Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In one fell swoop with the signing of one Bill, we lost a huge number of public representatives at a local level. That has increased the workload for county councillors. Now people are retiring early and we are finding it hard to get candidates. It has created a host of problems. We can improve on the current situation. We will take a positive view. As Senators, for many of us our electorate are our county councillors and there is a responsibility on us to try to improve the situation at local government and to improve democracy at a local level.

Senator Boylan spoke of the children and young people's assembly on biodiversity and their attendance at committee yesterday. She commended them on the level of knowledge. They would outdo us every day because they are so fantastic in terms of their knowledge. Young people are leading the way in the climate debate and telling us what we need to do. It is remarkable to see democracy in action among young people. I take on board the Senator's point around data collection as well.

Senator McGreehan spoke of regional roles and mentioned three roads in County Louth, the R173, R175, and R176. She said that is a regional route that has national levels of traffic on it. We probably all have roads like that in our areas or counties. It is a good idea to explore the possibility of a new standard of regional road in cases where we can demonstrate a certain level of traffic. Currently regional roads are funded through local authorities, which often do not have the resources needed to look after such roads.

Senator Seery Kearney raised transport and the changes to bus routes in Dublin and asked for a debate on that issue. I will request that debate. It will most likely be in the new term.

Senator Boyhan drew our attention to Conrad Bryan's booklet "Shame - European Stories" on being mixed-race Irish and the exhibition taking place tomorrow in Dublin. He urged Senators to attend.

Senator Cassells spoke of his role on the SPCC and gave his views on town councils. Importantly, he raised Tara Mines and the 700-plus workers currently laid off. It is 131 days now. He put some important information on the record about the profitability of that company, still, and the fact workers are getting €65 per week. It is disgraceful that those families and workers have been left in limbo for that length of time, particularly in the approach to Christmas and with the pressure on all families at this time of year.It is a shame on that company for leaving it go this long particularly when its profits would suggest it could do more. I would certainly urge it to do more and think of those individuals who rely on it and also its employees.

Senator Carrigy asked for an update on the national broadband plan. I suggest to the Senator that a Commencement matter might be appropriate.

Senator Mullen made a similar contribution to Senator-----