Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 May 2024

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

An Cathaoirleach

Before I call on the Leader to announced the Order of Business, I join everyone in expressing our sadness and sympathy on the death last week of our former colleague and friend, Michael D'Arcy Snr., former Member of this House, TD, Minister of State, and county and town councillor. Michael was a native of Annagh, Gorey, County Wexford and had a long and distinguished career in local and national politics serving the people of Wexford.

He began his political career in 1958 when he served on Wexford County Council having been co-opted to the position following the death of his father, Timothy. He served on Wexford County Council for many years after that. In June 1977 he was elected to the 21st Dáil which marked the commencement of a distinguished career in national politics. He was a proud Wexford man and member of Fine Gael but he was, in particular, a huge advocate and supporter of rural Ireland and of farmers, of which he was one. He loved people and was very committed to politics and was renowned and known for his hard work, honourable and committed public service and representation, for his people, his county and his country.

In 1981, he was appointed Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture by the then Taoiseach, Garret FitzGerald and again, in 1982, he was appointed Minister of State in the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and at the Department of Gaeltacht. He served in the 20th Seanad from 1983 to 1987 on the agricultural panel and was returned to Dáil Éireann in 1987, representing his county of Wexford, up to 2002. He served as a member of Gorey Town Council and, indeed, chaired its last meeting in 2014.

Michael D’Arcy Snr. leaves behind an outstanding legacy of public service to the people of Wexford, a tradition that was carried on from his father and was subsequently carried on by his son, Michael Jnr., who also served in this House as well as Dáil Éireann during his political career.

As well as a remarkable career in politics, he was a loyal member of Kilanerin Ballyfad GAA club throughout his life. As well as being a playing member of the club, he also served as club president and chairperson.

On my own behalf and on behalf of all of us in this House, I extend our sympathies and thoughts to his family and to his wife, Marie; his children, Jude, Michael, Liam and the late Shirley; his siblings Peggy, Emily, Nora, Frank; and his late brother, Jim. My sympathies also go out to his extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. In due course, we will hold a tribute to him in the House. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Senator Lisa Chambers

I concur with the sympathy that have been expressed by the Cathaoirleach to the D'Arcy family. We will move an expression of sympathy at the end of Order of Business.

The Order of Business today, Wednesday 8 May, is No. 1, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2024, back from committee, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, Private Members' business, Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023 – Committee Stage, to be taken at 3.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 5.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 3, Research and Innovation Bill 2024 [Dáil] – Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 5.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 7.30 p.m., if not previously concluded.

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach. I support the Order of Business. May I also, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, extend our deepest sympathies to the D'Arcy family on the passing of Mr. Michael D'Arcy Snr.

First, I wish to do a shout-out to fellow hay fever sufferers. It always creeps up and, nearly unexpectedly, catches. At the moment, I am taking every antihistamine known to man. I stopped off this morning to get a herbal concoction from Paul O'Connor from the herb shop in Eyre Street, Newbridge. If that works, I will do a little sideline in here in terms of selling it on.

On the way in, I note that there was another march for Palestine. When I finish with the Order of Business, I will be joining those who are there. It is really important. I know there is a call for an emergency European Council meeting to discuss the latest military invasion of the Rafah crossing and the cutting off of two vital, urgent entry points of aid. Again, we need a firm international response. Ireland and Spain have really been very strong leaders in all of this but we absolutely need to have that urgent European Council meeting. It is important that we support it.

I understand today is the first advance care plan day, which is an opportunity for families to have those discussions. It supports people to think ahead about what is most important to them and how they live their lives up to the time they pass, but it is also about putting legal directives in place to make sure that people have wills, etc., in place. It is important we take the time to consider those difficult and sensitive situations. I was pleased to be a member of the joint committee that examined the whole area of assisted dying. Recommendations have been made. It is a very sensitive and emotive subject and I acknowledge that the Government probably will not have the time or space to deal with those recommendations, but because it is the first advance care plan day, I just wish to say that it is important that we encourage family members, neighbours and even constituents to think about all of those important issues.

I wish to raise the issue of the primary medical certificate, which is a document that confirms that a person is severely and permanently disabled. It is far too onerous. The fact that someone has to lose the use of both arms or both legs to avail of it is really wrong. It is beyond time this was reviewed. It is important that we look to have the Minister to come here to discuss that.

