Wind turbines, Seanad reform and cycling
The Leader replied to Lawlor on wind turbines and said Seanad reform would need further work. He also agreed with Horkan on cycling safety and addressed Devine's Linn Dara and CervicalCheck points.
Senator Lawlor raised the issue of draft guidelines for wind turbines. A code of practice is available and in place, but I would be happy to have that debate. Equally, the impeccable Chair of the Committee on Seanad Reform will at some point bring an interim report to the House. I am not sure, as we have not discussed this, but we would be happy to work together on Seanad reform. There is a job of work to be done, but holding the debate on it that has been requested by Senator Lawlor for now would be premature.
Senator Horkan raised the issue of the confidence and supply arrangement. I understand that there was a request from An Taoiseach to Deputy Micheál Martin to meet. I am told that this request has either been responded to or is being responded to. I hope that both gentlemen will sit down and have a detailed conversation that will be mutually beneficial to them and the country.
Comment on this
I agree with Senator Horkan on the need to continue improving our cycling infrastructure. Our roads are a dangerous and busy place and there is a code of behaviour that needs to be upheld by motorists and cyclists. I would be happy to arrange for a debate.
Senator Devine raised the issue of Linn Dara, which the Cathaoirleach has said may be better taken as a Commencement matter. That is good advice.
The tragic scandal affecting Emma Mhic Mhathúna and all of the other women involved is one that none of us condones. We all want to see an outcome that is to the benefit of the women and families involved. I hope that the Scally inquiry will have a clear, crystallised outcome and that we will be able to hold people to account, put a structure in place to prevent a recurrence and provide answers.
Senator Conway discussed tourism. The growth in numbers from the UK, wider Europe and North America is to be welcomed. He is right, in that our scenery and people are important assets. I hope that the céad míle fáilte will continue to be given to everyone.
Senator Murnane O'Connor referred to her education Commencement matter this morning when the Minister was at a Cabinet meeting. I have no jurisdiction to require Ministers to take Commencement debates. I have asked them to attend the House to address issues specific to their Departments, but the Senator will recall that we sat yesterday and, therefore, commenced today at 10.30 a.m., which coincided with the Cabinet meeting.