I welcome our new Acting Leader. We met the Vintners Federation of Ireland, VFI, outside the gates of Leinster House. I highlight the need for Government support for rural pubs in budget 2027. Since 2005, more than 2,200 pubs have closed across Ireland and the rate of closures is increasing. For many villages, the local pub is not just a business. It is the heart of the community, a meeting place and often the last remaining hub. I had a Commencement matter on this calling for the Government to do everything it cou…

I welcome the Minister of State this evening. I also welcome and support this important motion on fuel and energy costs. It is an issue that affects every household, business farm and community across Ireland. Energy is a necessity. Families need it to heat their homes. Businesses need it to keep their doors open. Farmers need it to run their farms. Workers need affordable fuel to get to and from work. When energy prices rise, everyone feels the impact, particularly in rural counties such as Kerry, where I come fro…

The rise in energy and fuel prices has been driven largely by international events affecting global oil supplies. Fine Gael is in government and we have secured a lot of supports over the past couple of months. It was gas when Sinn Féin Members came in here and they opposed the last set. They voted against them. They cannot come in here and speak from both sides of their mouths guys and not support our motion tonight. It is without amendment.

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the Seanad. I call on the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, to provide a timeline for the publication of the national planning statement on solar energy development. Let us be clear. Ireland needs renewable energy and solar energy will play a major role in helping us to meet our climate targets. Most people will accept that. However, communities also need confidence that solar developments are being planned in a fair, transparent, c…

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I mentioned the Minister for the environment. Are we saying that these guidelines have to be presented to the Minister for housing to implement? I am asking about the input from the Minister for the environment. I respect the response of the Minister of State but I do not respect the timeline or timeframe. Right now across the country, it is starting to creep up. It was brought to our attention in the Dáil last week by Deputy Kyne. He wanted a moratorium on any future gr…

I welcome the Minister of State. My ask is for the Minister for Transport to liaise with Irish Rail and Bus Éireann to ensure that adequate transport is provided for all football supporters from Kerry and Mayo for the upcoming All-Ireland final. I congratulate Kerry and Mayo on reaching this year's All-Ireland football final. I pay particular tribute to my own team, Kerry, and Jack O'Connor on their outstanding semi-final victory against our great rivals, Dublin, at the weekend. It was tremendous performance, displ…

I welcome the Minister of State's comments and his assurance as regards Irish Rail's statement that, as soon as the all-Ireland football final was confirmed, work began to arrange additional services and the company hopes to be in a position to confirm the number of additional services later this week. I ask that the Minister of State double down with Irish Rail and Bus Éireann on whatever additional services are needed. The timing of this can take away people's fear about how they will get to Dublin. The Minister …

Well, we can-----

Unfortunately, Kerry is a very remote county. It is the most beautiful county in the country but we have people living in Ventry, for example, who need an hour and a half just to get to a train station and then have to make a four-hour journey by train to Heuston Station. I am raising my voice today to make sure extra services are put on before tomorrow to let people know they can travel from Ventry, Sneem and all over Kerry to Tralee and there will be extra capacity on the trains from there. I thank the Minister o…

I express my deep concern at the devastating wildfire that affected Killarney National Park yesterday evening. It is one of the most treasured national landscapes in the country. Initial reports indicate that the fire was caused by human activity, with concerns that the reckless use of disposable barbecues may have been a contributing factor. Killarney National Park is not just a tourist attraction. It is a unique habitat of national and international importance. The fire has damaged valuable peatland, bogland and …

First, I welcome Councillor Marie-Thérèse Duffy from Mayo, a proud footballing county. I think they are starting to gang up on us already, a Chathaoirligh. I also welcome the former Senator Ned O'Sullivan from Listowel, my home town. He has just left the Chamber. I congratulate Kerry and Mayo on reaching this year's All-Ireland senior football final. I want to pay particular tribute to the Kerry team and Jack O'Connor on their outstanding semi-final victory over our great rivals Dublin at the weekend. Despite all t…

Hear, hear.

I cannot wait to get to Rush. I wish to express my support for the greyhound industry in Ireland and for the regulated practice of hare coursing, both of which make a significant contribution to our economy, our rural communities and our cultural heritage. The greyhound sector supports approximately 5,000 jobs across the country, providing employment in training, breeding, veterinary care, transport, hospitality and many other related services. For many families, particularly those in rural Ireland, it represents a…

We will not make it to Rush this weekend but we might make it over the weekend of 24 July. I also wish the best of luck to the Louth and Mayo teams in the upcoming weekend.

Every week, the Senator comes into this House and gives misleading information on dogs.

On a point of order-----

Do not be late tomorrow Senator because every week you come in here and target the greyhound industry and it is out of order.

Every week you come in here-----

He is targeting the greyhound industry.

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I welcome the Minister of State this morning. I thank the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad for accepting this serious Commencement matter. My ask this morning is for an extension of the retirement age for retained firefighters. I ask that we urgently amend the regulations governing the retirement age for retained firefighters across Ireland, allowing those who remain medically and physically fit to continue serving until the State pension age of 66. There are approximately 3,300 firefigh…