Senator Regina Doherty

I wish to raise a revision that was made by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman, to the appointment of the power of attorney process. A year ago, when the power of attorney legislation was transferred from the Department of Justice to the Department of disability and inclusion, the amendment that we made on behalf of the State made the current process entirely complicated and actually exclusionary.

It is putting people off employing powers of attorney, particularly those who are older and vulnerable. An enduring power of attorney allows vulnerable people to appoint an attorney to act on their behalf and in their best interests should they ever lose the capacity to make decisions themselves. We know that this decision is made by people long before they ever reach a position of not having capacity but the possibility for people with limited decision-making capacity to appoint an attorney to oversee their personal and financial matters has become entirely convoluted. We have made what was a relatively easy two- or three-step process involving personal engagement between the attorney and the client into a very convoluted ten-step process that is entirely based on ICT, which is hugely problematic for people who do not have the access or the wherewithal to do it. I can only assume that the Minister thought at the time that he was empowering people in their decision-making capacity processes but we have actually made a dog's dinner of what was a relatively simple process. It is now exclusionary and is putting people off. The aim of empowering people to make decisions themselves has now been totally reversed and mucked up.

I seek a review of the amendment that was made 12 months ago. It is patently not working. Those in the legal system are telling us that it is not working, as are disability advocates. Our attempt to make it better has made it far worse and more exclusionary. I ask the Leader to advise on how best to get the Minister to review the process, whether that is by bringing back the legislation after 12 months to review it or by having a debate on it in the House to make our views known, as well as the views of those advocating in the disability sector and the legal sector. We need to get back to something that is in the best interests of people making decisions within their own capacity but supported by the legal system. We should not be making the system totally convoluted.

Senator Gerard P. Craughwell

I join the Cathaoirleach in offering my condolences to the D'Arcy family.

Today we had the annual Defence Forces 1916 ceremony. The Cathaoirleach did us proud by reading a prayer as Gaeilge, which, as a former sáirsint from An Chéad Cathlán Coisithe, Gaillimh, was lovely to hear. I thank him for that. It is ironic that we were honouring the Defence Forces and the founding fathers of our State today while at the same time, representatives of the combined uniformed services of An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and the Fire Service are in Buswells Hotel. These are all front-line people and they are there for something that I have discussed with the Leader previously, namely, the 2013 pension. Unless we get to grips with the 2013 pension, we will not have people staying in any of the forces for any length of time. Somebody somewhere, following the economic crash, sat down at a desk and came up with the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. I am damned sure that the person who drafted that legislation is not covered by the Act. This legislation, with one strike, seems to hit all but, actually, it does not. It is slowly but surely destroying the public service. It is currently affecting those in the uniformed services but it will not take long until it hits the full Civil Service. I acknowledge it is a bit late in this Government's life for this but I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to the House to discuss public service pensions, particularly for those who are on accelerated pensions and who have a limited lifespan in which to earn their full pension.

I heard the other day of a soldier who had an accident and has taken the State to court. He has been awarded compensation and a disability pension by the forces but the compensation is being deducted from his disability pension. Where did that come from? There is something terribly wrong with the way we are dealing with our service people and we need to get a grip on it to try to bring them back. We need to get the Minister into the House and convince him that things are going sadly wrong. I encourage all of my colleagues to go over to Buswells Hotel today to hear what the uniformed services have to say and to decide for themselves if there is a justifiable case to be answered.

I believe there is. I ask the Leader to do everything she can to get the Minister for public expenditure and reform before the House.

I will raise the matter of Private Billy Kedian's commemoration. As I mentioned in the House previously, he was killed in Lebanon during an act of outright heroism on his part. His commemoration is to take place in Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, on 20 July. As a County Mayo person, I am sure the Leader will be there to see that.

Senator Róisín Garvey

I will make two short points. It is always good to acknowledge good news because everybody needs good news. The good news today is that the Minister is waiving all fees for outdoor furniture. When we have good news, we should celebrate. This is on top of the fact that during Covid, I brought to the parliamentary party the suggestion that we should do better to support small businesses. The Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, heard the call and funded businesses to the tune of €4,000 per business, if they needed awnings, outdoor furniture, windbreaks, screens, plant stands and wooden platforms. Some €13.55 million was given to more than 4,600 businesses that drew down that funding. That is something we should acknowledge. Part two of the scheme is the local authority weatherproofing and outdoor dining enhancement scheme of more than €9 million, €186,000 of which Ennis town got.

