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

This is shocking news emerging about the plane crash.

I want to deal with the issue of the cost of living. I was going to raise the issue of education and how some schools are under pressure to keep the lights on. However, I see the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party is more interested in the phone pouches. Let me just talk about electricity prices. Yesterday, we learned that there is a proposal to hike electricity prices again. This is serious because people are being fleeced right across the board. Irish people already pay some of the highest electricity prices in Europe. We pay €350 more than the European average. That is what you get after 14 years of Fine Gael in government. The Government wants to jack up prices even further. It wants to add another €83 on to that. This is money that comes out of people's pockets in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

Does the Tánaiste not listen to his constituents who tell him about their grocery bills going through the roof? Does he not hear that the number of children in consistent poverty has nearly doubled in a year? Does he not hear about schools pleading for funding to keep the lights on rather than asking for phone pouches? These price rises should not be going ahead. Instead, a cost-of-living package should be included in the budget. This should include a substantial amount for energy credits.

Will the Tánaiste ensure there is not a hike in electricity prices, as has been proposed? Instead, will he commit to bringing forward a cost-of-living package that will include electricity in recognition that after 14 years of Fine Gael in government, we pay among the highest electricity prices in Europe?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The only part of this island where phone pouches have been rolled out by a government is in Northern Ireland and where the First Minister is a member of Sinn Féin. I challenge the Deputy to talk to parents, principals and teachers in Donegal because they have been asking for support in relation phone use. If the Deputy does not recognise the challenges posed by social media and smartphones, that is on him.

Yes, I listen to my constituents when it comes to energy prices and yes, we will continue to support people with the cost of living. However, who I do not listen to when it comes to what to do about energy prices is Liz Truss which is exactly what Sinn Féin proposes, namely, to give taxpayers' money to subsidise energy companies with the cost. That is not the way the way to go. We provided significant assistance to people in regard to energy credits and we will continue to do so. However, what we will not do is adopt the policies of Liz Truss, which was a Sinn Féin proposal.

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

We are not asking the Government to do that. Why will the Tánaiste not answer the question? Will he stop the increase? This is serious.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Yes, it is very serious.

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

Will the Government stop the increase?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

What we will do is bring forward a budget with proposals to help people with the cost of living.

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

Will the Government stop the increase?

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I want to raise the issue of an email I received from my local authority last week regarding an email from the Department of housing saying that the local authority was not to proceed with 73 social homes and a community building under PPP bundle 3 at a site in Ardrew in my hometown of Athy. My understanding is that in this case the preferred bidder was selected as long ago as last October.

The reply from the Department of housing told us that after careful consideration, the Department has decided not to go ahead with 486 homes under PPP bundle 3. There are over 800 people on the social housing waiting list in Athy alone. Can the Tánaiste give assurances to them that those 73 social homes and that community building will proceed as quickly as possible? It is not acceptable in this housing emergency to be left with 73 homes not proceeding. It is something the people of Athy and the people involved in the other four sites and 486 homes would like to know.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for bringing up this issue. I undertake to pass that on directly to the Minister for housing and ask him to look into the matter immediately with the local authority and come back to the Deputy directly on the issue. There is a housing emergency. We need to build homes and take every opportunity to do so. We will have a national development plan review next month which will significantly increase further investment in housing and housing-enabling infrastructure. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Browne, to look at the issue affecting the Deputy's constituents.

Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Many schools across the country are struggling to keep the lights on. That is not my opinion; that is fact. A new survey has highlighted the huge increase in the costs that schools are grappling with. In the past five years insurance costs have increased by one third, while utilities soared by 50% and cleaning costs by 80%. However, funding for schools has not gone up. The capitation grant they have is the same as 2008, nearly two decades ago. How are principals expected to pay costs for 2025 with 2008 budgets? A record number of schools are applying to the Department for financial assistance. Many schools still have to ask for voluntary contributions. Principals are spending all their time worrying about how they will pay the bills. It is causing a huge amount of stress and burnout. When will the Government increase the capitation grant to a sustainable level for schools to pay the bills, have a buffer for emergencies and enhance teaching and learning?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for bringing up this issue. The INTO has rightly highlighted the issue with the Deputy and colleagues across the House in recent days. Many of us have had the opportunity to hear directly from the INTO. The Deputy is right that real challenges are faced by our schools. It is objectively fair to say we have increased the education budget a lot. Much of the focus has been on reducing class sizes and on special education needs. We all support that but there is a legitimate issue around capitation and a sustainable level of funding. The Minister for education, Deputy McEntee, will consider all of this in advance of the budget due in October. She will meet and engage with the INTO and others in the run-up to it.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I send my sympathies to all affected by the crash in India. It is absolutely horrific.

