Dáil debates

Tuesday, 15 July 2025

3:00 pm

Photo of Mary ButlerMary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I move:



Tuesday's business shall be:

-Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) and Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 51(3)) Regulations 2025 (without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately)

-Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the draft Commission of Investigation (Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools) Order 2025 (to conclude within 3 hours and 32 minutes)

Tuesday's private members' business shall be Motion re Endometriosis Care in Ireland, selected by Sinn Féin.

Wednesday’s business shall be:

-Health (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Second Stage) (if not previously concluded, to adjourn after 3 hours and 24 minutes)

-Statements on Pride (not to exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes)

-Motion re Conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway on the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data*

-Motion re Signing of the Agreement between the EU and the Kingdom of Norway on the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data*

-Motion re Conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and Iceland on the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data*

-Motion re Signing of the Agreement between the European Union and Iceland on the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data*

*Four separate motions – to commence no earlier than 7 p.m.; to be debated together and brought to a conclusion within 1 hour, with questions to be put on each motion separately

-Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Amendments from the Seanad) (to conclude within 2 hours)

-Revised Estimates for Public Services 2025 [Votes 1 to 6, 13, 16, 23, 26, 29, 30, 32 to 36, 42 and 45] (back from Committee) (without debate, to be moved together and decided by one question; any division claimed to be taken immediately)

-Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2025 (back from Committee) (without debate, any division claimed to be taken immediately)

Wednesday’s private members' business shall be the Motion re Dental Treatment Services, selected by the Independent and Parties Technical Group.

Thursday’s business shall be:

-Proceeds of Crime and Related Matters Bill 2025 (Second Stage) (if not previously concluded, to adjourn after 3 hours and 24 minutes)

-Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Second Stage) (if not previously concluded, to adjourn after 3 hours and 24 minutes)

Thursday evening business shall be the Second Stage of the Criminal Justice (Promotion of Restorative Justice) (Amendment) Bill 2023, sponsored by Deputy Maurice Quinlivan.

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.;

(b) the time allotted for Government Business shall be extended in accordance with the arrangements for that business, with consequential effect on the commencement time for private members' business, which may be taken later than 6.12 p.m.; and

(c) private members’ time shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the proceedings on the Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the draft Commission of Investigation (Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools) Order 2025, with consequential effect on the commencement times for the items following in the ordinary routine of business, namely, Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Finance, and topical issues;

2.the proceedings on the Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) and Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 51(3)) Regulations 2025 shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; and

3.the proceedings on the Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the draft Commission of Investigation (Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools) Order 2025 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 3 hours and 32 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply thereto:

(a) the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be in accordance with those contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down);

(b) on the conclusion of the speeches taken in accordance with the arrangements in the table below, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes, whereupon proceedings shall be brought to a conclusion; and

(c) members may share time.
Gov SF Lab Gov SF
Mins 35 25 15 15 5
SD Gov SF IPTG Gov
Mins 15 15 5 12 15
SF ITG Gov SF OM
Mins 5 12 15 5 8
In relation to Wednesday’s business, it is proposed that:

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

(a) the time allotted for Government Business shall be extended in accordance with the arrangements for that business and the Dáil may sit later than 9.30 p.m.;

(b) in the event that the Statements on Pride conclude before 7 p.m., the sitting shall stand suspended until 7 p.m., when the order of business shall resume with the Motions on Proposals which recommend Council Decisions for the conclusion and signing of agreements with the Kingdom of Norway and Iceland on the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data for law enforcement purposes;

(c) any motions to be taken without debate shall be taken on the conclusion of proceedings on the amendments from the Seanad to the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025; and

(d) the weekly division time shall be taken on the conclusion of proceedings on any motions without debate, and the Dáil shall adjourn on the conclusion of the weekly division time;

2.in relation to the proceedings on the Second Stage of the Health (Amendment) Bill 2025, the following arrangements shall apply:

(a) subject to subparagraph (ii), the proceedings shall, if not previously concluded, be interrupted and stand adjourned after 3 hours and 24 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows:

(i)the arrangements for the first speaking round shall be in accordance with those contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down);

(ii) where speeches conclude before the 3 hours and 24 minutes have elapsed and no other member is offering, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and

(iii) members may share time; and

(b) the proceedings shall not be resumed on Wednesday;
Gov SF Lab Gov SF
Mins 20 20 20 12 4
SD Gov SF IPTG Gov
Mins 20 12 4 20 12
SF ITG Gov SF OM
Mins 4 20 12 4 20
3. the Statements on Pride 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;
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 OM
Mins 3 9 10 3 5
4. the proceedings on the Motion re Conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway on the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, the Motion re Signing of the Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway on the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, the Motion re Conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and Iceland on the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data and the Motion re Signing of the Agreement between the European Union and Iceland on the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data shall be taken either at 7 p.m. or on the conclusion of the Statements on Pride, whichever is the later and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 60 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply thereto:

(a) the four motions shall be debated together, with separate questions put on all proceedings thereon;

(b) the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows:-

‒ opening speech by a Minister or Minister of State – 10 minutes;

‒ speeches by representatives of Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, Social Democrats, Independent and Parties Technical Group, and Independent Technical Group – 7.5 minutes per party or group;

‒ speeches by Other Members – 7.5 minutes in total; and

‒ a speech in response by the Minister – 5 minutes; and

(c) members may share time;

5. the proceedings on the amendments from the Seanad to the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 2 hours, and any amendments from the Seanad not disposed of shall be decided by one question which shall be put from the Chair, and which shall, in relation to amendments to the Seanad amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage;

6. the following arrangements shall apply to the proceedings on the Motions for Revised Estimates for Public Services 2025 [Votes 1 to 6, 13, 16, 23, 26, 29, 30, 32 to 36, 42 and 45]:

(a) the motions shall be moved and decided together by one question which shall be put from the Chair;

(b) the proceedings thereon shall be taken without debate; and

(c) any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; and

7. the proceedings on the Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2025 shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately.

