Micheál Martin

No, at the economic summit. I had a very good few days in Kenmare early last summer when I was preparing for the general election. It sorted me out fairly well. Of course, we are all inspired by that beautiful ballad, "As I Leave Behind Néidín". It was written by a Corkman, Jimmy McCarthy, and made famous by Mary Black.

The Deputy is right to highlight the strengths and assets of Kenmare. He has been very clear about the need for funding for Kenmare pier. Local authorities have primary responsibility for the maintenance and development of the piers, harbours and slipways they own. As the Deputy knows, as part of the annual fishery harbour centre and coastal infrastructure development programme, the Department of …

I will certainly talk to the Minister of State with responsibility for the marine and Kerry County Council to see what we can do in order to put something together. The funding might have to come next year, I do not know. It would be good even if the planning was done and there was an assessment of what is required. The Deputy is correct that Kenmare is a beautiful town. I like the way he referre…

That is an extraordinary number of people, and it is a wonderful project. We will work with the Deputy on that.

I thank the Deputy.

As I have said repeatedly, before the previous Government came to office, approximately 19,000 to 20,000 houses were being built per annum. It is now well over 30,000 houses, which is a significant change in momentum. This is mainly because of State investment at an unprecedented scale. We have a clear focus in terms of what we need to do. It is in terms of maintaining and increasing public expend…

I want to put the focus on-----

When we bring proposals, however, to the House-----

We will be bringing forward a series of proposals - the decision yesterday on planning was a good one - and further initiatives on housing. I hope we will get the support of the House as we implement those decisions.

Non-governmental organisations are there for legitimate reasons and are entitled to advocate. However, just because they say something, we should not, herd-like, all agree with what they say. We need more intelligent and informed debate. The Deputy referred to the Fianna Fáil housing Department. The Environmental Protection Agency completed a consultation on characterising heavily modified water b…

Standing back from it all and looking at pre-1990 levels, Ireland has made significant progress.

I am not. The Deputy needs to open up and engage with the public out there. This has been a problem.

We have to bring people with us. I was a member of the Government that brought in the toughest and most stringent climate Act. The previous Government did that.

Let us not lecture each other on this. The bottom line is that the population has grown exponentially. Economic growth has been quite exponential over the past decade. Notwithstanding that, there was a quite significant reduction in Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions over that period. That is all I am saying. Let us not deny that either. There is an enormous challenge to get to the 2030 target, an…

The Deputy would seek to undermine their position even more.

Deputy, I know you would eliminate Irish agriculture if you had your way; you do not believe in it.

You would; that is your position.

More or less, that is what you would do. The bottom line is that the most recent emissions inventory report from April of this year shows a reduction of 6.8% in Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. That is compared with 2022, which saw a 1.9% reduction. This is the lowest our greenhouse gas emissions have been in three decades, so the Government is making progress. The Deputy may argue that…

I thank the Deputy for raising the specifics of the application of the first home scheme in a given area where prices are increasing. I acknowledge the point he makes. I will talk to the Minister for housing in respect of the thresholds issue. The first home scheme has been very effective and impactful so far for many people, notwithstanding that many in the House would abolish it, as has the help…

-----in order that we would have car-free days?

It is very clear that following his cycle in this morning the Deputy is in robust health and raring to go.

That is an innovative idea-----

-----in terms of Bogotá and so on. A local authority should initiate a pilot. Up to two to three years ago, cars were being driven up and down the marina in Cork. Now it is a promenade. That was beautifully done as part of the active travel programme. Bar one or two residents who have to use cars there, it is a walking area. The transformation has been quite amazing. People still have to get to wo…

I thank Deputy McCarthy for raising the issue of Shanagarry, which is famed for its pottery and so on. I will raise the issue with Uisce Éireann. There is a town and villages scheme, as the Deputy knows, that had limitations regarding funding. There is engagement, and a memorandum is being worked up, it is my understanding, by Irish Water in respect of local developers that are developing a partic…

I can recall two years ago when Sinn Féin was arguing and advocating very strongly that Government would do more to provide accommodation for those seeking asylum.