Malcolm Noonan (Green Party)

In the minute I have I want to focus, unsurprisingly, on nature, heritage and cultural institutions. I am just back from Geneva with some of the representatives of the Children and Young People's Assembly on Biodiversity Loss where we presented at the human rights, democracy and rule of law forum. I appreciate the support the Taoiseach gave to me as Minister of State with responsibility for nature and heritage, but the budget for 2026 is static. When we strip out the capital funding, the budget for heritage and nature is static. I urge the Taoiseach to address that.

We have had a CCAC report and an EPA report on water quality. Unfortunately, all of our trends are going in the wrong direction. The Blackwater fish kill happened in the Taoiseach's own county. We see issues concerning the destruction of woodlands in County Cork as well. I urge the Taoiseach to get a handle on this, in particular on water quality. There are significant challenges in Lady's Island and Lough Ree, among others across the country. I urge him to address these issues.

If he gets a chance, the Taoiseach should go to Collins Barracks to see Rory Gallagher's guitar. I met his brother, Dónal, there yesterday. It was purchased in Crowley's of Cork. It is a great privilege to see it there. I question how our cultural institutions, in particular the National Museum of Ireland, can operate with its current staffing level. It has done an amazing job. I urge the Taoiseach to try to visit Rory's guitar.