I have raised on numerous occasions issues regarding Inland Fisheries Ireland and fisheries matters and angling over a number of months. As a former Minister of State with responsibility for natural resources, I have some insight in relation to the issues at stake there. The Minister for the Environment, Climate Action and Communications, Deputy Eamon Ryan, initiated a review into the functioning of the board of Inland Fisheries Ireland and a report was published on 12 July by Conleth Bradley SC. This was received …

I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this Commencement matter for debate this morning. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Harris, to the Chamber. As he will know, Galway Technical Institute's current provision is inadequate and would present challenges for any redevelopment it would need, including an underground car park. It has outgrown its current buildings and requires major refurbishment along with additional teacher spaces. It currently has rental accommodation and a number of dilapidated prefabricated…

I thank the Minister for those reassuring words. I compliment him on his work and his support for the very important further education sector with regard to its capital plans. It is important that we have quality learning and quality teaching, as well as quality structures for students and staff alike. I welcome the Minister's announcement of a visit to Galway next week, when we will see facilities and discuss plans with the board and chair of GRETB and with the staff. This is a very exciting proposal and I am reas…

The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on public order and safe streets, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to conclude at 2.15 p.m., if not previously concluded, with a time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, and time can be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than eight minutes to reply to the debate; No. 2, Water Services (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2022 [Dáil] - Committee…

I thank the Senators for their contributions on a wide variety of topics. I will start with Senator Conway and his special guest, Ms Aimee Foley, who attended in the Visitors Gallery. Aimee is a very brave young woman who waived her anonymity in a case of rape and sexual assault by her father. Clearly, she is a victim who was wronged. She has suggested changes to the law that this House and the Minister need to take up. She is meeting the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, …

I propose that notwithstanding the Order of the Seanad today, the Seanad do now adjourn until 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.

I concur with other speakers, Senators O'Sullivan, Flynn and Seery Kearney, about the attack on two members of An Garda Síochána yesterday. It is not a blight on a whole community but a blight on the individuals who carried out the act and those who filmed it and circulated it on social media. It should be rightly condemned. It is clear that there is an increasing lack of respect for the uniform and the profession of An Garda Síochána. It is an unarmed police force to care for and protect communities. I wholly cond…

I join with the Leas-Chathaoirleach in offering condolences to Bridget Doody on the sad passing of her brother, Patrick. I also extend our sympathies to his wife, his family and the extended family. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis. We will have a minute's silence at the end of the Order of Business. The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 9(2)) (Amount of Financial Contribution) Order 2022, referral to committee, to be taken at the conclusion of …

I thank Senators for their contributions. My colleague, Senator Crowe, raised the important issue of cancer care at University Hospital Galway, UHG. He and the Deputy Leader, Senator Chambers, visited the hospital recently. There is a meeting on this important matter tonight in Salthill, which we and Senator Pauline O'Reilly will be attending. We will await what Professor Michael Kerin has to say, but it is clear that there is an acute bed shortage in Galway. UHG has been identified as the preferred site for its re…

We could have a further in-depth debate on the matter. Senator Sherlock raised the issue of the living wage. I am not sure whether she welcomed yesterday's great announcement by the Government. I appreciate that it may not have been all that she had hoped for or that it is not happening as quickly as she might hope, but it is a welcome progression. I am told that extensive research and consultation has taken place, including with employer and worker representative groups, unions and the public in order to ensure th…

That said, the Senator called for a feasibility study on light rail and I agree. If she wants me to sign a letter, I will certainly do so. As I understand it, the rail group in Galway is seeking funding from the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, for a feasibility study. I am not sure whether it has to come from the local authority or whether the Minister can advocate and provide for it. I would certainly support that. The initial stages of BusConnects projects regarding the cross-city link are going through the process …

Senator Dolan raised issues in Ballinasloe town in County Galway for which she has always been a very strong advocate. I acknowledge the former Senator and councillor, our good friend, Mr. Michael Mullins, who was in the House yesterday. Senator Dolan will continue that advocacy on behalf of Ballinasloe. Senator Gavan talked about issues at University Hospital Limerick, UHL, which is a very valid concern. A special meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health was held a number of months ago with the manageme…

I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 9(2)) (Amount of Financial Contribution) Order 2022, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 10th November, 2022, be referred to the Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, in accordance with Standing Order 71(2)( b ), which, not later than 22nd November, 2022, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 75, and …

I welcome the new, updated and improved Croí Cónaithe towns fund which was launched yesterday. Application forms are available now. This is a welcome move to allow for vacant and derelict rural properties to be included as part of the scheme, with payments of between €30,000 and €50,000, with a special top-up. This had been sought and is welcome. I congratulate all involved, especially the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, on our side, as well as the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and the Minister of State,…

The Minister of State is welcome to the Chamber to discuss this important area. From time to time, we will all experience family members who enjoy the great care and support of nursing homes. I think of my uncle who passed away in March and attended a private nursing home under the fair deal. I think of all the carers, many of whom came from outside of this country, who are looking after our loved ones. It is important that we acknowledge that because some people have different views about immigration, but when the…

I previously requested a debate on issues surrounding health and, in particular, matters of the capital programme for health. We had a very positive meeting yesterday evening with Galway Oireachtas Members, across all parties, and the clinical team within the Saolta hospital group on plans and their wishes for the Galway region regarding capital healthcare. There has been much debate over a long number of years on the best options for Galway. There is somewhat of a turf war going on between a Galway University Hosp…

Tá mé díreach tar éis teacht ó chur i láthair ó Chomhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann agus ó Chomhar na nOileán maidir leis an scéim LEADER. I am after coming from a briefing in the audiovisual room from Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann agus ó Chomhar na nOileán regarding the islands LEADER programme. They are seeking the establishment of a subregional area under the new LEADER programme. For the last LEADER programme the islands were part of their designated counties, the Mayo islands with the Mayo groups and the Galway isl…

I welcome the Minister. Today, I am speaking in place of my colleague, Senator Carrigy, who unfortunately cannot be here. He would like me to convey his thanks and acknowledgement of the Minister's support for this initiative, and the debate and work that has taken place within the committee. He highlighted the fact that the recommendations in the report are to be initiated as part of this programme. The committee has heard very powerful testimony and he asked me to say that the Minister has taken on board the conc…

I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for picking this Commencement matter. I welcome the Minister of State. It is great to see her back. Hopefully she will be back to flying form in the coming weeks and months. I raise the issue of meningitis, meningitis awareness campaigns and supports for meningitis. Invasive meningococcal disease is the most common form of bacterial meningitis in Ireland, causing up to 90% of cases. The disease may present as meningitis, septicaemia or both. Meningitis is inflammation of the menin…

I thank the Minister of State for that response. We all unfortunately know of people who have suffered bereavements. As I said, it is heartbreaking for families because it happens so suddenly, particularly in young adults. The awareness is not just in that person but in his or her cohort. Their friends might say there is something wrong and it is serious and this person needs help. It can happen, and hours can be critical in diseases like this. I would certainly welcome if the Minister of State could take the issue…