I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins. Tá fáilte roimhe.

St. Luke's Hospital is the seventh biggest hospital in the country. There are very few hospitals in the centre of the country, which leads to St. Luke's having a huge catchment area, well beyond counties Carlow and Kilkenny, and the surrounding hospitals are not performing well. Yet in St. Luke's, posts remain unfilled across cardiology, dermatology, respiratory medicine, rheumatology and neurology. These are not peripheral specialties. They are at the core of a service for any modern model 3 hospital.

St. Luke's is facing severe understaffing. The absence of permanent consultants in these areas has very real consequences: longer waiting times, increased reliance on highly expensive locums and agency staff, reduced continuity of care, pressure on existing staff, and, ultimately, an impact on patient outcomes. Consultant-led care is directly linked to improved patient flow, faster diagnosis, safer discharge decisions and reduced admissions. When three emergency medical posts are vacant, for example, that pressure cascades through the entire hospital system.

What really concerns me is the broader structural inequality at St. Luke's. As a model 3 hospital, it serves not only Carlow and Kilkenny but a huge catchment area. When we compare this to other model 3 hospitals nationally, there is a clear perception and operational reality that St. Luke's is not receiving matching funding, workforce allocation or capital investment. Letterkenny University Hospital and St. Luke's are both model 3 hospitals, but Letterkenny has 1,000 more staff. Other model 3 hospitals in Sligo and Tralee have bigger budgets than St. Luke's. In comparison to other model 3 hospitals, simply put, St. Luke's receives less funding and has fewer key consultant positions. There is a sense that St. Luke's is being penalised for performing well over the years.

The staff on the ground are working hard and the management are doing all they can. Indicators show the hospital is under huge strain. There appears to be an implicit assumption that the hospital can continue to manage without the investment it desperately needs. However, the hospital is struggling, particularly with the absence of a second CT scanner, which is urgently needed. A business case has been submitted and it is now at the appraisal stage. The existing scanner at St. Luke's is operating 24-7 under significant critical strain as the hospital is experiencing such high demand. The absence of a second scanner has a knock-on effect across the entire hospital. It delays diagnosis, slows clinical decision-making and prolongs stays in hospital for patients and contributes to discharge delays for patients who are medically fit to leave but still waiting on imaging. This in turn obviously leads to pressure on beds. A second scanner is essential to improve patient flow and reduce wait times. Staff in St. Luke's are crying out for additional support. The pressure on the ground is incredibly real. Without additional resources, they simply cannot meet the growing need.

To add to what my colleague has said, the population catchment around St. Luke's is significant and has grown significantly over the last decade. It includes parts of south Kilkenny sometimes known as Waterford. From our meetings with the hospital team, it is clear there is an especially critical need for these posts to be filled. As my colleague said, four medical assessment unit, MAU, consultant general physicians, one consultant respiratory physician, one consultant cardiologist, a consultant dermatologist, a consultant rheumatologist and two consultant neurologists are required. These staff are absolutely vital to the services that St. Luke's provides.

The other issue in need of critical attention here is the development of the new-build Dolmen Wing ward block to replace the old medical one and medical two and surgical two units. These are the old long wards of the original 1941 hospital building, which served St. Luke's very well, but which became very challenging during Covid and had to be shut. The 86-bed Dolmen Wing ward block facility is a vital project that needs to be proceeded with. I look forward to the Minister of State's response.

I thank the Senators for this opportunity to address the House on this important matter. St. Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny provides a range of important services including general surgery, maternity, emergency, paediatrics, hepatology and acute psychiatry. The hospital serves a significant population, including the people of counties Carlow and Kilkenny, as well as areas of counties Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, Kildare and Laois.

I acknowledge that the demand for healthcare services is increasing, due both to the development of new treatments and our ageing population. Considerable extra resources have been provided to increase the level of services at St. Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny. Notwithstanding the very difficult recruitment environment impacting the healthcare sector, staffing at the hospital has grown by 262 since the end of December 2020 - from 1,185 to 1,447 at the end of November 2025. This represents an increase in staffing of 22%.

The HSE has also advised that St. Luke’s Hospital plans to progress consultant appointments to develop services, including rheumatology and neurology. These posts can be integrated with community services to provide the most appropriate care in the most convenient setting for the patients. The budget for St. Luke’s General Hospital has also increased significantly. In 2020, St. Luke’s General Hospital had a budget of €102.7 million. In 2025, the budget increased to €155.6 million, meaning its budget has grown by almost €53 million in five years, an increase of 51%.

