but it had a lot of recommendations about algorithms, restrictions on use and age verification. That is all very well but there is a very strong case for having under-16s banned from social media. The point is always made that it is very hard to implement but that is not a reason not to do it. Implementing it is a decision afterwards but putting it into law is very important too. Senator Comyn was also very active on that debate at the committee too.

Senator Pauline Tully spoke about the first Pride march in Cavan and gave two really good examples, which lead in to what Senator O’Donovan spoke about in terms of social media. You try to be inclusive and welcoming to different groups and parts of society, and people from different walks of life and different countries. There was also an African event held in Cavan. These are all positive things about welcoming good people into the community. There is a fear of what social media can do. It is very worrying. As Senator Tully said, those of us in politics are all used to having terrible comments made about us but it is being done to people for whom it is very undeserved. As Senator Tully said, it is very distressing when it is prejudiced or racist in nature. As loud as they are it is a very small minority. We see that come election time. When we talk to reasonable people on the doors, from my experience, people are always very welcoming and very supportive of people coming into this country, as well as people from different backgrounds and interests.

Senator Linda Nelson Murray spoke on the importance of local radio stations. I was on LMFM once about three years ago. I got a good grilling but I came through it all right. It has a great listener base just like every local radio station across the country. They are invaluable to our local communities and give trusted news, reports and discussions that are not always had on national radio stations. They are a great platform for small, local businesses or community groups to promote themselves. They obviously do the GAA and death notices but the important thing is that they are a trusted source for people in the area. The fear over the broadcast levy that is being introduced, which will see an increase of 69% over the next two years, is that it has the potential to have a dramatic impact on local radio stations. As the Senator said, we are seeing it already with people losing their jobs or cuts being made. That was not what was envisaged with this broadcast levy. The Minister has asked his Department to do a report to see what the impact would be on local radio stations. He has asked Coimisiún na Meán to assess what can be done going forward. He is not in a position to do anything on this particular increase but we need certainty for local radio stations into the future because of the really good work they do. I will ask the Minister to come to the House on the subject. It is an issue that affects everyone across the country.

Senator Keogan spoke of the sad passing of Grace who died by suicide. She was a young mother who was going through a traumatic time after losing custody of her child. The Senator has done good work as a foster carer over many years and has a keen understanding of people going through trauma and care and kids being taken from their mother or father. I will ask the Minister about what information Tusla has, not just on this particular case but on how many cases it has like this across the country. It is very distressing. Senator Keogan called for a commission to do an independent report and Senator Andrews agreed. We will see if the Minister is willing to do that.

Senator Andrews spoke about the closure of the post office in Rathmines. There has been closure of a number of post offices across the country. Sometimes, you feel as if it is just rural ones but it is not – it is urban ones as well. It does have a real impact. Post offices are not being used to the same extent as before but some of them are in beautiful buildings and are a key element to a village or town, or a key area of Dublin such as Rathmines. The onus is on Dublin City Council to purchase it, make sure they get value for money, and do with it as it pleases with the agreement of the councillors. It is not something we should lose when it has such historic importance and is so important to the community and groups in the area. I support the Senator’s advocacy on that.

Senator Sarah O’Reilly spoke about the comments of the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, on doubling funding aid for planned abortions abroad. I did not hear the comments but I know the Minister of State has been a real advocate for increasing funding for aid to developing countries in general. We are only one of two European countries at the moment, I think, which has increased international aid support. That is something all countries, particularly in Europe, need to do because of the reduction in aid from America, which has had a real impact on Third World countries.