Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, we are joined in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery by Jeremy Wilmshurst, the First Secretary of the British Embassy, George Moore, also from the embassy, and Daniel Katte, head of the Ireland team at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London. They are all very welcome. I know Jeremy will be leaving us shortly, to be replaced by George. He is returning to London. On behalf of the Seanad, we wish Jeremy all the best for the future and thank him for his assiduous work in developing excellent relationships with Members and officials of both Houses, but especially the Seanad. We look forward to working with George and building good relationships with him into the future. We wish Jeremy all the best on his next travels.
An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
I join with the Leas-Cathaoirleach in congratulating Jeremy on what we assume is a promotion to new pastures. I thank him for his service and friendship over the years. I wish George the very best of luck and welcome him to his promotion here as well.
The Order of Business is No. 1, Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill 2024 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to adjourn at 6.15 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 2, Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill 2023 – Committee Stage, to be taken at 6.15 p.m.
I support the Order of Business. I, too, wish Jeremy well. I had the opportunity to do so outside the Chamber. Of course, I wish George well too. He has big shoes to follow in terms of the excellent work that Jeremy has done.
Today is a good news day for commuters from Kildare and Newbridge because the Minister, Deputy Darragh O’Brien, announced that the fair fares scheme will be implemented on 28 April. What does that mean? It means an incredible amount. For commuters from Newbridge, fares will go down by 45% on average and, for commuters from Kildare town, fares will go down by 37% on average. There will also be an integrated Leap card scheme. This is long overdue but it is very important that we finally have the date it will be implemented. We all look forward to that day.
While today is a good day for commuters, last Friday was the start of bad days for daycare and meals on wheels services in Allenwood. The meals on wheels service in Kildare South delivered almost 40,000 meals in 2024. There were 11 different providers, of which Allenwood was one. Now, there are only ten. The Leader will recall that I have raised this issue previously, including as a Commencement matter with the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donnell. The problem was that the existing service provider pulled out last December, although meals on wheels were delivered right up to last Friday. There is a new provider ready to step in but apparently that will not happen until June. Between December and June, we will have no daycare and, between last Friday and June, there will be no meals on wheels. This is a rural part of Kildare where people are quite vulnerable and dependent on this delivery five days a week. I had the opportunity to call to the daycare centre on Friday to thank Albert, Fred and the other staff and to wish them well. There were tears on behalf of the service users and the staff. It was very sad. I am disappointed that the Minister of State did not meet the group, as he committed to here.
Finally, I raise the issue of catfishing. It needs to be taken seriously. Teenagers are being misled daily and adults are being manipulated by fraudsters preying on people’s vulnerabilities and loneliness. The consequences can be very serious and far-reaching. I pay credit to former Senator Lisa Chambers, who authored a Bill to deal with this issue. I was the proposer for the Bill and it will be put back on the Order Paper this week. It is beyond time for us to deal with catfishing.
I raise an issue that affects many people, which is newspaper articles on inquests and the sheer stress and heartache this causes many families. When I speak, I like to use real-life examples. I will talk about a woman I know who lost her father on 5 October 2022. This man was also known as Daddy Cool because he was loved by his daughter and granddaughter so much that, in their eyes, he epitomised Daddy Cool. This man had a sudden death – a fall at home. It was unimaginable heartbreak for his family. His life was cut cruelly short in an accident. An inquest was ordered to establish the circumstances of his death. As we know, inquests are held in court, and journalists and the public can attend. Families are notified within 14 days of an inquest. In this case, a family member attended – not his daughter, as her grief was palpable and she could not bring herself to attend. Everything went as expected at the inquest and it was established that he died from an injury caused by a fall.
Now move forward. The family of this man opened their local newspaper to see practically a half page story with a giant headline, “Died from an Injury Caused by a Fall”. Initially they thought it might be a lovely obituary for the man, but it was not. A journalist and an editor thought it was in the community's interest to write about the death of this very private man, and not only that, but to do so without informing his family. Not only was it horrific for his family to see explicit details of their cherished father's death, which went so far to describe his nightwear, but this man, like so many Irish men, loved a small drink before he went to bed, a comfort to which he was entitled, and the article listed the milligrammes of alcohol in his system. It went on to list his previous health information that even his family did not know about, such was the privacy this man enjoyed in his life. If he was ill, he was battling that himself, but when he died, all that privacy went out the window.
