Seanad debates

Thursday, 11 May 2023

9:30 am

Photo of Seán KyneSeán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media, entitled Elimination of Abuse Directed Toward Referees, Officials, and Players in Sport, to be taken at 11.45 a.m., with the time allocated for the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, and the Minister to be given no less than eight minutes to reply to the debate.

Photo of Malcolm ByrneMalcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to congratulate Ms Eileen Morrissey, the Wexford county librarian, on her election as president of the Library Association of Ireland. We all know the importance of libraries in our community and how they operate to support learning and all sorts of new activities. I wish Eileen and the team the very best of luck.

I am very conscious that we have raised previously in this House the question of the shortage of tourism accommodation in rural communities. We have discussed this in detail at the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media. Quite a number of representatives from arts organisations appeared before the committee yesterday. I raised the issue that over the summer in County Galway as much as County Wexford and other parts of the country, various arts festivals will take place and the big problem that will arise is the shortage of accommodation. A number of the speakers who were present raised their concern that not alone would visitors to those areas be unable to get reasonably priced accommodation, or any accommodation at all in some of our rural communities, but also that they are finding it difficult to find accommodation for artists and those taking part in quite a number of our festivals.

The arts community has been incredibly generous in looking at ways of integrating new communities into our country. We must address the issue of providing alternative homes for displaced persons and refugees. I am concerned that there will be a major impact on summer festivals right around the country if there is not sufficient accommodation in rural communities.

I am sure the Acting Leader can think of festivals that will take place in Galway. People will not travel if they know they are not going to be able to stay for a particular weekend or a few days of those festivals and that has a knock-on impact. This feeds into the bigger discussion we are having around the impact on rural tourism. While hotels and other types of accommodation are well remunerated, it has a knock-on impact on the coffee shops, restaurants and other tourism facilities within the area. There have been urgent calls for a debate on this. As I mentioned, we have had quite detailed discussion at the joint committee on tourism. The House needs to take a lead on this, however. I would be grateful if the Acting Leader would work with the Leader in ensuring that could be facilitated.

Photo of Catherine ArdaghCatherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail)
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All of us in the Seanad and the Dáil have had much communication from people and proponents against the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022. Some are well-meaning and others are not but for many people, there is a huge feeling that we need to properly debate this Bill.

The House should be used as a forum to deliver legislation on racism and hate crime. There is definitely more of it around as we have more people coming into our communities. Our colleague last week gave a picture of how she was affected by racism. That is just not on and it must be stamped out.

An interesting letter stemming from the hate crime Bill was sent today by our colleague, Senator McDowell, to the Minister for Justice asking him to confirm whether transgender is a new gender under Irish law. That is a big question. It is really important that we have a debate in the House on gender. Civil society and the sporting world are much further on than we are. For instance, the Dublin marathon now has a non-binary section, as do other international marathons, which allows more people to compete.

We are very good in this House at having a respectful debate. Perhaps this is the House to have a debate on gender in society and gender in sport in a really dignified way. Many people, including myself, are unsure of the language we are all meant to be using when it comes to gender. We could really lead the way in ensuring there is dignity and respect in this sphere.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Well said. I call Senator Fitzpatrick.

Photo of Mary FitzpatrickMary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to talk about the cost of living, "greedflation" and corporate social responsibility. I welcome the fact that the Government has called in the retailers to address with them the fact that the price of ordinary basic staples, such as bread, milk, butter, vegetables and all the products that are in our shopping baskets, are not dropping in line with the reduction in costs. The costs were very quick to skyrocket. It is putting enormous pressure on households all over the country, not just in my own constituency of Dublin Central. This level of insensitivity to the retailers' customers is unacceptable in our current environment.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, everybody pulled together. With the war in Ukraine, everybody is pulling together. This a cost-of-living pressure is affecting everyone, and some more than others. We are a rich world, however. We are a rich society and country. We commend those who are in a position to make a profit on taking the risks and making the investment and creating employment. However, they also have a corporate social responsibility to society and to their employees, customers, producers and suppliers.

I ask that the House sends a strong message and that the Acting Leader writes to the retailers to express the urgency the House wants to see in a response from them. I appreciate that they have made a commitment to Government to come back within six weeks, but people shopping in Ireland today need a break this week, next week and every week for the next six weeks.

Photo of Róisín GarveyRóisín Garvey (Green Party)
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Is oth liom a rá gur seachtain an-bhrónach í an tseachtain seo. River Inagh has been killed stone dead. Thanks to a big dump into our river, we have thousands of dead fish, insects, eels and so forth. I spoke on the news about it but that does not really make a difference because that will not clean up the river. What has happened in River Inagh could happen anywhere. I urge the support of the entire Houses of the Oireachtas to make sure we never see this happening again. The only way we can prevent that from happening is if we make sure we have accountability.

