Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last week, the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response met representatives from the Irish Primary Principals' Network and the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals with regard to education provision in September. I have been contacted by a large number of special needs assistants, SNAs, who have expressed their deep disappointment and despair that they were excluded from this session. As the Taoiseach knows, SNAs have the closest contact with pupils in schools. They effectively look after the most vulnerable students in schools and to exclude them from this session was wrong and deeply hurtful to the thousands of SNAs around the country. They have asked that their opinions be taken into account with regard to the reopening of schools in September. Will the Taoiseach confirm to the House that he will work with the Minister for Education and Skills and ensure the views and opinions of SNAs will be taken into account when decisions are taken on reopening schools in September?

Last weekend, more than 60 motorhomes and caravans were located in the village of Carlingford. This was way above what is normal. I note that yesterday the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, stated that visitors should not come to Ireland unless they restrict their movements for 14 days. With respect, this type of advice means absolutely nothing unless it can be backed up by action. Over the weekend, we saw many tourists from the USA out and about in our cities and towns. I understand that in the USA, people from the state of Texas are unable to visit their neighbours because of Covid-19 restrictions, yet they can travel freely to Ireland. Will the Taoiseach confirm to the House what action the Government intends to take to ensure visitors to our island respect and obey the restrictions in place?

I congratulate the Taoiseach on getting the contractor back on the site of the national children's hospital yesterday. Will he confirm to the House whether any additional conditions have been imposed by the contractor for its return to the site? We are all aware that the spiralling costs of the hospital have gained worldwide attention. As I come from a business background, I know how projects can overrun their budgets, but what has happened at the national children's hospital to date is simply not acceptable. Can the Taoiseach inform the House of the current situation regarding costs? Are measures being put in place to ensure costs are controlled? Is the Taoiseach confident that the costs can be controlled for the remainder of the project?

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