Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I move:

Tuesday's business shall be:

-Motion re Withdrawal of Bills (to be taken without debate)

-Motion re Appointment of Cathaoirleach of Working Group of Committee Cathaoirligh (to be taken without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately)

-Statements on Power of Higher Education, Research and Skills as an Economic Enabler in a Changing World (not to exceed 2 hrs 25 mins)

Tuesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Housing and Critical Infrastructure, selected by Sinn Féin.

Wednesday's business shall be:

-Statements on Driving Test Wait Times (not to exceed 2 hrs 25 mins)

-Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024 (Committee Stage, resumed, Amendment No. 20) (to start no earlier than 4 p.m. and to conclude either at 9 p.m. or after 5 hours, whichever is the later)

Wednesday's private members' business shall be the Second Stage of the Trade Union Recognition Bill 2021, selected by the Independent and Parties Technical Group.

Thursday's business shall be Statements on the Common Agricultural Policy and Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan (not to exceed 2 hrs 25 mins).

Thursday evening business shall be the Second Stage of the Information on Repairability of Certain Products Bill 2024, sponsored by Deputy Pa Daly.

Proposed Arrangements for this week’s business:

In relation to Tuesday’s business, it is proposed that:

1.the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent:

(a)the Dáil may sit later than 10.48 p.m.; and

(b)private members’ business may be taken later than 6.12 p.m. and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on the Power of Higher Education, Research and Skills as an Economic Enabler in a Changing World, with consequential effect on the commencement times for the items following in the ordinary routine of business, namely, Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Health and topical issues;

2.the proceedings on the Motion re Withdrawal of Bills shall be taken without debate;

3.the proceedings on the Motion re Appointment of Cathaoirleach of Working Group of Committee Cathaoirligh shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; and

4.the Statements on the Power of Higher Education, Research and Skills as an Economic Enabler in a Changing World shall not exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows:

	Gov	SF	Lab	Gov	SF
Mins	25	15	10	10	3
	SD	Gov	SF	IPTG	Gov
Mins	10	10	3	9	10
	SF	ITG	Gov	SF	NP/G
Mins	3	9	10	3	5

(a)the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down);

(b)following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and

(c)members may share time.

In relation to Wednesday's business, it is proposed that:

1.the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent:

(a)the Dáil may sit later than 9.30 p.m.; and

(b)the weekly division time may be taken later than 8.45 p.m., and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of proceedings on Committee Stage of the Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024;

2.notwithstanding anything in Standing Order 177(2), the proceedings on Second Stage of the Trade Union Recognition Bill 2021 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 2 hours;

3.the Statements on Driving Test Wait Times shall not exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows:

(a)the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down);

(b)following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and

(c)members may share time; and

	Gov	SF	Lab	Gov	SF
Mins	25	15	10	10	3
	SD	Gov	SF	IPTG	Gov
Mins	10	10	3	9	10
	SF	ITG	Gov	SF	NP/G
Mins	3	9	10	3	5

4. the resumed Committee Stage of the Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024 shall be taken no earlier than 4 p.m. and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion either at 9 p.m. or after five hours, whichever is the later, by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

In relation to Thursday's business, it is proposed that:

1.the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the extent that topical issues may be taken earlier than 7.24 p.m. and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on the Common Agricultural Policy and Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan, with consequential effect on the commencement time for Second Stage of the Information on Repairability of Certain Products Bill 2024 and on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; and

2.the Statements on the Common Agricultural Policy and Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan shall not exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows:

(a)the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down);

(b)following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and

(c)members may share time.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Are the proposed arrangements for the business agreed?

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Not agreed.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Whips can make a brief contribution.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Next Tuesday morning, 14-year-old Cara Darmody, the disability rights campaigner, will commence a 50-hour protest outside Leinster House. It is about the failure of the Government to deliver assessments of need to children within the legal six-month period. There are 15,000 children affected. Will the Minister work with the Opposition to draft a motion to go before the Dáil next week to deal with this issue once and for all?

