Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Senators for their contributions. Senator Malcolm Byrne congratulated Ms Eileen Morrissey and the team in the libraries on her election. I, too, congratulate them. The Senator called for a debate on the issue of rural accommodation and rural tourism. The Leader has asked the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, to arrange a date to come to the House to discuss this important issue. When the war and illegal invasion of Ukraine happened, Irish people very much accepted Ukrainians. We had hoped that it would be for a short period but clearly it is not. That is having a knock-on impact on accommodation in rural areas and, indeed, in some urban areas as well. I look forward to that debate when a date can be arranged.

Senator Ardagh raised the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022. Senators have received a lot of correspondence on that matter. I look forward to the debate on the Bill. The former Minister, Senator McDowell, raised matters regarding the definition of gender in the Bill. The Second Stage contributions will be important and I hope for a good and respectful debate on that matter when it comes up.

Senators Fitzpatrick, Sherlock, Ahearn, McGreehan and Lombard all called for debates and action on food inflation. I compliment the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, on initiating the retail forum yesterday and the actions that have been taken thus far. Clearly, however, more needs to be done to force supermarkets to reduce their prices. The costs have risen over the last period, in particular, with the increase in energy costs. That is having a knock-on effect. However, inflation is reducing, as are wholesale prices, gas prices and fertiliser prices. It is important that supermarkets respond by reducing prices. While there have been commitments to reduce the prices of bread, butter and milk, and that is certainly welcome, we need to see more. I certainly hope that more will happen as more needs to happen.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Coveney, has indicated that his Department is considering developing a suite of measures aimed at ensuring major retailers are not profiteering from customers by keeping food prices high despite inflation slowing down. The Minister is also examining whether to introduce new reporting mechanisms for companies that would require them to detail margins they are making on certain products. He is also considering plans to force retailers to reveal specific profits they make from Irish customers even if businesses are based in other countries. Having said that, we acknowledge the importance of the primary producer, as commented on by Senators Lombard and McGreehan, and the call for a debate in that regard. We will ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, to engage on that matter as well. We need a debate on food inflation with the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, and the Minister, Deputy Coveney, because it is evident in every shop we go into now.

Senator Garvey gave a heartfelt contribution regarding the pollution in the Inagh river and the thousands of dead fish, eels and insects. It is regrettable that has happened. Inland Fisheries Ireland and the local authority will carry out a thorough investigation into the cause and whether it was on purpose or by accident. We have seen huge improvements as regards major fish kills over the years. In the 1980s, fish kills were more commonplace. Significant investment in agricultural practices certainly has reduced impacts there. Unfortunately, fish kills still happen and it is not good enough. It will take years for the Inagh river to recover and to rehabilitate itself. As Senator Garvey said, the community, local people and State agencies, such as Inland Fisheries Ireland and the local authority, will get involved in that. As Senator Higgins said, this can be viewed as a crime if it was on purpose. If it was accidental, it certainly needs to be ensured that this will not happen again. All communities have to be watchful in relation to their local rivers. Major pollution issues may have reduced but the diffuse pollution that impacts on water quality is evident in certain parts of the country, particularly in the south east and areas in Cork.

Senator Higgins requested an amendment to the Order of Business to take No. 18, which is a Bill to amend the Turf Development Act 1946 and the Forestry Act 1988 in order to reflect obligations regarding climate action and the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in the mandate and functions of the organisations established under those Acts, before No. 1. I have no difficulty in agreeing to that proposal.

Senator Higgins also called for a debate on the issues and tragedies in Sudan. Senator Sherlock raised issues in relation to Israel as well. Perhaps we could have a debate on all foreign affairs matters with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, at the earliest opportunity.

Senator Wilson, seconded by Senator Conway, raised the matter of the bravery of Retired Garda Jeremiah Coonan in 1980. I had not heard of that previously. From the description the Senators provided, it was certainly an act of bravery. I hope the Garda Commissioner can review the matter and consider the awarding of a Scott Medal. I am sure the Senators will take up the offer of the Cathaoirleach to engage with the Ceann Comhairle in relation to this matter of bravery as well.

Senator Cassells talked of the issues regarding An Bord Pleanála. No doubt An Bord Pleanála has had severe challenges over the past number of years. I hope that will be rectified with the proposed planning Bill on which the House will engage. The board now has a full complement of 15 members and a new interim chairperson, Ms Oonagh Buckley. I certainly hope that they can get down to work in dealing with the hundreds of files that are on their desks. Delays in dealing with any planning application are unfair on those who invest time and money in this. It is delaying vital projects, particularly homes. Certainly, timely decisions are hugely important. The Bill the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, is looking at will involve stricter timelines for decisions. I also ask for a debate on that matter.

I will take up all the issues raised with the Leader's office. The food issue is certainly one that is worthy of debate at the earliest opportunity. I will bring forward all the requests from Members to the various Ministers and Departments.