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

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

(i) the Dáil may sit later than 9.39 p.m.;

(ii) the time allotted for Government Business shall be extended in accordance with the arrangements for that business, with consequential effect on the commencement time for topical issues, which may be taken later than 7.24 p.m.; and

(iii) topical issues shall in any event be taken on the adjournment of the Second Stage of the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025, with consequential effect on the commencement time for Second Stage of the Criminal Justice (Promotion of Restorative Justice) (Amendment) Bill 2023; Provided that where the Second Stage of the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025 concludes within the available time, topical issues shall be taken on its conclusion; and

(b) the Dáil on its rising shall adjourn until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 17th September, 2025;

2. in relation to the proceedings on the Second Stage of the Proceeds of Crime and Related Matters Bill 2025, the following arrangements shall apply:

(a) subject to subparagraph (ii), the proceedings shall, if not previously concluded, be interrupted and stand adjourned after 3 hours and 24 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows:

(i) the arrangements for the first speaking round shall be in accordance with those contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down);

(ii) where speeches conclude before the 3 hours and 24 minutes have elapsed and no other member is offering, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and

(iii) members may share time; and

(b) the proceedings shall not be resumed on Thursday; and
Gov SF Lab Gov SF
Mins 20 20 20 12 4
SD Gov SF IPTG Gov
Mins 20 12 4 20 12
SF ITG Gov SF OM
Mins 4 20 12 4 20
3. in relation to the proceedings on the Second Stage of the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025, the following arrangements shall apply:

(a) the Bill may be taken in Government time;

(b) subject to subparagraph (ii), the proceedings shall, if not previously concluded, be interrupted and stand adjourned after 3 hours and 24 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows:

(i) the arrangements for the first speaking round shall be in accordance with those contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down);

(ii) where speeches conclude before the 3 hours and 24 minutes have elapsed and no other member is offering, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and

(iii) members may share time; and

(c) the proceedings shall not be resumed on Thursday.
Gov SF Lab Gov SF
Mins 20 20 20 12 4
SD Gov SF IPTG Gov
Mins 20 12 4 20 12
SF ITG Gov SF OM
Mins 4 20 12 4 20

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Are the proposed arrangements for this week's business agreed to?

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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No. Six months on, this really is a do-nothing Government. Hundreds of families in Donegal and the west of Ireland have waited ten months for it to honour its promise to bring in a simple amendment to legislation to ensure the increase in the cap for defective block homeowners applies to people already in the scheme.

That means they cannot make the final payments to builders. The Government is now pushing the issue on for two more months. A simple amendment any legislator here could have done in hours is all that is needed. The Government has not honoured this for ten months. It is a do-nothing Government. It is outrageous how the Government has treated those homeowners.

3:10 pm

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I call Deputy Conor Sheehan.

A Deputy:

That has nothing to do with the Order of Business.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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It has everything to do with the Order of Business.

Photo of Conor SheehanConor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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In a reply to my party leader during Leaders' Questions on the issue of GAA Palestine, the Taoiseach said he would say no more. We need answers on this, however. This is perplexing for us in opposition too. The necessary documentation was supplied. The appeals mechanism allowed no real mechanism for the trip to go ahead due to the timeframe. The inconsistency-----

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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That is not true.

Photo of Conor SheehanConor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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-----applied to this by virtue of the nationality of these coaches is concerning. We need the Tánaiste to come in and have a debate on this.

Photo of Sinéad GibneySinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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GAA Palestine insists all of the documentation was in order and yet they were denied visas. It has since been dismissed by the Department of Justice.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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That is not true.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Sorry, Taoiseach, the Chief Whip will have an opportunity to respond.

Photo of Sinéad GibneySinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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Any solution through the Department of Justice appeal process leaves them too late. The €40,000 they paid for flights will be gone because they had to pay beforehand. We need to discuss this, and the broader issue of visas from Palestine, today.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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No appeal has been lodged.

Photo of Conor SheehanConor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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They could not lodge an appeal.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Excuse me, Taoiseach. I call Deputy Paul Murphy.

Photo of Paul MurphyPaul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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Let us have a debate on that so we can hear it.

We heard this morning from the Government that we are facing an era of restraint - austerity, in other words. We had two pre-election budgets with once-off payments and now, after the election, we have a return to austerity budgets.

(Interruptions)

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Please, Deputies.

