Seanad Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Jul 2023

Vol. 295 No. 11

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Senator Lisa Chambers

For the information of Members, I will be moving a motion of sympathy for former Senator and Deputy Brendan Daly on the conclusion of the Order of Business. It is great to see Senator Norris in the Chamber this afternoon.

The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding arrangements for the sitting of the House on Thursday, 13 July 2023, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transfer of proceedings in criminal matters, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Bill 2023 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 3.15 p.m., and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 4.45 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by Government; and No. 4, Private Members' business, Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023 - Second Stage, to be taken at 5 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.

An Cathaoirleach

It gives me great pleasure to welcome, from London, the niece of our colleague and friend, Senator O'Loughlin. Naoise is welcome. She is here on work experience and she can be proud of her aunt. She is a wonderful Member of the House.

With the permission of the House, I call the father of the House first, as he might have to go.

Senator David Norris

I appreciate that. I have come to Seanad Éireann to raise the question of cluster bombs. This is particularly appropriate since the Convention on Cluster Munitions, effectively banning them, was signed in Dublin in May 2008. Figures in 2018 show that more than 21,000 people have been either killed or injured by these vicious weapons. A large percentage of these people were children, and this is the especially vicious, filthy and nasty thing about cluster bombs. When they break up in mid-air, the cluster bombs land and look like toys, and I think this is done deliberately. Children pick them up and then they are killed or maimed, and it is a shocking thing. Some 123 countries have decided to ban the use of cluster bombs entirely, and I welcome this. The use of cluster bombs amounts to state terrorism. It takes us back to the era of extraordinary rendition and waterboarding. I am a strong supporter of President Zelenskyy and I call on him to reject the use of cluster bombs and to refuse delivery of these vicious and inappropriate weapons.

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin

On behalf of Fianna Fáil, I thank the Cathaoirleach for his kind words on Brendan Daly, a wonderful character and politician. I believe that, sadly, his brother John passed away yesterday so it is a double tragedy and bereavement for the family. Sadly, last night we heard that Ben Briscoe passed away, another great Fianna Fáil stalwart.

Senator David Norris

He was a decent man.

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin

He gave 37 years of his life to Leinster House, and he was Lord Mayor of Dublin also. He was proud of his party and of Dublin, his city. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. I know we will have an opportunity to pay tribute to him at another stage.

I had the opportunity on Thursday to be in Lullymore Heritage Park, which is a wonderful place to visit in north-west Kildare. It was the occasion of its 30th anniversary. Its founder, Seán Judge, a man of great vision and creativity, saw an opportunity when the bogs were being decimated and when jobs were being decimated, to give employment to the area and to bring about cultural tourism, which is so important in our heritage and having a sense of where we are from. Sadly, Seán is no longer with us but the dream has carried on through his wife Geraldine, his son Johnny, and his three daughters. The park provides a lot of employment and it is a wonderful area for young people to go to learn about biodiversity. The Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, came down to celebrate this and to launch the last part of the boardwalk. I would recommend anyone to go to it. The reason I am raising this is that the park was able to get some funding under the just transition programme, which is hugely important, but the small town of Rathangan, which is 3 miles up the road, cannot get funding because of the municipal district it is in. That decision is made in the EU but anybody who is familiar with Rathangan knows about the Bord na Móna presence there and about the number of people who came to work, stay and live there. As the absence of Bord na Móna in the area has caused huge unemployment, this needs to be revisited at a European level and I ask that this happen.

I also want to mention the scenes on the "RTÉ Investigates" programme last night. Any of us who saw it were shocked by the footage we saw of young calves.

It is wholly unacceptable, both the treatment that we saw around marts and then travelling abroad. Of course, we cannot paint all farmers and all mart operators with the same brush. There are so many responsible and caring individuals in the industry who take incredible pride in their work and in their stock. However, it is important that we call it out and I welcome that the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, has already made the decision to launch a full investigation into it.

