I thank all Senators for their contributions this morning. We started with Senator McGahon who welcomed the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hillary Benn to the Good Friday Agreement committee. He wished the committee well in its deliberations and I hope he has longevity in the role because we have had a high turnover in the position. This is not healthy in terms of the difficulties that exist in getting to know all the parties and the players involved in the difficult, ongoing work in Northern Ireland.
Senator Horkan welcomed the Austrian ambassador and wished Austrian citizens well on their national day. He also expressed sympathy for the late Professor Richard Conroy, a former Member of this House. The Senator also touched on the issue of road safety. As we come to a bank holiday weekend, he pointed out based on research and presentations to the transport committee that younger people, those driving at weekends or at night or on smaller, rural roads who are most vulnerable. We urge everybody to be safe over the bank holiday weekend and indeed at all times when driving.
Senator Craughwell raised the issue of search and rescue, as he has done on numerous occasions. He mentioned a number of issues around the fixed-wing element of that tender, which will entail a 21-year old ex-RAF aircraft. He talked about 8,000 hours of flight time. I am not an aviation expert but I would have thought that 8,000 hours is not a huge amount but the Senator may know more than me on that point. I suggest that he bring a Commencement matter on the issue.
Senator Gavan talked about the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023, which has gone through these Houses. The issue he raised was debated and he read a heartfelt letter from a person with the pseudonym Ann. He acknowledged the sentiments expressed in that letter. For anybody of the view that they are entitled to redress, the portal is open. If anyone is living abroad they can also access the portal or engage with the embassy in that country.
Senator Higgins has asked that No. 8 be taken before No. 1. I agree to this request. No. 8 relates to the adequacy of the minimum wage. She talked about the rights of workers. We have had protests in the last few weeks from people in the hospitality sector about the costs of business. There is always balance needed with these items but we look forward to that being debated.
Senator Sherlock talked about the sectoral order for the construction sector and said that there is six weeks to approve it. I will engage with the relevant Minister on this. Perhaps the Senator could draft a motion for this House for one of the final weeks, if she wishes.
Senator Maria Byrne talked about the Dublin task force report and called for a similar initiative for Limerick and other cities. Under the national planning framework, we want to see growth across the country and, in particular, in those cities and rural towns outside the Dublin area.
Senator Mary Seery Kearney spoke about the need for a south inner city task force. I fully agree with this idea. I know the Senator has been pursuing this and she talked about the good work being done in local communities with children to try to keep them out of trouble by giving them something to do. Where investment is needed and where places are identified for conventional or astroturf pitches that needs to be looked at and supported. I agree with that.
Senator Malcolm Byrne spoke about the St. Aidan's Advocacy Group, STAAG, in Gorey. He called for political parties to have regard for those with intellectual disabilities in terms of the design and layout of manifestos. I am sure the group will be engaging with all parties and individuals on this. Senator Byrne also spoke about the challenges for the retail sector with crime and shoplifting. This is a scourge. We hear reports of large groups of young persons going into shops and going through it and going out again, so it is a challenge for those working in the retail. sector and the owners of small shops.
Senator Sharon Keogan talked about the Gender Recognition Act 2015 and a Bill from Aontú in the other House. It may not be dealt with before the forthcoming election but I am sure that if it is brought in again, the relevant Minister will debate that and decide whether it will be allowed to progress through the Houses.
Senator Cassels welcomed the reopening of Tara Mines, which is very important for zinc production and for Navan and the surrounding area. As a former Minister for natural resources I had the pleasure of visiting Tara Mines some years ago. I was down in the depths of Tara Deep and I hope and expect that the mine has a great future. We hope that the new operator, Boliden Tara, has a firm commitment to the future of the mines.
Senator Eileen Flynn raised the issue of Traveller accommodation and talked of an interim report. We can make time available, as soon as possible, for a debate on that report, whether that is before the election or not though, I am not sure. I will engage with the Leader on that.