St. Luke's General Hospital has 260 inpatient beds and 25 day-case beds.

Between 2020 and March 2025 30 beds have been delivered. The Acute Hospital Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan 2024-2031 aims to deliver 82 beds between March 2024 and 2031 for St. Luke’s General Hospital. There has been and continues to be significant capital investment in St. Luke’s hospital. Projects delivered to date include provision of a new MRI completed in 2022, a 72-bed replacement medical ward block completed in 2022, and the electrical infrastructure upgrade works completed in 2025. The HSE's capital plan 2026, including building and equipment, and the HSE digital for care capital plan published on 24 February 2026 outlines the investment in public health infrastructure over the coming five years. The plan demonstrates the Government’s commitment to improved services, increased productivity and strategic reform of our health service. It provides for capital funding of €1,327 million for building and equipment and €263 million for digital for care. Additional projects are being progressed in the HSE's capital plan 2026, published on 24 February 2026. These include refurbishment and extension of the existing mortuary, proposed new ward block development to include a critical care unit and a new 50-bed acute mental health unit. These developments show the Government’s commitment to the progressive development of St. Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny.

I thank the Minister of State for the answer. We certainly recognise that there has been significant investment. However, the posts and capital projects we are talking about are absolutely vital given the population increase in the catchment. What has happened in St. Luke's over the past five years in particular has been something truly phenomenal and the staff are under severe pressure while trying to deal with the increased numbers. I welcome the additional investment but it is still not enough. These posts we are talking about are the absolutely vital component of that. Separately, it is hugely important that the Minister meet the management team and clinical staff of St. Luke's hospital as a matter of urgency to try to address these chronic shortages in the hospital. The hospital is performing extremely well under extreme pressure and that is down to the dedication of the staff and management team in the hospital.

In the final seconds I also reiterate that it would be good for the HSE to meet the hospital staff. While we recognise that there is additional staffing in place, it is over-reliant on agency staff to meet the basic needs. That is so costly for the HSE, as we know. I reiterate the point on the perceived lack of balance in terms of how St. Luke's as a model 3 hospital has been treated in relation to other model 3 hospitals around the country.

I again thank the Senators for raising the important issue and giving me an opportunity to highlight how committed the Government is to the progressive development of St. Luke's General Hospital in Kilkenny. Significant additional resources have been allocated to the hospital in recent years to meet the needs of patients. Staffing at the hospital is now approximately 1,447 whole-time equivalent posts, an increase of 22% since December 2020. The hospital's budget has increased considerably in the same period. Funding allocated to the hospital has increased by 51%. There is a strong commitment to the health capital investment at St. Luke's hospital and a number of projects are being progressed in the capital plan, which was published on 24 February. The positive progress made in recent years to increase the level of services at St. Luke's hospital in Kilkenny is a testament to the Government's commitment to the hospital and to the people of Kilkenny, Carlow and the south east in general.

I am seeking an update in relation to any current or planned tourism strategy for the Gearagh, which is just outside Macroom, County Cork. In particular, were considerations being given to its development as a recognised national tourism asset, including the potential for a sensitive greenway development? The Gearagh is one of Ireland's most unique and precious landscapes. It is the largest remaining glacial-alluvial woodland in Europe and provides a rare ecosystem of international ecological importance. It was shaped by the River Lee and is a place of outstanding natural beauty, but also an essential part of the cultural and historical fabric of the Macroom and Muskerry region. Before the flooding associated with the Lee hydroelectric scheme in the 1950s, the Gearagh served as a home to many and its loss was a significant chapter in local history. Its survival today as a protected landscape reminds us that balance has to be struck between development, heritage and environmental protection. The Gearagh currently provides a walking area for many in the locality and is an amenity that could be transformed into an outdoor tourism hub. I also believe there is massive scope for a Macroom-Gearagh greenway. Across the country we have seen how well-planned, low-impact greenways can improve biodiversity awareness, support local economies and promote sustainable tourism when done correctly and in consultation with environmental experts and the local community. Macroom and the wider Muskerry area are ideally positioned to benefit from this. As a gateway to west Cork, tourism already plays a vital role in sustaining rural employment in our area, supporting accommodation providers, cafes, shops, activity operators and cultural attractions. I believe that a carefully designed Gearagh greenway, mindful of conservation objectives, could extend visitor stays, attract off-season tourism and strengthen Macroom's role as a hub for inland west Cork. This is about managed access, education and appreciation, allowing people to experience the Gearagh responsibly while safeguarding its integrity for future generations. Local communities have shown strong interest in seeing the Gearagh recognised at national level, not only as a protected site but as a place of learning and recreation. I believe now is the time for action on this.