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On the same issue, we believe a cross-party motion from the Government and the Opposition in this area would be most suitable. The schedules as presented in the last couple of weeks have been modest on the Government side. We think it would be a good offer if this came through the Government's time.

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is a lot in this Chamber that can and should divide us, but the fact that next week an extraordinary 14-year-old girl will once again come to Dáil Éireann and stay outside for 50 hours studying for her exams, which are taking the following week, to make a simple call for a legal requirement for assessments of needs should unify us around a collective motion so that Cara can know that when she shows up, so do the rest of us.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context

More than 14,000 children are now waiting for assessment of needs. The Government is breaking its own law for 90% of the assessment of needs that are carried out. They are not carried out within the six months legal timeframe. You have an incredible situation where a 14-year-old, Cara Darmody, feels compelled to sleep outside for 50 hours to fight for the rights of her brothers. She really should not have to and we should have time on the Dáil schedule next week for a joint motion to say the Government and the State are going to stop breaking their legal obligations and provide the funding and resources to ensure every child gets the assessment of needs in the time he or she needs to have it.

Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As my colleagues mentioned, 14-year-old Cara Darmody is coming to sleep outside the Dáil next week for 50 hours to raise awareness not only for her own family, but for other families throughout this country. We need to put together a joint motion and we need to time to discuss this matter at great length next week because we are breaking the laws in this country, the laws we said we would stand by. It is taking a 14-year-old girl to show us that situation, so I fully support previous speakers on this matter.

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank all the Deputies for their suggestion. I am happy to engage with the Opposition and we can discuss the motion in advance of the business meeting on Thursday morning and look at speaking times for next week.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Are the proposed arrangements agreed to? Not agreed.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Last week, the Northern Assembly voted in favour of a motion to extend presidential voting rights to Irish citizens in the North. This sends a powerful democratic message that Irish citizens in the North must be allowed to vote for their first citizen, for their Uachtaráin. For more than a decade, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have promised to make this happen. It has been contained in programmes for Government since 2016, but these commitments have not been honoured. The Assembly vote is a watershed moment and I believe the Government now needs to act with urgency. November's election for President must be the last presidential election that excludes Irish citizens north of the Border from voting. On Thursday, the Tánaiste, Simon Harris, agreed that these rights should be extended. He said that he would engage with the Taoiseach on a Government timeline to make this happen. Has that engagement happened and what is the timeline?

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No, it has not happened since the Deputy raised it last week. There has been a lot happening in the past week. The extension of voting rights for Irish citizens overseas is a complex and technical matter because that was the subject of the Bill originally.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the North. We are not talking about overseas.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It was both overseas and the North originally in 2020.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am worried about the North.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is my understanding that it would require a referendum to change the Constitution, but we will come back to the Deputy.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have a Bill if all the leaders of the parties want to sign it.

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

After 20 months of bombing, more than 50,000 people have now been killed in Gaza. A further 117,000 have been injured, thousands of them children. What we are witnessing is a genocide, and we do not use that term lightly.

It is in truth a systematic extermination of the Palestinian people through bombardment tactics by Israel and now through starvation tactics as well, as we have seen a denial of all aid into the Gaza Strip for 71 days and a man-made famine taking hold. Today at 1 o'clock, my colleague Senator Cosgrove hosted a briefing in Leinster House with Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine. Its call was simple: put words into actions. The Taoiseach rightly accused Israel of committing a war crime over the blockage of aid from entering Gaza, but where there are clear breaches of international law, then we must do all in our power to hold those committing those breaches to account. When will see stronger action from the Government on this and in particular, when will we see the passage of the occupied territories Bill upon which we all united previously?

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

First of all, the Government has taken very strong action in respect of this. That is the international perception of Ireland, by the way, except in this House. It is probably one of the few places that does not acknowledge the range of actions the Government has taken, from the recognition of the Palestinian state to the intervention in the South African case under the Genocide Convention, from the very significant funding of UNRWA to the pursuit of an advisory opinion from the UN, both cosponsoring the resolution and intervening in the ICJ in that case and following up again with further co-sponsored resolutions at the UN and much more. The reality is, and we have to be brutally honest here, that Israel is not paying attention to international opinion.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is not being sanctioned. That is why it is not paying attention.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Israel is rising roughshod over the views of the world and, as I said last week - Deputy Bacik acknowledged that, in fairness - committing a war crime-----

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Yes.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----in respect of the collective punishment of the Palestinian people-----

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

So sanction Israel.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is continuing in terms of the prevention of aid, support and the basic necessities of life into Gaza.

