Gillian Toole (Meath East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Cathaoirleach Gníomhach agus leis an Aire Stáit. I have a few points to make rather than a duplication of points that other Members have made.

I welcome the updates, in particular, for the small and medium-sized enterprise sector. The simplification and reduction of administrative and regulatory burdens is something that dovetails with our objectives in the programme for Government.

The second point is in relation to the multiannual financial framework, particularly vis-à-vis ensuring we have a well-funded Common Agricultural Policy, particularly to improve areas of biodiversity and food security. However, I ask the Minister of State to pardon my cynicism in light of the absence of a land use policy in this country to ensure the best use is made of tillage land. In parts of our constituency of Meath East, we have a proliferation of solar panels. I do not want the wrong message to be taken from this, but there is a need for balanced development and for a land use policy. Many vibrant and prosperous rural communities are very worried about this matter at present. Energy union endeavours vis-à-vis Ireland and our rising energy costs are absolutely to be welcomed and we must feel the benefit of that.

At a side committee of the Euro summit, on 20 March, in relation to the ECB, Ms Christine Lagarde made a presentation on the digital euro. While I completely understand and support digitisation, I raise a flag of caution here vis-à-vis our older people. It is a simple request to ensure they are able to access their own resources. That is a concern. With all of the good work that is done, we must approach it in a balanced and fair intergenerational way.

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