We are starting to turn into a Trumpism world where it is said that all of the Government is evil and only people outside Leinster House care. However, this is a very good Government initiative. We have reclaimed space for people, including older people and breast-feeding mothers, who need to sit down. We need to look at our spaces. We gave grants out and more than 4,600 businesses got very good money to put up spaces for people. As a result of that uptake, the Minister is now waiving the fees businesses would have to pay on an annual basis. That is something good and positive the Government is doing.

I cannot come to the House any more without, as a national representative, raising the issue of Gaza. It is very important for the people of Ireland to hear us call out and do all we can as Government representatives because they do not have the same voice we do. I used my voice in Geneva and at the UN in New York. We are now calling for an emergency meeting of the Council of Europe. Senator O'Loughlin and I are members of that council. It is important for people to know that we are trying to do all we can. It is past time for Palestine to take its rightful place among the nations of the world. We fully support Palestinian membership of the UN. The conflict in Gaza and the broader occupation of Palestine is a persistent source of regional instability as well as deeply upsetting on a whole new level for the people of this country.

The Government is co-ordinating efforts with European states to recognise Palestine as a state. Alongside other national bodies, the Spanish and Irish Governments are trying to drive a European-wide movement to recognise Palestine. It is an integral part of the two-state solution, which, speaking for everybody here, we all want. To give people hope, I do not think there is a politician on any side of the House who is not trying every week and every day to come up with other things the political parties and the country can do to stop this madness in any small way we can. Anytime we travel abroad, we raise the issue. Our Ministers raise it with fellow ministers in other countries. We are trying our best. It is obviously not enough because the war continues and is deeply saddening. I express my support for all the people who have taken to the streets and who are constantly fundraising for all the amazing charities. We have to commend those people.

An Cathaoirleach

It is my pleasure, on my own behalf and on behalf of all Members, to welcome to our Public Gallery the parliamentary delegation from the Republic of Kenya. I wish them a céad míle fáilte. They are very welcome. The delegation is led by the Right Honourable Dr. Moses Wetangu'la, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Kenya. He is very welcome. I thank him for being here with his delegation. I hope they have a very positive, warm visit to Ireland. The bilateral relationship between Ireland and Kenya is very warm and beneficial to both our countries. We look forward to talking with the delegation later. They are most welcome to Leinster House. Céad míle míle fáilte. Go raibh maith agaibh. I thank them very much indeed for being here.

Senator Mark Wall

I, too, welcome our guests from the Republic of Kenya. They are very welcome to the House. I also join with the Cathaoirleach in sending condolences to the D'Arcy family on the passing of Michael senior.

I thank him for his service over many years.

I also join Senator Craughwell in asking that the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, come before the House to discuss pensions for uniformed service personnel. It is an issue that is raised with me regularly and something the Cathaoirleach has spoken about previously It is an issue we need to discuss in this House. I will be heading across the road to Buswells Hotel shortly to listen to what they have to say but it is a serious issue.

I want to raise other two issues. One is an issue I was contacted about over the weekend relating to an urgent protocol to allow residents to be able to contact Uisce Éireann, particularly in this case, which relates to a sewage spill that, unfortunately, forced young children, older people and indeed all of the residents of the Abbeylands estate in Barnhill, Castledermot to spend the weekend indoors. It was totally and utterly unacceptable. The biggest problem there was that the estate was not taken in charge and when I rang the local authority officials, they were all worried about what the consequences would be if they went in. Uisce Éireann came back to me today to say it could not get involved because the estate has not been taken in charge. These people pay their property tax like everybody else, yet they could not allow their children to go outside. We need the Minister for Housing, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, to come up with a protocol. We need an emergency number. The local representatives area's own emergency number does not allow contact after Friday evenings and these people had to suffer over the weekend. It is simply not acceptable when they are paying property tax. Will the Leader ask the Minister to come in to discuss a protocol with Irish Water? I would ask Irish Water officials to come in but I am not sure that would happen. If they could come in, we would need to discuss this issue as it has been raised with me an awful lot of times and it was a specific issue in Castledermot over the weekend.