Thousands of people are taking part in a march to Gaza today. They are trying to break the criminal blockade which is allowing thousands of people to starve, be killed and so on. It is something the Tánaiste commended when he spoke of doing anything that can be done to keep the eyes of the world on this when world leaders are clearly not doing enough. People who are going include health workers from this country, ordinary people who cannot watch any longer as this happens. I have been told the situation is very tense in Egypt, where they are gathering, and that 190 people have been detained, including three Irish people. They are apparently being deported. I ask, number one, for all TDs, particularly the Tánaiste as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, to make contact with the Egyptian authorities and ask that these people be allowed safe passage. They are not doing anything wrong. I also ask that officials go to the airport to assist people there, where there seems to be particularly difficult situations. The Egyptian authorities, and those of the surrounding countries, do not have the right to stop people.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy. I have been discussing this matter with my colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade today. We are monitoring the situation very closely. I have asked for an update from our embassy in Egypt and that our consular section keep me directly updated on these matters. The protection and well-being of any Irish citizen in any part of the world is something my Department and the Government takes extremely seriously and I will be keeping a close eye on this.

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

Wellman International in Mullagh, County Cavan, a pioneer in fibre manufacturing since 1973, faces an uncertain future. The company was placed in examinership on 3 June. It has just 100 days to find an investor or buyer to save 217 highly skilled jobs that are vital to the communities of east Cavan and north Meath.

Local Independent Ireland councillor Shane P. O'Reilly, a strong advocate for the workers, has raised serious concerns about management decisions and the lack of State support over the years. It is astonishing that a company which once recycled 4.5 billion bottles annually is not being utilised for the deposit return scheme when 80% of collected bottles are exported to mainland Europe. It is a clear missed opportunity by Enterprise Ireland and the IDA.

I urge the Tánaiste and the State to take immediate action. We do not need reviews or task forces. We need results with 92 days remaining. I will meet the employee committee at Mullagh alongside my Independent Ireland colleague, Councillor O'Reilly. We stand firmly behind them and will ensure the Government does not stand idly by. What will the Tánaiste and Government do to save this company and the 217 jobs at risk?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I appreciate why the Deputy raises this issue but there are two things I will not do. First, I will not interfere in any sort of judicial process around the status or examinership of a company. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle surely would not allow me to do so under the rules of the House anyway. Second, I will not interfere in the awarding of State contracts. We know where that has got the body politic in the past. The awarding of State contracts is independent of the political process.

More broadly and from a policy perspective, we always want to support Irish companies and industry. I have heard reference to this company before in this House during a debate around the circular economy. State agencies including Enterprise Ireland are always available to meet any Irish company to discuss what supports can be put in place. I will ask the Minister for enterprise to link with the Deputy on that.

Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Cummins helpfully asked the question I was due to raise on school funding and I re-emphasise that point.

Given the news breaking on the plane crash in India, which I believe involves 169 Indian nationals, 45 Britons, seven Portuguese and a Canadian, will the Tánaiste as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade do everything in his power to provide consular assistance to any Irish citizens and families that may be impacted and provide humanitarian aid from within the Department? There is a great degree of expertise in Ireland - not that we have a responsibility here but we should assist where we can. I appreciate this is still at a very early stage.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy. He is right. I have been in the Chamber since the news emerged. I join the Deputy and everybody in extending the sympathies of the House and country to all those affected, to the people of India and to those likely to be affected in our nearest neighbour, the United Kingdom. My Department is actively monitoring the situation in real time. We stand ready to assist any citizen, though I am not aware of any citizen in relation to this. More broadly, from a humanitarian point of view, we are always eager to assist. The situation is very much evolving.