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It has been 71 days.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We have issued a statement jointly with a number of European Union states-----

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Taoiseach.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Forget about statements. Sanction Israel.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have had enough of your statements. You would not take on the people that you know.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am sorry. A bit of order, please. We are moving on the next Member, Deputy Rice.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

You were silent with your American friends-----

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have never been silent on Palestine, Micheál Martin,-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----on this question for a long, long time.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----not for more than 20 years.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Please, Taoiseach.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In fairness, you were. You did not take it up with them.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have never been silent. You should sanction them.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I call Deputy Rice.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is cynical beyond belief.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No. Do your job.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputies should have respect for the speakers. I call Deputy Rice.

Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I first raised the issue of children enduring unnecessary hip surgeries with the Taoiseach in March. It is nearly two months later and we are still none the wiser about what went on. A draft audit of the surgeries in three hospitals between 2021 and 2023 has been in the public domain for months. That audit found a large portion of surgeries in two of those hospitals were potentially unnecessary. There have been repeated questions about the scandal in this Chamber, but no further answers. The Taoiseach cannot even tell us when the final report will be published.

Now, we find out that families whose children were operated on up to 15 years ago are receiving letters. This suggests that the draft findings of the audit are going to be upheld, and we are dealing with a scandal of nearly unparalleled proportions. It is not credible to say there is no timeline for the publication of this audit. Let me ask the Taoiseach for the third time today - when will the audit be published? If he cannot give us a date, will he explain the lack of urgency in dealing with this issue? Will he tell us how deep the rot goes? Are we facing an appalling vista of potentially thousands of children having endured unnecessary hip surgeries over the past 15 years?

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy said this was being asked for the third time today. I have not played politics with this issue, nor should he. He should not be saying things like "It is not credible". It is an external audit. It is independent of this House, independent of me and independent of the Minister, and that is the way it should be. Therefore, less of the high, self-righteous rhetoric about this. I understand the anxiety that parents have. We want to get to the bottom of it in a comprehensive, independent way that stands the test of time and with that very essential independence the report should have, but also to completion. It was raised three times today. All the assertions have been that we do not want to face up to the truth or reveal the truth. Of course we want to reveal the truth; no holds barred, no holding anything back. We cannot go by a draft report that gets circulated to The Ditch because we have to go by legal and proper procedure,-----

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government does not have a clue what is in it.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----which means there has to be feedback. That is what happens with audits if they implicate people.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

However, the parents are left in the dark.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

They are sent out and they have to come back,-----

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Taoiseach.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is an early recommendation that they were ready to implement. You do not have clue what is coming up.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----and so we need completion.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

You do not have clue what is coming up and neither does the Minister for Health.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is just unacceptable that-----

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I ask the Taoiseach to resume his seat. I call Deputy Connolly.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----that kind of deliberate politicisation of an issue should reach the level that it has reached on this issue.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Taoiseach, please. I call Deputy Connolly.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Go raibh míle maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I find it reprehensible.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am going to return to the genocide that is taking place in Palestine.

The Taoiseach said the problem was that Israel was riding roughshod over the world. That is not entirely accurate because most of Europe is behind Israel and America is certainly behind Israel. In practical terms, despite the very good words the Taoiseach has used and his describing what has happened lately as a war crime, we are still failing to take action. Now more than ever, we need to show leadership. We cannot say we are the best boys in the class if we are allowing Shannon Airport to be used, if we fail to pass the occupied territories Bill, if we are still trading with Israel through the European bloc and so on. It is not possible to stand on both sides. Notwithstanding the good things the Government has done, we need now more than ever to take action when the UN itself is in serious danger because of the complete diminution of its importance by Israel and America.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Again, I will say that Ireland has shown leadership on this; no big deal about it, but we have done what is the right thing to do. We work with like-minded states in the European Union. We consistently do that. We have issued a joint statement with Luxembourg, Iceland, Norway, Slovenia and Spain, countries we have worked with for quite some time on this issue. We have also worked with the Arab nations, UN agencies and the European Union, notwithstanding that some EU member states have been supportive of Israel. However, the European Union remains the biggest single donor to Palestinians, both through the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and to Palestinians more generally. That is rarely said.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government stood shoulder to shoulder with Israel. It needs to sanction Israel.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Allow the Taoiseach, Deputy McDonald.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

