Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I join in thanking the staff for all their help during the year and wish them a very happy Christmas. I thank the Leader for his courtesy and help during the year. I have not been fighting with him all the time; he has been helpful on some occasions.

On a serious note, I strongly welcome the passing of the Microbeads (Prohibition) Bill 2019 last night. It is a template for co-operation across parties from the former Senator, Grace O'Sullivan, MEP, Deputy Sherlock and the Minister given the urgency it required. However, we must still keep our eye on the ball with regard to climate change and biodiversity. Under the climate change legislation there is an onus on each Minister to report to the Seanad annually on the progress each Department is making. When will that be scheduled in the new year? Will the Leader try to ensure it does not happen in the same way as it did last year, whereby the Ministers queued at the back of the Chamber, came in, spoke for five minutes and then left? We should put some thought into how we will interact on such an important matter. I would welcome an opportunity to discuss with the Leader, at his earliest convenience, how to manage that in the new year.