The second issue I would like to raise with the Leader is school transport. The Minister for Education indicated there will be changes in school transport. Do I have three minutes, Cathaoirleach?

An Cathaoirleach

Yes, according to the clock.

Senator Mark Wall

Níl sé. Tá dha nóimead agam. Go raibh maith agat.

An Cathaoirleach

I do not manage the clock. Lean ar aghaidh.

Senator Mark Wall

Gabh mo leithscéal. The Minister indicated there will be some school transport changes that particularly relate to the area of 4.5 km. There are 32 young children attending the Cross and Passion College in Kilcullen. They who live in the Ballysax-Curragh area. They have been told they will not get bus transport to that school in September. This is simply unacceptable. They are being told they should attend the new school on the Curragh but as we know that new school is being developed in Kildare town, which will be further away than the Cross and Passion College in Kilcullen. We need Bus Éireann, through the Minister, to agree a pathway for these people to allow for more than the 4.5 km limit and for their second choice school, which in this case is the Cross and Passion College in Kilcullen. I ask that the Minister come to the House because that is not the only case I have on school transport. She needs to sit down and we need to see a new protocol for school transport to allow those children, and many more, to get the public transport they badly need.

An Cathaoirleach

Again, apologies regarding the clock but I do not control it.

Senator Mark Wall

That is no problem.

An Cathaoirleach

The Senator is in injury time.

Senator Mark Wall

I am used to being in injury time.

An Cathaoirleach

I hope it did not cost him like it cost Kildare last night.

Senator Mark Wall

Unfortunately, we lost during injury time last night.

An Cathaoirleach

Unfortunately, indeed. Anois, I call the Father of the House, Senator Burke.

Senator Paddy Burke

I welcome our guests from Kenya as well and I hope they have a very successful trip to Ireland.

I will join with the Cathaoirleach and other Members in proposing a vote of sympathy to the late Michael D'Arcy Snr., who was a former Member of this House and the Dáil, a Minister of State, and a county and town councillor. He had a distinguished political career over a very long period. I fought a Seanad election with him on the agricultural panel back in 1993. We shared an office afterwards and he was a pleasure to work with. I extend my sympathy to his wife Marie and to his family, including Michael Jnr., who was a Member of this House as well, and to his siblings. I know we will have another day here regarding that.

I will raise the issue of the extension of sewerage schemes and small water schemes. I would like to know the criteria used when evaluating how an extension should be granted or a small scheme should be progressed because I am not clear on how it actually works. The Leader will be well-acquainted with the one in Breaffy outside Castlebar, County Mayo. The locals are looking for an extension to the scheme that was put in place by the then Minister for the environment, Phil Hogan, in 2013 or 2014.

There are a number of houses and hotels, such as Breaffy House Hotel and its sister hotel, in that area. The scheme there has only been in place since 2016, or whatever year it was. People in the area are looking for an extension and one wonders how that can be progressed. Who progresses it? The local authority does not seem to have any function. We, as Members of the Oireachtas, do not seem to have any say in proposing the extension to a scheme. I would like a debate in his House about how we can progress schemes that are badly needed in areas such as Breaffy, outside Castlebar.

Senator Victor Boyhan

I welcome our distinguished guests from Kenya, who are very welcome. I hope they have a successful visit to the House and to Ireland.

I welcome the Dublin city task force, which the Government made preliminary announcements about yesterday and today. I understand a substantial announcement is to be made on Thursday. However, there are serious questions about local government. A very successful Seanad committee is still working on the issue. The Leader is involved with that committee. People are asking what happened to the key recommendations from the citizens' assembly on Dublin.

We know that Ireland has the among the weakest local government in Europe, perhaps the second weakest local democracy in Europe. We know that citizens, and particularly the citizens of Dublin, are fed up with quangos, agencies, Departments and unelected officialdom with no accountability for local government. The House will later today pass a motion in respect of street furniture in our cities and towns. That is the sort of issue that can be dealt with at the local government level and should not be dealt with at the level of national government. An earlier speaker talked about what the Minister was doing but the Minister was doing nothing. The Minister was making a proposal which we will agree by way of a motion today. That is an important point. I will support the motion with the proviso that we look after disabled people who are navigating the streets of our cities and towns and who are having difficulty because some people are taking up space that is way beyond what is allotted to them. That is for another day.

