Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach and thank him for the lovely event this morning to mark Seanad 100. It was very special to have Senator Norris and former Senator and former President Mary Robinson reflecting on the Seanad's role in society and politics and speaking about some of the issues that have been raised in the past and that we have to deal with now. The one element that really stuck out for me was the word "passion". Former President Robinson spoke about the need for passion when articulating the subjects we speak about. She spoke about the importance of climate change and how we in the Seanad will need to be a very strong voice on this.

On that note, with regard to the retrofitting grants which were announced two weeks ago and are incredibly welcome, I want to make several points. If administered correctly, they could be transformative in respect of the energy we use and its cost. With regard to the loans the Government has indicated it will give, I would like to see them rolled out through An Post. There is a post office in practically every community. We are looking at ways to make the post office continue to be a central space in every area. It is important that the loans be administered through it. We need to cut down on red tape and administration. I know from those using the SEAI system they find it very difficult. This is not what it should be.

Over the weekend there was a debate about the National Women's Council's decision not to include women from Government parties at a rally outside Leinster House on 5 May to celebrate International Women's Day. It is important to note that here. The caucus has a good working relationship with the National Women's Council. In any debate moderated by any group there should be a balance of female representation. The journey to get here is hard enough. I ask that women Oireachtas Members from non-Government parties support this also. The last point I want to raise concerns the cost of living, including for students. I heard contradictory remarks over the past week from the Tánaiste and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on whether third-level fees would be reduced. Let us be clear: they absolutely should be but not at the expense of the universities and other third-level colleges, which have been managing on a shoestring for the past decade. The Cassells report was sent to the European Commission for an economic cost analysis of the three options put forward. I understand the analysis has been submitted to the Department. It is important that we have a debate on it and ensure that we do right by our universities and other third-level colleges. Most important, we should do right by our students by ensuring they all have an opportunity to go to college. I ask the Leader for a debate on that.