Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach. I support the Order of Business. May I also, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, extend our deepest sympathies to the D'Arcy family on the passing of Mr. Michael D'Arcy Snr.

First, I wish to do a shout-out to fellow hay fever sufferers. It always creeps up and, nearly unexpectedly, catches. At the moment, I am taking every antihistamine known to man. I stopped off this morning to get a herbal concoction from Paul O'Connor from the herb shop in Eyre Street, Newbridge. If that works, I will do a little sideline in here in terms of selling it on.

On the way in, I note that there was another march for Palestine. When I finish with the Order of Business, I will be joining those who are there. It is really important. I know there is a call for an emergency European Council meeting to discuss the latest military invasion of the Rafah crossing and the cutting off of two vital, urgent entry points of aid. Again, we need a firm international response. Ireland and Spain have really been very strong leaders in all of this but we absolutely need to have that urgent European Council meeting. It is important that we support it.

I understand today is the first advance care plan day, which is an opportunity for families to have those discussions. It supports people to think ahead about what is most important to them and how they live their lives up to the time they pass, but it is also about putting legal directives in place to make sure that people have wills, etc., in place. It is important we take the time to consider those difficult and sensitive situations. I was pleased to be a member of the joint committee that examined the whole area of assisted dying. Recommendations have been made. It is a very sensitive and emotive subject and I acknowledge that the Government probably will not have the time or space to deal with those recommendations, but because it is the first advance care plan day, I just wish to say that it is important that we encourage family members, neighbours and even constituents to think about all of those important issues.

I wish to raise the issue of the primary medical certificate, which is a document that confirms that a person is severely and permanently disabled. It is far too onerous. The fact that someone has to lose the use of both arms or both legs to avail of it is really wrong. It is beyond time this was reviewed. It is important that we look to have the Minister to come here to discuss that.