Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I dtús báire, deánaim comhghairdeas leis an gCeannaire agus Jarlath as ucht a bpósta. As it is now over a year since the enactment by the Oireachtas of Coco's Law, I call for a debate with the Minister for Justice on the progress made in relation to prosecutions, arrests and so on under Coco's Law.I acknowledge the call by Ms Frances Fitzgerald MEP to introduce a Europe-wide law on the sharing of images and the tragic events that led to Nicole Fox's death. It is something we should certainly debate as we were very strong on it in this House when it was passing through as law.

I also acknowledge the Tánaiste's comments about China in his speech yesterday to the Royal Irish Academy. We have seen a very progressive move there in Irish foreign policy and in our acknowledgement that China is not always good. I am aware it is an important trading partner for us but we need to be truthful with China and say how little we accept some of the human rights abuses we know are occurring in China. The lack of naivete on Ireland's part in future is a very welcome thing.

There is a public consultation in the Dún Laoghaire council area around the living streets initiative in Blackrock village. During the Covid-19 restrictions, traffic measures were put into Blackrock village to make it one way. These were widely welcomed by residents and businesses. The measures have made Main Street in Blackrock a very pleasant place to be, to cycle, to walk, to shop, or to take a coffee. Now Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is looking to put that on a permanent footing. There is a public consultation in place until June. I encourage people to get involved in that. This model is being followed by many villages around Ireland. There is potential to put in place a real and proper public realm that serves people, not cars. I hope people will engage in this as much as possible.