Therefore, I hope the Minister of State will be able to outline whether the Gearagh is included in any current or forthcoming national or regional tourism plans, whether the Department has engaged with Cork County Council, Fáilte Ireland or the OPW regarding its future development and whether a feasibility assessment of a low-impact greenway or interpretive trail is under consideration. Macroom town is just a mile and a half from the Gearagh. It is currently going through a period of significant infrastructural development and investment. A greenway would complement this growth by enhancing local amenities, supporting the health and well-being of residents and absolutely boosting the town's appeal as a destination for visitors and tourists.

I thank Senator Lynch for raising this matter. I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. At the outset, I clarify that the Department of Transport has responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding in relation to greenways while national parks are under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Regional tourism promotion is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland in collaboration with local authorities and other tourism stakeholders. Cork is represented by three regional tourism brands, namely, the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Fáilte Ireland’s regional tourism development strategies are the roadmap for the tourism industry and for all stakeholders involved in tourism.

To activate these strategies, Fáilte Ireland has established localised five-year destination experience development plans. The west Cork and Kenmare destination experience development plan, which encompasses Múscraí and includes the Gearagh was launched in quarter 4 of 2023 to efficiently manage the delivery of actions within the destination experience development plan. Three thematic subgroups were established based on the prevalence of actions emerging from the plan. They are artisan food, outdoor activities and marketing. Key priorities in 2026 for west Cork and Kenmare include undertaking a mid-term review of the west Cork and Kenmare destination experience development plan, which will provide an opportunity to reassess objectives and actions against emerging trends, updated national and regional policies and new projects that have come on stream before the plan was first adopted. It will ensure that priorities for the remainder of the plan lifecycle remain relevant, achievable and responsive to the needs of local communities and industry. This review is due to be completed by September 2026. There will also be the roll-out of a cluster development programme from 2026 to 2028 for tourism businesses in the destination, based on a workshop and learning needs analysis.

The marketing subgroup of the destination experience development plan will work with Fáilte Ireland to produce a brouchure by the end of April 2026 highlighting the region's food experiences, markets, outdoor activities, accommodation and cultural experiences. The brochure will also feature key tourism towns and villages linking to itineraries and other assets under Discovery Ireland and Pure Cork.

I thank the Minister of State for taking this. I appreciate this is not under his Department and I thank him for the reply. I will definitely be raising this with the Departments of housing and Transport. I note the reviews, some of which, under Fáilte Ireland, will be undertaken this year. I will, of course, touch base with that agency.

I want to stress the importance of this. It is a fantastic natural amenity and one of the only such woodlands left in Europe. As I said, it has a fantastic history. Up until the fifties, it was a settlement hub and people were actually living there. There is so much scope and potential for this. I would hate to see it being neglected or not included in regard to future tourism. Undoubtedly, it is of massive historical and heritage benefit and it is important that we would look after it and protect it. I thank the Minister of State; I appreciate it.

Again, I thank Senator Lynch for raising this. Last December, the Minister, Deputy Burke, launched the new national tourism policy statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism. This strategy sets out a clear vision for growing visitor numbers and associated revenue and employment while ensuring balanced regional development. A key objective under this new policy statement is to spread the benefits of tourism to all regions. This will be a priority consideration for all public investment decisions. In particular, the need to see less mature tourism destinations grow at a faster rate than the traditional tourism regions will be a priority for Government and the tourism agencies. Regional tourism development strategies will continue to be activated through a series of destination experience development plans, and local tourism enterprises will have an enhanced role in the development of these strategies.

Under the new policy statement, tourism agencies will work with the relevant bodies to increase the focus on nature-based tourism opportunities associated with our inland waterways system and landscape, including angling, cruising, watersports and outdoor activities such as walking and hiking.

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire.

I welcome the Minister. Today, I need to highlight a serious issue that affects communities right across rural and urban Ireland, one of that is being felt particularly strongly in counties like Kerry. I refer to the growing problem of irresponsible dog ownership, including dog fouling and uncontrolled dogs that are causing savage harm to livestock, wildlife and, in some cases, people. The Minister is well aware of this.

