Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to follow on regarding Travellers and Traveller accommodation. As I speak, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is meeting the Traveller group to try to find a satisfactory resolution to the problem that has arisen. Everybody must examine his conscience. It is an emergency and the families are suffering. Money has been allocated to local authorities for Traveller sites but the delay in selection must be taken on board. The Tánaiste said today that if local authorities needed more money, it would be forthcoming. That is very welcome.

With regard to homelessness, I support the remarks made by Senator Hayden. Addressing this is a priority and we must focus on the methodology. When one considers the expenditure of €1.5 million in July alone, one realises there is false economy. One cannot build houses overnight, however. Even if there is to be a solution involving prefabricated housing, it should be made available on the ground as quickly as possible.

I wished to call for a debate on child care, but this has already been done by two Senators. I look forward to the debate.

As spokesperson on the environment, I believe the most important legislation for the developing world and First World, and for the children of the future, is the legislation that will be passing through the House today at 1 p.m., the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill. I hope it will be passed because we have been waiting for it for quite some time. Today is a good day to mark in the Seanad in this respect.