Keira Keogh (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I join colleagues in extending sympathies to those who lost their lives in India and to Deputy Conway-Walsh on the loss of her mother.

Will the Tánaiste tell me what steps the Government is taking in relation to the effects social media is having on our under-16s? What meetings have happened with social media companies? This is an issue I campaigned vigorously on during the local and general elections. I think identity verification across the board would be welcome but, as a start for our under-16s, I am happy to see the Tánaiste has been talking about the impact of this issue on our young citizens in relation to bullying, self-esteem, etc. I like grassroots campaigns like that of Councillor Fergal Nealon in Strandhill, where parents are joining a pact, but I also feel the Government has a responsibility to restrict social media for under-16s, along with education campaigns and engaging with social media companies.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I had the pleasure of meeting Councillor Nealon from Sligo yesterday and discussed this with him. I also met yesterday pupils from a school in Claremorris in the Deputy's constituency who were in the Dáil. When I bumped into them and asked if they had any questions, the first question they asked was what I would do about this idea of the social media ban. It was interesting to note the amount of them in favour of it. These were sixth-class students in Claremorris National School. It gave me a real insight into the pressure young people are feeling.

The Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, has an online health task force in her Department to look at the health and well-being impacts of online and social media on young people. She met the chair of the task force this week and its interim report is due shortly. The Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, has asked his officials to examine international initiatives under way or being considered elsewhere to protect the safety of children.

My position is really clear on this. We live in a country where the digital age of consent is 16. Therefore, I do not believe we should be on social media in advance of that age. I heard the comments of President Macron in a similar vein this week. I have an open mind on how to enact these things. We have age verification structures that clearly do not work and industry would acknowledge that. We need to get serious about this. It is a ticking time bomb that is having a really detrimental impact on the health and well-being of our young people and often on their safety as well. The digital age of consent is 16 and I believe that should be applied in a very real way. The Government is considering how best to examine it.

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In 2016 a new prison was opened in The Glen in Cork and the old prison was closed down. A commitment was made at the time by the Tánaiste's Government, which he was a Minister in, and by the Irish Prison Service that the old prison would not be reopened and would be used by the community for education and training, or maybe as a museum. The republican Thomas Kent was shot by firing squad there. There was supposed to be a community dividend. The Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, supported by the Taoiseach, recently announced that a new prison will go alongside the prison that was opened in 2016. Commitments were given to the community and they feel betrayed. I spoke to a lady yesterday who had a gang of young people in her garden at the weekend, in balaclavas and on scooters, throwing drugs over the wall. That is what the people up there are putting up with. This Government is talking about putting in a new prison. Why is it not being put on a greenfield site? If this Government, the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach are mad about prisons, why do they not put one in their constituency, in Greystones or in the Taoiseach's constituency? The people of The Glen, St. Luke's and Dillon's Cross have had enough of it. Commitments were made by this Government. I am asking the Tánaiste now whether he will honour the commitments that were made to the people of The Glen.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy may or may not be aware that there is a prison in my constituency.

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In Greystones?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Do not shout at me, please. The Deputy may or may not be aware that there is a prison in my constituency, Shelton Abbey. I have visited it many times.

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Are there two of them there?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not know if the Deputy has visited any prisons recently. I have visited-----

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are two in The Glen.

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

Deputy Gould.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Can the Deputy please stop shouting? Just please stop shouting.

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not shouting. I am just saying there are two prisons.

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

Deputy Gould.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I would like to be allowed to answer a very serious question. Thank you. Prison capacity is a very serious issue. There are far too many people out on the streets, causing chaos in communities, who need to be in prison.

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is fine.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

They cannot be in prison unless we expand prison capacity. Our population has grown. I believe in alternatives to prison but there are some people who need to be behind bars. This House has passed laws to extend prison sentences but has not put in place the prison capacity to support those extensions. I have been Minister for justice. No Minister for justice wants to receive reports notifying him or her that people are being released from prison because there is not enough prison capacity. We need to fix this. The location of prisons is a matter for the Prison Service. The Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, has my full support in expediting the delivery of prison capacity and prison spaces. We need a new prison as well, by the way, to keep up with our population.

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

What about the promises that were made to the community? What about the promises that you and your Government made? They were promised in 2016. It is a residential area.

