On the money we are spending on the EU Presidency, we are in the fortunate position of being the fastest growing economy in Europe and having the money to spend on a Presidency. Not long ago, in 2013, we did not have a penny to spend on the Presidency and every meeting was held in Dublin Castle. Even those from Dublin will recognise the importance of branching out beyond the M50. Some 25% of the meetings that will happen during these six months will be held outside of Dublin. That brings a wider audience to the Presidency, which is important, and promotes more than just Dublin, which is also important. There is real opportunity.

I agree that the Presidency is an opportunity to push again on the EU-Israel Association Agreement. We have done a lot in the past year or more to convince other countries, with 17 or 18 of the 27 EU countries now supporting our position. It is the big ones we need to get over the line. It is very difficult but the Minister is committed to trying to do that.

Senator Paul Daly spoke about ESB EV charging points. A sign of the mindset change regarding EVs is the fact the Senator and I are both EV drivers. I suspect that 30 years ago, traditional rural people would never have thought of getting EVs and now he and I both have them. The numbers will only increase, as the Senator said. People are moving to electric vehicles. We cannot have a situation where it costs more to charge a car than to get diesel or petrol. That is just ridiculous. The variation in prices in petrol stations is crazy. The Senator gave an example of 73 cent. That basically means to charge a car fully would cost about €50, which is bonkers. To charge a car at home costs 10 cent per unit for the Senator. I think I have it for a little bit less, at 9 cent. I will not promote the company I am with. There is a lovely night-time rate. To charge a car at home overnight costs €7 or €8. We cannot have one situation where it costs €7 or €8 to charge a car and another where it costs €50, with the same amount of energy. There is an opportunity to debate that. Sales of EVs are going up dramatically. Many people in rural Ireland see the opportunity in them. It would be worthwhile to have a debate on pricing and on making sure charges work.

Senator Mullen spoke on the budget submissions of TG4. TG4 representatives were in our committee talking about the work the channel has done to promote independent production, which is important. What is good about TG4 as well is it broadcasts things like the Tour de France and local club games, where people who are not Irish speakers can become familiar with the service and product TG4 provides.

TG4 is closer to the people, generally speaking.

They all try to be as close as possible to the people.

Some are better than others.

Yes, but it is important we recognise that.

Men's sheds have taken off in recent years. The request of €3,000 per shed is not a lot in terms of a budget measure. We can talk to the Minister on what can be done. Many men's sheds have not got any money at all. Rates are a matter for the Department and, in particular, county councils to decide. I think it is a token of gratitude. A lot of the work men's sheds do helps local authorities in terms of isolation and involvement in communities. A symbolic thing to do would involve rates. Men's sheds essentially have no money, which is not really fair.

Senator McCarthy spoke about the ESB, which I have dealt with, and the EU Presidency, which I have spoken about as well, and the opportunity it brings for Ireland over the next six months, which is important.

Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about electricity prices. We had a debate on that last night, and on removing the standing charge when a customer's electricity is gone. The Government recognised there is a cost-of-living challenge for many people. We brought forward a €750 million package two months ago to support people because of the increase in petrol and diesel prices. We will do more in the budget as we see fit. Those measures were not supported by the Senator's party. We will be there to support people in the winter period. While she is raising concerns over electricity prices and the cost of living, we are very aware that the challenges we have now could be very different in a number of months, depending on geopolitical factors that we cannot predict. Thankfully, we have the funding there. Because of Government measures and decisions in recent years, we have money set aside to help and we will help people in the budget.

Senator Craughwell spoke of the EU Presidency, particularly the work our public and Civil Service have done to prepare for it and the work they will do throughout the six months. It is a massive undertaking to plan this Presidency, particularly because we are going across the country with it. At times like these, we see the incredible public service we have. The people who serve our country will leave a lasting legacy during these six months.