Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the decision made on the national maternity hospital and I hope it proceeds with all speed. It is a badly-needed hospital. The building on Holles Street is very old and not fit for purpose. I would like to see the new national maternity hospital built as soon as possible. I acknowledge the work the public did in highlighting the role of the religious orders. I compliment the Sisters of Charity on making what I believe is the right decision in withdrawing from it. I also acknowledge the work the Minister, Deputy Harris, has done behind the scenes. Too often we stand here and criticise people, but do not acknowledge when good work is done behind the scenes.

I also acknowledge the strategy of the all-party Committee on the Future of Healthcare, published this morning. Deputy Shortall and the committee members have done an excellent job on which I compliment them.

IMPACT published a document on a just transition to a low-carbon economy, which is a very worthy report. We should at the earliest possible time debate the overall effect of moving to a low-carbon economy. As with all things there will be winners and losers and it is important that there be a just transition. That just transition cannot just be in Ireland; it needs to happen on a global basis. It would be worthwhile debating it in a wider sense.