Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)

We started the Order of Business with Senator Fitzpatrick, who spoke about the publication of the updated housing plan. She is correct in saying it is a very important plan. She mentioned the key issue of State investment in homes. That is not to forget that under Housing for All 137,000 new builds were put in place and 500 new mortgages for first-time buyers were drawn down every week. I have not read all the detail - as Senator Boyhan said, there is a lot of detail in it. It takes time to absorb it. Every time I had the opportunity to speak to this Minister or the former Minister, I said we had to build sustainable communities as well as houses. I am glad that is in the title. It is not just about houses but also building sustainable communities. Senator Fitzpatrick also spoke of the different types of housing, social, affordable and private, with particular mention of those with disabilities.

Senator Scahill spoke about tomorrow being World Diabetes Day. These world days are hugely important in shining a light on conditions, diseases and issues on which we need to step back, look at and see how we can improve and do better. The Senator said 10% to 12% of the health budget goes on conditions associated with diabetes. If it is not managed properly, it can lead to a traumatic, life-changing diagnosis. I remember speaking to a dietician a number of years ago. She worked in Naas General Hospital at the time and was shocked at the number of people, including young people, presenting with conditions that led to diabetes but stemmed from malnutrition, not eating correctly and not being aware of what can lead to diabetes. We need to invest more money, we need a co-ordinated approach and we need a lot of education around that. The Senator mentioned a cross-party group. I suggest he reach out because, in my experience, cross-party groups, regardless of the issue, are really important. It is an opportunity to shine a light and to approach the Minister. I look forward to hearing of the Senator's work on that.

Senator Joe Conway spoke about the delivery of homes. He mentioned before the Order of Business started that he had visited a number of housing sites with the Minister, Deputy Browne, last Friday and spoke of the number of building sites in Waterford. He said he had yet to see a woman on a building site. I had a quick look and, at the moment, women make up about 9% of the construction workforce. Obviously, that is not all on sites. A lot of it is background work. The CIF is looking to increase that to 25% by 2030. The number of women entering apprenticeships has gone up substantially but we need to do more. We have beneficiaries of temporary protection, BOTPs, who are Ukrainian and people in IPAS centres who we should be reaching out to. Somebody in Newbridge who reached out to me recently had two Ukrainians living in Naas and said they are excellent workers. We need to think outside the box a little more.

Senator Collins spoke about victims of domestic abuse in terms of housing. I did not get to read all the detail but I was pleased to see that was dealt with. People will keep their place on the housing list when they relocate to another county. Up to now they had to start again, but now victims of domestic violence will be able to count the years that they have spent in a different county. Sometimes for safety and protection, they need to move to another county. That is really important. Safety should not mean having to start over again. That is addressed.

Senator Crowe spoke of the planning process and projects being bogged down, as we hear about all the time, with red tape, bureaucracy and judicial reviews. It is good that the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, is looking at that. The Senator is right to say we need to learn from other countries and that is something we can ask the library and research office to do. We will ask the Minister to come in and discuss where he is at with that legislation.

Senator Cathal Byrne spoke about the orange weather warning and the urgency of the Enniscorthy flood scheme. He described Christmas 2021, when people were not able to cook their Christmas lunch. It is all about lived experience and painting that picture. While we have invested as a State and progressed these areas, it is important we do more. Senator Martin Conway spoke about similar situations in Clare in 2009 and 2010. Because of climate change, these situations are becoming much more prevalent. Driving home from here last night with all the water on the road was so dangerous. It slowed everything down. It is important we ask the Minister, Deputy Browne, to come in and have a debate on where we are at and where we need to be and, to be fair, to acknowledge the progress made in recent times.

Senator Keogan spoke about how parental alienation is being used in the legal process. It must be incredibly difficult and traumatic to have custody battles. Sadly, we know not every separation can be amicable and there are situations where parents are at one another and using children. It is very sad and needs to be debated. I appreciate the in camera rule is to give confidentiality but the Senator is right in saying accountability is important. Sensitive as the topic is, it is worth exploring and debating. I would not come down at this point on the side of taking out the in camera rule but it is important we have the opportunity to listen to the experts and speak to the Minister on it.

Senator Costello spoke of the 30th anniversary of the Threshold Training Network in Tallaght. She mentioned Adrienne Kilkenny and her team, who have been dedicated to people's mental health and to training. The Senator mentioned a number of projects they are doing and their good work in trying to find the best in people and helping them find their pathway. We all send our good wishes to the Threshold Training Network.

Senator Boyhan spoke about the new housing and community plan that has been launched and asked that, rather than rushing to judgment, we all set aside time for debate. We will look for the housing Minister to come to the House and debate this. The Senator mentioned citizens information, which gives incredible service to people around the country. It is independent, accessible and people-centred, and the Minister, Deputy Calleary, is absolutely very committed to it.As the service unveils its new strategy, we wish all involved well in the incredible work they do.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly outlined that 80% of childminders are considering leaving the sector. They provide a really good service. We must be concerned about regulation. I spoke yesterday about the worry and concern among childminders that they may be liable for rates. This would be a very retrograde step. We have already asked the Minister to come to the House to speak about the whole area of childcare and to see how we can positively support people in the sector. We most certainly will not do that by bringing in over-regulation, which will take people out of the system. A lot of people, particularly women, will not be able to stay in the workforce if there is over-regulation of the sector.

Senator Mullen spoke about a very important global human rights issue, namely, that in 2025, as per the report he mentioned, 413 million Christians live in countries where they do not have religious freedom, with the right to belief declining in 62 countries around the world. That right absolutely should, of course, be protected. We support it and will look to see whether we can have a debate on it. I also support what the Senator said about Alice Cairns, who was a very fine lady. As Deputy Leader, I echo his expression of sympathy to the Cairns family.