Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also offer my condolences to the Cathaoirleach on the death of his sister, Eileen, in New York, and to the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Paul Coghlan, on the death of his mother. Both happened yesterday morning within a couple of hours of each other. I am very sorry and pass on my condolences as, I am sure, does every Member.

I want to follow up on the thoughts of Senator McDowell regarding climate change. A major document was published yesterday. It is the document of our generation if it is implemented correctly and it is important for every person, household and business in the context of climate change. We cannot delay in any way on what it is proposed to do. There are incentives for people to insulate their attics, replace their windows, wrap their houses or whatever other measures can be done at home, and to encourage people to drive electric cars. All of these initiatives need to be rolled out quickly. It is important that we bring the Minister to the House in the next week or two to outline to us the speed of what he is doing. It all sounds great and we have Project Ireland 2040, something else 2050 and many targets that are a long way away but the work needs to start now. People have shown they are interested in climate change and are willing to adapt but they must be given help and advice. They want to know what to do and the right way to do it and it is important that the Minister comes to the House soon.

I acknowledge the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill we are still dealing with on Committee Stage was published in 2016 but we need to proceed carefully with it. We have had a significant number of representations. I have never had as many representations on a Bill in my time in the House. I appreciate I am not here as long as many other Members. Clearly, a large number of people are concerned about the contents of the Bill. I ask the Leader to proceed carefully and sensitively with it. I do not doubt that he will but perhaps scheduling it tomorrow is a little premature as we may need to examine it. I know we are discussing today's Order of Business now but perhaps the Leader will reflect on the representations that have been made to many Members. I am sure the Leader and other members of his party receive as many emails as I do. There is genuine anxiety about the contents of the Bill and we need to examine it carefully before we proceed further with it.