Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy Leader may recall, I raised the issue of the EU Commission's case against Hungary's anti-LGBT law in the House previously and called on Ireland to join the lawsuit in solidarity. I am really pleased that, under the stewardship of An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, Ireland has formally supported this particular case. It shows once again that we here in Ireland stand resolute in our commitment to an inclusive society and it also shows our party's commitment to equality for all persons. I particularly note the excellent and defiant speech of Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel, who denounced Viktor Orbán and Hungary's anti-LGBT law before the EU Parliament yesterday. It was an excellent contribution, no less than the Cathaoirleach's own last Thursday. Bettel is one of just two openly gay leaders of a European Union country. I really commend him on his bravery in using his platform to stand up for the basic ideals that we all subscribe to as members of the EU.

I want to give a shout-out to Stand Up For Racing, which was set up by Sally Ann Grassick, Cathy Grassick and Kevin Blake. Many of us saw the images from the Grand National at the weekend. It was awful to see a horse having to be put down but a group called Animal Rising delayed the start of the Grand National in Aintree after attempting to get onto the track to obstruct the race. These protestors are radicals who want to ban racing. Their proposal to end racing would essentially result in the extinction of the thoroughbred. Ireland, and especially my county of Kildare, has a really strong historical and current link to racing. Irish thoroughbred trainers, jockeys and stable staff are sought all over the world. Both Kildare and Tipperary are known as the best in the world with regard to breeding. It is really important that we reaffirm our commitment to the horse racing industry. Welfare standards within horse racing are extremely strong in Ireland and the sector is constantly working on maintaining and strengthening these standards. I am certainly very proud of the success of the thoroughbred industry. It is important that we join Sally Ann Grassick, Cathy Grassick and Kevin Blake in standing up for racing because these debates are likely to enter into media discussions here.

The last matter I will raise relates to the Derelict Sites Act. In my own town of Newbridge, I have been engaging with residents in respect of a derelict building called Rooske Lodge, which is in very close proximity to the train station. There was a lot of antisocial behaviour there. It has been set on fire and so on. We managed to get it put onto the derelict sites register last November and within a month there was a flurry of activity on the part of the owners. Sadly, that flurry of activity has now stopped. We all know they are going to be fined 7% but we need quicker action in addition to financial penalties.