He is making a statement of the obvious.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On a point of order, I find I am being constantly heckled on that side of the House when I am addressing other Members.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not heckling the Taoiseach.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not think that is not acceptable.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taoiseach is not heckled from all sides of the House.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not heckled by the Deputy's good self.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am sure the Taoiseach will join me in welcoming the Meany family from the Lower Glanmire Road and Ballyvolane to the Public Gallery.

As reported by RTÉ and the Irish Examiner, a HSE inquest issued an apology on Tuesday, 29 April for the death almost six years ago of Mr. Anthony Hennessy of Mallow, County Cork, in a room in St. Stephen's Hospital in Glanmire near Cork city. On 25 November 2019, Anthony died by suicide in an HSE-run secure mental health unit. His death while under the care of the State is not only tragic but is a damning reflection of the broken system. The HSE, in its own review, identified its failures, yet suicide prevention training remains optional rather than mandatory for staff in these high-risk settings. Will the Government commit to making accredited suicide prevention training, such as skills training on risk management, STORM, mandatory for all staff, both clinical and support, in secure mental health units? Will the Taoiseach support the establishment of an independent investigation into all suicides in these facilities and ensure transparency, accountability and justice for the families?

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

First of all, I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I convey our sympathies to Anthony Hennessy's family on his sad passing. I will ask the Minister of State for mental health to engage with the Deputy on progressing the issue. It certainly is something we would give consideration to in respect of ensuring there is access to, and availability and provision of, accredited suicide prevention training for all staff in key positions. Some staff perhaps have training but not all of them do.

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The N25, a critical artery that runs through Kilkenny and the south-east region, has long been plagued by an alarming number of traffic collisions. It has seen 11 fatalities, four of which happened since the proposed upgrade was suspended or paused in 2022. The volume of traffic on the route has increased significantly to almost 15,000 vehicles per day. Kilkenny County Council has progressed the necessary upgrade to stage 2 of the project approval process at an already significant cost, but we need to show the people of Kilkenny and the south east our commitment to making the region safer and recognising the pleas of people who have lost loved ones on the road. The only way to do that is to commit to the completion of stages 3 and 4 of the project approval process. The project is listed in the NDP and we cannot justify its pause any longer. We need an investment of €2.4 million over three years to get to construction. Will the Taoiseach give a commitment that this funding will be provided as soon as possible to show we have heard people's stories of loss and pain and are responding in a meaningful way?

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for raising this urgent matter, which is of considerable concern to the people of south Kilkenny. The N25 Waterford to Glenmore project did not receive funding in the last allocation. Nonetheless, I will use my good offices to work with the Ministers involved and TII in particular to see if we can get a funding allocation to allow the progression of the road and that it would be considered in the context of the review of the NDP.

William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland estimates that claims involving uninsured drivers add approximately €35 to the cost of every motor insurance policy. In 2022, there were an estimated 187,000 uninsured vehicles on Irish roads, which is four times the EU average. I know the introduction of the Irish motor insurance database has helped reduce this number to around 100,000. The level of uninsured driving remains of serious concern in terms of road safety and insurance costs for law-abiding motorists. Given the significant impact on premiums, will the Taoiseach outline what further strategies the Government is pursuing to tackle uninsured driving, ensure enforcement is effective and, ultimately, bring Ireland's rate of uninsured vehicles in line with European norms, thereby easing the financial burden on responsible drivers?