Senator Pippa Hackett

There have been two worrying developments in the past few days that merit discussion and a moment for us to pause and reflect. The first was a public meeting in Ballinasloe over the weekend on the nature restoration law. Many of us have spoken previously on the importance and value of restoring nature and the potential opportunities this can offer both urban and rural Ireland. Restoring nature should not be controversial but the weekend meeting, in its tone and tenor, was allowed to spiral out of control to a point where speakers were shouted down and one attendee advocated throwing my party leader off the Cliffs of Moher. This is an utterly regrettable poisoning of the debate which has been sliding in this direction for some time, ably aided and abetted by some Members of the Oireachtas who say that my party's aim is to destroy agriculture. To them, I say, "Grow up." This is a culture war being waged for political and electoral gain and it must stop. If we cannot restore nature through agriculture, we will not be able to restore it at all because, despite what some might want, farming is here to stay. That is why we need everyone to back nature restoration. Anyone opposing the nature restoration regulation is not fighting for farmers who want to protect nature. Instead, they are fighting for polluting industries, for the oil companies and fertiliser companies, and for the industries which maximise profits off the backs of farmers and the environment. They are fighting for business as usual but, unfortunately, business as usual will not protect nature.

The second issue of great concern is the RTÉ Investigates programme which aired last night. The footage shown was sickening and unacceptable and brings an entire industry into disrepute. If Irish farming is to provide a sustainable way of life for future generations, as it must, it is fundamental that the highest standards of animal welfare are central to that. The vast majority of farmers are committed to ensuring their animals are well cared for and are appalled by the RTÉ footage, but last night's programme shows that issues exist and we must face up to that reality. I welcome the response from my Department, which has committed to taking robust and timely action. It has requested that RTÉ provide it with all the footage and information available so that it can investigate this matter fully and take appropriate action. No stone will be left unturned. However, it is clear that the dairy sector has a massive challenge in addressing not only the animal welfare issues associated with the current model but also the significant environmental impacts. Its reputation is under continual scrutiny and it will take real leadership from the industry to put in place a model which addresses the significant and reputational challenges.

Senator Micheál Carrigy

I want to mention a project I have been involved in since I came into Leinster House. It is well known that I have been advocating on behalf of the autistic community. The joint Oireachtas committee issued a report a number of weeks ago and I look forward to working with my colleagues and making sure that report is implemented and making the changes that need to be made in government.

Senators will have received correspondence from me a number of weeks ago about a training programme that we are running here in Leinster House. The project, on which we are working with the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, is an autism awareness training programme to make Leinster House one of the first parliaments in the world that is an autism-friendly building. The training programme has been started and I would urge colleagues, their parliamentary staff and secretarial staff throughout all the parties to make sure we take part in this training. We have set ourselves a challenge of training all the staff - up on 1,500 people in the Leinster House complex - and ensuring that before the end of the year we will be an autism-friendly building. Certificates will be issued to those who complete the programme. I note the Cathaoirleach has taken part in it. I urge Senators, as we come into the summer recess, to ensure they, their staff and party staff take part in and carry out that training. It is worthwhile. I look forward to us being successful in getting that accreditation and being one of the first parliaments in the world to do so.

In tandem with that, I attended the graduation ceremony for the Oireachtas Work Learning, OWL, programme participants in the Members' restaurant, along with the Cathaoirleach. It is important that we acknowledge the programme, which has been running here in Leinster House for three years. It is an Oireachtas work learning programme, which gives youngsters an opportunity to take up employment here, in our national Parliament, to enable them to go forward and hopefully gain employment in the wider civil and public service. I acknowledge Roisin Deery and the team who are doing a huge amount of work on that programme. They are also working on the autism training and have set that challenge for the six months ahead. We must acknowledge the work that has been done here in Leinster House, as well as the youngsters that took part in the programme. They were there with their families at the graduation ceremony in Leinster House and have taken part in interviews for jobs in the wider public service. We wish them well. As a Parliament, we should encourage all Departments to engage with this project-----

Senator Sharon Keogan

Hear, hear.

Senator Micheál Carrigy

-----and ensure that we set the standard for all Departments and provide employment opportunities for those who may face some challenges in life.

An Cathaoirleach

I congratulate Senator Carrigy for all the work he is doing, and Roisin Deery and all the staff on the OWL programme. It is a wonderful opportunity. I thank the Senator for what he is doing. I encourage Members who have not participated in the autism training, as part of our quest to be the first Parliament to be an autism-friendly one, to do so.

