Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

Given that home care services that allow patients to remain in their own homes have been removed, there is an urgent need for the nursing home support scheme Bill to be brought to this House.

There is cross-party support for efforts to secure a good outcome for illegal Irish immigrants in the United States. However, it is important that we have a full debate on how we treat people who come to this State, some of whom are fleeing severe circumstances. When will the immigration, residence and protection Bill be introduced?

I attended a discussion on mental health and suicide this morning. Those who contributed to the discussion emphasised the part played by alcohol in mental illness and the damage it does. Is there any prospect that the Bill included in the legislative programme some years ago regarding the promotion of alcohol at youth events will be reintroduced? When will the sale of alcohol Bill, which is included in the current legislative programme, be introduced so that we can have a debate on this issue? We cannot walk away from this extremely serious situation.

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