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

Deputy Gould, please. I understand that, but you will have to take it up in another way in the House.

Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Yesterday there were protests outside the gates of Leinster House to raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Thankfully, the Minister of Health is here today. To be fair to the new Minister, since she assumed her role she has been very supportive in the area of rare diseases and I thank her for that. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a very degenerative disease that affects boys predominantly. They deteriorate rapidly and many are lucky to survive beyond 20 years of age. A drug, Givinostat, that is available in the UK and Northern Ireland is not available here. I understand that EMA approval was only given for it last Friday, so it is very early in the process. In the programme for Government there are two commitments. There is a medium- to long-term commitment to review the reimbursement system, and I suggest that this should be done. I am glad that commitment was given in the programme for Government. There is also a reference to early access schemes. I am asking that in the case of the 100 to 120 people nationwide who have Duchenne muscular dystrophy - they are predominantly boys - an early access scheme should be looked at. That can be done in the short term. I urge the Minister of Health to detail to the House what plans she has on that.

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for his ongoing engagement on this issue more broadly. He is right that the drug has been approved by the EMA. The next stage is that the drug company must make an application to the HSE. I checked this morning to see if that had happened. It has not happened yet. Perhaps it has happened in the period I have been in the House, but it had not happened when I checked. I will be watching it very closely. I have already spoken to the Secretary General of my Department and to the CEO of the HSE about this drug and the process it will go through. The Deputy is aware that we have increased capacity by 100% in managing the process within the HSE to make that faster. There are a number of Deputies in the House with a very strong interest in this. I am aware of the issues relating to early access and of the need to provide a system to enable that. That is the most updated position that I have. I will be watching very closely and working with Deputy O'Sullivan, and Deputy Aird who has raised this in a different context.

John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am looking for an update on the progress of the N20-M20 Cork-Limerick motorway project. I emphasise the critical importance of its swift delivery to the people of Munster and the broader Irish economy. The case for immediate action on the N20-M20 project could not be clearer. The existing route is a relic of a bygone era, and is wholly inadequate for the demands of a modern economy. Every day that passes without progress on this motorway is another day that the commuters and families who pass through Mallow, Newtwopothouse, Buttevant, Ballyhea and Charleville endure the nightmare of heavy traffic thundering through their town and village centres. Lives are put at risk on a route that has well-documented safety deficiencies. The national development plan clearly identifies that the N20-M20 project is an essential piece of infrastructure. I hope that when the review of the national development plan is published, it will set out in black and white that we should proceed without any further delay on this vital project. I am looking for an update on the project, please.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Deputy O'Shea for raising this important issue for his constituents. The N20 is a strategically important route. The proposed project aims to enhance regional accessibility, to improve the network, to connect the cities of Cork and Limerick, and to improve connections to west Cork and Kerry. It will really help to allow balanced regional growth and development. The N20-M20 Cork-Limerick project will provide much better connectivity between Ireland's second and third largest cities, as well as other towns along the route including Buttevant, Croom, Charleville, Mallow and Blarney. As the Deputy said, it will address safety deficiencies on the existing route. It will also deliver active travel infrastructure along the corridor. I am very supportive of this project, as I know the Deputy is. My understanding is that the scheme's preliminary business case is expected to be submitted to the Department of Transport in early 2026. I believe the Department allocated €4.5 million to Limerick City and County Council to progress the scheme during 2025. We will keep a close eye on this. The national development plan will provide an opportunity to accelerate funding for crucial infrastructure projects like this one.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In July 2020 there were 2,112 children waiting on a first-time appointment with CAMHS. Of those, 747 had been waiting for over a year. According to the reply I received this morning to a parliamentary question, there are 4,554 children now waiting on a first-time appointment with CAMHS, of whom 763 have been waiting for over a year. This is an eye-watering increase of more than 200% in children waiting on a first-time appointment. These are not just numbers. The Tánaiste knows this. They are not just numbers; they are children that have been identified as reaching the threshold for having severe or moderate mental health needs and they are in distress. Their parents are no longer wondering when their child will get treatment; they are now wondering if they will ever get treatment. My question is very simple. It has been two years since the CAMHS waiting list reached that threshold of 4,500 children waiting. What immediate action will the Government take today to, at least, address those who have been waiting over a year for a first-time appointment with CAMHS?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Deputy Clarke for raising this very important issue. After I leave the Chamber I will discuss it directly with the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, who has responsibility for mental health. There are a number of actions that the Minister of State is already working on. I want to say that funding is not and will not be a constraint to this. There are real challenges around recruitment, retention of services and, more broadly, reform of CAMHS services. I will ask the Minister of State specifically to come back to the Deputy on what more can be done in the here and now. Nobody wants to see a child or young person left in a significant state of distress. Those numbers are far too high.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Tánaiste has committed to bringing his version of an occupied territories Bill to the foreign affairs committee in June. Is it going to happen? We have only two sitting weeks left in June. That would mean, in order to meet his own timetable, the Tánaiste would have to bring the heads of the Bill to the Cabinet next Tuesday or the following Tuesday. Does the Tánaiste believe the heads of the Bill will be ready to meet his timeline? Linked to that, the Tánaiste recently asked the Attorney General to give his advice on the Government's decision to omit services from the current Bill. Does the Tánaiste believe he will have that advice within that timeline to inform his own contribution to the pre-legislative scrutiny process?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy. It is my intention to bring the general scheme next week. There is a very small chance it will go to the following week but it is my working assumption that I will get it to the Cabinet next week so, yes, I believe we will meet the timeline in June.