I again call for greater devolved, and more, powers and resources for our Dublin city councillors and for the excellent Mr. Richard Shakespeare, who is the new Dublin chief executive. We want more gardaí on our streets and more community workers. We want an equal start for our children because the outcomes of not having an equal start are being seen on the streets of Dublin today. In general, I wish the task force well. Let us not devolve the powers from where they should be, that is, in the heart of Dublin City Hall with Dublin City Council, the executive and the executive management team. That is where we will address the problems of Dublin and the problems of local government in the city.

Senator Micheál Carrigy

I also pass on my sympathies to the family of the late Michael D'Arcy.

I will raise another issue that affects a significant number of parents of children with additional needs, which is the issue of getting a routine dental appointment. The reality is that a considerable number of parents cannot get a dental appointment because there are not dentists within the HSE system who are trained to see young children. I recently heard from the parent of a nine-year-old child with autism and sensory processing disorder. The child needed a dental visit. The parent contacted the HSE but nothing was available through the school system, which is there to check all children. The parent had to go the private route and paid over €3,500 to have extractions and crowns done.

This House has regularly debated the significantly increased cost for families of children with disabilities, between the loss of wages and having to pay for other treatments privately, including speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. This is an area that has never been highlighted before but I am doing so now. It is important for the HSE to train people who specialise in working with kids with needs to allow parents to access the system. That is what I am calling for. We will be debating the disability Bill later today. This is a matter I would like brought to the notice of the Minister for Health. We must go out, identify people and train them specifically in this area to alleviate the issue for parents. The one parent to whom I spoke spent €3,500 because treatment under the public system was not available. That is not acceptable. Parents are already paying for other private treatments and this is another treatment that we, as a State, are not able to provide.

Senator Sharon Keogan

I welcome the Kenyan delegation here this afternoon. My late uncle, who only passed away in the past couple of weeks, served as a Kiltegan missionary in Lodwar and Kataboi around the Lake Turkana area. He set up the fishing industry there. His name was Fr. Jim Brady.

I welcome the European disability and parking card, which passed in the European Parliament. This card will allow for special access to public transport and other facilities for people with disabilities. This card will act as proof of disability status across all EU countries and will grant cardholders access to special conditions when using public transport, visiting cultural attractions and more. It can ensure free entry or discounted fees, priority access, personal assistance and mobility aids to the cardholder. It can ensure access to an extended parking space, reserved parking space or reduced-cost parking space. An improved version of the EU parking card with a common format will also replace the current card, which is not always recognised due to present differences in formats across member states. Establishing an EU-wide disability card to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to preferential conditions, such as reduced or zero entry fees, priority access and reserved parking, is a welcome measure. I am sure all of the people who have disability cards and parking cards will be delighted to see this is being rolled out through the EU.

Senator Malcolm Byrne

Unfortunately, I was not here on Thursday but I join colleagues in expressing sympathy to the family of the late Michael D'Arcy Sr. I had the privilege of serving with him on the former Gorey town council. In fact, he was the last chair before town councils were abolished. Michael had a passion for his community and politics. You could disagree with him at a meeting but once the meeting was over, he would chat to you about life and sports. He never took anything personally. He loved the community of north Wexford, where he was from. I extend my sympathies to his wife, Marie, his children, grandchildren and extended family.

I am conscious, as no doubt is the Leader, that posters have started to go up on poles all around the country. We sometimes take for granted that we live in one of Europe's longest continuous democracies. We should celebrate and appreciate that we have open, fair and democratic elections. I commend anybody who has put their name on a ballot paper for either the local or European elections. It takes courage - it might take a bit of madness as well. I wish the Leader and all colleagues in this and the other House who are contesting the European elections the best of luck. To candidates, whether they are seasoned campaigners or first-time enthusiastic candidates, we should extend the best of luck. It takes a bit of bravery to put your neck out there to represent your community. We should all, regardless of party or background, celebrate that we live in this rich democracy.

