Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As we know, over the course of the two-day European Council summit in Brussels this week, the EU leaders will discuss Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and continued EU support to Ukraine as well as the economy, security, defence, migration and external relations. We have had many challenges in the last year or two years. Communication and information will be key at this summit. Information is important, in particular in regard to migration and what Ireland has to do to the best of its ability. We need to make sure that we do it right and we communicate it back to the people we represent.

I would like to address the issue of climate change. I want to ask about funding coming to Ireland for water quality, climate change and local councils to investigate issues of environmental concern. Under the EU's good agricultural practice for the protection of water regulation, the county councils have powers of investigation. They also have powers regarding air pollution. Later today I am going to speak about water quality in regard to septic tanks and water. The newspapers today voice huge concern on this issue.

Last week in my county of Carlow and on the border of Laois there was a terrible smell all around the place. I believe some kind of sewage was being spread. I passed the details on to our local council and to the EPA but I received no answer back. This is just a small example but it is something that we have to be very mindful of. I know of people who were stuck in their homes and unable to open windows because of the smell. This was during the heatwave. I visited and talked to people but I could not give them an explanation. They said to me that we are in Europe and we are very much working with the Government on climate change and helping with migration in whatever way we can. These were all older people. We need to look at these issues and at funding where possible. These are issues within our own area. As someone who is working in the local community, like other Deputies and Ministers, I feel that for all the talk of climate change within the EU, we have to start at home. Unless we try to work on the issues affecting us locally and affecting our air, we are in trouble. I could get no information. I tried the local authorities but nothing came back. Can we put some plan in place, looking at resolutions and at funding for this?

This summit is very important. All the EU leaders will meet to discuss what has happened in Russia. We have to support our Ukrainian residents. I reiterate that communication and information are going to be key here in regard to what we can do to support those most in need.

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