Photo of Paul MurphyPaul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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That is deeply cynical when the cost-of-living crisis is deepening for ordinary people and when four in ten parents are cutting back on meals so their children have enough to eat. It is austerity for ordinary people, not for the landlords who will see their rents increase even faster or the property developers who will benefit from shrinkflation. We need to debate this in the Dáil instead of allowing the Government to normalise a return to austerity.

Photo of Michael CollinsMichael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)
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We need a debate this week in the Dáil on the leaked draft of the Common Agricultural Policy, which shows zero ambition to protect food security going forward. It looks like there will be no increase in funding for the LEADER programme and no increase in funding for agriculture. With rural pubs and post offices closing in the country, this is a terrible time for this leaked document to come out. As Independent Ireland has stated, the funding seems to be heading towards arms, tanks and guns but not for food security in this country.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy Mary Lou McDonald has a proposed amendment to the Order of Business.

Photo of Mary Lou McDonaldMary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Under Standing Order 35(3), I propose that time be urgently scheduled for statements today on the Department of justice's refusal of visas for 33 children and their chaperones who are due to travel to Ireland from Palestine to play hurling. The children have practised and trained for a year.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I thank Deputy McDonald. The amendment has been stated.

Photo of Mary Lou McDonaldMary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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This is a modest respite for children-----

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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The Chief Whip will now respond.

Photo of Mary Lou McDonaldMary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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-----living in a live genocide.

Photo of Conor SheehanConor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Hear hear.

Photo of Joanna ByrneJoanna Byrne (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Hear hear.

Photo of Mary ButlerMary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I notice all the requests from the various Whips. At the Business Committee meeting last Thursday, there was no dissent in relation to the Order of Business for this week, just the rolling dissent.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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That is not correct.

Photo of Cian O'CallaghanCian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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That is not true.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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It is there in black and white. The dissent was recorded in black and white.

(Interruptions)

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I ask Deputies to allow the Chief Whip to respond, without interruption.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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I am asking for the Government Chief Whip to correct the record.

Photo of Malcolm ByrneMalcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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It is the same every week.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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The dissent is in black and white.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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If I might just say, the Chief Whip has not even had a chance to get the words out of her mouth.

(Interruptions)

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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When Deputies allow the Chief Whip to finish, I will then-----

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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The Chief Whip has just said there was no dissent.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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She had another sentence to complete. If the Deputy waits, we can make an adjudication.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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Not at all. The sentence was completed.

Photo of Mary ButlerMary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCeann Comhairle. We have a busy schedule this week, with several pieces of important legislation. I propose we proceed with the Order of Business as set out.

Photo of Mary Lou McDonaldMary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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What about the children from Palestine?

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Are the proposed arrangements agreed to?

Deputies:

Not agreed.

Question put: "The amendment proposed to arrangements on the Order of Business is hereby negatived and the proposed arrangements for the week’s business are hereby agreed to."

The Dáil divided: Tá, 88; Níl, 69; Staon, 0.


Tellers: Tá, Deputies Mary Butler and Emer Currie; Níl, Deputies Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and Conor Sheehan.

William Aird, Catherine Ardagh, Grace Boland, Tom Brabazon, Brian Brennan, Shay Brennan, Colm Brophy, James Browne, Colm Burke, Peter Burke, Mary Butler, Paula Butterly, Jerry Buttimer, Malcolm Byrne, Michael Cahill, Catherine Callaghan, Dara Calleary, Seán Canney, Micheál Carrigy, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Jack Chambers, Peter Cleere, John Clendennen, Niall Collins, John Connolly, Joe Cooney, Cathal Crowe, John Cummins, Emer Currie, Martin Daly, Aisling Dempsey, Cormac Devlin, Alan Dillon, Albert Dolan, Paschal Donohoe, Timmy Dooley, Frank Feighan, Seán Fleming, Norma Foley, Pat Gallagher, James Geoghegan, Noel Grealish, Marian Harkin, Danny Healy-Rae, Michael Healy-Rae, Martin Heydon, Emer Higgins, Keira Keogh, John Lahart, Michael Lowry, Micheál Martin, David Maxwell, Paul McAuliffe, Noel McCarthy, Charlie McConalogue, Tony McCormack, Helen McEntee, Séamus McGrath, Erin McGreehan, John McGuinness, Kevin Moran, Aindrias Moynihan, Michael Moynihan, Shane Moynihan, Michael Murphy, Hildegarde Naughton, Joe Neville, Darragh O'Brien, Jim O'Callaghan, Maeve O'Connell, James O'Connor, Willie O'Dea, Patrick O'Donovan, Ryan O'Meara, John Paul O'Shea, Christopher O'Sullivan, Pádraig O'Sullivan, Naoise Ó Cearúil, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Neale Richmond, Peter Roche, Eamon Scanlon, Brendan Smith, Niamh Smyth, Edward Timmins, Gillian Toole, Robert Troy, Barry Ward.