Senator Garret Ahearn

Today, I had the wonderful opportunity of having more than 30 members from the Cashel retirement group come to Leinster House. The Cathaoirleach was kind enough to meet them. I promised I would raise two issues which they asked me to bring up. It relates to things important to them locally in Cashel and nationally for older people. The first is an update on the 60-bed nursing unit in Cashel. This is an important development being built in Cashel. It is in the capital plan. It is in the pre-planning stage at the moment with the HSE. It is on a site on Palmer's Hill. We are at a point where we cannot delay things. It is important that we get an update on that because it is an important development for Cashel. The mayor of Cashel, Declan Burgess, has been very vocal on that matter over the past number of years.

The other request, about which they all spoke, which is interesting not for today but for the future, is having a Minister for older people with no added attachments to the role. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, has played a key role in her portfolio as Minister of State with responsibility for older people.

She also has the mental health portfolio, which is equally important.

We all know now that we are an ageing population. Over the past ten years, the average age of people has increased by two years because of good health and a good way of living. That brings about challenges from a Government perspective in terms of quality of life, how we change the dynamic of living and ageing and what the Government can do. The ask from the retirement group, and retirement groups in Ireland generally, is that future Governments consider the challenges for older and retired people across the country and that that be reflected from a Government perspective by having a Minister of State with responsibility for older people, without any additional portfolios. What needs to be done requires a whole-of-government approach, in terms of town planning, development, retirement homes and things like that. Many things need to be done to protect people in the community. The proposal put forward is an interesting one to develop.

Senator Eugene Murphy

I extend my congratulations to the wonderful under-20 footballers from Roscommon who beat Galway in the Connacht final recently. It was a great display. A Strokestown man, Shane McGinley, got man of the match. The team faces a tough game this Saturday in Cavan against Tyrone. We will all have to go and roar them on.

I wish to raise a matter the Leader probably knows about. I refer to the town of Ballaghaderreen and the fact that despite having been promised a primary care centre ten years ago, it has never materialised. I have raised the lack of services in the town on previous occasions. It is truly appalling that the Health Service Executive has failed to provide a primary care centre in the town. Doctors are under extreme pressure. There has been a massive increase, over 40%, in the population. So-called official figures were published by the Irish Independent in respect of people fleeing terrible wars and famine. It was stated that the figure for County Roscommon is 178; the figure is far higher than that. That is a debate for another day.

It is crucial that the Government and HSE put in place the primary care centre without delay. The Leader is not that far away from the town and she knows it is badly needed. Not only is there a lack of services but services are not being provided for towns like Ballaghaderreen which have had a significant influx of migrant people, some of whom are very unfortunate. I call on the Minister to come to the House and address the lack of the provision of a primary care centre in the town of Ballaghaderreen. An election colleague for the local authority, Aidan Sampey, who lives in the town has pressed hard for this.

Senator Martin Conway

Before I make my comments, I would like to extend my sympathies to the D'Arcy family, in particular former Senator Michael D'Arcy whom we all served with here for a number of years.

Tomorrow is Europe Day, as the Cathaoirleach knows. We are having a debate in the House on the importance of Europe. It is a time to reflect on all of the benefits that this country has derived from its membership of the European Union. As a country, we have been totally transformed in terms of education, IT, technology, infrastructure, road and rail networks, buses, etc. The European infrastructure investment fund has invested billions upon billions in this country and has made this country into the first world country it is. Sometimes we forget how beneficial the last number of decades have been in terms of what we have achieved. Of course, Europe is a broad church comprising many different countries, cultures and traditions. We always have work to do to improve things, especially the lives of the citizens of Europe.

I was proud and honoured to address the European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities last June, which met in plenary session in the European Parliament chamber in Brussels. It is an advocacy body comprising advocates from across the 26 countries. Advocacy groups sent the equivalent number of representatives as there are MEPs for each country.

In my keynote address at that forum, I spoke about the need to expedite the European card for people with disabilities and the parking card. For too long, there has not been synchronisation of the one card for people with disabilities travelling across Europe. We are free of borders, thankfully, and the European disability card will make it easier for people with disabilities. The European parking card will also make it easier for people with disabilities who are travelling across the borders of Europe. I welcome the fact the European Parliament has given the green light to this. I would like a debate in the not-too-distant future on when we will see that transposed into Irish law and what processes will be used to issue European disability and parking cards in Ireland.

An Cathaoirleach

Glaoim ar an gCeannaire chun freagra a thabhairt ar an tOrd Gnó.