Senator Mark Wall

I want to be associated with Senator Carrigy's remarks and the work he has done with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Autism. I am a member of that committee, which has done terrific work. We look forward to the implementation of the 109 recommendations set out in our report. I encourage all Members to do the training, which I hope to avail of next week at the next session.

At 4 p.m. today, the Select Committee on Justice of the Dáil will debate the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022. It is not the first time that I have raised the issue in this House. Along with Senator O'Reilly and other colleagues, I have raised issues around gambling over a long period since becoming a Member of the House. The area that I specifically wish to mention today is that of gambling advertising. It is my understanding that the Government will propose a watershed from 5.30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and that all gambling ads will be banned during that time. In my opinion and that of many others, including Members of this House, that simply does not go far enough. Nine o'clock in the evening is the time when many families get the chance to start watching TV, after they put the children to bed and make sure everything is okay. They are watching TV or looking at social media at that time. It is the time that many of those who have developed addiction or are at risk of doing so actually get a chance to watch TV. This country needs to follow the example of the Netherlands, which proposed a 24-7 ban only two weeks ago; and of Belgium, which introduced a 24-7 ban on gambling advertising on 1 July. Basically, the aim is to stop the tsunami of gambling ads that we are all exposed to when we are watching sports. The marketing departments of these gambling companies have been very strong in encouraging us and gambling ads to come together at various points on sporting occasions. In our opinion, we must introduce a 24-7 ban on gambling ads to enable everyone to enjoy sporting occasions again. I know that the legislation will be coming before this House but I hope that the select committee will take the positive step of considering a 24-7 ban rather than a watershed.

The second item I want to raise today, which I raised last week, is the Labour Party debate in the Dáil tomorrow on football in this country, particularly in relation to the funding of football in this country. The FAI has published a report recently indicating it will need somewhere in the region of €850 million to fund football in this country, from grassroots right up to international level. It is seeking support from the Government for €500 million over 15 years. We know, from figures from the FAI and other sporting organisations, that there is a lack of facilities in this country. I ask that on our return in the autumn, we invite the Minister responsible for sport to the House in order that we can debate the FAI report and, in particular, sporting facilities. I know there will be a very good debate in the Dáil tomorrow and many sporting clubs, and football clubs in particular, are coming up from the country to hear that important debate.

Senator Frances Black

At the start of this final week, and because I am not going to be here tomorrow or Thursday, I want to express my gratitude to all of the workers who make this place run so smoothly, including Martin Groves and his team, and others. We are very fortunate to have such talented and diligent people working to facilitate our legislative process. I hope the recess is restful and restorative for everyone.

I was delighted to be able to contribute to the recent statements on local government issues and I thank the Leader for organising that debate, which was very informative. Since then, I and other Members have met the leadership of the Association of Irish Local Government, AILG, and it was a very informative meeting, as I am sure others will agree. Ahead of next year's local elections, it is important that the Government engages with councillors in order that we can ensure the local government sector gets the support it needs to carry out its essential democratic and social functions. As we all know, councillors are at the coalface of politics in a way that can often seem distant to us here in the House, and it is important that we heed their calls when they raise these issues.

I discussed several distinct concerns with the AILG and I cannot do justice to them all in the short time I have today. However, I want to raise them more substantively when we return after the break. One of the concerns I want to raise today is the exclusion of councillors from the security allowance for elected members. This scheme was a prudent response to the increasingly toxic tenor of political discourse. It is important for democracy that public representatives are not vulnerable to harassment and intimidation. However, councillors are also subject to hideous abuse and I cannot understand why this allowance does not include them. An AILG study conducted in 2021 found that 72% of councillors have been victimised and 48% of respondents have considered leaving their role due to the abuse they have received. It is awful that people working hard to represent their communities and their families endure this kind of intimidation and I think it presents a real threat to our democratic process.