Níl

Ciarán Ahern, Ivana Bacik, Cathy Bennett, John Brady, Pat Buckley, Joanna Byrne, Matt Carthy, Sorca Clarke, Michael Collins, Catherine Connolly, Rose Conway-Walsh, Ruth Coppinger, Réada Cronin, Seán Crowe, David Cullinane, Jen Cummins, Pa Daly, Máire Devine, Pearse Doherty, Paul Donnelly, Dessie Ellis, Aidan Farrelly, Mairéad Farrell, Gary Gannon, Sinéad Gibney, Paul Gogarty, Thomas Gould, Ann Graves, Johnny Guirke, Eoin Hayes, Rory Hearne, Alan Kelly, Eoghan Kenny, Martin Kenny, Claire Kerrane, Paul Lawless, George Lawlor, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Mary Lou McDonald, Donna McGettigan, Conor McGuinness, Denise Mitchell, Paul Murphy, Johnny Mythen, Gerald Nash, Natasha Newsome Drennan, Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh, Cian O'Callaghan, Robert O'Donoghue, Ken O'Flynn, Roderic O'Gorman, Louis O'Hara, Louise O'Reilly, Darren O'Rourke, Eoin Ó Broin, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Ruairí Ó Murchú, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Liam Quaide, Maurice Quinlivan, Pádraig Rice, Conor Sheehan, Marie Sherlock, Duncan Smith, Peadar Tóibín, Charles Ward, Mark Ward, Jennifer Whitmore.

Question declared carried.

3:30 pm

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Before we move to Questions on Policy or Legislation, I welcome the special needs assistants from Marshalstown, Enniscorthy, who are here with Deputy Catherine Callaghan.

I call Deputy Mary Lou McDonald.

3:35 pm

Photo of Mary Lou McDonaldMary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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In August 2016, Clodagh Hawe and her three young sons, Liam, Niall and Ryan, were murdered by her husband and their father Alan Hawe. He then killed himself. Clodagh's sister, Jacqueline Connolly, and her mother have been asking for the 2019 serious crime review into those murders be released by the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris. An initial investigation determined that Alan Hawe was motivated by depression and psychosis, however, in early 2024, Jacqueline and her mother were given a presentation of the serious crime review that revealed a depth of planning to the murders, which now calls that conclusion into question. In March, the family met with the Minister for justice, Deputy O'Callaghan, who told them he would ask the Commissioner to release the review and ask the Attorney General about a second inquest but since then the family has heard nothing. They are now asking for the Taoiseach's assistance to secure the publication of the serious crime review and the holding of a second inquest.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I pay tribute to Jacqueline Connolly who has demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience in the aftermath of the tragic murder of her sister Clodagh, and also Mary Coll, her mother, who met with the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, as the Deputy said, back in February and previously with the then Minister, Deputy McEntee. The Attorney General also received correspondence for solicitors representing the family but he would have written back. I think he wrote back in December, where he indicated that he required further information in respect of a decision to do a second inquest. He has not refused a second inquest and is requesting further information. He needs apparently substantive documentation. I have spoken to him in relation to that. Liam Keane is the solicitor who wrote to the Attorney General. Also-----

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Thank you, Taoiseach.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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-----regarding the publication of the serious crime review, my understanding is that one has never been published before-----

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Thank you, Taoiseach. The time is up. You can correspond further. I call Deputy Bacik.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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-----but the Minister for justice and I will engage with the Garda Commissioner on the matter to see if we can get it published.

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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We have seen yet another Trump tariff turn with his 30% announcement - or threat at least - at the weekend. I know, as the Taoiseach has said, this would be ruinous both for the EU economy and the US. We have also seen the new deadline of 1 August. Speaking with small business owners, they say it is not a relief to see that extended. Rather, it prolongs the uncertainty for business in Ireland, as the Taoiseach will be aware. I am asking what the impact will be and what is the contingency. The Government has already indicated there will clearly be an impact on budget planning. Will he confirm when the summer economic statement will be published? Will there be a revised national development plan next week as we understand? If the 30% tariffs proceed, does the Government anticipate having to revise the economic plan and will the Dáil be recalled at that point? I am conscious this is all very uncertain internationally but what is the contingency planning for Government?

Finally, I welcomed the fact that the Tánaiste provided Opposition leaders with briefings at different stages of the process on tariffs and I would welcome that to be continued.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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First, the situation is very volatile and is very uncertain. It is because of that we are facing a very difficult background to the development of the NDP, completion of the national development plan, which is capital expenditure on water, energy and so on, the Estimates process with the Government and line Ministers and then the budget itself in October. It is very difficult to forecast and we have to be prudent. We have to be cautious and careful in terms of the resources we have. I know everybody wants us to spend billions but that is not open to us. We will be spending a lot. There will not be any austerity as has been asserted but there has to be some degree of caution here because the situation could change. There is considerable downside risk. There may be a relative upside risk if none of this materialises but there will be tariffs and the Economic Social Research Institute has done tables of 10% tariff impact and so on.

Photo of Rory HearneRory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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The Government's last action before the Dáil rises for the summer is to cook the books on affordable housing delivery and ram through new legislation to reduce apartment standards that will mean generations of Irish people will be forced to pay €3,000 a month rent to investor funds to live in dark shoeboxes. Once again, the Government is sacrificing renters to investor funds and developers, who are clearly the ones making the housing policies. The apartment reductions will result in delayed projects. Ultimately, they will result in the creation of modern-day tenements. No mix, just all high-density micro-unit misery, less light, less space and higher rents.

