Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Following on from the earlier contribution by Senator Pippa Hackett, I do not accept the comments made by her that turf burning days are numbered. Coming from a county where more than 20% of households use turf as fuel to keep people warm, and particularly people of the older generation, I do not believe it is acceptable to make a comment like that. As a county, the same as other midland counties, we bought into a just transition up to 2027. Unfortunately, objections from green-supporting organisations led to the closure of the Lough Ree and Shannonbridge power stations and the boglands in the midlands. I am not going to accept comments like that. Until people's homes are insulated to a standard where they do not need solid fuel, and particularly homes in rural areas, then we should be allowed to keep our houses and homes warm.

I compliment the Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, on the VAT rate. I am a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media. We have been pushing for the extension of the VAT rate, following discussions with the Irish Hotels Federation and the Restaurants Association of Ireland. I thank the Minister for putting this forward to the Cabinet today and for supporting the industry. People have mentioned Cork and Kerry, and I too look forward to the summer when people are organising their breaks. We in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands are an unhidden gem. I would recommend people pay visit during the summer months in particular.

I want to touch base with regard to RTÉ and the fact we have no midlands correspondent for the midland's region since Ciarán Mullooly retired a number of months back. I wish Mr. Mullooly well in his new role in the Roscommon Partnership. I met with Mr. Mullooly recently at the Irish Rural Link national conference. He is doing an excellent job. It is important that all regions in the country are covered by RTÉ. Perhaps the Leader will write to RTÉ and ask for an update as to the date by which we will have our correspondent put in place.