Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, and I support everything that the Senator has said.

Senator Hopkins raised the issue of the ESB and its closure of plants at Shannonbridge and Lanesborough. The proposed closures are very regrettable and a number of Ministers visited both sites yesterday. I am happy to facilitate a debate with the Minister on just transition and ensuring that the voices of local people are heard. The points the Senator made about providing measures to support the workers and the need for a whole-of-Government response were well made.

Senators Devine and Mulherin raised the issue of the decision about the windfarm in Derrybrien that was announced today by the European Court of Justice. I have not got an answer about the situation other than what I have read and heard on the news today and subsequent to that. As both Senators have said, there is an absolute need to address the issues. It beggars belief that an environmental impact statement was prepared. As both of them have said in different ways, there is now a need for the matter to be addressed. I am happy to have the Minister come to the House but, perhaps to get a more expeditious answer, the Senators could table Commencement matters on the topic.

Senator Horkan raised the issue of Revenue online service which was temporarily down this afternoon. I am told that for the first time ever Revenue will extend the pay and file deadline, and I hope that it will not discommode people too much.

Senator Ó Domhnaill raised the issue of the comments on the North in terms of the statement made by Prime Minister Johnson. It is a source of concern. For a long time we have had an agreed approach to legacy and reconciliation issues. As the Tánaiste said yesterday, there can be no deviation, amnesties or differing viewpoints or treatment. To re-echo his words, it is a concern. I am sure that he will take this matter up with his counterpart in the North in due course.

Senator Conway-Walsh raised the issues of dual pricing and store cards. Both points that she made are very pertinent. I do not have a store card.I refuse to have one because I do not want people to know what I am buying or what I am doing. The same applies to insurance. However, we are leaving digital footprints everywhere with Laser cards and credit cards and in the move to a cashless society, which gives away more information. I would be happy to have the debate requested by the Senator because it is long overdue.

I hope Senator Gavan will accept my proposal for the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, to come to the House next week. If he does not, I will not accept his amendment. It is my intention to have the debate on RTÉ after the Order of Business and before the legislation is taken next week.