We are likely to see to see more overcrowding and negative impacts on mental and physical health. Where will young people in our cities be able to have enough space to have a family when all that is built is one-bedroom apartments and studios? It is a cynical move, creating micro-units that will inflate the Government's delivery numbers so it can say it has met its housing targets, just like half its affordable home delivery this year has been vacant grants. Where is the evidence that the Government's new apartment guidelines will result in more affordable homes?

3:45 pm

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I thank Deputy, but his time is up.

Photo of Rory HearneRory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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How can the Taoiseach ensure the cost savings will be passed on to homebuyers and renters and not just line the pockets of developers and investor funds?

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy, unfortunately, and his party engage continually in the politics of slogans, not action. We are taking action. The Deputy mentioned two; we have taken about 15 actions since the beginning of this Government in relation to housing alone and will continue to take action on housing. There will be housing types of different size. By definition, that is okay. They will not be dark shoeboxes.

Photo of Rory HearneRory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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They will.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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There are sensible provisions. Different people look for different types of accommodation at different stages of their lives.

Photo of Rory HearneRory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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But it is the developers that will come in and-----

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy-----

Photo of Rory HearneRory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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The developers-----

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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We will build, predominantly, more houses. We need more apartments. We need more-----

Photo of Rory HearneRory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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Not shoeboxes.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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-----private sector investment. The Deputy does not want any private sector investment, it seems.

Photo of Rory HearneRory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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That is not true.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy just attacked the funds.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy Hearne, it is not a back and forth.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy does not want funds in, for example. I would love to know how the Social Democrats would get to 300,000. How is it going to get the 50,000?

Photo of Rory HearneRory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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We have put it in the homes for Ireland scheme.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Social Democrats have not. That is not going to give what we need.

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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Fórsa, on behalf of caretakers and secretaries in schools, has served formal notice on 2,000 schools of indefinite strike action at the end of August. They have been forced into this position due to the lack of action from the Government in relation to parity and equality for caretakers and secretaries, as are given to SNAs, teachers and principals. It has long been recognised that schools cannot function without secretaries or caretakers. They are top of the list in terms of keeping schools going. The then Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, said five years ago:

... the role they play in our education system is as important as that of schoolteachers, SNAs and school principals. For that reason, it is the Government's objective to regularise their employment, terms and conditions, and pension rights.

Unfortunately, that has not happened. Now, strike notice has been served.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy knows, the pay issue was resolved. There was a full and final settlement with Fórsa in terms of school secretaries. They play an essential and very important role in terms of the organisation and smooth administration of schools. Dialogue is the best way to deal with these issues. The Department officials are fully open to engaging with Fórsa to try to reach a solution on this matter. I hope we can get a mechanism to get discussion going on this issue.

Photo of Paul LawlessPaul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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The rural pub is the heart and soul of rural communities. In many villages and towns, it is the last remaining space for villages and clubs to come together to support rural organisations. The rural pub is closing in dramatic fashion. Recently, a report by the Vintners' Federation of Ireland, VFI, found that there was significant pressure. One in four pubs has closed since 2005. This represents more than 2,000 pubs. This trend will continue. I want the Government to realise that there is significant value to the rural pub. A two-tier economy is developing in Ireland. If the Taoiseach comes to Connacht, he will see significant dereliction in our town centres. We need to protect the rural pub. Government policy on excise duty and VAT is hammering rural pubs. The other major issue for publicans is the lack of transport at night time. There has been a significant reduction in the number of taxis in Ireland. There has been an increase in population and an increase in State contracts in terms of the HSE and the Department of education. As a result, taxi drivers in the main are fulfilling their taxi obligations during the day.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Thank you, Deputy. It is one question, Deputy.

Photo of Paul LawlessPaul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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As a result, there are no taxis-----

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy Lawless, your time is up. The Taoiseach to respond.

Photo of Paul LawlessPaul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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-----at night time and publicans are forced to operate an informal taxi service-----

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy, your time is up.

Photo of Paul LawlessPaul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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-----which is causing massive pressure. Will the Taoiseach address the key issues in the pub sector----

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Your time is up.

Photo of Paul LawlessPaul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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-----in terms of tax, excise duty and transport? We need greater flexibility for taxi services.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I call the Taoiseach, should he wish to respond.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I was going to say you could do with a pint after all that.

There are approximately 7,200 pubs in the country. That still is a substantial amount. The rural pub does play a very important social role in rural communities and, indeed, for the urban community to visit rural communities and enjoy the ambiance, relaxation and engagement with people.

We fully acknowledge that. I think there have been a lot of changes in society over the years and the majority of rural pubs closing may have to do with family obligations. Many were kept going by an individual member of the family, with younger members maybe not in a position to take it up because of full-time jobs and so on.

3:55 pm

Photo of Paul LawlessPaul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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And economic viability. That is important. Economic viability and no taxis.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy Lawless, this is not a back and forth. Excuse me.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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If we are honest, and rightly so, successive governments in the past had to introduce drink driving laws and all of that, all of which reduced capacity for people to get to the pub at night. There are lots of factors and behaviour has changed as well.

Photo of Paul LawlessPaul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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Taxis.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I would recommend a good, long-----

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I ask the Taoiseach to please stick to the time.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I will not, so, or I will get into trouble.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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One question, not ten. Deputy Shane Moynihan is next.