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for raising a very important question. I note from his figures that there has been a significant drop in uninsured vehicles. Nonetheless, 100,000 is a significant number, which creates a ripple effect. We have re-established the insurance sub-committee of the Cabinet committee on economy and investment to address insurance costs more generally. I will talk to the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Transport regarding what further measures or sanctions we can take to reduce that figure even further. It is a very significant figure.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North-West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is exactly a year since I raised the issue of the persistent delays in the redevelopment of Scoil Chiaráin in Glasnevin, which is a school for students with mild to moderate educational needs. A report commissioned by the school deemed the school building not fit for purpose. With everything effectively in place, the parents and the school authorities are at a loss to know when construction will begin on site. Can the Taoiseach address these concerns by giving a date when construction can begin?

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not have the specifics of the case but I take on board what the Deputy is saying. I will talk to the Minister for Education and Youth and others to see if we can get some get allocation to that project.

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taoiseach might have heard the wee bit of news that came out of Croke Park on Sunday evening, with Louth winning the Leinster final and the Delaney Cup after 68 years of waiting. I must apologise for my voice; I got a bit hoarse during the celebrations. Louth GAA is most definitely on the up. We have two Leinster titles under our belts this year, the men's senior and the under-20s titles. There are another two to go. I can tell the Taoiseach that the people of Louth have been lifted so much. There were tears in my eyes and the eyes of my children on Sunday. I pay tribute to all involved in Sunday's historic win. Hopefully, we will come through in the ladies' final against Carlow on Sunday in Mullingar and the men's minors against Offaly on Monday in Newbridge.

I wish to raise the issue of the large-scale sports infrastructure fund. As the Taoiseach is aware, Louth GAA had a successful application under that fund. We need this financial support for phase 2 of the project. Phase 1 will be commencing soon and is mostly funded by Louth GAA through its fundraising, which is supported by the people of Louth, and clubs' contributions. We need support for phase 2. We do not have a county stadium. We deserve one. Our champions and future champions deserve one. When is it planned to have the next round of the large-scale infrastructure fund allocated? I want to ensure that Louth GAA is at the top of the list.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not know whether I should call on the Taoiseach of the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, to answer this question.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I congratulate Louth on its historic victory, which was a cliffhanger, and extend my sympathies to Meath.

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No sympathies.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Revenge for 2010.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My late grandfather, who I never got to know, was from Arodstown in County Meath. The last time Meath won a Leinster final was in 1957, the year it won the all-Ireland football final against Cork. As a child, we were reared on the one that got away, among others. We genuinely wish Louth continued success. Clearly, as the Gospel says, it is now ambitious for higher things, so now it wants the stadium to go along with the football success.

I know a lot of work has been done by the Louth county board to establish a county stadium. There will be a new iteration of the large-scale infrastructural fund although it has not yet been put together. I will talk to the Minister for sport on this issue and indeed in respect of other projects that want to be considered. A lot of fundraising has already been carried out successfully in Louth but State support will also be sought.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

All of us in the House offer our condolences on the death of Garda Kevin Flatley. I agree with the Garda Commissioner, who said we need a reset for how we, as a society, think about roads policing. However, the same Commissioner sat before the Joint Committee on Justice on 15 May 2024 and committed to the addition of 150 new gardaí to roads policing. There were to be 75 in 2024 and 75 in 2025. You can guess that the actual number who have gone into roads policing from that competition is zero. Forty sergeants and 246 gardaí came through the competition.

Actions speak louder than words. There are just over 600 gardaí in roads policing now. There are significant gaps all over the country, for example, in the mid-west and Limerick. In 2009, we had 1,046 gardaí in roads policing. What are the Minister for Justice, the Taoiseach and the Garda Commissioner going to do to back up the language of the need for a reset how we think about roads policing, with which I agree, by enforcing the laws with the volume of gardaí required and honouring what the Commissioner said to the justice committee last year? Nobody from that competition has been appointed.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Earlier in this session, a number of Deputies expressed their deepest sympathies to the family of Garda Kevin Flatley, his wife, Una, and his daughters, Aoife and Erin, and to the entire membership of An Garda Síochána on his sad passing in the line of duty. We mourn his loss. There will be reflection on this and road safety in general. I could go through a whole range of measures that have been taken. The Road Traffic Act 2024 sought to bring about systemic change to dangerous driving behaviours through mandatory drug testing, safer default speed limits and harsher penalties. That legislation faced a degree of opposition generally. There will be a time and place to go through this issue forensically in the House and at committee.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am just asking the Commissioner to honour the figures he mentioned.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister for Justice has no issue coming before the House to deal with these issues.

Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Notwithstanding significant investment in special education, and the Taoiseach spoke earlier about 400 additional classes, we still find ourselves in a position where some children do not have school places for September. For St. Christopher's Special School in my county of Longford, the children of three families do not have a place for September. Sacred Heart national school in Granard has an early intervention class. Children are due to transfer into the primary system, but there is no capacity within the primary school attached to allow them to move into the primary system. I ask that we prioritise, in particular, special schools to ensure that every single child has a place and we are not in a situation at the end of May whereby people do not know whether their children will have a school place. Children are on waiting lists because there is no capacity in schools. I ask for that to be prioritised for St. Christopher's Special School. We must consider schools where there is an early intervention class and ensure there is capacity within primary schools to which students can move.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will raise the matter with the Minister. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, are working flat out on this issue. I will bring the specifics of the cases the Deputy has raised to their attention. Wherever we can, we will resolve the issues locally.

My understanding was a lot of issues outside of Dublin were getting resolved but there are a higher number in Dublin that still require resolution in terms of getting the classes into play. I will raise St. Christopher's and the point about progression after the early intervention team.

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am glad to get this opportunity. Whenever we get funding in Kerry for roads, we are very grateful and appreciative. We have got great value for money over the years, but there are works going on between the nugget and the gap cross going out of Killarney on the way around the Ring of Kerry, where many tourists and buses go daily and at night time. In fact, there is fierce traffic on this road.

The works going on there now are for what is called "active travel", which means the carriageway has been reduced to 20 ft and on either side the footpaths, cycleways and grass margin are wider than the actual carriageway. People are very upset and concerned. There are videos of buses trying to pass each other. They have to pull in their mirrors to get by. People are concerned about the value for money. I ask that until some review, investigation or assessment is done and people are sure of what is happening, no more of this kind of work be carried out. It is proposed to do the same work on the N22 from the Cork side into Killarney, to eliminate and take away Daly's roundabout and to narrow the carriageway. I ask that a proper assessment and review of value for money be carried out before that happens.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy knows I am a frequent visitor to Killarney but I do not have the same detailed grasp of the roads he has named. That is a National Transport Authority project, I would imagine.

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is, yes.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand to some degree what the Deputy is saying. There should be a thorough evaluation of the value-for-money aspects of any of these projects and everybody should be clear on the objective. Sometimes it is to provide for cyclists, but sometimes the roads are so narrow to begin with that the outcome of works makes it difficult for everybody to use such a carriageway. I have seen it myself. Some roads are historically narrow.

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This was the widest part of the road around the Ring of Kerry. We are looking to widen the rest of it and what did they do? They narrowed the good bit of road that we had.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Thanks for your reply, Taoiseach.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am trying to be helpful, Deputy, but-----

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Tractors, agricultural vehicles and hauliers cannot pass each other any more.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Thanks, Deputy Healy-Rae. We move on to Deputy O'Dea.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

They should not be passing each other, anyway, I suppose, in one way.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will you have a chat with him afterwards, Taoiseach? I call Deputy O'Dea.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will come back to the Deputy and talk to him. It is probably an NTA project.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

St. Munchin's College, Corbally, Limerick city, is accommodating two autism special needs classes at present in one classroom, which is completely and totally unacceptable. It has made an application to the Department of education under the ASA scheme for refurbishment funding, which would solve the problem and would, in fact, enable it to accommodate more autistic students in the years ahead, for which there is a huge demand. The Minister in a written reply last week told me the request had been received and is being assessed. I have to say it is being assessed for an extraordinarily long time. Can pressure be put on the Department of education to end this long-running assessment and get a successful conclusion? The need is great and is growing.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for raising that. He is saying there are two special classes in one physical classroom. I will get on to the Ministers in respect of this and get this issue resolved.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Can I put on the record of the Dáil that I have sent an email to the leaders of all political parties to ask them to sign a Bill that would look for voting rights for Irish citizens in the North of Ireland? It is an issue bigger than any political party and we should not put party first in relation to it.

