Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government has a great deal in it about rural Ireland, which is welcome, but very little about urban Ireland. As somebody who grew up and spent most of my life in Dublin's north city, I am very concerned about the fear that is now stalking the area, particularly among children. Will the Taoiseach agree to establish a task force to actively assist schools and parish organisations and provide additional reassurance to children and their parents?

It is terrifying, first of all to go home and to be met at lunchtime, teatime and at night-time by armed response units carrying fairly heavy weaponry. Adults can welcome that, but it is terrifying for children. Will the Taoiseach tell the House whether he will set up some kind of task force that will respond to the needs of children and their parents, particularly through the schools, that have to deal with much of the fear and anxiety, and to help the parents as well?

In the context of the paternity leave Bill, no legislation is scheduled for this week or next week in the Dáil. That is stunning in terms of a new Government which should be stepping into its stride. If the paternity leave legislation is not passed soon, it will not be possible to pay a paternity leave social insurance payment from September. What are we waiting for?

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