We gave plenty of agencies in this State now, such as Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI, the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, county councils, which have enforcement officers, and many other environmental and ecological institutions. It is of paramount importance that we get a result from what happened here. We need to find out how and why it happened. It is a crime against nature.

People who go there now ring me every day to tell me they are crying because it is so devastating to see everything dead in the beautiful River Inagh, which we grew up beside and that we used to wash ourselves in on the way home from the bog. It is a really sad day for Ireland. One of the saddest things that can be done is to kill off an entire habitat. All the stock in the river is gone. We had salmon from the size of a thumb to adult, all dead now. That takes 20 years. We will be 20 years getting our river back. Fair play to the community, who are having a public event on 19 May to see if we can get our river back. I have spoken to the Minister, Deputy Ryan. He wants action on this. We need prosecutions.The same could be done to any river. It could happen anywhere. It is an absolute disgrace that this can occur in 2023. It is like something that might happen in the 1950s, when we did not know how important it was to mind our rivers. I encourage the entire House to support me on this. I will not let it go. We must have accountability. I ask for the support of colleagues to ensure the same thing does not happen to other rivers.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I acknowledge the strength of the Senator's emotions on this issue. The next speaker is Senator Sherlock.

Photo of Marie SherlockMarie Sherlock (Labour)
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I have swapped speaking slots with Senator Higgins.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Gabh mo leithscéal.

Photo of Alice-Mary HigginsAlice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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I support the points made regarding the Inagh river. What has happened is a tragedy and also a crime. It is a terrible thing when we lose nature in that way. The time we have to regain and protect it is running out. As well as enforcement of the laws and EU directives on protecting our waterways and habitats, it is important that we ensure all the bodies and instruments of the State are doing their part on climate action and biodiversity.

To that end, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 18 be taken before No. 1. I propose to introduce the Climate Action and Biodiversity (Mandates of Certain Organisations) Bill 2023 today. There have been calls for various mandates from many organisations, including the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, and others. The Bill I am bringing forward focuses specifically on Bord na Móna and Coillte. It looks to address the fact that in their mandates and construction, they were, in effect, conceived solely as commercial and business organisations, when, in fact, they have responsibility for a huge amount of the lands, waters and soils of our State. The Bill seeks to ensure those bodies are given a mandate and empowered to act for the future of the country, the best public interest of the State and the best interests of our environment. We are due to introduce the Bill next week but I am proposing that First Stage be taken today.

I highlight the ongoing case in respect of homeless asylum seekers in Ireland. The State has been told it must house those who arrive here from situations such as those we discussed last week. There is a terrible war going on in Sudan and there is conflict right around the world. People are fleeing terrible situations and are now living here in tents in the rain, with no signal as yet from the State that they will be housed. I understand the issue is being looked at by the Government. I would like an update on the action to be taken in light of the ongoing case.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I welcome to the Public Gallery students from Monkstown Educate Together National School. I hope they enjoy their tour of Leinster House and I thank them for being here.

Photo of Marie SherlockMarie Sherlock (Labour)
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Yesterday, a meeting took place between the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, and the retail forum. It was held in the context of an increase in food prices of more than 10% in just ten months. Even though the war in Ukraine kicked off in February last year, there was a delayed impact on food prices, which began to increase in May 2022. The 10% increase in ten months has happened alongside the holding artificially high of energy prices, notwithstanding that wholesale prices were lower in January this year than they were when the war started last year.

There has been a lot of hand-wringing from the Government in recent days and much expectation placed on the meeting that took place yesterday. However, there has been no result from it. The question now for the Government is what it will do with the powers and tools it has in its armoury. Legislation from 2007 allows for the introduction of price caps. Just as important is the fact that the more than 5,000 companies in this State that are allowed to be unlimited companies include some of the major retailers. Unlimited company status allows companies to shield themselves from any scrutiny of their accounts, which is not the case for a private limited company.

We have had the company law review groups, CLRGs, and various commissions over the years. It is critical to ensure transparency on the part of the major retail conglomerates operating in this country as to the reporting of their profits on an annual basis. The Government has it within its powers to change company law to require all companies to perform such reporting. It is important not only for consumers but also for workers that it be done. We have a situation this week whereby Tesco wants to change and reduce the payments, particularly premium payments, it makes to its delivery workers. This is happening in a context in which we must rely on market research by Kantar to tell us that Tesco has recorded the highest increase in market activity this year, with a 14% rise in trade compared with last year. It is not good enough that we have to rely on market research. We should be able to see the accounts of companies and have true accountability. It is fantastic that a regulator is to be set up to look at prices between processors and retail. We need to be able to shine that spotlight on how retailers work.