In life we can protect ourselves with GDPR but in death we cannot. That right is not only taken away, but in this case a family was left to read about it and deal with it. Daddy Cool's daughter was grieving, as were his family, and words here cannot express how that grief intensified because of that article. Imagine losing your dad and having every detail of what he was wearing, what he drank before he went to bed and his medical history being splashed across the newspapers. Would Members like that?
The Press Ombudsman has a code of practice and section 5 deals with privacy. Section 5.3 states:
Sympathy and discretion must be shown at all times in seeking information in situations of personal grief or shock. In publishing such information, the feelings of grieving families should be taken into account.
I would like to ask the Minister for arts, media and communications to come in and debate how we can prevent this happening to any more families. I have seen the impact this can have on a family and it is not good.
I will speak on the threat of tariffs being imposed on Ireland by the United States, ahead of tomorrow’s announcement from Washington. While I hope for the best, it must be serious if the Taoiseach is publicly claiming that the effects could be disastrous. The Taoiseach said it is important "that we don't invite more damage in our response". I would like to know exactly how we could invite any more damage, short of a declaration of war against the United States. The Taoiseach stopped short of giving an endorsement to Kamala Harris. The Tánaiste still has a photo on his Instagram of his Kamala Harris campaign hat, while the former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was happy to have couples’ dinners with her and her husband. While it is wrong in principle to involve yourself in another country’s politics, it is even worse to back the losing horse.
Our political leaders have behaved with horrendous statesmanship and diplomatic acumen for years. However, we must also realise these tariffs pose an existential threat because of a long-running problem driven by negligence and naivety in our national economic planning. For over 30 years, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have allowed us to fall into total dependence on US foreign direct investment and ignored a host of warnings that we needed to diversify and invest in our own industries. It is as if our leadership believed free trade would continue forever, despite the rest of the world trending towards protectionism for nearly a decade. The Minister, Deputy Calleary, claimed "nobody wants tariffs", but this is factually wrong. Millions of ordinary Americans want tariffs. They have watched their industries slowly drift out of their country over the past 50 years and last year, they gave President Trump a popular majority because he promised to bring that industry back with tariffs. The Government highlights that we will use EU leverage to blunt the worst effects of the tariffs, but has everyone forgotten that the foundation of the EU is the customs union? The EU is the EU because we impose tariffs on just about every state that is not in it. We need much more than a rainy day fund, because we now face a torrent that threatens to wash away the poor foundations we have built our economy on.
I join earlier speakers in extending good wishes to Jeremy Wilmshurst in his new role and thank him for how very helpful and pleasant he always was to deal with. I also wish George every success in his new role.
Last week, when I raised the issue of the humanitarian assistance scheme, the Ceannaire indicated that the Minister for Social Protection would be invited to the Chamber to address concerns about the scheme. There are other concerns the Minister might address at the same time, such as the length of time it takes for social welfare appeals. I was contacted by a constituent on Friday who lodged an appeal eight months ago against a decision on invalidity pension, yet a decision has still not been reached. She is not alone; many others are waiting for decisions for eight, nine or ten months, and possibly longer. It is taking such a long time that I wonder if there are insufficient resources in the appeals office or whether too many payments like disability allowance, carer's allowance and domiciliary care allowance, DCA, are being refused. They are the ones that are commonly refused. At least half, if not more, of the refused applications are granted on appeal. We must look at the schemes and see if there is a problem with the application process, whether people are not clear about what they must submit, or whether they are being turned down for the wrong reasons, given that many of the appealed applications are granted and paid in the end, albeit after a lot of stress and the extra work involved in having to appeal the decision.
I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 9 be taken before No. 1. It relates to the Prohibition of Advertising or Importuning Sex for Rent Bill 2025. I will speak briefly to it. I hope we will have a debate on it in the House in future. It is a very straightforward Bill that is laser focused on the advertising of rental properties and prohibits and criminalises advertisements that relate to importuning for sex for reduced rent. The Bill covers a range of advertising, not just on websites. Predators in the rental sector can use vague wording online. They might say prospective tenants "must be up for having fun in the house" or refer to "a friends-with-benefits situation" or they "must be up for sharing a bed". Often, when they start communicating with a person by text message or email, it comes to light what they are asking. This Bill would cover text messages, emails and any kind of electronic communication. It seeks to introduce a class A offence and a fine of up to €50,000 for such activity. The focus is very much on the advertising element. The Bill is very straightforward. If it is agreed to progress it, I would love to work with the Government and the Cross-Party Group on it. I thank the members of the Cross-Party Group – Senators Stephenson, Noonan and Cosgrove - for cosigning the Bill.