Photo of Shane MoynihanShane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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As a former Minister for Education and Science and someone who pioneered in the areas of early years education, the Taoiseach, like me, would agree that childcare is an important piece of social infrastructure. Coming from a constituency like mine where we have rapidly growing communities and 75% of demand for childcare is for the age range of between one and three, it is very clear that planning guidelines around leaving spaces for childcare have not worked. In the South Dublin County Council area over the last ten years, of the last 22 permissions that had a crèche granted as a condition of planning, only three had delivered operational childcare.

I welcome the commitment in the programme for Government that a forward planning unit is being established in the Department of children. Will it be resourced and set up in the same way as the forward planning unit in the Department of education? Will it work proactively with local authorities in the context of the formation of the county development plans to identify sites for future childcare facilities, building on the commitment the State has demonstrated in the NDP through the building blocks fund for the provision of this very crucial piece of social infrastructure for families right across the country?

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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First, I thank the Deputy for his comment. I think it is a very fair point in terms of the need for a forward planning unit in the Department of children. There is one now to identify the gaps and the needs of a growing population for childcare services. It will be resourced. It has been a success and impactful in the Department of education relative to the situation prior to that, when perhaps there was not as focused an approach to planning ahead in terms of changing demographics and so forth. The short answer is "Yes", and this is something we are equally anxious to do.

Photo of Joe NevilleJoe Neville (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I wish to raise the issue of safety on our roads and, indeed, footpaths in relation to e-scooters and e-bikes. Last week, while coaching our under-14 hurlers in Leixlip, I noticed that there was an ambulance and a police car at an incident on the road behind us. I went up to investigate. I saw a nine-year-old boy being carried away in an ambulance. He had been cycling his bike and minding his own business, along with other people, on the footpath at 7 p.m. in Leixlip. An e-scooter had come along and, obviously, hit him. There was impact there. For me, it highlighted the fear I hear from a lot of people, including elderly people out walking the roads, about e-scooters and e-bikes on the footpaths and where they are mixed or merging. It is not even footpaths; there might be a split cycle lane on the path, so they are sharing similar spaces.

There was legislation last year. Can we look at the penalties around this? There are €50 on-the-spot fines. Are they sufficient? What extra help can we give the Garda as regards enforcement of these issues on our streets? Families are no longer safe having their children out sharing the space on the paths, and our elderly no longer feel safe walking the same roads and sharing the same paths.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for raising this. It is an issue, and as newer technologies emerge, we are getting more crowded road space again. Just as we have begun to segregate cycling and walking from motor transport, we now find that some of those routes are crowded out by e-scooters and e-bikes, which are fantastic for people who may not be as fit as others for getting up a hill and so on. There is always a balance needed between overregulation and no regulation at all, or guidelines in terms of trying to influence behaviour and increase awareness about the dangers of all of this. I will ask the Minister for justice to reflect on the Deputy's presentation. It could be a matter for an Oireachtas subcommittee to take hearings on and see how best we can plan this.

Photo of Réada CroninRéada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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St. Farnan's Post Primary School in Prosperous has been oversubscribed-----

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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Which one?

Photo of Réada CroninRéada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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St. Farnan's Post Primary School in Prosperous. It has been oversubscribed for three years, putting serious pressure on the delivery of secondary school education in Prosperous and the surrounding area. Temporary accommodation, including a science lab, woodwork room, two classrooms, toilets and an office were coming up from a school in Monasterevin but that is only going to meet the needs of this coming year. This project has been in preplanning with the devolved section since last October and the delay is extremely frustrating. The school had been expecting to get this accommodation at the end of August but it has now been told that will not be until November. Without progress, the 1,000-pupil school is going to be facing the same crisis again and again. I urge the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to escalate this with her Department to ensure that the specialist units are served and delivered as a priority. We have to make sure that St. Farnan's will be safely able to deliver the education our secondary school children need in north Kildare.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I will ask the Minister in respect of this and indicate that the Deputy raised it, although I am not clear from the Deputy's presentation as to why it is still in preplanning or whether there were particular difficulties with the planning.

Photo of Réada CroninRéada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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There was delays on the Department's end.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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The Deputy can correspond further.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I will talk to the Minister in respect of it.

Photo of Maeve O'ConnellMaeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I wish to take the opportunity to ask the Taoiseach to talk to the Minister for Transport and ask him to urgently introduce the policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems. This regards the guidelines for the commercial operation of drones. In my constituency of Dublin Rathdown, there is a plan to open a drone delivery hub right in the heart of Dundrum village, next to Holy Cross Church. The decision has to be made on that by the closing date of 5 August, hence the urgent need for these guidelines. I hope that these guidelines will help reassure the general public about the noise, safety, privacy and environmental aspects of the operation of a drone delivery hub. It cannot be the case that we expect a funeral group, who expect calm and peace in their local church, to find themselves contending with the noise and buzzing of drones taking off and coming down right next door. I ask that, when the Minister publishes these guidelines, he takes into account our religious and community spaces and tries to provide some level of protection for them. The Minister of State, Deputy Higgins also raised this.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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First of all, there is a comprehensive European Union legislative framework in place to regulate safe drone operations that is directly applicable in Ireland. I made this point last week in the Dáil. These regulations cover both recreational and commercial use, including commercial drone delivery services. The Irish Aviation Authority, the civil aviation regulator, oversees the implementation of the European Union's drone regulations and standards.

