Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I concur with my colleagues, Senators Ahearn and Paul Daly, on the issue of green waste. It is quite bizarre that in this day and age we were given an indication that this exemption would be extended but, unfortunately, it has not been. Time is ticking. There are only a few weeks to get this sorted. I appeal to the Leader to engage directly to try to get movement on this issue.

One of the big issues I have encountered in recent weeks is that of digital hubs. The digital hubs network is really important infrastructure that has been put in place, particularly in recent months and years. National policy has been to push the proposal of having people working from home or from spaces in clusters. Digital hubs are a really important part of that. For it to work, everyone must play their part. We now have a bizarre scenario where local authorities are levying rates on digital hubs, which is making them nearly unaffordable. Exceptional pressure is being placed on the digital hubs and making it difficult for them survive. We often hear about a whole-of-government approach on issues. That is what is required here. This needs a whole-of-government approach such that everybody can work together to make sure we have sustainable rural hubs and digital hubs that will be effective for communities. Unfortunately, if rates are going to be imposed on the hubs, that will make them unaffordable and we will not have the successful digital hubs we need. What we need is for everyone to work together, including is local authorities, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department led by Deputy Humphreys that provides such valuable money for these digital hubs.If all three could work together, we can solve this issue. If not, the rates that will be put on these units will effectively mean that in time they will close, and they will be unaffordable for the person who really needs them. It is important particularly these days, when we are moving to a new platform of working, and remote working is a very important part of that.