Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I was not aware of the issue. An interesting point was raised concerning the move towards more advanced fuel composition. I imagine once the issue is raised with the Minister, some concession will be made for motorists with vintage cars. They are part of every St. Patrick’s Day parade and rallies. They are so important to the culture of the country that I have no doubt the Minister will engage on the issue. It might be one for a Commencement matter with the Minister because it is quite a specific question, even if just to alert the office to it.

Senator Flynn raised the issue of the online abuse of Members of both Houses. It is something we are dealing with. It has become part of the job, unfortunately, but that does not mean we should not try to tackle it. As the Cathaoirleach suggested, work is ongoing in the Oireachtas to find a mechanism to support Members. We will work together on it. The Ceann Comhairle has indicated, with the Cathaoirleach, that a cross-party group will be established to put forward tangible solutions so we can address the issue together. We are doing it not just for current but also future Members of both Houses. It would show outwardly that we are trying to address the issue, which we know is a problem.

Senator Malcolm Byrne welcomed the signing of the commencement order facilitating TUs to borrow. That is great news. Hopefully, it is in time to allow some works to commence on accommodation for the new term in September, but it is a tight enough turnaround. I will request a debate on student accommodation. We might leave that until later in the term as we run into the point where, as the Senator said, it will become a topic for discussion. He also welcomed the acquisition of the Waterford Crystal site as part of the new campus for SETU. He awaits the development of the Wexford campus. That is good news and it is great to see the TUs doing well and getting well established. Senator Maria Byrne welcomed the new company that has been established in Limerick and the jobs it will bring to the area.

Senator Casey raised a very particular issue relating to access to uplands and the incredible work done by Pat Dunne. I certainly do not condone what has happened to him in that situation and I hope it is being properly investigated and dealt with. No individual should have to deal with that type of thuggery. It is only by consulting and working with farmers and getting their permission, effectively, that we have access to uplands and the greenways and walkways that are a huge part of rural Ireland and the tourism offering. It is important that we continuously acknowledge that farmers do this from goodwill; they do not get anything for it. It is an extra inconvenience, and there is an element of trust and good faith there in order for them to do that. It takes only one or two bad experiences for other farmers to pull back, so it is important that that issue is dealt with properly and does not arise again.

Senator Seery Kearney raised the issue of the apartment defects scheme and asked for a debate on it. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will be in the Chamber tomorrow for statements on housing, so that will be an opportunity to raise directly with him that issue and to get an update on the scheme. I acknowledge that there were attendees in the Gallery earlier in that regard.

Senator Davitt put forward a potential solution in the form of an emergency response to housing and referred to the way in which certain facilities and buildings were constructed during the Covid period, when there was an emergency. It is always welcome to see new solutions put forward and everybody looking for ideas and ways to assist in the situation.

Senator Ahearn asked for a debate with the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Humphreys. We will make that request.

Senator Warfield mentioned comments made by the Minister, Deputy Donohoe. I was unaware of the comments until the Senator referred to them. I am not sure I can offer any reply to what he has asked, but it may be worth tabling a Commencement matter for the Minister to respond on that issue.

Finally, Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about climate change and climate action and highlighted the importance of the recent IPCC report and its very damning findings in respect of the acceleration in global warming. She alerted the House to the extensive waiting period from application to completion of works under the SEAI grants. Two years is a long time if we are trying to use retrofitting to tackle climate change. The deep retrofit scheme is a very good one and a big part of our response. We will request a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to get an update on the scheme.