At a cursory glance, the impact of climate change on defence and our Defence Forces may not be obvious. How are emissions from the Defence Forces accounted for under the carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings? This is important given the increasing acknowledgement that climate change and defence will be intrinsically linked, as discussed at the recent COP26 climate change conference.

I fully accept that a balance must be struck between reducing emissions and ensuring that we continue to equip the Defence Forces to allow them to respond effectively and efficiently to the challenges that come with climate change, be that at home, in terms of the fires we saw last night, or the excessive flooding that has happened. In terms of the climate impact, how are we equipping our forces to be able to respond in an effective and efficient manner in our overseas roles? We have seen increased desertification …

I suspect that this is a conversation we could have for a number of hours as opposed to a number of minutes. I wish to refer to a comment that was made by the previous Chief of Staff, retired Vice Admiral Mark Mellett. He said: "Ireland has a 'false sense of security' and the State needs to position itself to deal with the gathering problems caused by climate change." Specifically, on the Government's commitment to offshore renewable energy generation by 2030 and the proposed development of the offshore wind farms,…

Does the Minister want to answer Deputy Howlin first?

While I acknowledge the investment in capital infrastructure, and it is long overdue and desperately needed, there is one concern that I want to flag with the Minister. It specifically relates to a new development at the Curragh Camp - Pearse Mess. I am looking at these plans as I speak. I am bewildered, after all the conversations that have taken place about the need to increase female participation in the Defence Forces, why there is such a disproportionately low number of facilities, not only bathroom facilities…

It is acknowledged that the current level of 6% of female participation needs to be worked on. Any moves to encourage females into participation, regardless of what campaign that may be, has to be reflected in the built infrastructure where we will ask these people to work and to spend a significant portion of their time. That simply is not evident here. I have no issue with passing these plans over to the Minister, but they are publicly available. This is not secret information. The plans are out on www.etenders.g…

The last time we spoke about "Women of Honour" in the Chamber, I asked the Minister if he had sought legal advice regarding those who had already made settlement agreements with the Defence Forces and signed non-disclosure agreements, or where non-disclosure agreements were part of the settlement made. At that time, he answered that he had not. I again ask if he has got legal advice regarding those non-disclosure agreements that were part of settlements made with the Defence Forces where the person who made a settl…

I appreciate the opportunity to speak on the Bill. I welcome the long-awaited changes encompassed in it that were campaigned for. The Bill will allow the Sex Offenders Act 2001 to be updated in 2021 to ensure convicted sex offenders are effectively managed and monitored. Sex offender risk assessment and management, SORAM, will be placed on a statutory footing. There is a recognition of the need when assessing and managing risk to draw on expertise not just from An Garda Síochána and the Probation Service but to inc…

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill today. I acknowledge the amount of work that has already been put into it in the Seanad. As someone from a rural constituency in the midlands, the issues and concerns regarding land and conveyancing can have a profound impact. I, and my constituents, want to see something that is fit for purpose, that does not have an adversarial starting point as a default and yet respects the rights of access. The Minister's Bill is welcome. We are keen for the comprehensive reform t…

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill. In some ways, it is very much a case of legislation eventually trying to catch up with what is happening out there among the public. E-scooters and e-bikes will no longer be classified as mechanically propelled vehicles, but as powered personal transporters that do not require registration, tax, insurance or a specific licence, and can travel at speeds of up to 25 km/h, which is deeply concerning. I do not drive through my housing estate at more than 20 km/h, but I c…

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the publication of this final report but I do so with a heavy heart and a deep sense of sadness, which was echoed by other Deputies. I place on record my sincere condolences to the families, loved ones and friends of Captain Mark Duffy, Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, winch operator Paul Ormsby and winchman Ciarán Smith, the four members of R116 who lost their lives on that tragic night in Black Rock almost five years ago while providing top cover. I acknowledge the work done by all …

I have listened to the Minister's response and that of the Minister of State. I welcome that the Government is not opposing this motion. It is obvious to anyone who chooses to look that this service, like so many of our health services, really comes down to a postcode lottery. This is another service that is virtually on its knees. The Minister of State spoke about the valued and valuable community first responders who respond to incidents coded Delta but that is not their role. The State should never rely on volun…

I welcome the opportunity to speak today on the Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill. In previous years, any island nation such as ours, was seen as a smuggler's opportunity, but at that time the concern was primarily about illegal narcotics and goods and that has rightly, if somewhat slowly, shifted to also focus on people and the illegal trafficking of human beings. It is beyond obvious that appropriate resources must accompany this legislation and that those who engage with people who have been trafficke…

I too commend Deputy Harkin on her time and effort and bringing this before the House. Credit unions have for generations been a valuable asset to the constituency that I represent of Longford-Westmeath. That relationship has been built up over time, over trust, between businesses, families and community groups. That is reflected in the high regard in which credit unions are held. A core part of that relationship and the high value is simply the way the credit unions go about doing their work. In my constituency, w…

The Taoiseach has not answered the questions.

When people clapped for front-line workers, including student nurses and midwives, that clap did not pay a bill, it did not pay for a crèche and it did not pay the rent. That public display of support must be reflected by the Government in meaningful pay and allowances. The payment for student nurses and midwives will be the litmus test of the Minister. The contribution they made and continue to make as we work our way through Covid must be acknowledged and reflected by the Government. It also tells us on whose sid…

Give it a go.

I am conscious that although this disease predominantly affects women, it also affects men and we should not intentionally or otherwise exclude those men who are diagnosed every year with breast cancer. I do not believe there is anyone in the House who does not support the screening programme. I certainly support it. I have had cause to use a BreastCheck clinic outside scheduled appointments and a plan. I remember the fear and anxiety in the pit of my stomach in that time between the visit to the GP and the visit t…

I recognise that a lot of the Bill is an exercise in housekeeping. Do I think what is being proposed is perfect? No, I do not, to be very honest. It represents a real opportunity that will need to be monitored carefully. The return of the educational welfare service, the school completion programme and the home liaison scheme to the Department of Education makes common sense. Sometimes this is missing when it comes to legislation. I know it has been touched on by other speakers but I want to speak about the benefit…

If these recommendations of the citizens' assembly show us anything it is that we as legislators and a society have a massive job of work ahead of us. We need to make those substantial changes, the ones that are necessary to provide true gender equality, a true equal place for all citizens of this State to live. We need those new laws and policies, and stronger enforcement. One thing that screamed out to me from this report was that it is not only urgent action but co-ordinated and monitored action that is needed a…