Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To make a final point to Senator Leyden, the practice he refers to is being withdrawn only where the Revenue Commissioners are satisfied there is no longer a legally valid basis to the issue. We should let the review conclude and then have a debate on it.

On the important point raised by Senator Devine regarding air pollution and climate change, that is the reason the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, outlined a whole-of-government plan to tackle climate change. The country is way behind its targets so we must step up to the mark in terms of our ability to respond to the central issue of climate change. It is the biggest issue this generation will face. Our task is to make Ireland a leader, not a follower, in responding to it. I will invite the Minister to the House in due course.

Finally, I commend Senator Swanick on the excellent report of his task force on loneliness. I thank him for what he is doing. We all have a role to play in dealing with loneliness and I am pleased the Senator has produced the report. I am happy to commit to scheduling a discussion on loneliness in the new year. Before Christmas he could use the opportunity of Fianna Fáil's Private Members' time to have the debate but if that is not possible, I will schedule it in the new year.