I thank the Cathaoirleach. The Order of Business started today with Senator Norris. He eloquently welcomed our new Senator to the House and articulated their close ties. We look forward to further exchanges in that regard. Many Senators, almost everybody, rose to welcome Senator Tom Clonan to the House. It is a momentous occasion for the House. Senator Clonan got to his feet on his inaugural debut speech in the House and spoke about his tireless campaigning for people with disabilities, his fantastic son, Eoghan, and all of his family and all the support he has had. One thing he said that stood out for me was that he wants to be part of a coalition of the willing which is a lovely way to put it. Those of us who are here to serve, as he put it, often work together in a cross-party manner. As Senator McDowell pointed out, we are a collegiate bunch and despite some of our differences on many issues, we tend to work together when the need arises to try and advance important issues. Senator Clonan’s debut speech was excellent.

Senator Malcolm Byrne spoke on a couple of issues. First of all he congratulated RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta on its 50 years in operation, as did Senator Ward. He also spoke about the announcement today by the Government of the basic income scheme for artists, and was joined in that regard by Senators McGreehan and Carrigy. Senator Malcolm Byrne said we need to see further detail on exactly how this scheme will operate and how artists will qualify for it, and has requested a debate in the House at the earliest opportunity which I have requested through the Leader’s office. Senator Malcolm Byrne also raised the issue of the IPCC report, as have other Senators, including Senators Boylan, Pauline O’Reilly and Sherlock. We will request a debate on that report at the earliest opportunity. It is an issue that concerns many Senators.

Senator Buttimer spoke about the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tony Holohan, taking up his position in the University of Dublin. I do not have full details on how that appointment was made. I am informed that it is a secondment for a particular period which as I understand it often happens between public bodies but I have no further information to provide to the House. I do not want to talk off the top of my head. It might be worth a Commencement matter or raising directly at the parliamentary party meeting.

Senator McDowell welcomed Senator Clonan to the House. I do not have any knowledge of Sir John Maxwell but I have learned much this afternoon and appreciate the education in that regard. Senator McDowell also referenced tomorrow morning’s sitting as did Senators Boyhan and Craughwell. I take on board what the Senators articulated. From their comments yesterday and today I would say that almost everybody in the House concurs with the sentiments of what they were proposing. I note that there is no amendment proposed so I have nothing to deal with in that regard. However, I would certainly join with other Senators in hoping that there is no attendance tomorrow by the Russian ambassador. I do not expect that there will be, for many reasons. It is just not appropriate in my view that he would be there.

Senator Garvey spoke about our over-dependence on fossil fuels and wants to advance the Bill on solar panels on public buildings. Senator Pauline O’Reilly brought that Bill to the House some months ago.

Senator Ó Donnghaile spoke about the need to expedite the publication of the Bill on a referendum on extending the voting franchise to Irish citizens beyond Ireland. He has requested an update on that. It might be worth a Commencement matter on that issue in particular. He also raised a very important issue in regard to the Passport Office. All of us are getting frustrated. I am actually waiting for a passport for my little boy as well and we do not know when we will get it. It is frustrating not knowing and it is months since the application was lodged. I sympathise with other families who are also in this situation. It seems to be particularly difficult when applying for a child's first passport. It is much easier to get other passports.

Senator Wall spoke about the Family Carers Ireland report that was launched today and commended the authors of that report and all of us who fed into it. It is an important body of work. He put on the record of the House that it is estimated to cost an additional €244 per week to a family just to run the household where they have an adolescent with additional needs. That is a significant amount of money for any household, particularly in the context of rising food and energy costs in the State. Certainly we have much work to do in regard to providing supports and services to those families and individuals.

Senator Wall also raised an issue that he has raised previously around the cost of adapting houses, and the grants that are available to the local authorities which have not been updated to reflect the rise in the cost of building materials and labour. I understand there is an ongoing review but I take on board the Senator's remarks that it is moving at a very slow pace which is obviously making it very difficult for families to do those upgrades to their homes.

Senator Higgins proposed an amendment to the Order of Business. I take on board what she said. I am not in a position to accept her amendment, which was seconded by Senator Ruane. It is my understanding that there are two elements to the public consultation, the first of which was on carbon budgets in general and which concluded on 8 February. The matter was then considered by Cabinet and a joint committee. It is the subject of that which is being considered today. My understanding is that there is a further public consultation with Ministers on a sectoral basis. That consultation is outstanding.