I want to speak about the weekend and the policing of the protest outside this building, which was really a vigil. Mother's Day is a celebration for some but for others it is quite a complex day, such as the women and children of Gaza. I refer to the fact that the world would show solidarity with them, that women would give up their day to come and spend time outside Leinster House and show solidarity with mothers who have lost their children and children who have lost their mothers, intentionally, in a purposeful annihilation of women and children in Gaza. Given the response from a policing perspective, we must ask questions about what decisions are being made, how they are made and when force is used in spite of there being no force inflicted outside the gates of Leinster House. It was a peaceful protest. There was no violence used. People were sitting there with photographs, singing, and being together. The fact is they were arrested, put into the back of a Garda van and brought to three different police stations, where three different approaches were taken in each police station. Some of the women were strip-searched, including visual cavity strip-searches following a peaceful protest outside the Parliament. Many of them were offered a caution. If a person accepts a caution, it means he or she must not come before the Garda again for three years.
Imagine the chilling effect that has on protest, on anyone who wants to show solidarity or on people who want to stand outside Leinster House and show they care about something in a particular way. If they can receive a caution for doing something peaceful, how terrified will they be to show solidarity in any protest ever again? The chilling effect this will have on protest in and of itself is something we need to question, because we are now not only using force to police women when it is not necessary but also having a negative effect on the ability of people to show solidarity, protest or hold a vigil.
Will the Leader request from the Minister details of the policy on policing protests and using strip searches? I know strip searches are related to whether people will be going into a cell, but if gardaí are coming from a peaceful protest where women were sitting down singing songs, surely their discretion and judgment will tell them a strip search is not necessary for those women. It makes absolutely no sense and it is a complete violation. It seems like it was a tool to shame and control people who wanted to show solidarity outside this House at the weekend.
Before I begin, I also welcome the announcement of the date of the commencement of the fair fares scheme in Drogheda, County Louth, on 28 April. It is a Monday. It will be a good day for people who commute as they will save up to 50%.
I will speak about another date, though. History buffs will recognise the date Oliver Cromwell and the new model army laid siege to Drogheda in 1649. Almost 400 years later, the then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, left his own indelible mark in a very different way. A central theme of my election campaign last year was the restoration of local government, which was plundered in the foolhardy Local Government Reform Act 2014. This Act, as Senators may remember, led to the abolition of 80 town councils and five borough councils, including that of Drogheda, which was centuries old. If its aim was to improve local government and save money, it did the exact opposite. I am therefore pleased that the strengthening of local democracy is now part of the programme for Government and I am eager to see the promised local democracy task force formed. I request, through the Leader, that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Browne, or the Minister of State for local government, Deputy Cummins, attend this House to discuss its urgent convening.
As we all know, local government is the beating heart of democracy, providing essential services, such as housing, roads, planning, fire safety and much more. Decisions made locally are always better because local representatives understand their communities. Centralising power has harmed many towns, especially Drogheda, which needs a full-time senior executive to manage services and ensure proper funding. The return of a town council and to the days of the old town clerk or town manager would ensure quicker decisions, less vacancy and better services all round. The local democracy task force will propose ways to devolve more powers to local authorities, enhancing and strengthening councillors’ roles in managing local budgets and services. More than a decade of harm has been done since Drogheda lost its local government. We cannot afford any further delay in restoring its town council and installing a dedicated manager alongside those in Dundalk and Ardee.
I also wish to be associated with the comments on Mr. Wilmshurst from the British Embassy. I wish him well in his new role. I also welcome Mr. Moore. He has big shoes to fill, which I am sure he will do. I acknowledge the excellent work over recent years. It has been a difficult time. A lot of things happened in the UK, particularly in respect of the UK-Ireland relationship, and Mr. Wilmshurst played a key role in that over recent years. I thank him for that.
There was a positive announcement last week about roads funding, with an increase on previous years. However, one road was not selected for funding. I have spoken about it numerous times.
The N24.
It is the N24 from Limerick to Waterford. This is the second year running in which funding for this road has been stopped, which is very disappointing. It is for the second section of the road, from Cahir to Waterford. People living within the buffer zone of that prospective road are unable to do any work, build houses or do any planning work on farm land because they are in a buffer zone of a road that is not being funded to completion. We have spent over €5 million progressing that road project over the past two years without continuing to the planning stage, which which cost only a further €2 million. Once we get to planning stage, a decision can be made on the construction, but it means we would not have to go back to the start. If this lack of funding continues, at some point we will have to go back to the start, which will have wasted six or seven years and €5 million of taxpayers' money.