We received a parliamentary reply showing Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Ministers have quashed or overturned 4,000 deportation orders in the past ten years. The number of deportation orders quashed or overturned is a multiple of those enforced. Most want a fair system but a strict one nonetheless. We currently have a system where people can apply for asylum and it can take many years for a decision to be made. They can appeal that and it can take some time for the appeal to be made. They can then take a judicial review, which can take some time. On certain occasions, they can go back into the asylum process even after that judicial review. Most deportation orders issued are not enforced. It is a voluntary system. We have no checks at airports to see if they are leaving the country or not. Even after that whole process, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Ministers have overturned 4,000 deportation orders. That is incredible, given the cost just to process those deportation orders.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy said it was over a ten-year period.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Yes, a ten-year period.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

When he said they were overturned or quashed, I would have to interrogate his language in terms of how he defines "quashed" and "overturned". The Minister is bringing in legislation to deal with all of this but there was a time ten years ago when a Deputy like Deputy Tóibín - maybe not Deputy Tóibín himself - would stand up in this House and make an appeal to the Minister of the day not to have somebody deported. There were front-page headlines in various newspapers, including regional newspapers across the country, where campaigns had been mounted: "Please don't deport family X. They have been in school here for five or six years. They have lived in society. They are valued members. Please don't deport." Around 2020, post Covid, when the levels of those seeking asylum increased fivefold, the entire mood of the nation changed. Now people are saying "Deport, deport, deport, as quickly as you possibly can." I say that by way of illustration.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are 140 that have been quashed this year so far.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Tóibín, please.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Opinions have changed and I understand why. I am just making the point we can put ten years together and try to-----

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is 140 this year.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand what your narrative will be. I understand what the soundbite on social media will be. You are trying to create a story around certain parties doing X while you are doing Y. The bottom line is society was in a particular place ten years ago on this and is in a totally different position right now. Circumstances have changed-----

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The actions have not changed from the Government.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

------wars have happened, conflicts have happened. We need a bit more honesty and sensitivity in what we are doing.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Okay, we move on to-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In terms of people who are not entitled to seek asylum here, the Minister has effected deportations. A lot do leave. The gardaí tell us they leave the jurisdiction and are not availing of any resources.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Thank you, Taoiseach.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Four hundred and sixteen were quashed last year and 500 the year before.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I call Deputy Hearne, please.

Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I raise the case of a five-year-old autistic boy with additional needs in my constituency who is attending junior infants. His mother Grainne contacted me recently and their story is revealing of a system that is badly failing children with additional needs. After months of school distress, hours of work with the school, mediation and facilitation, Grainne explained that her child is finally going to school happily and not hugely distressed afterwards. The parents in the school have built this success. He is happy going into school but he cannot stay longer than one hour. After one hour, the child has to leave because the school simply does not have the additional needs resources - the ANA or SET resources - to keep him there longer. His parents, like so many parents of children with additional needs and autism, are just asking for the supports and resources their children need and, as the Taoiseach has acknowledged, have a right to. Why are children with additional needs being denied this education? Can the Taoiseach ensure these children have the resources that enable them to have a full school day, just like all children?

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not have the specifics of the case. As I explained in an earlier reply, huge resources are going into additional needs. We have thousands of SNAs - I think it is 23,400. I do not know whether it is an SNA the child requires or some additional-----

Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is SNA, and ANA as well. The school is saying it does not have-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not know the engagement the school has had with the National Council for Special Education. A lot of resources are being made available to try to ensure a child can not only go to school but can be there for the full time, like any other child. I do not have the specifics of the case but if the Deputy sends them to the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, and me, we can see the precise issue and follow it up.