Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is not agreed to. Yesterday, I raised the motion I had lodged with the Ceann Comhairle's office in respect of the spate of killings, particularly in Dublin, not least in my constituency during recent months. Yesterday, I got the sense that there was agreement in the Chamber that it was a matter of national importance and some urgency. It does not feature on today's business, which might be just a matter of timing. As the Ceann Comhairle advised, our Whip raised the matter at the Whips' meeting. The list of proposed subjects for next week includes agriculture, climate change, mental health and the Irish language, which are all very important topics. However, I strongly argue that a discussion around community safety and the resourcing of the Garda Síochána is critical and, whatever about it not being taken today, I cannot understand how we propose to go through another week's business without addressing the issue.

This is the topic people are talking about the length and breadth of Dublin and beyond. There is an expectation among the people I represent that the experience they are having on the ground, the fear in which they are living and their vulnerability be taken seriously and that these matters be debated here by all Dáil Members. The proposal is that the Dáil adjourn until Wednesday. I do not know why. I suggest the Dáil sit on Tuesday and I would like to think that, by then, we would be able to have the debate I have outlined to get some answers from the Minister for Justice and Equality as to why communities and the Garda Síochána have been left in a vulnerable situation and with inadequate resources.

There is no indication as to whether there will be a vote to elect a Taoiseach. Again, given that we are nine weeks on from the election, we need an indication as to whether it will unfold next week. Those we represent expect, on the back of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael hammering out some arrangement, that there would be a vote to elect a Taoiseach. Why is it not signalled for next week?

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