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

After that bit of craic and sport between friends in government-----

Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Come on.

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

-----let me raise the issue-----

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

Sure, it is all great craic lads.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The clock is running, Deputy.

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

I know. Everyone's clock is running.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy was well able to use social media to support the all-Ireland semi-finalists last week.

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

It has been reported that the European Commission proposed to end the two-pillar Common Agricultural Policy budget and merge it with other cohesion funds. This is very bad news. We need ring-fenced budgets for agriculture and guaranteed income streams for farmers. Small family farms are being squeezed and pushed out of business. There has, of course, been an increase in the cost of food. How has the Government allowed this Commission proposal to grow legs and gather steam?

What does it propose to do to put a stop to this?

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

Ireland is very strongly supportive of the Common Agricultural Policy. The EU Commission will publish the multi-annual financial framework proposals later today. This is only the beginning of a long process. The Presidency that Ireland will hold in the latter half of 2026 will be important in the context of finalising issues around the multi-annual financial framework. There is a long road to travel yet. We believe in ring-fenced funding for the Irish agriculture industry, just as we believe in good, strong, robust trading agreements with countries like Canada, Japan and others all over the world. If Irish farmers do not have markets to sell their beef, their milk, their poultry and their pigs to-----

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

Does that include Mercosur?

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

-----then their livelihoods will go down. I do not understand Sinn Féin's position of opposition to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA, particularly as it would damage Irish farming.

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

It makes no sense.

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

What about Mercosur?

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I call Deputy Alan Kelly.

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

I know the Taoiseach is going be very sad next week when my great county of Tipperary defeats, in fairness, his great county of Cork in the all-Ireland. I just want to condition him for that. I hope that sadness does not permeate elsewhere, particularly as the Government is doing the NDP and the summer economic statement. There has been a bit of conditioning coming from the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach over the past few days. As we know now, there will be no cost-of-living package etc., but the Tánaiste has said that "the budget will look to see how we can structurally reduce the cost base and the delivery of services". Inflation on food and drink is rampant, at 4.6%. Milk is up 14% and beef is up over 20%. I am intrigued. What structural reductions will come in so quickly that they will have a dramatic impact on people watching us here now as to how they can put food and drink on the table?

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

First, Cork is quite happy to accept the underdog label-----

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

You already have your car signs printed.

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

-----that the Deputy has clearly ascribed to us. I would never have the degree of confidence he would have. We are humble people.

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

Humble. That is displayed everywhere.

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

In respect of the cost of living, fundamentally, since Covid and the war in Ukraine, there has been volatility, uncertainty and turbulence in world markets. Supply chains have been disrupted. That has been a factor in the very high inflation we experienced in the immediate aftermath of Covid and during the energy crisis caused by the war and the Russian invasion. One of the problems now is with the tariff policy adopted by the US Government. The latter is creating further uncertainty and volatility in markets, which does not help to settle the situation in respect of pricing. There are fundamental market issues here-----

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

What will be the structural reductions?

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

-----that have to be addressed.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government has achieved something no one previously thought possible when it comes to climate. Last year, our forests released more carbon than they stored. That is according to the Climate Change Advisory Council. The Government has turned our forests into carbon emitters. Its record is unbelievably bad. It is so bad that it is hard to fathom. The Government has no plan to remedy what is happening. Quite the opposite; it wants to double down on failure. The Taoiseach put Michael Healy-Rae in charge of forestry, and his big plan is to plant forests on peatland. That would have absolutely catastrophic consequences. This is meant to be the low-hanging fruit. All the Government has to do is encourage people to grow trees, and it cannot even get that right. What hope do we have of doing the hard stuff like wind farms and offshore wind? Does the Taoiseach realise that 20 years ago we were actually producing more wind energy than we are now? In 2030, there will be zero offshore wind energy produced by Ireland. We are hurtling towards disaster. Will the Taoiseach please tell me-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy, you are way over time.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----what his climate-sceptic Government will do to deal with this issue?