Ahead of the next round of elections, we need to encourage more diversity in politics. Political bodies should reflect the public they represent and our democracy will be enriched by having more women, people of colour and LGBT people serve in public roles. However, women and people of ethnic and sexual minority communities receive a disproportionate amount of abuse when engaged with the political process. If we want a truly inclusive and representative politics, we need to ensure that politicians and political candidates are protected, and that process must start at council level. I ask the Leader to pursue this matter with her Government colleagues.

I thank the Leader for listening to the requests from Senators Sherlock and Ó Donnghaile and me and for organising statements on Palestine tomorrow. I am very disappointed that I cannot be here to contribute and in fact am a bit devastated about that. However, my colleague, Senator Ruane, will be speaking on behalf of the Civil Engagement Group and she always speaks truth to power and says what needs to be said.

Senator Paul Daly

I wish to be associated with the words of the Cathaoirleach on the passing of our former colleague, Brendan Daly. I extend my sympathies and condolences to the Daly family and to the Briscoe family on the death of former Deputy and Lord Mayor, Ben Briscoe.

It would be remiss of me to allow the opportunity to pass without mentioning the horrific scenes that everybody witnessed last night on the “RTÉ Investigates” programme. As a farmer myself, and as somebody who was selected here on the Agricultural Panel and who sits on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I condemn what was seen last night as totally deplorable and unacceptable.

On behalf of the Government, the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, has, since his appointment, led the way on animal welfare issues. I know he has already initiated an investigation in his Department and requested the footage from RTÉ, and I hope that footage is forthcoming. The entire unedited footage that is available to Fran McNulty or RTÉ needs to be made available to the Department. After the recess, when we come back in the autumn, we might ask the Minister to come to the House to brief us on the progress of his investigation. No stone should be left unturned to get to the perpetrators of what we saw last night.

As somebody who represents the agriculture sector, I feel it is important to say that the vast majority - I would say 99.9% - of farmers pride themselves on their husbandry and their love and care for their animals.

Much of what we saw last night was off farm. It is important that we do not jump on bandwagons and take an opportunity to blacken all farmers with the one brush. It has to be noted that the vast majority of the bad coverage, which was almost unwatchable last night, was archive footage from New Zealand and France. That is not taking away from the issues we have in Ireland and that did happen. However, we cannot just whip the agricultural sector today based on what we saw last night.

Senator Joe O'Reilly

I join in the condolences to the family of former Minister, Deputy and Senator, Brendan Daly, and his in-laws. We recognise his life of public service. It is important we do that.

I have another issue to raise but I would like to second Senator Wall's remarks on a ban on gambling advertising. I support that entirely and recommend that the Leader should see it is promulgated. Will the Leader speak with the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Deputy James Browne, or indeed the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, to make sure they hold their nerve on the gambling legislation? There have been suggestions in newspapers in recent days that it might be challenged. No matter what money is thrown at obstructing it, I believe the Minister of State and the Minister are serious about it but they must hold their nerve now. I ask the Leader to speak to them so that they are not intimidated by threats of court proceedings or whatever. The right thing is always the right thing.

We have full employment now but a report today states there is underemployment of people with neurological issues such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and so on. The disability sector is under-represented in employment. With full employment and good public finances we now have an opportunity. This is the time when we can do something really good and that is to move on employing disabled people. The same rigour should be brought to that as was brought successfully to reaching full employment. Now we must get full employment for people with disabilities in public services and incentivise it in the private sector to get it to happen. I would like the Leader to commend that. I will speak about this again on another occasion.

Senator Victor Boyhan

I wish to continue on the issues raised by Senator Daly regarding the "Prime Time" programme last night. It exposed shortcomings in animal welfare but, ultimately, the majority of farmers are compliant. I wish to draw the Government's attention to its commitment in the programme for Government. I believe it is on page 69 because I quoted extensively from it earlier today. It suggests that veterinary surgeons would travel with animals outside of the EU. Quite frankly I do not believe this needs highly paid and highly qualified veterinary surgeons. I believe we need veterinary technicians. I have made a strong case for veterinary technicians. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is fiercely committed to animal welfare and has published an animal welfare strategy. We discussed this at the agriculture committee.