I have spoken to the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, about this. I was hopeful that he saw the sense in continuing it to planning stage but, unfortunately, he has not. I would appreciate if the Leader could convey those concerns that I have about the project. It is vital road infrastructure which needs to be improved for the south-east region, not only for Tipperary but for Limerick, Waterford and on to Rosslare.
One of the main crises in the economy and in our social life at present is the undoubted problem with putting roofs over the heads of our young people, the so-called housing crisis that pervades this land. We in Leinster House are often accused, left, right and centre, of living in a rarefied atmosphere and being disconnected from the realities of life in the country. In an effort to mitigate that, I decided in the past week to pay a couple of visits to sites where houses are being built to connect with the people who are building and clients who hope to occupy these houses.
In two cases, plumbers who were trying to get water and central heating connected asked me when on earth the Government was going to have the plumbing industry somehow regulated and connected with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU. Just about anybody can have a go at plumbing or putting down a central heating unit in a house, often with fairly disastrous effects. From the climate change and carbon footprint perspectives alone, incorrectly installed plumbing and heating have a deleterious effect. Conscious of that, I ask the ever-facilitating and genial Leader to invite the Minister for housing to the House to discuss this urgent issue. It needs to be settled once and for all.
If I may, even though she is sitting close to me, I would not like to have it considered that I am at one with Senator Keogan on tariffs or, indeed, on the ineffectual use of FDI. Even the most successful countries have used FDI to their advantage, notwithstanding probably the most obvious example, the United States itself. Mr. Wilmshurst and the others from the embassy would know British history better than me but in 1903, Joseph Chamberlain undertook the empire's tariffs experiment, and we all know that did not end well. I hope Mr. Trump is taking note.
I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the sad passing last Saturday of a Galway great, Ken Bruen, one of the country's finest writers. He lived an extraordinary life, having spent 25 years travelling around the world working as an English teacher before he began writing in the nineties, with more than 50 works published since, several of which were turned into movies or television series. Of course, the Jack Taylor series was especially popular. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Phyl Kennedy Bruen, and their daughter, Grace.
The Central Statistics Office data on tourist numbers over recent months is concerning. As Members will be aware, the January figures saw a drop of 25% on the 2024 figures, while the February figures published last Friday saw a further stark decrease of 30% from February 2024. Both the tourism and hospitality sectors are obviously deeply concerned about such figures.
This is particularly important given that there are several challenges already facing businesses within the industry, who have seen costs rise considerably in recent years. Members may be aware that the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation has said that although it has been a soft start to the year, it was nothing on the scale suggested by the CSO figures. We need to get clarity on that. Has there been any change in how the CSO collects these numbers? This could, perhaps, explain the significant reduction in January and February. Regardless, it is clear that this is an issue the Government needs to review and act upon. I ask the Leader of the House to request that the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, join us for a debate on the issue at his earliest convenience.
I want to address the issue of occupational therapists. It has been brought to my attention that there are many vacant OT positions in Donegal. There are a number of areas in the county with no OT arranged for them. These areas are Bruckless, Killybegs, Ardara, Glenties, Portnoo, Kilcar, Carrick and Glen. At the moment, only priority one clients are being seen. Priority two clients remain on a waiting list. The role of an OT is to assess people, keep them in their own homes and support them to remain independent. Patients are now not being seen, which is increasing the rate of hospital admissions for patients. Some 461 people are on a waiting list in Donegal. This figure covers Donegal town, Killybegs, Ardara, Glenties and Dungloe. The office in Killybegs has been vacant since April 2022. The morale of staff in the county is at a low ebb because they are covering two, three, four or five patients more than they should be. They are trying to keep everybody happy. It is a very unfair system and it is not right for the patients or the staff. I would like the Leader to try to find out from the Minister where this stands at the moment. Having 461 patients on a waiting list in Donegal is certainly not good enough. I would like some clarification on this matter.
I wish Jeremy and George well. Best wishes in your new role, Jeremy. For George, it is like replacing Alex Ferguson after his time at Manchester United. He has big shoes to fill, as has been said. Best wishes to both of you.
