Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I add my voice to those of colleagues who raised the issue of domestic and sexual violence. The topic is, and has been, a very dark and silent challenge for many families and individuals who have suffered. They have probably not told their closest friends and family. Like mental health and other issues, it behoves us all to speak about domestic violence and to empower and provide support to anyone who has been subjected to violence. I welcome and commend the national awareness campaign on domestic and sexual violence entitled "What would you do?" launched by the Tánaiste today. Earlier I mentioned empowerment but to me, and I think colleagues will agree, educating young people to have respect for others is important. This includes respect for males and females because violence is meted out to males in the home as well. It is important we voice that aspect in the House. It is essential to support victims so that when they cry out for help they find support. The more we speak about the issue and bring it out into the open, then the greater the support victims will have. I concur with all my colleagues who raised the issue here today.

I wish to raise another important issue which is the elephant in the room, namely, climate change. It is the greatest economic challenge facing Ireland and the rest of the world. Members have mentioned that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport will be here today. The transport, agricultural and energy sectors face huge challenges in terms of reducing carbon emissions in accordance with Ireland's international obligations. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on climate change, to outline the national mitigation strategies and to discuss how we can address the challenges.

Renewable energy has not been fully harnessed in this country. We need an honest debate on renewable energies, including wind, solar and hydro power. Many objections have been lodged against wind farms and there are many applications for solar and hydro schemes. We must grasp the nettle that is renewable energy. Unless we engage with communities and educate people about the benefits of renewable energy, we will not make enough progress to meet our international obligations and Ireland will suffer penalties. We need to debate renewable energy in this House and in wider society.