It was never shared with the climate change committee. It was never published

The information I have from the Minister is that the public consultation on carbon budgets in general was concluded, but the sectoral consultation is still outstanding. I cannot accept the amendment to the Order of Business, but it is open to the Senator to raise the issue directly with the Minister today and ask that there be a delay in the work he is doing. I take on board the points Senator Higgins has made on public consultation and this having happened before it concludes. My information is that there are two aspects to the public consultation, one of which has concluded and the second of which has not. The Minister wants to proceed and I am happy to facilitate that happening today. As I said, if Senator Higgins wants to raise this directly with the Minister in the debate later today she can do so. I thank the Senators for their amendment.

Senator O'Loughlin spoke about the need for mental health reform and also welcomed Senator Clonan to the House. Senator Ward congratulated Raidió na Gaeltachta on its 50 years in operation. I have dealt with the issue raised by Senator Boyhan.

Senator Dooley spoke, as he often does, about Shannon Airport and the challenges the airport is facing. He raised particular concerns regarding practices between Dublin and Shannon airports. I have no further information on that particular issue, but I acknowledge that there are difficulties with Shannon Airport and its operation. The airport is important to the mid-west region and County Clare.

Senator Conway welcomed Senator Clonan to the House and acknowledged that it is great to have an additional voice in the House coming from an advocacy perspective on disabilities. He said he looked forward to working with the Senator on those issues.

Senator Sherlock spoke about the IPCC report. She raised in particular issues around cycle lanes in her constituency and the need to facilitate citizens having access to walking and cycle lanes. The Senator should spare a thought for those of us in rural Ireland where it is all but a pipe dream to have cycle lanes in and out of our towns and villages. It is something to which we aspire.

Senator Paul Daly spoke about seasonal work permits and has requested a debate with the Minister for Foreign Affairs around getting those work permits expedited, especially those for the agricultural sector where there is an annual demand for those types of permits.

Senator Carrigy spoke about the basic income for the arts and mentioned a good news story in his area, Longford, where a remote working hub has been established to link directly with the Technological University of the Shannon, TUS. It is working very well.

Senator Ruane spoke about the issue of dual diagnoses. She referred to Cherie Flynn, and we extend our condolences to her family. We were very moved by the story the Senator told on the floor of the House. Words are fine, but actions are what are needed. The Senator has been a tireless and fantastic advocate for those working in the homeless sector and addiction services. I take on board her comments on mental health. I was not aware of the issues she raised regarding homelessness and the potential for discrimination in terms of access to services. It is appalling to think that is happening. I will certainly request a debate in the House on mental health reform, in particular psychiatric services. The Senator can liaise with the Leader's office to make sure we get the title of the debate correct and the correct Minister to come to the House to deal with that. I extend our sincere sympathies to Cherie's family on the tragic passing of the young woman.

Senator Craughwell spoke about tomorrow's sitting, which I have dealt with. He referenced the suggestion by a Minister of State at the Department of Transport that the Defence Forces would provide free hours of work. I was shocked to read that. The defence community has responded. The Representative Association of Commissioned Officer, RACO, made a statement today and I am sure the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, will do the same. They are quite insulted by the suggestion that their members would be called upon. We have still not addressed pay and conditions in the Defence Forces, the major retention crisis and the fact that people do not feel properly valued or acknowledged for the work they do. To suggest that they would be dragged up to Dublin Airport to do this work on a voluntary basis without any consultation was not appropriate. I understand the intention of the Minister of State, who wants to solve one problem, but she was lacking in consideration for the personnel who would be required to do that work. Consultation with the Defence Forces was also lacking.

I take on board the comments of the defence organisations that they are very unhappy with the way that was dealt with. I agree with the remarks of Senator Craughwell in that regard.

Senator Dolan acknowledged the amazing fundraising for Ukraine of communities across the country, particularly a coffee morning in Ballinasloe that raised in excess of €600. I wish that community well.

Senator McGreehan raised the issue of a basic income for artists, but also the need for a basic income for carers. I think all Senators would support that.

Senator Gavan spoke about the safe access legislation that will come before the House on Thursday and asked for cross-party support for the Bill. He will be aware the Bill will not be opposed by the Government but the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and his Department are drafting legislation to do the exact same thing. We have raised that issue in the House previously. It is about getting to the point we all want to reach, that is, where there are safe access zones, but we must ensure that whatever legislation is on the Statute Book is watertight and stands up to scrutiny because it could be challenged before the courts. It is the intention of the Minister to provide for safe access zones. He has on numerous occasions commended the work of the group that published the Bill tabled by Senator Gavan which has cross-party support. The Minister wishes to reiterate his support for achieving that objective of safe zones that many of us in this House also support. We look forward to that debate on Thursday.

Senator Pauline O'Reilly spoke about the IPCC report. I will request that debate.

Senator Boylan also raised the issue of the IPCC report, as well as the Energy Charter Treaty. As that is a specific request, it would be suitable for tabling as a Commencement matter in order for the Senator to get a direct response on it. I do not have any further information to give her.