Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have three matters to address briefly. The first relates to the Iveagh Markets. For the past two years, I have been dealing with representatives of the Iveagh family in discussing the dreadful situation of the Iveagh Markets, such a beautiful heritage and gift to the city and people of Dublin, being allowed to fall into dereliction. Between Dublin City Council and a particular developer, it is a disgraceful case. It was one of the first things in respect of which I called for action when I became a Senator. I am looking forward to meeting with Ned Iveagh next Tuesday. We had an extensive conversation yesterday.

The second issue I wish to raise is in the context of standing in solidarity with the transgender community. Last night, I received yet more emails in respect of a briefing in the Oireachtas today that is being facilitated by Members of this House. The issue is that no one from Transgender Equality Network Ireland, TENI, BeLonG To, LGBT Ireland or the Trans Equality Together coalition has been invited to the briefing. That means that people who are affected by the subject matter of the discussion and briefing will not be at the table in speaking to the Oireachtas and the parliamentary community. To be honest, I find that unacceptable. I will be raising that point later, along with issues raised by TENI. Ireland rates very badly when it comes to support and care for the transgender community. It is important that transgender voices are heard.

I know the Leader has set up a meeting with the Minister to discuss the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, but I am getting letters from people who want to get retrofitting work done. This morning, we collected a letter from a man in his 80s to bring forward that he will be waiting at least two years before anything is done to his house. There is no point having a system that does not work, so I am asking the Deputy Leader, as well as the Leader, who happens to be here, to arrange a debate and statements in the House to bring into the open just how effective or ineffective this scheme is.