Senator Lisa Chambers

I thank the Members who contributed to the Order of Business today. Senator O'Loughlin spoke about the challenges of hay fever, as a sufferer herself, and about getting some local help in Kildare. She also referenced the march for Palestine outside the gates today and said she is going to join those who are demonstrating outside. She reiterated the call for a ceasefire and peace in the region.

She acknowledged that today is advance care plan day and said that it is important for people to think ahead and plan ahead. She also raised the challenges around the primary medical certificate and the difficulty in getting that certificate for people with genuine needs.

Senator Doherty spoke about the changes made to the power of attorney process under the Minister, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman. She said that, in her view, it has made the process more complicated and less accessible for those who need it.

Senator Craughwell acknowledged the Defence Forces 1916 commemoration and said this was in stark contrast to the front-line workers who are in Buswells today, such as gardaí, firemen and other front-line service individuals. He spoke about the challenges, as he sees it, presented by the 2013 pension which do not make it as attractive to stay for longer periods in the Defence Forces, the Garda and other front-line services.

Senator Garvey acknowledged the good news today on the waiving of fees for outdoor furniture. She also spoke about the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the importance of national representatives who have a platform and a voice using that voice to continue to advocate for the people of Gaza, the Palestinian people and Palestinian statehood. I concur with the Senator’s remarks. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and what is being done to the Palestinian people is abhorrent. The response from Israel since 7 October is to be condemned outright. I do not know how much further we can put it in terms of words but I agree with the Senator that it is important that we continuously raise that issue here in the Chamber and that, at every opportunity, we call for peace in the region, a ceasefire now, the protection of the Palestinian people and to get aid to those people immediately.

Senator Wall asked for a debate on front-line service personnel with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. He acknowledged challenges with Uisce Éireann in dealing with estates that have not yet been taken in charge. He also requested a debate on school transport.

Senator Burke spoke about the sad passing of Michael D'Arcy Snr. He also asked for information around the extension of the sewerage and water schemes and how that might be achieved. I do not have the answers to that. I acknowledge the challenges at Breaffy, which is a very good example of an area of a county where the population has grown at a very fast rate and there is also a significant hotel in the village that has significant requirements in terms of sewerage and water. There is a need to address that at ministerial level.

Senator Boyhan spoke about the Dublin city task force and made the point that many of the issues being dealt with at a national level could be dealt with at a local level if we had more power devolved to local government.

Senator Carrigy spoke about the challenges in getting routine dental appointments for children with additional needs.

Senator Keogan welcomed the European disability and parking cards that have been confirmed and noted they allow people to have priority access and avail of discounts. It is good to see that consistency across the board. Senator Martin Conway also referenced the same matter.

Senator Malcolm Byrne referenced Michael D'Arcy Snr. He also spoke about the postering that is currently taking place across the country. I wish all candidates well in the upcoming elections. Hopefully, people are getting their posters up in a safe way, with no falling off ladders. It is good to see democracy and the electoral process in action. We take for granted at times that we live in an open, democratic society where people can contest elections and it is reasonably open to all people to contest elections. We can be very proud of that. It does not happen everywhere and we need to protect that.

Senator Ahearn sought an update on the nursing home in Cashel and spoke of the need to progress that project as quickly as possible.

Senator Murphy congratulated the under-20 Roscommon team on their great win against Galway. Unfortunately, Mayo was not as successful in the Connacht final against Galway on that day but best of luck to the under-20 Roscommon team in the next stages. The Senator also referenced Ballaghaderreen town, which I canvassed recently with him and our candidate Aidan Sampey. The town has shouldered a significant burden. It has taken in more than its fair share of people and has been very welcoming. They have done their best to integrate but that has not been met with sufficient services and resources. That is not fair on those living there and those coming new into the community. The primary care centre is just one outstanding investment in the town. It also needs a swimming pool, more sports facilities and more GPs. The town deserves support and resources. I welcome its recent qualification for just transition funding of €1 million, which is in excess of what many other towns received because the project put forward was so good. I wish the town well. It is in need of support. We thank people there for all they have done.

Senator Conway acknowledged tomorrow is Europe Day. He also referred to the disability card and his contribution to the European Parliament last year, when he spoke as a representative of the disability community.

Order of Business agreed to.