I also recognise that this month is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Dyslexia is far more widely recognised now than it was but there is a significant amount of work to be done particularly in the area of education. I thank the Leader for organising statements on road safety yesterday. This is an issue of critical importance. Unfortunately, because yesterday's Order of Business ran over, the time allocated to the debate was curtailed. I request that, perhaps in six months, we would have the Minister of State, Deputy Canne…

I thank colleagues and the Acting Chair for facilitating me. I welcome the Minister of State to the House. He always speaks common sense, is most approachable and has a policy of getting things done, which is refreshing. As someone who does not drive, I can never work out why people who do are not more safety conscious. Driving is a privilege. It is not available to everyone and motorists need to bear that in mind because, in a split second, they might not be able to drive for the rest of their lives if they are no…

I too acknowledge the very powerful contribution made by Senator Craughwell and the issue of power of attorney, which Senator McDowell and others have commented on. The complexity of that needs to be addressed. Anything that can be done in these Houses in good faith to make this process more transparent, simpler, more straightforward and more understandable, we should not be found wanting on. Perhaps we could have a debate at some stage with the Minister on this issue, where the challenges and the complexities coul…

I also wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to Senator Craughwell and to say to him that we are thinking of him at the moment and have been thinking about him over recent times. I stood here a number of months ago and expressed my disappointment at the fact that Lahinch Beach in County Clare lost its Blue Flag. The primary reason for this was the lack of a proper wastewater treatment facility in Lahinch-Ennistimon. The system was and is not fit for purpose. There has been movement on the issue ove…

I too would like to welcome Leryn to Seanad Éireann. It is a very special trip back to Ireland for her and I hope she enjoys her time here. I also echo the good wishes and the thanks to Martin and all his team who make life so much easier for us here, and I hope all colleagues across the House have an enjoyable summer. They can all come to County Clare on their holidays. We have many beautiful spots that they can visit starting with Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher. There is lots to do in Clare and I hope I see many…

I support Senator Harmon in her call and proposition regarding Bessborough. I did not realise that planning permission had been granted. It is horrendous. With all the land throughout the entire country, surely to God, we can deal with a housing crisis in a more humane and respectful way than granting planning permission on that site. I sincerely hope that this is rescinded and dealt with in an appropriate way. We are about to experience a second period of fantastic weather. As Senators are all aware, I come from C…

I, too, welcome Lisa and Leah. Leah has been around Ennistymon in County Clare for the last couple of weeks. I have met her on a number of occasions. In spite of the inclement weather, she is enjoying herself. They are both very welcome to Leinster House. I thank the Minister of State very much for coming in today to take this critical Commencement matter on behalf of the Minister for Health. Living in Sligo, he will know that rural Ireland is sometimes not best served when it comes to the golden hour. As he also k…

The Minister of State can justifiably take credit for the HEMS based in Athlone. He made the difficult decision back then to stick with the Government and it was not easy at the time but he has delivered that. This is what I want to deliver for west Clare. Where is the helicopter going to be based? There are several identifiable sites in Clare. Kilkee certainly has availability, as does Kilrush. Spanish Point would be an ideal place for a helicopter to be based and would be able to respond in a matter of minutes to…

I thank the Minister of State.

I echo the welcome to Niall and Gillian Quinn, and the commendation on the great work they do. I welcome the Minister of State. I have spoken extensively in this House on the need for tougher regulations on vaping and the detrimental effect that vaping is having on a generation of young people in this country. I strongly believe we have been far too slow in dealing with this issue. In the last term I had rows with the former Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, over his absolute snail's pace movement to deal with…

I am aware of that.

It is all interwoven. I want to make the point that if the Minister of State were to propose the re-introduction of smoking now as many as 98% of people would oppose it and even people who smoke would be opposed to it. To make a tough decision on vaping may sound unpopular or draconian but I can assure everyone that in a few years' time, the public will realise that it was the right thing to do. By banning single-use vapes is a very important incremental step in the right direction and I commend the Minister of Sta…

I too welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, to the House. He has a deep interest in aviation and has advocated for Cork Airport for many years. On what Senator Clifford-Lee and others regarding residents, it is only good manners that should be done. I sincerely hope it is being done. If it is not, it should be enshrined in the legislation to ensure it will be done. I fully agree with the principle of removing the passenger cap in Dublin Airport. The cap as presented is bonkers. It just does not make sense…

It would qualify. I am suggesting that a 1% levy on DAA be made available to the regional airports that are not part of DAA. Based on the 2025 figures, that would amount to €11 million.

Cork is part of DAA.

This additional €11 million would be available to support new routes that are of strategic importance, as Senator Ryan pointed out. It would also be available to assist in marketing, expand routes and support airlines that are prepared to take the risk of flying into places like Knock, Shannon and Waterford airports and, potentially, Galway, Donegal and other airports. While €11 million is not a huge sum, it would still go a significant way to enhancing the budgets of these airports. It would create more scope for …

Hear, hear.

He has.

Well done.

I also welcome the Slovenian ambassador and his delegation. I know they have left now, but we had a fruitful engagement led by the Leas-Chathaoirleach. There is certainly huge scope for developing tourism and business links with Slovenia, and I wish them all the very best on their national day. I call for a debate on the emergency services, particularly the Coast Guard, because it is largely a volunteer-led organisation in this country and the remuneration its members get is very little. There has been a long-term …