Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for their welcoming remarks. I do not know how the Leader manages to respond to everyone but I will give it a go.

I begin by responding to Senator Hoey, given it is important when someone raises the death of someone who did so much for society and human rights that we acknowledge that at the outset. I extend my condolences to the family of Eoin Collins, who did so much for Ireland and for equality.

Senators O'Loughlin and McGreehan and others raised the Count Her In campaign, and a launch is taking place at the moment on the Leinster House plinth led by Women for Election. We absolutely have to support women, men and those of all genders and it is welcome there is a campaign that seeks to increase the number of women in the Houses. Although there are a large number of women in the Seanad, the same cannot be said for the Dáil or at local authority level. The issue of violence against women was raised and Senator O'Loughlin spoke about her family's experience, whereby her 12-year-old niece was attacked. I agree we have to examine the causes within society. We had a very good debate on the matter last week but we will have to return to it on an ongoing basis.

Senator Ward raised a somewhat related issue, that is, the ability of defendants, as it stands, to cross-examine their accuser. I agree we need to address that and consider whether it should really be an unfettered right to represent oneself, particularly when it comes to cross-examination.

Senator Boyhan raised the issue of Cathal Brugha Barracks. I listened to the Commencement matter raised by Senator O'Loughlin earlier and the fulsome response from the Minister for Defence. To respond to Senator Boyhan's question, I am not entirely sure why the Defence Forces did not know about the feasibility study, although the Minister outlined that it was coming from his Department, which is seeking funding through Housing for All. He indicated no decision has been made, so it might be worth reviewing his comments in that regard. The Senator also sought an early debate on the commission’s report, a request I can certainly pass on to the Leader.

Senator Gavan spoke about a Bill of which I am a signatory, the Safe Access to Termination of Pregnancy Services Bill 2021. In some respects, I welcome the fact it is coming back before the House. As he said, he was prompted to take action on the basis the Minister for Health has not progressed matters to the extent we would like. Nevertheless, I welcome the scheduling of a debate next week on Committee Stage.

Senator Ruane spoke about the issue of Facebook, in particular, and sought a debate on artificial intelligence, AI, and the metaverse, a request that was welcomed by other colleagues. Senator Seery Kearney sought a similar debate. I agree that very often legislation is catching up with what is happening in real life. There are sinister things happening in terms of how our data are being used. I note that the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022 will come before the House next week. It might provide an opportunity to raise those issues, but quite apart from that there is need for a debate on the issue.

Senators McGreehan and Ó Donnghaile and a number of other Senators raised the issues in regard to Northern Ireland. Some of those Senators also raised other issues, which I will come to later. It is very worrying that so close to an election Edwin Poots is engaging in cynical electioneering tactics in order to undermine the protocol, which has been signed up to. The Minister, Deputy Coveney, has given a very good response, but we need to keep up the pressure there. While I do not believe the steps that have been taken are representative of the views of Northern Ireland, they are putting pressure on workers. That point was well made by Senator McGreehan.

Senator Seery Kearney also raised the issue of LED lights and suggested a practical measure in this regard. Complaints in regard to LED lights come to my attention from time to time. Recognition of this as a disability may be the way to go in terms of providing some support.

Senator Keogan spoke about violence against women and made some comments about the National Women's Council of Ireland as an organisation. Everybody is entitled to decide for themselves whether they want to sign up to the organisation on the basis of their values, in the same way as they do in regard to many other organisations across the State. We should not stop funding an organisation that represents so many people. Quite apart from that, I do not agree with Senator Keogan's views on the matter, but she is entitled to them. I believe people are entitled to their own definitions and identities as they see fit. That includes women.

Senators Gallagher, Murphy and Carrigy asked for a debate on credit unions. Senator Carrigy sought to have that debate broadened to post offices. We need to have a debate around credit unions and community banking, which are so much part of the culture of our communities across the country. We need to expand our understanding of financial institutions.

Senator Ó Donnghaile raised the issue of Northern Ireland and he also addressed Senator Keogan's point, which I have just addressed.

Senator McGahon raised the NTA's response to proposed introduction of a three-day taxsaver ticket. I am 100% supportive of the Senator's position on this issue. I have spoken to the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth, on the matter. I agree that something needs to be done. If we are promoting flexible and hybrid working, we also have to ensure all of the things that support people getting to their workplace two or three days per week go hand-in-hand with that. The position of the NTA is short-sighted. As recognised by Senator McGahon, the institution is separate from the Minister. I believe something should and can be done on that issue.

Senators Murphy and Ahearn raised the issue of a derogation on the burning of green waste on farms. The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Eamon Ryan, said a year ago that it would stop in time. As I understand it, that is still the position. The derogation has been signed for another year. That provides us with an opportunity to come up with another solution. We know that quite apart from anything else it impacts on air quality.

Senator Murphy also raised the issue of crime. Returning to my university days, I know that the fear of crime can be just as damaging to people as the crimes. It is important to highlight that issue. Regardless of whether crime is rising or falling, it does not change the fact that people are concerned about crime.

Senator Maria Byrne also raised the derogation on burning, which she welcomed. She also welcomed the expansion of Vitalograph into Limerick and she spoke about roads funding, which is an issue of concern for many Senators, although Senator Byrne was the only Senator to raise it today. All Senators worry about their own constituencies. I have my own views, but there is a budget for new roads and there is a record amount of funding when it comes to safety on our roads. I take on board Senator Maria Byrne's point.

As I said earlier, Senator Carrigy raised the issue of the credit unions and he also advocated for support for a fire station in Ballymahon. I thank the Senator for raising that matter because communities need our advocacy.

Senator Ahearn also spoke about the derogation. I support his call for a debate on cycleways and walkways and how we can link blueways and greenways. We need to have those links across the country. I will ask the Leader to arrange that debate. The Senator also asked for an update on sports capital grants, which we would all welcome. We will seek an update from the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, and the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers.

Senator Currie also raised the issue of the protocol and the consensus. She spoke about the success that a really important organisation, The Truth and Justice Movement, has had in working on a consensus basis. She also mentioned that the group is meeting with the Taoiseach today and that she would support the issue being raised to the White House.

The issue raised by Senator Craughwell was addressed by An Cathaoirleach so I will not go into that. My understanding is that the Senator took on board An Cathaoirleach's point.

Senator Malcolm Byrne raised the issue of the Winter Olympics in Beijing. We have a good tradition in this House of speaking out against human rights violations, particularly in China. In this instance, Senator Byrne raised the issue of Tibet. It is welcome that the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, will not be attending. It is a good opportunity for commercial organisations to take a look at themselves and to consider whether their consumers are supportive of their sponsorship.

Senator Fitzpatrick raised the issue of multi-denominational, co-educational schools. She mentioned Clonturk Community College, which is in her constituency of Dublin Central. She spoke very passionately about her support for the roll-out of multi-denominational, co-educational schools across the country. As many Senators will know, it is something I am very passionate about.

Senator Conway raised the issue of the reform of the planning system by the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke. I support reform of the planning system to unwind some of the knots. As mentioned by Senator Conway, when it comes to planning for housing, greenways, cycleways and so on we are held up by a planning system that clearly is not fit for purpose. Within that, there must be transparency and an ability to have proper consultation and an ability to go to the courts if people feel that is needed.

I thank Senators and I hope have not missed any of the issues raised.