The events overnight in Israel are absolutely disgraceful. We had a great occasion yesterday in the Picnic for Palestine, organised by Amnesty Ireland and Senator Black. The attacks perpetrated by Israel last night must be absolutely condemned.

I second Senator Higgins's proposed amendment to the Order of Business.

Photo of Diarmuid WilsonDiarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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In 1980, there was an heroic act of courage by a young garda, just out of Templemore, who was stationed at Store Street station in Dublin. This act of heroism should be formally recognised as the important act of bravery it was. This was a young man starting out in his career, like so many gardaí who put their lives at risk for the safety of others on a daily basis.

On 28 January 1980, Garda Jeremiah Coonan, a native of Gortnagoona, Roscrea, County Tipperary, was on traffic duty in Dublin city when he noticed a crowd of people on O'Connell Bridge. As he approached, they shouted to him that there was a person in the river. He immediately ran up to the bridge on Eden Quay and saw a body floating in the water. He gave his coat and radio to a CIÉ inspector who was standing there before wading into the river and swimming to retrieve the man. He was assisted in the rescue by a couple of young men, one of whom got into the water to help in lifting the unconscious man up the steps to safety. Once safely up at street level, Garda Coonan started resuscitation. An ambulance arrived and he and the rescued man were both taken to hospital. Garda Coonan was back in uniform and ready for duty almost immediately.

I wish to draw to the attention of the Garda Commissioner the heroic action by Garda Coonan during the course of this incident resulting in the saving of human life. For some reason, he was never put forward for the Scott medal for valour, which is in the gift of the Commissioner to award. That oversight should be rectified as soon as possible. I intend to write to the Commissioner asking that he conduct a review of the circumstances arising in this incident, particularly those actions displayed by Garda Coonan in the line of duty. While the latter was complimented on his actions by his superintendent at the time, the matter never went any further. His heroic act should be acknowledged. Garda Coonan is a brother of a former Member of this House and the Lower House, Noel Coonan, and a cousin of mine. I want to put that on the record. The incident was covered at the time by the Evening Pressand by RTÉ, a reporter from which happened to be passing by at the time. However, Garda Coonan's actions were never formally acknowledged. Members of his family would like to see that wrong put right. It is my intention to try to locate the other two men involved in this rescue in order that they too might be recognised for their bravery.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I ask the Senator to consider talking to the Ceann Comhairle and I about the national bravery awards, and the possible posthumous recognition of Garda Coonan with an award. As the Senator has said rightly, the State award is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, but certainly, there is a wrong that I hope we can have a conversation about. I call Senator Conway.

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I stand today for one purpose, and that is to second Senator Wilson's proposal that this House play an active role in ensuring that Garda Jeremiah Coonan receives the Scott medal for bravery. I think it is an oversight. Anybody who saves a human life does something unique and precious, and something that really and truly is an act of humanity. In this case, Garda Coonan risked his life and went into a river not knowing the conditions, undercurrents and circumstances; not knowing the man who was in the river, his make-up or how heavy he was; or what the circumstances of his entering the river were. It is not good enough that a person like that, who just hands his coat and his radio to somebody and tells them that he is going to go in and rescue the man and is not going to let him die in the river, has not been recognised for successfully, with the help of others, taking the man's body out of the river and resuscitating him and reviving him, all of which resulted in the man living. To think he has not received the Scott medal, for whatever reason, is not good enough. It is a wrong that needs to be righted. I request that the Acting Leader asks the Leader to write to the Garda Commissioner in support of Senator Wilson's proposal and correspondence to the effect that Garda Coonan is awarded the Scott medal for bravery. I also very much welcome the Cathaoirleach's proposal that he and the Ceann Comhairle can assist in giving due recognition to an heroic act of bravery. It is never too late to do the right thing. The right thing in this case is that this person, Garda Jeremiah Coonan, is recognised. The fact that he is a brother of former Deputy Noel Coonan, a good friend of many of us here and a former Member of the House, is incidental, but it reflects the fact that the Coonan family put the service of people and their community above and beyond everything else. What Jeremiah Coonan did speaks volumes and needs to be recognised.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I reiterate that the matter of awarding of the Scott medal is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, and him alone. I would not want us to think that we can interfere in that. However, it is important that we remember and reflect today on the service of Garda Coonan. We remember and thank him today. It behoves all of us to ensure that his memory is honoured in a very fitting way. I want to make that quite clear. I call Senator Cassells.