I have been keeping in touch with the Chair of the foreign affairs committee, Deputy Lahart, about this. The Attorney General is doing that for me. I believe I will have that advice to help inform the PLS process. I probably will not have it in advance of the Bill going to Cabinet next week. It is likely that this Stage of the Bill will be published, as envisaged in the programme for Government, with goods. I reiterate that I want the PLS process to genuinely consider if the inclusion of services is possible from a legal point of view. We intend to bring the Bill forward next week, hopefully, and get it to the committee this month.

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

The special long-Covid scheme for healthcare workers is due to end in two weeks' time creating huge financial uncertainty for healthcare workers still suffering from long Covid. These workers were exposed to Covid in healthcare settings at the height of the pandemic when many others were told to remain at home. Some of these got Covid before PPE and vaccines were in place. They made a huge sacrifice and we owe them a debt of gratitude but it seems like the State is going to turn its back on them. These workers should not be facing another financial cliff edge. At the bare minimum, there must be an extension of the special scheme for healthcare workers. It would be deeply unfair to force these workers onto a basic, time-restricted sick pay scheme. Ultimately, a permanent solution must be found. It is time for the Government to work with unions to develop an appropriate long-term occupational illness scheme for this small group of workers. In the meantime, the very least that is required is another extension of the current scheme before the end of the month. What is the Government going to do for these healthcare workers?

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy. I recognise the extraordinary impact long Covid can have on people. It is my understanding that this scheme has been extended on a number of occasions and there is no proposal to extend it further. People are entitled to illness benefit but there is no proposal to extend the scheme further at this time.

Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The capitation grant is no longer fit for purpose. I know it has been brought up in the House quite a lot, even earlier today, but I add my voice to that. I have met with the INTO and spoken to principals from Bracknagh National School, High Street National School in Belmont, Scoil Mhuire in Tullamore and the Offaly School of Special Education, to name but a few. Schools are under serious financial pressure just to meet basic running costs. Fundraising, which should be for extras like trips, equipment and enrichment of the school experience, is now being used to just keep the doors open. That is not sustainable and it is draining time and energy from teachers and school leaders who should be focused on their students. We need to review how we fund schools, not just to tweak the existing grant. It may be time for a new national plan rather than leaving it to the individual schools to sink or swim. Just because it is the way we have always done it does not mean it is the right way. Let us fix this for our schools and for our students.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Deputy McCormack. I agree with the premise. All of us on the Government benches feel very strongly about this. There was very good engagement with the INTO by many of us in our constituencies and at the day it held this week in Buswells Hotel. I thank the INTO for the constructive way in which it has engaged with us. Obviously, all of these matters will be considered in the context of the budget but this Government is fully committed to education, supporting our schools, principals, teachers, and crucially, our children. I hope we can make more progress in these matters in the budget in October.

Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have been grappling with why that recent "RTÉ Investigates" documentary bothered me, like others, so much. I think it is because those nursing homes failed to protect and uphold the dignity of some of our older and more vulnerable citizens. Each one of those people was somebody's mam or dad, aunt or uncle or brother or sister. It could be the Tánaiste's parents; it could be my parents. I say to those who are running those particular nursing homes that thanks to "RTÉ Investigates" we have seen what they are doing. We have seen it and it has been noted. There has been a fundamental failing in providing care. HIQA has been caught on the back foot in this situation. It should be on its toes. Does the Tánaiste agree HIQA has serious questions to answer here?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, and I are listening to Deputy Ó Muirí and he is so right. What has haunted me from the programme, and he has captured it very well, was the lack of basic humanity. Yes, there is more this Government needs to do and will do. The Minister, Deputy MacNeill, and the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donnell, are leading on this as regards safeguarding legislation and all of that. We will do it as a priority and we are taking it extraordinarily seriously. However, there is also just basic humanity. How can any human being do that to another human being? How can anyone take an elderly man and thrown him on a bed like that, or hurtle someone with dementia down a corridor? It sickens all of us.

There are questions for HIQA to answer. I want to say that in a balanced way as HIQA has done a lot of good. It has been a positive development in our healthcare landscape. The way it went into University Hospital Limerick is an example of robust examination. Nobody gets everything right but on this occasion there are legitimate questions. The Minister will be engaging and meeting with HIQA next week. We will continue to pursue this. No organisation is beyond reproach and it needs to reflect in this instance.

Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Tánaiste will be aware, the basic necessities such as food, housing, energy, healthcare, rents and transportation have risen in price much faster than the average household income. This is placing enormous pressure on schools, teachers and parents to meet their very basic demands in our schools, particularly in my county of Wexford. The programme for Government states that the Government will increase the capitation grant to ensure schools can meet these costs, yet schools are funded to the same rates since 2009. Will the primary capitation grant be increased by €75 per pupil in the upcoming budget as recommended by the INTO? Schools and parents are straining to pay their basic bills and cover their costs.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I think the INTO will be very satisfied with its very effective campaign this week. I say that in all sincerity because it did have a very effective campaign this week and clearly met with so many TDs as it should in doing its job in highlighting the needs of its schools.

To reiterate the point I made earlier to Deputy Mythen, and on the concerns he raised regarding schools, in particular in Wexford, Government will look at how we better financially support our schools. We do not make specific announcements on how best we do that until the budget in October but education is a key part of our programme for Government and we are very committed to doing more and supporting our schools. There are legitimate issues which the INTO has highlighted this week. We will consider all of these in the context of the budget in October.

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

This week, the UN special rapporteur on environmental issues has written to the Government and to the Chief State Solicitor's Office seeking urgent action in relation to court proceedings which order An Garda Síochána to hand over confidential complaints for use in a defamation case. He stated that the Chief State Solicitor must oppose that action. He has stated that it would imperil the right of citizens to confidentially engage with gardaí in the future. A citizen in Meath has challenged alleged environmental damage by a large quarry company but he has been hit with two SLAPP litigations and is threatened with three more. These litigations are not designed to be heard but they threaten financial ruin on the individual and they completely tie that individual up for years. The aim is to shut campaigners up. I have raised this with two previous Ministers for justice. Now that a UN special rapporteur has condemned the practice and has highlighted the damage it does to the wider justice system, will the Tánaiste demand that the Chief State Solicitor defend the justice system, or at the very least will the Minister for justice meet with the target of these SLAPP litigations?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have got a bit of this today. Everybody does their best in representing their constituents but with the position I hold within Government I need to be conscious even if cases can be readily identified, even if not named. I do not want to comment on that but take that as read. I am not aware of the correspondence from the UN but I will make myself aware of it now the Deputy has brought it to my attention and I will inquire into that now.

More broadly, on the whole issue of SLAPP and the likes, the defamation Bill the Minister for justice is bringing forward will give consideration to these issues. I will ask the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, to consider the Deputy's comments and revert to him directly.

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

I join with other Members of the House in extending sympathy to our colleague, Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh, on the death of her mother. I am sure all Members would like to be associated with that. We also extend our sympathies to the families and all those affected by that air crash.