My colleague, Senator Ruane, brought up the issue of the peaceful protest yesterday by Mothers Against Genocide and the fact that protestors were removed. It is of concern to me that the Government, An Garda Síochána and the media are becoming increasingly hostile to anyone who criticises Israel or the genocide that is taking place in the Gaza Strip. The Government needs to pass the occupied territories Bill and the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023 and support justice in Palestine and the Gaza Strip. Peace will then follow. It is important to note that there has been a chilling effect on people who are critical of Israel and critical of the genocide that apartheid Israel is carrying out. It is also important to note that the media are really critical and hostile towards people who are critical of the genocide, and now the Government seems to be rowing in behind that narrative. It is very concerning that peaceful protestors from Mothers Against Genocide were removed in that way yesterday.
I want to address the issue of Cavan General Hospital. This last bastion of safety for the unborn is now performing abortions. This means that all 19 maternity hospitals in Ireland will end the lives of preborn babies. This is happening despite the many pro-life doctors, nurses and other staff of the hospital who bravely stood by their belief in the Hippocratic oath to exercise ethical conduct and the core principle of doing no harm to patients in their care, often putting their principles before their own career advancement or promotion possibilities. In recent weeks, many staff have privately signalled their distress at this development, which involves the HSE bringing in new staff to carry out abortions.
In 2018, the then Government promised voters that abortion would be rare. Almost seven years on it is far from rare, with more than 10,000 abortions each year. When you consider that this quite literally is a life and death issue, it is deeply troubling how little interest those who pushed so hard for repeal have in talking about the massive increase in abortions. In addition, there have been misdiagnosis errors, potential life-threatening complications, coerced abortion, women living with post-abortion regret and psychological burdens for hospital staff. It is strange how there is no outrage from self-professed liberal progressives for these terrible consequences. Doctors should not be mere tools of the State to be forced to violate their conscience in any way. This is a gross injustice to them, particularly in a democracy.
I ask that the Minister for Health adopt a different approach. It is a scandal that all the focus is on making abortion more widely available rather than putting supports in place so that no woman feels pressured to go down the road of abortion. The right to life is the defining human right issue of our time. That will continue to be the case regardless of what the law permits.
I, too, welcome the British delegation to the Chamber, although as a new Senator I have not worked with Jeremy much. I put on record the appreciation of the people of this country for how relations now are. It was a testing and challenging few years. The people in my community in west Cork express positivity about the relationship. I thank our guests for their work and wish George the best in the role he is now going to take on.
I raise the issue of Union Hall pier in west Cork. Union Hall fishing port is very important to the fishing community I represent. I want to talk specifically about Keelbeg and the old pier alongside it. The old pier is in a complete state of disrepair. It is unsafe. Cork County Council has deemed it unsafe for users. The local community wants it to be developed for use. I would have used it myself with my late uncle, in his boat. I have a fear of the water yet I like to go out on it, which is unusual. Early last year the Department of the marine met with Cork County Council and local users and public representatives. A commitment was given to fund 75% of the works to the pier if Cork County Council could get it to the shovel-ready stage. In the months following, no written confirmation of this was received. I have been checking up on it in recent months. We are at the stage now where Cork County Council still has not received that confirmation. The Department of the marine has said it never gave a commitment to expend it in writing. The local community is left in deep frustration with no pier works beginning. This is going to take a major amount of money and expenditure by the local authority but it needs assurances from the Department that if the project can be got to the shovel-ready stage, the Department will work with the council to progress the overall scheme. There is deep frustration within the community. I attended a public meeting last night. I have spoken directly to the Minister on the matter and would welcome if the Leader could communicate to him that it was raised here in the House today.
I support Senator Ruane's intervention. I would also like the Minister to furnish us with a report on the cost-benefit analysis of using this type of appalling, heavy-handed policing tactics versus using a community mediator in instances like this. This type of policing is morally wrong but I also suspect it is more expensive for the State.
The issue I want to speak on today is to do with rural Kilkenny, which is facing a transport crisis. A key private bus operator for the area, JJ Kavanagh and Sons, is reducing its 717 service from Clonmel to Dublin Airport. It is making route adjustments and cutting out some notable areas, including Castlecomer. This is going to impact on communities, students and travellers, with only a week's notice and no public consultation. It is really a huge blow to the area. With no viable public transport alternative in place, this is going to leave residents without reliable public transport and without access to work, education, and the airport. I am asking that the National Transport Authority and the Government intervene immediately. Most of us in this room will agree that public transport should be a public good. We need to take the opportunity to put alternatives in place in these instances where a provider suddenly stops a service. It is a devastating blow for people from the area.
