Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Yesterday Senator susan O'Keeffe held a highly interesting and highly educational session in the audiovisual room on hydraulic fracturing or fracking. I found it fascinating and support her call today for a debate on the subject. Perhaps the Leader might be willing to include the issue of nuclear power in such a debate, as these are subjects that are never or seldom discussed. Those with any logic who had been opposed to hydraulic fracturing were able to seek a balance. I do not state I am in favour of it but that I found the session to be educational and suggest a debate on the subject in this Chamber would be worthwhile.

On my way to Leinster House today I saw a man on a bicycle who was wearing a mask on his face. I realised he probably wore it to protect himself from fumes and then realised we do not encounter fumes on the road anymore, which I assume is due to the work of the national car testing, NCT, system, which has been hugely successful. This serves as a reminder that we can do things, whether through measures such as the introduction of the NCT or something else. Although carbon monoxide poses a danger, it is a problem that is capable of being solved. In recent years there have been some serious incidents in homes involving carbon monoxide, including deaths. Members should, therefore, encourage or demand or institute legislation to ensure the future installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all homes.