James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Last week, we had a debate on climate change and the need for Ireland to take action on this. The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment was quite comprehensive in his statement outlining the areas he would address and stating that it would be an across-Government approach. During my contribution, I raised the fact that there is no charging point for electric cars in this Oireachtas. I was told last week that it would be there the following day, but as I stand here today, there is still no charging point for electric cars. I am aware of at least three other Members of the two Houses who have electric cars and I hope to take delivery of one shortly. If we are to show leadership in this country and ask people to be mindful of the environment, make life changes and consider going electric or hybrid, we must lead by example. The fact that the Oireachtas does not even have charging points for people who work or might be visiting here sends such a poor message. I hope this issue will be taken seriously and acted upon a bit more expediently than it has been to date.