I ask that we have a debate with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Transport on our ports policy regarding the designation of ports for the importation of non-EU fresh produce. I ask this in the context of Cork Port, which should be designated as one of those ports that allows for the importation of non-EU fresh produce. Second, I ask that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine extend the provision of clearance personnel for fresh produce to Cork Port. Currently, the…

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I raise this on behalf of the 36 children excluded, particularly Eimear and her mom Julie. This is about the availability and accessibility of a life-changing cystic fibrosis drug. A total of 36 children between the ages of six and 11 are being excluded. It makes no sense, as the treatment prevents damage to the lungs. Cystic fibrosis diminishes the quality of life and left expectancy of young children who have it. This new medication Kaftrio allows cystic fibrosis pati…

I thank the Minister of State for the encouraging words at the end of her contribution. She is right that the drug has been made available to some people. I believe that others should not be excluded from receiving the drug and hope that progress will be made. As the Minister of State said, there is work under way behind the scenes. I ask her to ask the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, to meet representatives of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. The organisation asked to meet him and I hope such a meeting will …

This morning, the Irish Property Owners Association had a very informative briefing across the road in Buswells Hotel. All of us recognise, from our work as politicians living in communities, the difficulties in housing provision and the housing market. It is probably the greatest challenge our generation is facing. I ask that the Deputy Leader facilitate a debate on housing in the context of the exodus of private landlords from the housing market, supply and the issue of Government policy. Indeed, we need to hear …

I hope the Deputy Leader got home after "The Late Debate".

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2022, back from committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, Private Members' business, Regulation of Display of Electoral and Polling Posters and Other Advertisements Bill 2022 - Second Stage, to be taken at 4.45 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours; No. 3, statements on childcare provisi…

That sounds so wrong.

Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. I assure Members it is for one day only. I thank the 21 Members of the House for their contributions to the Order of Business. I will begin by remembering the families and victims of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. They are still looking for justice. Today we remember those families and victims and we stand with them. Senator Chambers, O'Donovan and O'Sullivan raised the issue of the new national maternity hospital. The decision of Cabinet today, irrespective of one's po…

And Senator Horkan, gabh mo leithscéal. We had a very positive meeting in Shannon Airport and with the Irish Aviation Authority. This afternoon Senator Maria Byrne also made comments about Shannon. It is clear there is a need for the Government to examine the legislation covering our aviation policy and for it also to examine the regional airport development programme with a view to ensuring Shannon and Cork are included in it in the future. I look forward to the Minister, Deputy Ryan, coming to the House as matter…

I know Michael O'Donovan was there because I heard him this morning on local radio. We should look at how we can propel that throughout the country because the hospitality sector is an important one and it is under pressure. Tá sé faoi bhrú. I thank Senators. I can assure them I am Acting Leader for one day only. I have not been as adversarial as normal towards Senator Gavan.

The fact that Fianna Fáil is in Government does not allow me to be so either. I ask for the approval of the House for the Order of Business.

I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2022, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 21st April, 2022.

I welcome the students from Listowel to the Public Gallery. They are very welcome. I hope they have a good day.

I had the pleasure of meeting them in the corridor on the way in.

We will not mention Páirc Uí Rinn last Saturday night. I acknowledge and pay tribute to the women and men of the nursing fraternity and profession on International Nurses Day. I thank them for their work not just during Covid, but in general. I acknowledge that the Covid pandemic payment needs to be paid and expedited as a matter of urgency. I hope the Leader will bring that request from the Seanad back to the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Micha…

Another committee should be established.

Senator McDowell could chair the committee again.

I ask the Deputy Leader whether we could, as part of our programme of work, have a series of meetings and debates on the forthcoming budget. This morning, Senators Kyne and Pauline O'Reilly have made reference to community funding and men's sheds. This morning, we received a very informative briefing from the Irish Men's Sheds Association, which has produced a document on the support it needs. There are approximately 360 men's sheds across Ireland, supporting and providing an outlet to 10,000 men every week. A stag…

In the Visitors Gallery are fifth year students from Nenagh. I welcome them to Leinster House today and hope they find their visit to the Houses of the Oireachtas beneficial. I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise the issue of the Dublin-Cork rail service. The Minister of State, Deputy Troy, is very welcome. As he will know, the all-Ireland rail review is currently being undertaken by the Department. The electrification of the rail line, provision of a new fleet and the need to meet our climate change t…

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply and acknowledge the positivity in it. It is imperative that Irish Rail delivers on an early morning train service from Dublin to Cork. A 7 a.m. departure time from Dublin is no longer acceptable or tenable. Notwithstanding the 14 daily services from Dublin to Cork, it is important we have delivery of that early morning train. The national development plan places Cork at its heart. Central to that is investment in an alternative to the car, which is public tr…