While there is a comprehensive regulatory framework in place from an aviation safety perspective, there are areas where the rapid pace of expansion of drone operations has resulted in gaps and uncertainty, and a new policy framework is being developed. Work on the drafting of the policy framework was recently finalised and it is expected to be approved and published in the coming weeks. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, expects to bring the policy framework to the Government before the end of this month. This new policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems will seek to identify and address any policy, regulatory or legislative gaps.

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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Over the last number of days, the South East Economic Monitor published its report, which showed a stagnant economy across the south east. There are very worrying figures in that report, which comes from a group of academics in the South East Technological University. One of the issues they cite is a lack of public investment in infrastructure. It is not that difficult to understand when there is no funding for the N24 this year and no funding for the N25 Waterford to Glenmore road, which should have got funding. There is still no funding for Waterford Airport. I have asked the Taoiseach several times about that but there is still no commitment from the Government to deliver. According to two parliamentary questions I have put down, of all the model 4 hospitals, University Hospital Waterford was joint bottom in relation to capital funding over the last ten years. Regarding technological universities, of all of the TUs, the South East Technological University was bottom of the list when it came to capital infrastructure. All of this proves that we are simply not getting our fair share. When is the Government going to sign off on the funding for Waterford Airport?

Photo of Conor McGuinnessConor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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Hear, hear.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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Did the Minister, James Lawless, not dig a sod in the technological university just a couple of weeks ago for a new engineering block worth about €120 million?

Photo of Conor McGuinnessConor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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The lowest level of funding.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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It is not Deputy McGuinness's question and there is no back and forth.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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By the way, I was the Minister who secured the site for that university-----

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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It was a hole in the ground for ten years because of the Government's failure.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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-----in terms of a new site to get it developed, and it has been a very great success story. The URDF funding was very significant for Waterford as well, and that should be acknowledged.

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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Read the monitor report.

4:05 pm

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have not seen the economic monitor yet. I would like to see it because there has been there has been significant investment, both public and private, in Waterford - thankfully, because it is a good thing - and in the south east more generally. I will have a look at that. The economy is growing. Unemployment is at 4%, which is more or less equivalent to full employment, so it is difficult to identify how a report could say the economic performance was stagnant.

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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I will send the Taoiseach the replies to the parliamentary questions I got on capital funding-----

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy, please.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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If the Deputy could send me on the-----

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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-----for the hospital and the university.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Do it in your own time, Deputy.

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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The Taoiseach will see that we are at the bottom, unfortunately.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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Is it "Lies, lies and damned statistics"? I am not saying the Deputy is saying that. That is just a common quote, before I get into more trouble.

Photo of Danny Healy-RaeDanny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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Many people are looking forward to the Puck Fair festival in Killorglin this year. It has been going on for over 400 years and survived many obstacles, bad times and good times. It even survived Joe Duffy's attack on the goat. However, 14 publicans looked for an exemption until 3 a.m. from the District Court recently. They only got an exemption until 2 a.m. I believe they are appealing it. I hope they are. They were told it would be too much of a strain on Garda resources, yet we have to listen constantly to requests here in Dublin about opening Dublin until 6 a.m. They are saying they want to bring back the night. Puck Fair is a place where so many people come back to meet each other yearly, or maybe every three or four years.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I thank the Deputy.

Photo of Danny Healy-RaeDanny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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Are Garda resources under so much pressure that we cannot afford an extra hour each night until 3 a.m. in order to maintain the tradition we have had in Killorglin? It was open all night at one time.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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The Deputy has asked his question.

Photo of Danny Healy-RaeDanny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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Are we under such pressure for Garda resources? I invite the Taoiseach, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, the Chief Whip and the Ceann Comhairle to Puck Fair. All are welcome.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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The Deputy will have plenty of time during recess to get his ears checked. His time is up.

Photo of Danny Healy-RaeDanny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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Is An Garda Síochána under so much pressure that we cannot afford an extra hour each night?

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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The Deputy is on "RTÉ News: Six One" now.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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There were many times in Kerry apparently when there were many lock-ins. I would say the Deputy has outdone Leo Varadkar in terms of night life. He is extolling the virtues of going the whole night long.

Photo of Mary ButlerMary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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What?

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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In terms of night life. Bí cúramach anois. The big issue is about drinking till 2 a.m. This is the first time it has ever been presented to me in the Dáil that the Deputy wants us to go to 3 a.m.

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Until 6 a.m. actually.

Photo of Danny Healy-RaeDanny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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It is a yearly event. It has been happening for more than 413 years.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy, please resume your seat. To be fair, other Deputies will miss out because of Deputy Healy-Rae.

Photo of Danny Healy-RaeDanny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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The Government is hurting everyone now with this hour because of Garda resources.

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I will be there at 6 a.m.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Other Deputies will miss out. The Taoiseach's time is up.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have the Minister for justice alongside me. He has heard the Deputy's pleas.

