Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Dooley. We proposed on a number of occasions that we have a rolling debate on climate change here last year and probably even more recently. It is an incredibly important topic for us to talk about but every conversation and topic we have every week is urgent and important and it seems to consistently be put back until we have an emergency. However the Senator is right, it is time for us to have a practical debate on measures that we all know could advance our reducing emissions. The Taoiseach’s speech at COP27 this week was poignant. We are all aware that our emissions are still going up, not down. They are not going in the right direction. Sometimes I think we need to get out of our own way and do the things we know would make a difference.

Senator McGreehan spoke about the health and safety or lack thereof on the Dublin to Belfast train. She is seeking answers from Iarnród Éireann. Senator Ahearn called for a debate on the sheep welfare scheme and particularly lamb prices. The sheep welfare scheme was announced this morning by the Minister, Deputy McConalogue. It provides €15.5 million to pay towards the welfare of sheep throughout the country which is welcome.

Senator Cassells mentioned that finally the Gambling Regulation Bill has been published. A number of Members of this House, including Senator O'Reilly, who has literally raised it with me week in and week out since I became Leader a couple of years ago, have engaged with this Bill. I commend Deputy James Browne. It would be remiss of me not to commend Deputy Stanton who for years in that Department laid the groundwork for what is a tremendous Bill. I look forward to us all debating it in the next couple of weeks and getting it passed so that we will see the restrictions on the industry that we have all called for over the years so as to try to lessen some of its damaging aspects.

Senator McGahon called for a debate on cross-Border tourism, particularly since the all-party motion at Mourne Newry Council in recent weeks. We will try to arrange that debate. Senator Davitt, along with Senator Buttimer, has sought a debate on the insurance report that was published recently by the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming. That would be a worthwhile debate. We will organise that as soon as we can.

Senator Dolan spoke about governor-elect, Maura Healey. I googled her earlier and funnily enough she is exactly the same age as I am. There is only one week between us but by Jove she has some legacy and career to date for a woman so young. It would be a lovely thing to recognise her connections with Ireland and her granny and grandad who were from Kerry and Ballinasloe. I can certainly write to her and ask her to consider visiting us here and with the permission of the Leas-Chathaoirleach and the Cathaoirleach to address the Seanad if she was to come. The connection between Massachusetts, particularly Boston, and Ireland are renowned. That would be lovely.Senators Boylan and Daly asked for a debate on the dog welfare report. I have already asked for it; I am just waiting for a date. We spoke about the greyhound industry, about which a debate is coming, but it is not the same thing. The dog welfare report is such a good one - Senator Boyhan gave me a copy when it was published a couple of weeks ago - it needs to be debated on its own. I will get that date as soon as I can and will try to do so in the next couple of weeks.

Senators Gallagher and Malcolm Byrne both spoke about our retained fire services. Any of us who live outside Dublin are totally reliant on retained firemen and firewomen. It is incredibly difficult to be a retained firefighter and have any sort of normal job or normal life. We owe them an enormous debt. The fact that they had to come to the city today to talk about looking for reform, not just of their conditions and pay but in the way they structure their lives so they can look after the safety of our lives, is an incredible shame. We owe it to them to make sure we do them justice and have a debate as quickly as we can. I will try to arrange that as soon as I can.

Senator Cummins spoke about the expansion of Croí Cónaithe this morning, which is great. The fact that €80,000 per dwelling is now available to people, not just in our towns and villages but for the one-off rural houses we know are dotted all over the counties of Ireland, is very welcome.

Senator Warfield spoke about the transgender survey that has been published. Some of its findings are pretty stark when we consider that in 2022 such a huge percentage of our young people still feel maligned by views that have no place in Irish society. The Senator asked that the Minister come to the House to have a conversation about what we will do to alleviate that system. I will organise that as soon as I can but it will probably take place after the Christmas recess at this stage. What is very sad about the report is that we all know of schools and teachers who are tremendous advocates, and look after and are mindful of our younger people, especially when they are finding their sexuality and going through different stages of their lives. That such a high percentage of people still suffer at the hands of people's hurtful words and malignant views is very hard to take. I will organise that debate as quickly as I can.

Senator Buttimer looked for a debate on the finance and insurance Bill, which we will organise. Senator Moynihan spoke about the Raise the Roof campaign and looked for a debate on the review of income limits, not just on social housing applications but for the HAP. We can certainly organise that.

Senator Gavan spoke about security workers and the very understandable anger at the lack of action. I tried to get the information he referenced earlier but do not have it. I will get the answer today and get back to him. Whatever the excuses are, they are not good enough when we have people who are providing security to businesses, clubs and venues throughout the country but are being paid €11.65 an hour, mostly for unsociable hours. It is just not good enough. I will come back to him as soon as I can.

Senator Hackett spoke about embracing timber construction and the value of the absorption of CO2 by timber houses. Senator Mullen looked for a debate on telephone appointments for abortion. It is odd that we had commitments and now we have had changes without proper consultation. I will try to organise a response for the Senator as quickly as I can.

Senator Conway spoke about Vicky Phelan, with whom I know he had contact over the years. For all the other colleagues who expressed their deepest sympathies, we will hold a minute's silence tomorrow at the end of the Order of Business to give everybody enough time to make sure we show the dignity and respect that such a tremendous lady requires. Senator Daly spoke about a lady who always sought solutions. That is something we can all definitely concur with. She was not looking to finger-point; she just wanted to make the world a better place. Ireland, for all of us knowing her, certainly has become better. We will pay our tribute to her tomorrow following the Order of Business.