Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)

I would like to join the Cathaoirleach and the Leader in congratulating Martin Hughes on his new appointment and welcoming him to the Seanad. We look forward to working with and supporting him as he supports us to do our job and serve the country. I also want to congratulate and thank Martin Groves and Bridget. They were exemplary public servants and we were blessed with their talents, energy and expertise.They guided us exceptionally well.

The 80th General Assembly of the UN is taking place this week in New York. Top of the agenda at that assembly are global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the genocide, humanitarian crisis and war in Gaza. Speaking on behalf of Ireland, the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, reiterated our calls for an immediate ceasefire, a release of hostages, unfettered access for humanitarian aid, a recognition of the Palestinian state and a commitment to a two-state solution. It feels like a very slow process, but I think at this point 159 of the 193 countries and states in the UN have recognised the State of Palestine. When the French President, Emmanuel Macron, spoke about Gaza and recognising the genocide and humanitarian crisis taking place there, he said the time for peace has come. I do not want to contradict him, but the time for peace was a very long time ago. We are at a point of no return now. As a House, we have been very strong on this issue and I know we will have a debate on it later this week. That said, we really have to urge world leaders to really commit to peace and to taking direct action to end war.

During the summer months, people up and down the country have been talking about energy prices. Bord Gáis, SSE, Energia, Pinergy and Flogas have all announced price increases. Households and businesses are being affected by it. The costs of food, transport and employment are being impacted. Everything is being impacted by this energy crisis. It is a crisis of affordability for people. At the same time, the ESB made over €700 million in profits after tax. We need the Minister to come in and to have a debate on this issue before the budget. It is a really serious issue that is having a real and direct impact on people's lives.

The Cathaoirleach took a great initiative in a previous Seanad to copper-fasten the protocols around our flag. The Tricolour hangs directly behind the Cathaoirleach's desk. It hangs there in a position of respect. The Tricolour is a symbol of unity on this island. I commend the Cathaoirleach on the initiative he took, which was unanimously supported by this House, to put formal protocols in place around not just the flying of the Tricolour but also the treatment of the flag. It is totally unacceptable the way the Tricolour is being disrespected in our capital city. I renew my call to Dublin City Council to take action to protect the Tricolour, a symbol of unity, in our capital and prevent it from being used as a symbol of division.