Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell on her contribution on the Order of Business. The points she makes on culture and heritage are actually very important and should not be just glossed over in an Order of Business reply. I would be happy to have a debate on the points she makes. What we must learn from our past is that we must prepare and plan. This involves a combination of culture, heritage and biodiversity, about which the Senator spoke. Linked to this matter is Senator Humphreys's request for a rolling debate on climate change, an important issue. We have agreed to it.

I commend Senator McFadden for raising the need for more remote working, working from home and part-time work. I would be happy if the Minister could come to the House regarding that.

Senator Gavan raised today's Private Members' motion. We will debate this in our debate on the TASC report. We have all read the report. We should reflect upon it but it is, in itself, selective in what it presents. It does not take notice of the fact that Ireland has one of the highest average incomes and lowest levels of precarious employment in the European Union. The report acknowledges the role the State plays in addressing income inequality through the system of social transfers and a progressive taxation system. It does not make reference to the fact that the national minimum wage, which is determined based on recommendations of the Low Pay Commission, provides a measure of security for the low paid. Equally, it does not show in its clear form the supports and security measures put in place under the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. I would be happy to have the debate in the House at a later time.

On Senator Humphreys's remarks, I would be happy to have the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport come to the House after the EU meeting. The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, has been very clear about Ireland's responsibilities regarding carbon-----