Flat rate expenses and climate targets
The Leader clarified that the Revenue review of concessionary flat rate expenses is independent and limited to cases with no legal basis. He also returned to Senator Devine’s climate concerns, saying Government had set out a whole-of-government plan to meet targets.
The Leader should read today's Irish Independent to find out.
Comment on this
Senator Leyden is not supposed to display newspapers. He should not antagonise me. The display of newspapers in the Chamber has been disallowed for as long as I have been in the Oireachtas and I have been here for as long as, if not longer than, Senator Leyden. One can refer to them but not display them. It is out of order under Seanad decorum.
Comment on this
Senator Leyden is making mischief. That is all he is doing.
Comment on this
To make a final point to Senator Leyden, the practice he refers to is being withdrawn only where the Revenue Commissioners are satisfied there is no longer a legally valid basis to the issue. We should let the review conclude and then have a debate on it.
On the important point raised by Senator Devine regarding air pollution and climate change, that is the reason the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, outlined a whole-of-government plan to tackle climate change. The country is way behind its targets so we must step up to the mark in terms of our ability to respond to the central issue of climate change. It is the biggest issue this generation will face. Our task is to make Ireland a leader, not a follower, in responding to it. I will invite the Minister to the House in due course.
Finally, I commend Senator Swanick on the excellent report of his task force on loneliness. I thank him for what he is doing. We all have a role to play in dealing with loneliness and I am pleased the Senator has produced the report. I am happy to commit to scheduling a discussion on loneliness in the new year. Before Christmas he could use the opportunity of Fianna Fáil's Private Members' time to have the debate but if that is not possible, I will schedule it in the new year.
Comment on this
A Chathaoirligh, I wish to put it on the record that we were of a mind to vote against the Order of Business today but we do not wish to disrupt the work of the House. I ask the Leader to reflect on his comments and, perhaps, come to me later to discuss the matter.