This is not a new problem. For years, local authorities have relied on enforcement systems that require wardens to witness an offence before action can be taken. Despite the dedication and professionalism of dog wardens across the country, that system is no longer fit for purpose. The reality is simple; without the ability to identify an offending dog after an incident occurs, accountability is often impossible.

Dog fouling remains one of the most consistent complaints raised by the public in local authorities. It affects public health, damages tourism and undermines enjoyment of our beaches, parks and shared public spaces. Beyond inconvenience, there are very real human consequences. Recently, a woman from Kerry contacted a representative to share her personal story. When she was just three years old, playing on a beach, she contracted a serious infection linked to dog fouling. That infection ultimately caused her to lose vision in one eye. This is not an abstract debate; it is a reminder that irresponsible behaviour can have lifelong consequences.

In rural Ireland, the stakes are even higher. Farmers continue to face devastating livestock attacks caused by uncontrolled dogs, particularly during the lambing season, which we are in. The financial loss is significant but the emotional toll on farming families finding animals injured or killed cannot be overstated. The scale of the problem nationally is clear. In 2024 alone, 287 livestock-worrying incidents were reported, a 4% increase on the previous year. A total of 2,077 farm animals were attacked by dogs in a single year, including 1,592 sheep along with cattle and poultry. In those attacks, 618 animals were maimed, killed or had to be put down, and dog attacks on livestock are now at a six-year high nationally. We are not talking about isolated incidents. Over 2,000 farm animals were attacked by dogs in Ireland last year alone.

The impact on farmers is widespread. The survey shows that 73% of sheep farmers have experienced dog attacks on their flocks, while historical farming data suggests that between 3,000 and 4,000 sheep may be injured or killed annually due to dog attacks. Behind every statistic are a farming family dealing with loss, distress and financial pressure. The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association has been in contact and has made clear that stronger measures are needed. It has been calling for improved traceability and accountability for some time, recognising that existing enforcement tools are completely out of touch and are failing farmers who are doing everything right. What is being proposed is not punitive or anti-dog, and we have to state that. Ireland is nation of dog lovers. I am one myself and the vast majority of dog owners are very responsible. This is about addressing the small minority whose actions create consequences for everyone else.

A dog DNA database is one modern tool that deserves serious national consideration. Under such a system, DNA samples could be collected when dogs are licensed or registered and could be phased in over time. I do not want this to start today. I want it to start with the next pup that comes in to be chipped by the vet, whereby they would be registered and a DNA sample taken. Evidence gathered after livestock attacks or from dog fouling incidents could then be matched, allowing enforcement officers to act fairly and effectively.

Importantly, this is about deterrence as much as it is about enforcement. When accountability becomes possible, behaviours change. Responsible owners are protected, public spaces become cleaner and farmers gain reassurance that incidents will no longer go unanswered. Local authorities, including those in Leitrim and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, are beginning to examine this approach because they recognise that the current systems are completely outdated.

We now need national leadership, clear guidance, legislative support where necessary and a willingness to explore modern solutions to modern problems.

Protecting public health, supporting farmers, safeguarding wildlife and promoting responsible dog ownership are goals we all share. Examining innovative enforcement tools should not be controversial as it was last week down in Kerry County Council when this issue was raised. It should be seen as common sense and welcomed. I urge this House to support further examination of dog DNA databases as part of a broader effort to strengthen responsible dog ownership across Ireland and to give our local authorities the tool they need to protect everyone in the community.

I thank the Senator for raising this really important matter and assure him and all Members of the Seanad of my commitment to improving the traceability of dogs. Effective traceability is fundamental to safeguarding dog welfare, supporting responsible ownership and strengthening accountability where incidents occur.

The Senator referenced the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association, INHFA,. I was in Donegal last Thursday, which is a long way from Kerry, where the association launched a campaign on sheep worrying and dog ownership. The title of the campaign is: "It's not your dog's fault, it's yours". I commend the INHFA on its work in this area and I know the concerns it is raising with the Senator on this point as well. Sheep worrying has a profound impact on farmers and rural communities. I fully recognise the gravity of this issue and agree that robust traceability measures are central to ensuring that dog owners can be held accountable where their animals are involved.

This week, my Department commenced a media awareness campaign urging dog owners to take due care and act responsibly in any instances where there may be a risk to livestock, particularly sheep, as we approach the critical lambing season for the sheep farming community. Responsible dog ownership, including effective control of dogs in a countryside setting, is an important matter. I am invested in making a difference in this area. I look forward, along with my Department, to engaging proactively in terms of wide-ranging awareness campaigns across relevant platforms throughout 2026 on issues around responsible dog ownership, including sheep worrying.