Photo of Shane CassellsShane Cassells (Fianna Fail)
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The issues of delays in getting decisions from An Bord Pleanála has now become farcical. We need to ensure that a reform is in place that at least gives applicants the knowledge of when they are going to get a definitive decision, at a time when there is a housing crisis in this country. There are cases backlogged, and people who want to build homes cannot get a decision. In respect of my home town of Navan, an application for a 100-home development approved by Meath County Council and appealed to An Bord Pleanála in February 2022 - 16 months ago - is still lying in there on a desk somewhere. That is completely unacceptable. To compound the matter and make it even more farcical, the road built to access the land for this development was funded and provided for by the State. It is strategic land, and the Department paid for and constructed a road so that we could build homes. The council granted permission and the decision was appealed. Whether the ruling is for or against, a ruling must be provided. The delay is now threatening the livelihoods of people, who have people they cannot actually pay because they need to build homes. We need to grapple with this issue. No arm of the State should be beyond reproach. There should not be a scenario where an arm of the State is not held accountable. A date must be provided as to when we can get a decision. I ask the Leader to engage with the Minister so that we can have a debate and have these matters thrashed out, because it is beyond farcical that An Bord Pleanála can act in this manner.

Photo of Tim LombardTim Lombard (Fine Gael)
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I would like to comment on the issue of food inflation and where we are with that debate at the moment. There is a debate out there on where the retailer is in all of this. I keep coming back to the point about the primary producers. We cannot have a situation where we are going to sort out food inflation by going back to the primary producers and looking for a cut in the price they are getting at the farm gate. If we do that, it will be a major step backwards. Realistically, the primary producers are the ones who are being squeezed on a continuous basis regarding margins. They are being pushed by big retailers on price on a continuous basis. They have also been involved in regulation and in ensuring that the product is sustainable and meets standards all the way through the supply chain itself. I am deeply concerned about this debate. The meeting that happened yesterday, which, unfortunately, did not include the primary producer, was a positive step. I welcome the meeting that is happening today with the primary producers. That is an important leg on the stool. We have to make sure that primary producers are involved in this debate all the way through, because there is significant worry and anxiety within that sector that what could happen here is that the big multinational supermarket chains will come back and look for another slice from the primary producers. The farming community cannot take that. We have seen costs go through the roof, including those for energy, fertiliser and feed, and increase by double digits all the way through the last 18 months. That is a huge concern. As I mentioned yesterday, I believe that a significant debate in this House is required. We need to have the senior and junior Ministers here so that we can debate these issues. I think the primary producers are not getting a fair shot here. In the contributions I have seen and heard, in many ways they are not even mentioned. That is the biggest issue.

Photo of Erin McGreehanErin McGreehan (Fianna Fail)
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Following on from Senator Lombard's contribution, I call for a debate on food security in this House. I would like to hear from Ministers in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Considering that food security and the availability of high-quality, sustainable food is going to be one of the largest issues we have to face in the coming years, I think it is incumbent on us to have that debate in this House. There should be a focus on agriculture, obviously because we need to support the farmers and the people who are actually feeding this nation and, indeed, many other people around the world. There should also be a focus on the environment. I want to hear from the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications on how he is going to support this really important sector. I want to know whether that Department has looked at an evaluation of how the removal of land from productivity and the EU nature restoration law are going to impact on our productivity and on us, as an island nation, feeding our people and the people of Europe. I also want to hear from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. We all hear about the cost of living and the importance of bringing down the cost of food. Like the previous speaker, I fear those conversations, because our farmers do not receive adequate money for their produce. They are constantly operating at a loss. When we are having that conversation with the representatives of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, we always need to highlight what it is costing our farmers for high-quality food to be produced in this country. It is about time that we listened to all three of those Departments and had those debates in this House, because it is absolutely of national importance.

Photo of Garret AhearnGarret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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I request that we have a meeting with the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, on food prices. I welcome the forum that he held with the retail sector yesterday, but now we need action.There is an opportunity for the Minister to come to the House to outline the type of action we need to see over the next number of weeks and months. Everyone is seeing an increase in their weekly spending. People used see in their bill at the end of the weekly shop that it had risen by €10, €20 or whatever. It has got to the point now that when we look at individual prices - whether it is a coffee, bread or whatever - we see significant increases. Something needs to be done.

We need to recognise that this is a challenge for businesses, including small businesses, such as newsagent shops which have tight margins. It is difficult for them to compete with the big boys, such as Tesco and Dunnes. There is an opportunity for the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, to outline what can be done over the next number of months to support the public with the increase in costs.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Before I call the Acting Leader to reply, I should clarify my remarks. Retired Garda Coonan is very much alive. My comment was in the context of his service in An Garda Síochána in case people misconstrued it.

Photo of Seán KyneSeán Kyne (Fine Gael)
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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.

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Senator Higgins has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 18 be taken before No. 1." It was seconded by Senator Sherlock. The Acting Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.

Order of Business, as amended, agreed to.