Photo of Danny Healy-RaeDanny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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He knows what the place is like.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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He has undertaken to go down to Puck Fair. I will see what I can do to attend as well but I may not be around at the time.

Photo of Sinéad GibneySinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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A huge number of residents of Dundrum and nearby locations contacted me recently. They are worried about privacy, noise and disruption and they are worried about drones. After several trials around Dublin and complaints from residents going unaddressed by this Government, a new drone depot is proposed for Dundrum. Let me be clear: I do not blame a company that, in the absence of regulation, has decided to take over our skies. That is what businesses do when we leave a regulatory gap. They take advantage of it. In the past few years, local authorities, An Bord Pleanála and the Irish Aviation Authority have each in turn pointed to the clear gap in regulation that needs to be filled to stop the space above our homes being flooded with commercial traffic. Assurances from these businesses that it is not that loud or that they will take care of privacy are not enough for the Dundrum community and they do not wash with me. The responsibility for this problem and for solving it lies with the Government. What is being done to ensure commercial drones are not given free reign over our homes and our communities?

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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As I said earlier, there are regulations in place under the EU legislative framework to regulate safe drone operations. The Irish Aviation Authority, the civil aviation regulator, oversees the implementation of those regulations. I did indicate earlier that work on the drafting of the policy framework was recently finalised. It is expected to be approved and published in the coming weeks.

Photo of Sinéad GibneySinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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It is not addressing privacy.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I know, Deputy, but we either say "No" to drones altogether because-----

Photo of Sinéad GibneySinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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We need to regulate them.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy, this is not a back and forth.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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We are the most regulated country. Let the policy framework come up, then we can analyse it. The Oireachtas will have an opportunity-----

Photo of Sinéad GibneySinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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Meanwhile, privacy and noise-----

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I hope Members take time to reflect during recess on the format of these debates. The format is one minute each way. We are out of time because of the behaviour of some Deputies. That means there are two Deputies still on the list. I am going to allow it. It is no fault of those Deputies, but stay within the time. I call Deputy Conor Sheehan.

Photo of Conor SheehanConor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I thank the Ceann Comhairle for her latitude. I want to raise again - this is about the fourth time - the issue of policing in Limerick city. In the last pass-out from Templemore, we received one extra Garda and lost one Garda to retirement. We have had 17 shootings so far this year. This week, we had the terrible situation where a retail worker was assaulted and bitten by somebody who claimed when she attacked this person that she had HIV. This retail worker is now out of work. I am pleading for an increased allocation from the next pass-out from Templemore. At the moment, our city is like a tinderbox. We are also still waiting for the Garda Commissioner to approve a CCTV scheme in Garryowen. The joint An Garda Síochána and Limerick City and County Council business case for CCTV funding is with the Commissioner at the moment. Will the Taoiseach please talk to the Garda? We really need to see more gardaí on the street in Limerick.

Photo of Jim O'CallaghanJim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy. Two months ago, I was down in Limerick and I had the opportunity to meet An Garda Síochána there and, indeed, representatives of Limerick Chamber of Commerce. I am aware of the issue in terms of the desire to get more gardaí on the streets in Limerick. I hear the same thing throughout the country. When it comes to the allocation of resources, however, I do not direct the Commissioner as to where he should send new recruits.

Photo of Conor SheehanConor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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But can the Minister take this back to him?

Photo of Jim O'CallaghanJim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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There will be an attestation on 22 August. I will certainly communicate what the Deputy has said to me here but I cannot guarantee him. I am not going to be a Minister for justice who directs the Commissioner to send gardaí to certain areas.

Photo of Paul GogartyPaul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Recent studies have shown that Dublin is again a dirty city and Cork as well, for that matter. They have not improved. If anything, they have become worse. We have had less visible plastic. A couple of weeks ago, I saw a guy throw a bottle out of the car. He would only have got 15 cent for it, but could not do anything about it, so it ended up in the ditch. We have a situation where half of all visible litter is cigarette butts. People stamp it on the ground thinking that it is plastic or will biodegrade. I even saw a council worker with a handcart do the same thing. I saw a person at an EV charger do it. Presumably, he bought an EV because he thought he was being eco-friendly, but then he put his butt on the ground. People throw butts beside bins.

In Australia, they have robust campaign called "Don't be a Tosser". In South Dublin County Council, I was not allowed to use the term "butt-tosser". They thought it was a little improper. I was asked whether I could use "cigarette butt disposal" instead when tabling a motion on the clár. When I raise the issue of fines, it is parked and passed over to the local authorities. However, the buck stops with the Government.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I thank the Deputy.

Photo of Paul GogartyPaul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Should we not increase fines to have real consequences for people dropping litter?

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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We should. We can do that but it is about enforcement and catching people. Fundamentally, it is about behavioural change. Cork is not a dirty city.

Photo of Paul GogartyPaul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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According to Irish Business Against Litter, IBAL, it is.

Photo of Verona MurphyVerona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy, please.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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The city council and new city administration are working might and mane to try to improve the Dublin situation in terms of cleanliness. It has improved significantly. However, the IBAL organisation has done fantastic work in highlighting all of this. Certainly, I would be open to proactive measures to dissuade people from littering. Where they litter away, without any regard for other people, they should be prosecuted and the fine should be significant.