In April I discussed the Heritage Bill on Radio Kerry and explained the many reasons why I strongly oppose extending the months of gorse and upland burning into March and cutting into August - dangerous provisions which will have devastating consequences for our birds, wildlife and pollinators.
I also highlight the potential dangerous impact of a last-minute amendment from Minister Humphries. The Bill now moves to the Dáil and I will be working with colleagues in the Dail to block the Minister's amendement and ensure the Heritage Bill does not weaken protections for our rural hedgerows and wildlife.
You can listen back to the inteview by clicking on the MP3 file above.
As the 25th Seanad convenes today, eleven senators have joined forces to put forward long-delayed reforms to Seanad Éireann and in particular, to radically overhaul how elections to the upper house of the Oireachtas are conducted.
On Wednesday the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald came to the Seanad to answer questions on the ongoing Garda scandal. I highlighted that "along with the over reporting of road incidents, I would also be very concerned about under reporting of Racist incidents and Domestic Violence. There have been very serious concerns raised about underreporting in these areas".