Public transport should be a right. It should not be a privilege. Without these services, workers, students and families are left stranded. It is deepening the rural-urban divide we see in many other instances. It is compounding the sense of rural exclusion that so many rural communities feel. This is why it is important that we address it. This has been a lifeline route for those commuting from Castlecomer to Dublin, Waterford, Carlow, Athy and other destinations. The absence of a public transport option means those without access to cars do not have an alternative. It is a major failing in our public transport policy that this has happened. Senator O'Loughlin spoke about today being a good day for Kildare. I wish I could speak about it being a good day for public transport for Kilkenny. This is why I would like a debate on equity in rural transport.
Is Senator Stephenson seconding Senator Harmon's proposal?
Yes, I second Senator Harmon's proposal.
I reiterate the goodwill to Jeremy. Like Senator O'Donovan, I did not have an opportunity to enjoy his hospitality during his term but I hope I will have a good working relationship with George.
I want to raise the issue of dentistry services for medical card holders. It is something I raised at recent regional health forum meetings. I would like an idea of the availability of dentists providing a service for medical card holders. I was told that for my home county of Roscommon, four dentists are participating in the scheme. Unfortunately, due to capacity issues, many of them are oversubscribed and are not taking on new clients. People are being referred to dentists in other counties, sometimes a two- or three-hour drive away. I do not think this is acceptable at this time. I hope the Minister could look at this, with a view to taking on new dentists to provide this service in counties. I intend to raise it as a Commencement matter.
I wish Jeremy well as he moves on. Onwards and upwards. George has a tough act to follow. We will be watching and we will appraise him at the end of the year and let him know how he is doing.
Last week, my colleague Senator Ahearn spoke about debates and discussions on whether Ireland is neutral or what its position is. We have an obligation in this House and the other House to speak factually about what exactly Ireland is. Ireland is not neutral and never was. Ireland's triple lock has absolutely nothing to do with neutrality and we need to get away from this nonsense. People are screaming for plebiscites, referendums and all sorts of things. We cannot have a plebiscite at this time because there is so much misinformation out there. I invite people in this House and the other House to inform themselves such that when they speak on neutrality and Ireland's position in the world, which is militarily non-aligned, they can explain it. We are very fortunate that the Government has recently strengthened the relationship with our nearest neighbour, because we need our nearest neighbour. We are totally defenceless at this point in time as we try to rebuild our Defence Forces. Will those shouting about neutrality and all this nonsense scupper that? They say nobody would dare want to attack Ireland and ask why they would. Look at the HSE debacle and tell me nobody wants to attack Ireland. Look at the 56,000 attacks on Irish websites after Ireland declared its recognition of Palestine.
Regarding protests, I respect the right of everybody to protest but to block the Houses of Parliament is totally unacceptable. It would not be accepted in any democracy anywhere in the world. I will leave it at that today.
I want to raise the ongoing review of the national development plan, of which the House is aware, and specifically the Rosslare to Dublin Connolly rail route. At present there are seven services each day on the rail route, travelling from the port of Rosslare through Wexford town, Enniscorthy, on to Gorey and onwards to Dublin Connolly through Wicklow.
I wish to specifically highlight the need for investment in early morning services for commuters in Rosslare, Enniscorthy and Wexford town. At present, there is an early morning service operating from Gorey town and travelling to Dublin Connolly which leaves at 5.50 a.m. and arrives at Dublin Connolly at 7.47 a.m. This leaves plenty of time for commuters to make their way across the city and get into work. Unfortunately, the service operating from Wexford starts at 5.59 a.m. and stops in Enniscorthy at 6.20 a.m. but does not arrive in Dublin Connolly until 8.48. a.m., leaving it very tight for commuters. We have seen across the country that when there is investment in early morning services, commuters are willing to leave the car behind to take up the rail option but, unfortunately, this is a possibility currently denied to commuters in Wexford, Rosslare and Enniscorthy. I encourage the Leader to ensure this is prioritised as part of the new national development plan.
Finally, I acknowledge our visitors from the British Embassy and wish them the very best of luck. It is a country with a fine track record on rail infrastructure.
I, too, wish Jeremy well as he departs. I hope he and George enjoy every success in their new roles.
It is good to see the Government preparing for the potential impact of the US Administration's tariffs and trade war. These tariffs could have significant consequences for Ireland's economy, particularly our exports. They will directly affect our food and drink sector and significantly affect our pharmaceutical sector. The US Administration has dubbed tomorrow "Liberation Day", a move which signals a major shift in trade policy. While we respect every nation's right to manage its trade affairs, we cannot ignore the very real risks these measures pose to Irish businesses, workers and farmers who rely on the US market for stability to bring their product. Some of our best-known products are in the US already, such as Kerrygold, Jameson Irish whiskey, Guinness and so on. In addition, a large percentage of the drugs produced here are exported to America. We must act swiftly to protect Irish jobs and ensure our industries remain competitive in light of these challenges.