In response to the Senator’s question on the possible role of DNA in dog traceability, I acknowledge that DNA technology has potential in relation to canine traceability. The use of DNA profiling could, in certain circumstances, assist with linking a dog to a specific incident. Before any decision could be made to mandate DNA sampling and profiling for all dogs, a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis would be required. Such an assessment would need to carefully examine the potential advantages of mandatory DNA profiling compared to the financial costs and operational implications. Mandatory DNA sampling would significantly increase the cost of dog registration for owners. This is an important consideration, particularly in ensuring that compliance remains achievable and proportionate. In addition, the State would incur further expenditure.

Therefore, my immediate focus is on maximising the effectiveness of the existing dog microchipping system before introducing any major new regulatory changes. Strengthening adherence to the rules already in place can deliver immediate and tangible benefits. I believe that where dog owners are educated to understand their legal obligations and the practical benefits of micro-chipping, we can achieve a culture of responsibility and increase the number of dogs in Ireland that are micro-chipped and traceable. A well-functioning microchipping system plays an important role in tackling issues such as sheep worrying as clear identification helps deter irresponsible behaviour and enables more effective enforcement where incidents occur. Through sustained awareness and improved compliance, the existing system can deliver substantial benefits for dog welfare, farming communities and public confidence.

My Department is open to the potential role of DNA in the future development of the canine traceability system. However, it is prudent and responsible to first implement and assess the impact of the planned improvements to centralised data management. I am taking a measured and evidence-based approach to strengthen accountability and deterrence through practical reforms to evaluate their effectiveness in addressing sheep worrying and will only then to consider whether additional measures, which would mean significant cost implications for dog owners and the State, are necessary and proportionate.

I am glad there is ongoing work to promote public awareness of dogs and lambing season. The Minister said that the Department is open to the potential role of DNA in the future development of the canine traceability system. I am glad about that. It is results-based no matter what we do or what public awareness campaigns are launched. Last week, we discussed road safety in the House and this week, we are discussing safety with regard to control of dogs. I respect the Minister's response. I hope that at the end of 2026, these results will show a reduction in dog attacks. The rollout of a dog DNA database could be a future development. It may be costly and I hope the microchipping works out but the increasing number of sheep being targeted by dogs and the increase in dog fouling on our streets and public beaches shows that the situation is not improving so I ask the Minister to keep this in focus. If we can deal with a dog that has killed ten sheep or an incident where someone's child steps on dog mess on a beach, playground, football field or public park, which could cause health problems, we should. I welcome the Minister's response and hope he keeps in it mind.

Sheep worrying is devastating. Its impact on animal welfare and farming families who suffer as a result of their sheep being attacked by dogs is devastating and goes way beyond the financial implications of a such loss to their economic model of farming. It cuts to the heart of what a farmer is as a custodian of the land and a minder of the animals in his or her care. The reason it is particularly frustrating is it is always preventable. We know of instances where pet owners have been approached by farmers who told them their dog just did this and the owners say, "My dog couldn't possibly do that. My dog's lovely, quiet and docile around the house." What nobody realises is that every dog is capable of this when it is running with sheep. It is in their nature. I think of the proverb about the scorpion and the frog. Why did it kill them both? It was because it was in its nature. It is in the nature of dogs and while they might not show that as domestic pets around the house, they will display it in the right setting with those animals and pet owners need to know that.

I am not closing my mind to the Senator's proposal but he can see that there are broader considerations around cost. This requires a multifaceted approach. There is no single solution here because if there were, it would have been resolved long before now. Effective traceability that allows for speedy identification of a dog and its owner is a powerful deterrent and an essential support for enforcement authorities. I have plans to improve our dog traceability system through a centralised database and increased data consolidation across all Departments and organisations that have a role in the control of dogs. I was one of the Fine Gael representatives during the talks on the programme for Government and I was a keen supporter of making sure that control of dogs was transferred from the Department of Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine was included. This was not because the Department of rural affairs was doing anything wrong but because this area covers three Departments because dog wardens come under local authorities and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage while my Department deals with animal welfare. Control of dogs is a good fit with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I want to get through a serious body of work this year on this.

While I acknowledge the potential benefits of a DNA database, it is prudent to implement and assess the impact of better data before imposing the significant additional costs of a database on dog owners and the State. We will keep an open mind because this is a body of work I want to make real progress on during my term.