I will spend the remainder of my time thanking RTÉ. There is a great deal of criticism about RTÉ but one of the great things about RTÉ is its current affairs programmes, including "Prime Time" and "RTÉ Investigates" and its journalists, who do a great job and always have done, particularly in current affairs, public life and scrutiny. I am reminded of the programme "Prime Time" last night.

Senator Gerard P. Craughwell

Hear, hear.

Senator Victor Boyhan

I was thinking about the journalists when I saw them doing their exposé last night and doing investigative journalism really well. I think of the institutional abuses, the sex abuse in institutions, the over-the-counter pharmacy shown on "Prime Time", the shortcomings of the Dental Council of Ireland and the Medical Council of Ireland. It has continued to advocate and shine a light on real issues that we tend to come in here the next day and raise under Commencement matters. Fair play to RTÉ and to its journalists. The "Prime Time" journalists are exemplary in public broadcasting. They are everything that is good about public broadcasting and RTÉ.

Finally, I wish RTÉ and its new director general well as it begins to turn a corner because we need it and it needs us. It does a service for the citizens of which it can be truly proud.

Senator Tim Lombard

I want to touch on the “RTÉ Investigates” programme broadcast last night and to put my views on it on the record. First, I totally condemn the treatment of those animals, particularly the transportation. There are laws that set out very strict criteria. If those laws were broken - and I believe they were from viewing the footage - there should be consequences. We have put legislation and regulations in place to make sure this does not happen but it has happened and something needs to be done about it.

Yet, as much as last night’s footage was really hard to watch, I believe there was no footage from any family farm in Ireland or any farm in Ireland. I am a dairy farmer. I farm at home with my mother, who is 74 years of age, and my wife. I milked cows with my two daughters last weekend. We are a traditional dairy farm. This is what we do for a living.

We use sexed semen on our farm. We will have no Friesian bull calf next year. This is how the industry is moving and it is moving very quickly. The issue is that 9% of the calf population that is exported is the Friesian bull calf. That is being dealt with by technology and farmers who are working really hard to move ahead of this curve. In many ways, they have moved ahead of it. Three years ago, the story was about the transportation of calves. Next year, the story will be about how sexed semen has changed this industry and how there has been a dramatic change in it.

I feel for the dairy farmer today. I feel for a farmer who works so hard. When calves are born, they are fed colostrum within two hours of the birth. That happens whether it is Christmas night or 10 o'clock in the morning. It does not matter. That is what happens on a dairy farm every day of the year regarding the care that is given to the animals. I would hate for the dairy farmer to be pigeonholed today as some kind of animal terrorist. If anything, they are ahead of the curve when it comes technology and they are doing so much to make sure that the footage we have seen last night does not happen.

I would welcome debate in these Houses because I believe the story should be told. I am really passionate about this, a Chathaoirligh, and I apologise for speaking over my time.

An Cathaoirleach

I thank the Senator.

Senator Tim Lombard

I just feel we need to tell the story about the amount of work that the family farms do.

An Cathaoirleach

I thank the Senator. I welcome Deputy Mairéad Farrell and her guests to the Gallery today. They are very welcome to Leinster House and I hope they have a very good visit. I thank the Deputy for being here.

Senator Sharon Keogan

Two weeks ago, this Government introduced its Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023 to the Dáil. When Senator Gavan brought forward his Safe Access to Termination of Pregnancy Services Bill 2021 two years ago, the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, outlined some of the legal concerns of which his Department advised him in relation to the legislation. Prime among these are the constitutional and human rights issues that could infringe upon such peaceful protest being prohibited, he said. He also stated that banning protests either for or against abortion within 100 m zones would have a profoundly broad definition because it would cover GP practices, family planning clinics, primary healthcare centres and hospitals. He noted that given the number of such centres in any given town or city, the application of a 100 m zone would have a serious impact on the ability of anyone to hold a protest for or against the termination of pregnancy in any location without the risk of inadvertently committing an offence. Yet, two years on, the Minister's own Bill now does precisely what he warned against. Indeed, it is so broad that it criminalises the expression of views that are merely likely to influence someone's decision to have an abortion.

