Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)

An Tánaiste, Simon Harris, has spent his entire career standing up and leading in the face of challenge - showing courage and compassion as he led this country through Covid. Within a month of taking office as Taoiseach, he led Ireland in formally recognising the State of Palestine and apologised to the families and victims of the Stardust tragedy.

He has ensured continued humanitarian aid for Gaza, shielded our economy from global shocks, and increased overseas aid when others have cut back. That is courage. That is leadership.

As a mum and a public representative, my thoughts and sympathies are with the family of Harvey Morrison Sherratt and with all families affected by scoliosis and spina bifida. This is a deeply sensitive issue, one that deserves compassion, care, and improved services, not carefully timed political stunts from the Opposition.

While Deputy Tóibín and others major in theatre, staging outrage on the plinth, the Tánaiste and this Government are delivering record employment.

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