If it is of any benefit to Senator Higgins, I can give a commitment to review subsection (2)(b) in order to determine whether additional commitments can be added. Our objective is to ensure that monument protection remains paramount. I can certainly give that commitment if it is of any use.

I thank Senators again for their contributions. I do not consider this amendment necessary. I find it difficult, notwithstanding the comments made by other Senators, to envisage the circumstances that would lead to a situation where this amendment would be required. Major works to national monuments, which are monuments in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister or a local authority, would not be the type of works that would be considered for an exemption under section 31. I refer back to my previous examples…

I have nothing more to add. The Minister can amend or revoke regulations. That option is there and I am satisfied with that.

The Senator has raised an important issue. The number of 28 estates in County Monaghan is significant. The Water Services Acts 2007 to 2020 set out the arrangements in place for the delivery of water and wastewater services by Uisce Éireann and for the scrutiny and oversight provisions that apply in respect of these arrangements. Water and wastewater connection issues are a matter for Uisce Éireann, which has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, re…

The point the Senator raised regarding developer-led infrastructure is a useful one and we will relay it to Uisce Éireann. There is a separate scheme for developer-led infrastructure, but looking at trying to put a focused effort on that into the works programme for the coming years would be useful. Uisce Éireann has developed a site resolution plan with Monaghan County Council, with an Uisce Éireann contribution of €130,000 for the the Alders in Ballybay, County Monaghan, a 20-year-old estate of 23 units and appro…

I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, and accept the comments made by Deputies Collins, Smith and Ó Snodaigh regarding this important issue. We all agree that public health nurses play an extremely valuable role in the community healthcare system, providing an extensive range of services vital to local communities across the country, including in Drimnagh, and that those communities would have access to public health nurses when they need them. However, consistent with recruitment c…

I note the concerns of the Deputies. It is a short-term measure, while these recruitment challenges exist. There is a commitment to develop a new primary care centre at Curlew Road within CHO 7. By pruning public health nursing resources, the service can provide better continuity of care, while ensuring that those with greatest clinical need continue to be seen in the community. The HSE has assured the Department that this mitigation measure will be under daily review and will help to ensure delivery of a safer ser…

The Government’s vision for water services, whether publicly supplied by Uisce Éireann or otherwise delivered under the rural water programme, is set out in the water services policy statement 2018 to 2025. It is based on the delivery and development of water services in line with the needs and expectations of citizens and users, in compliance with legal obligations, in a fair and cost-effective manner and in keeping with the principles of social, economic and environmental sustainability. We continue, as a Governm…

I agree wholeheartedly with the Deputy. That right of everyone to have clean potable drinking water is fundamental. I mentioned the Federation of Group Water Schemes in my initial reply. It is an organisation to be greatly admired. The members have delivered high-quality water and work on environmental and other biodiversity initiatives around the country. They really are an exemplar of how to deliver water into remote rural areas. Our Government is committed to supporting the federation's work. We fund Uisce Éirea…

I thank Deputy Ó Broin for bringing forward the Bill and the generosity of spirit in which he has set out its context. This week, there already has been much discussion and debate on the upcoming end of the moratorium on evictions. This is a welcome opportunity to focus on a related issue, namely, the quality of accommodation available to those in the private rental market in Ireland. Ensuring that a stock of high quality accommodation is available for those who live in the private rented sector is something to whi…

I will respond to some of the comments from Deputies before I make my closing remarks. I thank all the Deputies for their contributions. This has been a useful debate, sparked by Deputy Ó Broin bringing the Bill forward. I note the comments made by Deputy Ó Broin on the support provided by the previous Minister for housing back in 2017 to this type of approach. Even since 2017, significant progress has been made while it is far from perfect. Deputy Ó Murchú spoke about the issue of the four-year lead-in. I was not …

Tá sé sin ceart go leor. To conclude, I thank Deputy Ó Broin for bringing forward this Private Members' Bill. The certification of private rental accommodation has obvious merits. Let us take this positive and progressive idea forward and consider the best way to implement it so that it benefits everyone involved in the rental market sector. However, it can and should only be introduced in a manner that does not have a detrimental effect on supply in the rental market. To do otherwise would not be sensible. I welco…

The figure is based on reinspections.

I thank Senators for their contributions. I welcome the guests to the Public Gallery and thank them for their interaction in respect of this important Bill. Before I give the official response, a few points were raised by Senators Boyhan, Clonan and Higgins with regard to the protection of heritage. I will not go into the specifics of the Magee Barracks case. It is an issue. It is built heritage. These are buildings that should be on the record of protected structures at local authority level, which provides a diff…

The Senator always speaks with great passion about these issues, and he is to be commended. What I have done by way of a response is to give assurance to the House, the Senator and those who are following this that the objectives in the Valletta Convention are being adhered to in the Bill. The protections to which the Senator has referred, in terms of archaeological heritage, will be given effect by this Bill. I am clearly pointing out that there would be challenges if we were to take on board the specifics the Sen…

Before I come back in specifically on amendment No. 2, if it would be of use to Senators, we could circulate a document in tabular form outlining the measures in the Bill and how it adheres to the objectives in the Valletta Convention. It may be useful in light of the genuine concerns of Senators. We can prepare that and send it to Senators. I think that would be of help. Specifically regarding amendment No. 2, the use of the word “may” is intentional and is considered necessary from a drafting point of view. Using…

I note the comments and some of the matters the Senator raised regarding cultural heritage, which we will address in the next amendments. While I am on my feet, I welcome members of the Galway Green Party to the Public Gallery.

I thank Senator Higgins for proposing these amendments. I take on board the spirit behind them and I appreciate the intangible aspect. In our interpretation of heritage it is important to give effect to that and to ensure we take account of collective memory - the Senator mentioned Traveller heritage - and human creativity. Acknowledging all that is something we do across our work in heritage. Heritage Ireland 2030 and the Heritage Council's recently launched strategic plan give support and validity to celebrating …

Many issues have been raised, particularly around oral heritage and oral traditions. There are many elements that are afforded support and protection in other ways, be it through local authorities, archivists and other mechanisms not specific to this Bill. What we are trying to protect in this Bill is a result of cultural heritage. It is a result of cultures creating these objects and these relevant things. That is not to discount the significance of what the Senator is setting out to achieve with these amendments.…

I appreciate what the Senator is saying.