This map plots a 100 m zone around each and every GP practice, hospital, clinic and family planning clinic in Dublin city centre. It covers an enormous amount of territory within which no person could do anything that might influence a woman's decision to have an abortion. This includes areas like O'Connell Street, where 100 m zones around the Rotunda Hospital and the Irish Family Planning Association, IFPA, centre on Cathal Brugha Street portion off one end of the street, while several medical centres near O'Connell Street portion off the other end. Therefore, a person who is walking down O'Connell Street with a sign that says “Choose life, not abortion” would be liable for six months' imprisonment and a fine of €2,500, but if the same person walked down O'Connell Street with a sign reading “Choose life - don't eat meat”, they will be perfectly within their rights to do so.

An Cathaoirleach

I thank the Senator.

Senator Sharon Keogan

In both cases, the person holding the sign is obviously seeking to influence people either to not have an abortion or to not eat meat.

We do not want to make the same mistake as was made with the hate speech Bill, so we could do with the Minister coming in to the House to discuss this issue.

Senator Robbie Gallagher

I again raise my concerns about the 5% levy on concrete due to come into effect on 1 September. The levy on ready-mixed concrete and concrete blocks could have serious adverse consequences for the agricultural sector, home builders and the construction sector, as it is inevitable it will be passed on to the consumer. Consequently, Irish manufacturers will become uncompetitive in the export market. Northern Irish manufacturers will have a distinct advantage and potentially displace Irish manufacturers, which would lead to significant job losses, especially in the Border region. I know of two companies in County Monaghan, where I live, that employ an awful lot of people. They have serious concerns about how they are going to be affected by the levy, which could ultimately lead to job losses. The businesses will be made uncompetitive and the knock-on effects that will have on the local economy will be devastating. I ask that we write to the Minister to outline our concerns and request that the implementation of this levy be postponed until further talks take place with those in the construction sector.

Senator Garret Ahearn

I welcome the recent announcement by the Departments of the Environment, Climate and Communications and Enterprise, Trade and Employment of extra financial support for businesses to install solar PV panels. It is hugely welcome. The Government has done an awful lot for homeowners in the form of SEAI grants to support them to install solar panels but we probably had not done enough for businesses prior to this announcement. It is significant because, whereas previously businesses could only receive €2,400, they can now get that amount for the first 6 KW and, after that, receive an extra €300 per KW up to 20 KW. After that, they will receive €200 from 21 KW up to 200 KW and support can be provided up to 1,000 KW. Businesses may receive up to €162,000, so it is a significant amount of money for those that are looking to do this.

The scheme is being funded from moneys not spent under the temporary business energy support scheme, TBESS. I request that both Ministers consider backdating this measure to the start of the TBESS. The Government recognised businesses were under huge pressure financially due to the rising cost of energy. It is why we brought in the TBESS in September 2022. Many companies have changed their ways and installed solar panels in the past year to try to reduce their costs, for which they did not receive any grant. It is only from now that people will be able to receive this significant grant. The argument I and the businesses are making is that businesses that made these changes in the past year were correct to do so, if we take the long view and given the financial advantage, but they have missed out on a grant. This scheme should be available to them and should be backdated to when the TBESS commenced because that is the date the Government recognised that businesses were under huge financial strain due to the rising cost of energy. Numerous businesses in Tipperary, from supermarkets to shopping centres, spent an awful lot of money, ranging from €50,000 to €70,000, and only received €2,400. By contrast, businesses that apply now will be able to get a huge amount of money. I ask that this be reviewed.

Senator Pauline O'Reilly

I raise last night's "RTÉ Investigates" programme. There is a group of people who are vilified, sidelined, silenced and at times ridiculed, namely, those advocating for animal welfare. What the programme showed is the resilience that this group has in pursuing better standards for the animals in our care. I thank Fran McNulty and "RTÉ Investigates" but it is also important to mention Caroline Rowley and all those across the animal welfare organisations, as well as my party's animal welfare group, for pursuing this matter and bringing to light the huge problems we have in the dairy industry.

It strains credulity to hear Members say they were shocked by the programme. I have raised the issue of live exports and the treatment of animals on ships numerous times in the Seanad.

