Senator Gavan is yet again pointing out the failings. I cannot resist pulling him up on a few small things. I do not know who is doing the maths for his party but he claimed that there will be a 39% increase in carbon tax. The increase will be around 1.5 cent to 2 cent a litre. He is scaremongering and he needs to stop. I will take on any debate if it is based on actual facts and figures, not claims about a 39% increase in carbon tax. Let us be realistic and look at proper solutions. Sinn Féin is all about climate …

I welcome the announcement last week by the Minister for Transport, Deputy Ryan, of a €50 million allocation for rural infrastructure for cycling and walking. This is the first time in the history of the State a Minister for Transport has thought to allocate money specifically for rural infrastructure of this kind. As somebody who has worked on modal shift and sustainable transport promotion in rural Ireland for 14 years, this gives me hope. It means the estates that have no footpaths, the schools around which ther…

It will be on the video.

The debate will be online in an hour.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a theacht isteach inniu. Tá sé go deas é a fheiceáil sa Teach seo. I see Senator Boylan is here so I shall take this opportunity to thank the entire membership of the Joint Committee on Climate Action, of which she is a member, Deputy Leddin, the Chair of the committee, and members from parties and none, who have worked night and day. I also compliment another committee member, Senator Higgins, who is seated right behind me. I compliment the environmental NGOs who are not paid …

I thank the Minister of State for coming here. I have got sad in the Chamber twice but today I will just get mad. I come from Clare. I can speak only for my own county. We need this more than anything ever before, and I commend Senator Casey on bringing this proposal forward. The tourism and small business sectors have been crucified. This is the last thing they need. It is a real kick in the teeth. If I were the Minister of State, I would be seriously worried about not getting support from the House on this if he …

The next Commencement matter is from Senator Ollie Crowe. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Joe O'Brien, to the Chamber.

We did not get a copy of the Minister of State's reply. Did the Minister, Deputy Martin, give him a copy?

We will have to get one for Senator Crowe anyway.

I thank the Minister of State. It would be good to have that response circulated to Members but I would like a copy of it also.

With regard to remote working hubs, sometimes bureaucracy and multidisciplinary departments make it very confusing for people. I want to clearly outline something today for my colleagues after a meeting this morning with the Department of Rural and Community Development. One of its top civil servants, Dr. Stjohn O'Connor, clarified for us some of the information on remote working hubs because we had seen some announcements in the budget. Every county in Ireland has a broadband officer, which is good to know. Whethe…

On behalf of the Green Party, I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill. Under the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, our colleague, Senator McDowell, the 27th amendment to the Constitution, which was passed in 2004, removed the automatic right to citizenship upon birth. Once it had been passed, children born in Ireland lost the constitutional right to citizenship upon birth. The amendment instead gives the Oireachtas power to legislate for routes to citizenship and naturalisation. I say "well…

The Senator's four minutes are up.

I must ask the Senator to wrap it up.

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, for his attendance.

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit, Teachta Feighan. I thank him for attending.

I welcome the Minister to the House. I have not had the opportunity to speak to him ever before. I have to say I do not always agree with his politics but in this case he is doing stellar work. I want to mention a few matters around the SME sector as I am the Green Party spokesperson for enterprise, trade and employment. On 9 September, the Government published the Brexit readiness action plan. It provides clear and concise advice on steps that need to be taken now by businesses and individuals in order to prepare …

It is not for the Minister of State.

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I attended a meeting on rural isolation earlier with Muintir na Tíre, Social Farming Ireland, Mental Health Ireland, the men’s shed movement and a few others. Isolation has always been an issue in rural Ireland, as the Minister of State will be probably know as a man from Meath, where there are plenty of rural areas, but no more so than during this pandemic. I cannot put into words how important is the way in which this reopening is done and that it is done safely in or…

I wish to raise in the House something that has come to my attention in the last few months. The fact is that we need to do more for our old people. They are probably suffering the most. I am receiving telephone calls from many old people who have major concerns. Some of them live in cold houses. They have been in contact with me since August about it, but nothing has been done. Some of them want home help, but they are not physically disabled. To get home help on mental grounds one has to be completely dishevelled…