Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That might not happen. I propose that we as a House send a message of congratulations to the Tory MP, Jamie Wallis, who came out as transgender yesterday. On this very important International Transgender Day of Visibility, I, on behalf of the Fine Gael Party, say that we stand strong and firm in support of our transgender family and friends. It is important that we send that message today to Jamie Wallis, that we, as fellow parliamentarians, support her in her journey. I wish Jamie every joy, love and happiness in that journey. I ask that we have a debate on transgender issues as a matter of urgency, given that we have lacunas and deficits that need to be addressed from a State perspective.

In light of An Taoiseach’s interview this morning on Claire Byrne’s radio show, I ask that we have a real debate on energy security, the cost of energy and energy supply. Notwithstanding the Taoiseach’s comments where he said that Government cannot react weekly to rising costs, Government can and should intervene. I ask that we have a whole-of-government debate next week in the context of the rising cost of energy. We might get an update as to how our negotiations with the European Union regarding the VAT are being held and how they are getting on. It is important that we give clarity and certainty to people.

I finish on this point: today is very important. It is world International Transgender Day of Visibility. As parliamentarians and leaders in society, in a republic and in a democracy, it is critical that we send a very strong message to transgender people that we stand with them and will walk with them.