Indeed, animal welfare groups have been raising it. It is time for the country not just to be shocked but to take action on this. We have an obligation to the animals in our care. There is an issue around the lack of another industry for these bull calves. I take that point on board but this is a booming industry with rising milk prices and there are in some cases animals that are not taken care of as a result of this industry. It is human beings who are benefiting and again it is the animal kingdom and nature that are cast aside. I wanted to put that on the record. We have been told numerous times about the problems in live exports. It took a previous "RTÉ Investigates" to point out the problems in the greyhound industry and here we are again. There is a lack of action on both of those issues.

Senator Gerard P. Craughwell

I am calling for a full investigation into the Irish Prison Service, particularly in the area of bullying and harassment. Some weeks back, I mentioned the case of Sean O'Brien, who was involved in an IRA prison escape in Portlaoise. That man has spent 20 years of his life trying to get information on what happened on that day. He is severely traumatised and the Prison Service is totally unwilling to help him. It is saying that because the Freedom of Information Act did not exist at the time, he will not be getting information. It is outrageous.

A whistleblower working in the Prison Service has come to me now. He tells me of drugs being brought into the prisons to facilitate some of the notorious gangs that are in prison at the moment. He has been shifted from one prison to another because he reported what he saw. He arrived in one of the prisons in Dublin and found horrendous food hygiene. He reported that and he is now being subjected to the most horrendous bullying. They are telling him to go home sick and not to come back. I want an investigation into this. I am contacting the Garda today on the drugs issue. I will write to the Health and Safety Authority and the governor of Mountjoy Prison and ask that if anything happens to this man, somebody will be held responsible for it. It is horrendous that somebody is suffering serious health issues as a result of bullying in the workplace. An investigation right through the Prison Service needs to happen urgently.

Senator Lynn Boylan

Like others, I raise the RTÉ documentary last night on the abuse of calves in the dairy industry. It is important to note that this is the second of this type of investigation into animal welfare issues. Previously RTÉ had the fantastic documentary on the greyhound industry, "Greyhounds Running for Their Lives". Most people were horrified by that and I do not think the numbers going to see greyhound racing have ever returned. We still have over-breeding within the greyhound industry. Dogs are over-bred and are then being sold at lower cost to the British so we are actually subsidising the British greyhound industry as well.

The programme last night, like the greyhound one, shows the value of public service broadcasting and how important it is that we invest in it and protect it into the future. I hope in this case that there will be action following on from the programme and we will not find ourselves in a similar situation as with the greyhound industry. There are still systemic problems within that industry.

On the show last night, people from the marts were saying that those filmed abusing calves needed training in animal welfare. They do not need training in animal welfare. People know how to treat animals. They know what cruelty looks like. Those people should be identified and sacked. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has promised a full inquiry into all of this. It should have known. The glut of male calves has been one of the worst kept secrets in the industry. I hope there will be a robust investigation into the matter, that people will be held to account and that there will be changes to the industry going forward.

Senator Lisa Chambers

I thank all Members for their contributions. The father of the House, Senator David Norris, spoke first.

He called for condemnation of the supply of cluster bombs by the United States to Ukraine in its war effort to defend its territory. Many Members will agree it is a really sad move in this war that those bombs are being sent. We know Russia is using those bombs as well but that does not make this the right move. I certainly hope the supply of those bombs will be reflected upon. It is also within Ukraine’s power not to request or use those bombs. We know the long-term implications are that many civilians may be harmed if those types of bombs are used. Senator Norris raised a very important point.

Senator O'Loughlin spoke about the passing of former Senator and Deputy Brendan Daly, as did many other Members. We will move a vote of sympathy at the end of Order of Business. The Senator also raised the "RTÉ Investigates" programme last night, as did a number of other Members, including the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, and Senators Paul Daly, Boyhan, Lombard, Pauline O’Reilly and Boylan. We will request a debate, as requested by Senator Paul Daly, with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the new term to get an update on the Department's investigation at that point. The footage that aired last night was vile, appalling and shocking to watch. It was distressing to watch, no more so, I am sure, than for many of the farmers watching who have exemplary practices and the best standards of care for their animals. It made for difficult viewing and the public reaction to it has been significant. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, and other members of the Government have condemned what they saw in the footage. Many of the images appear to be breaches of the law and animal welfare laws. The Department is carrying out a full investigation and we will await the outcome of that.