It is welcome that this House will debate the matter on Thursday, allowing us to discuss the Government's response and explore ways to safeguard Ireland's economic interests. Our priority must be to secure our workers' livelihoods but also to ensure Ireland remains resilient in the face of the global economic shifts ahead. As Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated yesterday, "Co-operation is always better than confrontation", where possible.
I welcome our friends from the British Embassy who are visiting this afternoon. I look forward to hosting the delegation of visitors from the UK transport committee on Thursday.
I wish to raise the issue of defective concrete blocks, particularly the pyrite in my constituency of Mayo, as well as the mica scheme. The issue has devastated so many homeowners along the western seaboard. Within the new programme for Government there is a commitment to a review and expansion of the scheme to allow improved eligibility but also flexibility for different homeowners. It is not one-size-fits-all for this scheme. There needs to be more flexibility and a more intelligent and empathetic approach to homeowners who pay their local property tax, mortgage and house insurance in good faith and have had the devastation of defective blocks hit their homes. It causes huge emotional and mental health issues for families and that has a knock-on effect for the children. It also affects elderly homeowners. This is the last thing they need at a later stage in their lives.
There is a commitment in the programme for Government to reviewing the scheme and I ask for that to be prioritised. May we have a discussion with the Minister on the issue to hear his views on how this can commence? How can we get input from as many homeowners as possible to ensure they are not faced with the high shortfalls within the scheme in terms of supporting the homeowners? There are also shortfalls with the finances. Many homeowners are still out of pocket and are taking on additional loans and mini mortgages to cover the rehabilitation of their properties. It is a discussion we should have in the interests of the hundreds of homeowners affected in Mayo and Donegal, and on the western seaboard generally. I thank the Leader.
I thank Senators for their contributions. Senator O'Loughlin referred to fairer fares. I congratulate all the commuters in Kildare, Newbridge, Drogheda and other areas who will benefit from the reduced fares. I acknowledge the Senator's advocacy on this matter over a long number of years. She also mentioned the Allenwood Day Care Centre, meals on wheels and existing services. I suggest that a Commencement matter may get a more direct response on those issues. She also mentioned catfishing and I look forward to the progression of that Bill in due course. She is right that catfishing exploits people's vulnerability and loneliness.
Senator Nelson Murray talked about inquests. She obviously did not name anyone but shared a heartfelt, personal and difficult story for the family involved. I absolutely agree with everything she expressed, including her concern that such a thing can happen and that the privacy of someone's accidental passing can be put forward in such a fashion with the sharing of such personal information. I will ask the Minister to come to the Chamber to talk about this and other issues.
Senator Keogan, like others, talked about tariffs. Senator McCarthy also spoke about the issue in his contribution. The Tánaiste will be in the House on Thursday morning and Senators will have the opportunity to bring forward these matters. There are grave concerns about the possible impact of tariffs. Senator McCarthy talked about pharmaceuticals and the possible impact on them. Our exports could decline by approximately one half if a 20% tariff is applied. That is of grave concern to everybody. There may be impacts on employment, taxes and everything else. Tariffs will have a knock-on effect on everything, as the Tánaiste said, in the programme for Government. It is likely to impact on the next two budgets, including the budget that will be announced in the autumn, depending on the severity of the tariffs, the reciprocation and everything else. It is a grave issue. I understand the Tánaiste this morning brought a memo to Cabinet on this important matter. Subject to what is announced by President Trump tomorrow, Senators will have an opportunity to debate the issue with the Tánaiste on Thursday morning.
Senator Tully asked for the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to come to the House to talk about delays in social welfare appeals. I will ask him to attend.
Senator Harmon asked for agreement that item No. 9 would be taken before item No. 1. I agree, and look forward to the Bill on sex for rent, which is obviously something we cannot tolerate. It is a matter that comes to attention from time to time but has not been legislated for. I look forward to the progression of the Bill.
Senators Ruane, Andrews and Craughwell talked of the policing of the vigil. Policing matters are for the Garda and the Garda Commissioner, but I will bring the Senators' concerns to the attention of the Minister for Justice.
