Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman and Senator McGahon, who is very kind as I did not wish to jump in ahead of anybody else. I am not a member of the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action but this is a fantastic initiative and I thank Deputy Leddin, the committee Cathaoirleach, for leading and organising it and the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad for also encouraging and supporting it. I was in my office listening to the debate and I just wanted to sit down, be part of it and to absorb it. It was very motivational and inspirational to listen to everything that has been said. The point has been made to keep at it.

The previous number of comments about the work-life balance, of one end going into another, reminds me of Shakespeare: “to thine own self be true ... thou canst ... be false to any man”. If one has a passion and vision, one should go with it. That is so important and many people involved in either elected or non-elected politics have had that vision and want to achieve something. That is what one has to do as a young person, with the world at one’s feet and with great ability.

On the rural-urban debate, I am from Kildare and represent people from both an urban and rural area. I am from Rathangan which is quite rural and I live in Newbridge which is quite urban. There is a balance between the two that is not right. There are advantages to being in both a rural and urban area but the rural link is of great importance in respect of transport opportunities to link in.

We have to get that public transport piece right to keep cars off the road, particularly around school transport. We should have a transport system that does not just serve schools but when it is coming back can bring people into their shops, to their doctor’s appointments, etc., and to be able to bring these people back again when the school run is starting. We should not have empty school buses travelling around.

I love the piece about being inquisitive. That is one of the things I like about being involved in politics. Every day something comes across my desk about which I have to learn something, particularly on climate change. The areas which I have heard the contributors speak about and on which we need their input greatly are on the whole issues of food waste and fast fashion.

If any of our guests ever has the opportunity to visit a place called Green Generation which is between Kildare and Nurney and which I visited recently, it is fascinating to see how those involved are making energy from food waste. From the plastic they take from the food waste, they make telephone poles, bollards, etc. I strongly recommend it and it is one of a kind in the country.

I am inquisitive and am learning more and I want our young people to learn more as we need them to bring these issues to the fore. We often have debates here in the Seanad on the issues that our guests today have raised. I ask them to stay in touch with all of us and I thank them. It is lovely to be part of this and to be able to say a few words. I appreciate this opportunity and I thank the Chairman and Senator McGahon again.