I agree with the comment of Senator Boylan that animal welfare training should be part and parcel of training for anybody working with animals. We all know the basics of what is okay and what is not. From what I could see, there were very clear signs in the marts shown in the programme that rods or sticks should not be used on very young animals. Surely these people can read. What is okay and what is not is very well known to people working in those sectors. I suggest that training is not the issue with those individuals but I would certainly welcome more extensive training for people working in the sector. It can only do good overall.

Senator O'Loughlin also spoke about a heritage park in County Kildare. She paid her respects and extended her sympathies to the family of former Deputy Ben Briscoe on his passing. We will have another opportunity to speak about Mr. Briscoe as well.

Senator Hackett spoke about "RTÉ Investigates" and a public meeting on nature restoration that took place in Ballinasloe. She said it was regrettable that the discourse or tone of the meeting descended into one that was quite aggressive and combative. I am paraphrasing but it seems the meeting was not respectful and many of those who were expressing particular views were not facilitated in speaking and, as the Senator put it, were shouted down.

Senator Carrigy reminded members of the autism training programme that he and his committee have initiated and encouraged Members to participate. He also referred to the OWL programme, which is doing important work and was initiated by Senator O’Loughlin in 2017. That programme is doing very well.

Senator Wall spoke about the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 that will be discussed at the Joint Committee on Justice later today. He said the watershed of 5.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. does not go far enough on gambling advertising and that was supported by Senator Joe O'Reilly. Senator Wall also asked for funding for football, for which €500 million has been requested.

Senator Black spoke about the upcoming local government elections and the need to support councillors. She referred to a meeting she had with representatives of the AILG. Many Members met the AILG delegation to Leinster House last week when many concerns were raised. Senator Black focused predominantly on the security allowance that has been provided to Members of both Houses of the Oireachtas but has yet to be extended to members of the local authorities. My understanding is that the issue is being explored and work is under way to see whether the allowance can be extended. This House would certainly lend its support to that proposal. Local councillors face the same difficulties in terms of potential threats to safety or abuse and harassment as we do. All public representatives at all levels are experiencing those challenges. The Senator also welcomed the debate on Palestine which will take place tomorrow.

As I said, Senator Paul Daly spoke about the "RTÉ Investigates" programme. We will arrange a debate with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the new term. That request will be made today.

Senator Joe O'Reilly stated that, having reached full employment in the country, we should make an extra effort to reach full employment in terms of people with disabilities and do all we can to ensure there are employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors with incentives for employers. I certainly agree with that statement.

Senator Boyhan spoke about “Prime Time”. He also commended the work of RTÉ journalists, particularly its current affairs and investigative journalists, on foot of the “RTÉ Investigates” programme last night but also the fantastic work they do in public service broadcasting in general.

Senator Lombard spoke about “RTÉ Investigates”. He said there are advances in science and technology that are allowing for a reduction in the numbers of bull calves being born. He said the industry - dairy farmers – are reacting and trying to address that particular issue.

Senator Keogan spoke about the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill and we will debate that legislation in the new term. I take on board the point the Senator made that the legislation is not supported by everybody. However, it is a commitment in the programme for Government to deliver on that legislation.

Senator Gallagher raised the issue of the 5% levy on concrete blocks due in September. He raised concerns about the impact that could have in terms of increased costs for the consumer building a home.

Senator Ahearn welcomed the grant for businesses for PV solar panels.

Senator Pauline O’Reilly spoke about the “RTÉ Investigates” programme and highlighted issues with the live export trade and the value on bull calves, which seems to be low. That seems to be at the top of the agenda for the dairy sector.

Senator Craughwell asked for a full investigation into the Irish Prison Service. I am not fully aware of the issues the Senator raised and they seem to be related to an individual, so I do not wish to comment any further on that at this point.

Finally, Senator Boylan spoke about “RTÉ Investigates” as well and I think I covered the issue. We will have a more fulsome debate on that topic in the new term. I think this is an issue that will take some time to tease through. I am sure Members will welcome the debate on that particular topic in the new term.

Order of Business agreed to.