Senator Comyn, I am sure unintentionally, linked Oliver Cromwell and Phil Hogan. I would have to express concern about such a linkage. The year 1649 was a long time ago but its events were more significant, with respect to our colleagues from across the water who happen to be in the Gallery. The Senator talked about the restoration of local democracy and town councils. Many cost-saving measures, including the reduction in numbers of elected officials, were taken at the time. Numbers on many local authorities in some of the smaller counties were reduced. Many town councils were on a much smaller scale than that in Drogheda.
In the case of some very small towns, it perhaps did not make sense they had a town council. There will be a review and I will invite the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, to come in to talk about that matter and tell us what plans there are. As the Senator said, they are committed to under the programme for Government.
Senator Ahearn again raised the issue of the N24 Limerick to Waterford road, particularly the Cahir to Waterford section. He regrets there was no funding allocated last week. I ask him to raise a Commencement matter directly to see whether he gets a response on that matter.
Senator Joe Conway talked about housing and how plumbing is not regulated. The Minister, Deputy Browne, will be in the House tomorrow. If the Senator contacts the Minister's office today to say he will be raising this tomorrow, he might get an answer on that specific matter. Either way, he could raise the matter tomorrow.
Senator Ollie Crowe raised the passing of the great author, Ken Bruen, may he rest in peace, and also the worrying CSO figures on tourism and the drop in tourist numbers. I do not have an answer in regard to why exactly that has happened. The Senator asked for a debate with the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke. I will certainly do that. The world is in a bit of flux at the moment. Maybe that is impacting travel. Certainly, were that to continue it would be worrying.
Senator Manus Boyle talked about occupational therapists in Donegal. He might raise that directly as a Commencement matter at a later date. We will try to get the Minister in to talk about a number of issues on the health side of things. For a more immediate response he might put down a Commencement debate.
Senator Sarah O'Reilly talked of Cavan hospital and her concerns that all 19 maternity hospitals now are providing terminations. I respect the Senator's personal convictions. She is, of course, right to raise those convictions here. However, there have been commitments by the Government that there would be geographical availability of termination services following the repeal vote and that is now provided in terms of all maternity services providing terminations.
Senator Noel O'Donovan raised the issue of Keelbeg pier at Union Hall. I know he has spoken directly to the Minister but perhaps if he puts down a Commencement matter he might get a more direct response from the Minister with regard to a commitment on this. The Senator is right; it is an important issue and it was raised at a public meeting. The best way is to get a more direct response is through a Commencement debate.
Senator Stephenson talked about rural transport in Kilkenny. I know representatives of the NTA were in Leinster House today. I do not know whether the Senator had a chance to speak with them directly but we will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, to come in to talk about rural transport. It is an important issue. I find in my area that if you provide a bus service every two hours, people would want it every hour, and rightly so. If it was every hour, they would want it every half an hour, and rightly so. If it was every half an hour, they would want it every 15 minutes. The more services you have, the greater the frequency, and the more routes, the better use they get. That frequency of service, in conjunction with bus shelters to provide a level of comfort to people waiting, is important. I will certainly ask the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, to come in to talk about that.
Senator Scahill raised dentistry services. We had a number of debates on this issue at health committees through the years. There have been many concerns over the dentistry service. I will ask for a debate on that matter. If the Senator has a specific case, he might raise it as a Commencement debate. However, we will try to get the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, in on that issue. The Senator is right; it is an important issue in terms of providing adequate cover and inspection checks in schools. That has fallen off in recent years and that can have long-term effects on dental care.
Senator Craughwell again raised the issue of the triple lock and neutrality. He may raise those matters tomorrow with the Tánaiste. That would be the best opportunity.
Senator Cathal Byrne raised rail services, particularly the Rosslare, Enniscorthy and Wexford service to Connolly. I am not sure whether he got an opportunity to engage with Irish Rail. He might put down a Commencement debate and the Minister might be able to give a more direct response on that. No more than rural bus services, enhancements of the adequacy and frequency of services will assist in the context of use.
Senator McCarthy talked about the tariffs, which I have addressed, and the impact in the context of pharma and drugs in particular. He will have an opportunity to raise the matter on Thursday.
Senator Duffy referred to pyrite and mica, which are issues of concern. He called for an expediting of the review and an expansion of the scheme. The Minister, Deputy Browne, will come before the House tomorrow and I am sure he will expect some Senators to raise the issue of mica. If the Senator does not intend to speak, he might ask our spokesperson on housing, Senator Murphy, to raise this matter directly with the Minister.
Senator Harmon proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 9 be taken before No. 1, which was seconded by Senator Stephenson. The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept it. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.