Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I begin by congratulating the State Examinations Commission on its announcement that the leaving certificate results will be announced on 2 September. It was long overdue.

I support Senator Boyhan's call for this House to have a rolling debate on health. I made a point yesterday about disability matters. It is not about bringing in the Minister for Health; the Minister for Health, Deputy Butler; the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte; or the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan. This House also needs accountability from those charged with the administration of the system of health delivery. That debate would be useful and timely.

In light of the comments by European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union, Mairead McGuinness, who questioned the energy security and supply of Europe in the autumn, I ask as a matter of extreme urgency that we have a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications on energy security. I know the Minister was in the House yesterday regarding annual transition statements but given that prior to the Ukraine war, 40% of European gas came from Russia, it would be an opportunity for this House to hear from the Minister about what our plans as a nation are when it comes to energy security and supply. I know we have 90 days stockpiled but it is important that we give clarity and certainty to people and have this debate as a matter of urgency.