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

That is a bizarre assertion.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

What is a bizarre assertion?

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

What the Deputy said about forestry.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This is not a back and forth.

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

The Government has not turned anything into anything.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is not my assertion; it is the assertion of the Climate Change Advisory Council. It is science.

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

The new forestry programme is the biggest and best-funded forestry programme to date in Ireland, at €1.3 billion. A huge allocation has been made.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Forestry is a carbon emitter.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy, if you want to have-----

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

It provides unprecedented incentives to encourage the planting of trees. This can provide a valuable addition to farm income and help to meet national climate and biodiversity objectives. The forestry programme offers a very generous package to farmers, with premiums increased by between 46% and 66% and the length of premiums increased to 20 years. One licence is required now to plant a forest. There are strong environmental requirements around planting, particularly on peatlands, so that will not be there. Then there is the protection of the hen harrier, breeding waders and high nature value farmland. The Deputy could be a bit more serious in her analysis of forestry.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taoiseach needs to get serious. He needs to listen to the science.

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

There are cultural and behavioural issues-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Thank you, Taoiseach. Your time is up. I call on Deputy Ruth Coppinger.

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

-----around adoption of forestry for agricultural use.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We are emitting carbon.

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

Can murderers, specifically wife murderers, continue on the State payroll after conviction? Is there any regulation to stop someone receiving State funds years after killing someone, particularly the mother of their child? A number of attempts have been made to find out if James Kilroy, who murdered Valerie French, is still being paid by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS. My information is that he is. A journalist asked the NPWS and was told it was the subject of legal correspondence. Three freedom of information requests by somebody else have failed to elicit a clear answer. The first response said they could not answer a personal question. The second said that they could not clarify the procedure and it was being dealt with on a case-by-case basis. The third request also failed to elicit an answer. I ask the Taoiseach straight, why would the NPWS not point to the regulation where someone is no longer turning up to work and on the payroll? The information is that James Kilroy can not only keep his children but also that he can keep getting paid by the taxpayer years after killing his wife. Nothing seems to have been done about this. Why is this happening?

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

In respect of guardianship, there has been change.

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

Yes.

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

The Deputy has to acknowledge that. The Minister for justice has moved on that matter legislatively. I do not have the background in respect of the NPWS and how it is dealing with this, but I will find out and come back to the Deputy.

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

There is no law to stop such people being on the State payroll.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy, the same applies. This is not a back and forth.

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

Well, Deputy Martin should know that. He is the Taoiseach of the country.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Excuse me, Deputy.

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

He should be able to indicate whether there is a law-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I call on Deputy Michael Collins.

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

I asked the Taoiseach if there is a regulation or law and he has not answered.

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

Excuse me. It is my question now. The Deputy might sit down and give me the decency-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Thank you, Deputy. I will chair.

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

You might just let me ask a question without getting-----

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

I did not disrupt you when you were speaking.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Collins, please.

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

Well, I know you do not care about women's rights, but I am allowed to ask a question.

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

Sit down, please. Would you ever learn your place in this building?

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

Unbelievably rude.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Coppinger, please.

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

I want to raise a critical issue affecting the people of Castletownbere, Eyeries and Ardgroom. These communities are effectively frozen, unable to grow and develop because of a water infrastructure crisis that has gone unresolved for far too long. Planning applications are being refused or withdrawn due to the concerns over water abstraction from Glenbeg Lough, which lies within a special area of conservation. As a result, over 100 residential and commercial units are on hold. Even vital marine infrastructure and housing projects have been stalled. Castletownbere is Ireland's largest fishing port, yet its future is being held hostage by an outdated system and bureaucratic delays. A simple low-cost interim solution has been proposed, one that protects the environment while allowing development to proceed. This low-cost, low-tech, simple solution could be put in place quickly in order to give everyone breathing space to investigate the feasibility of developing a new source of water for Beara. Blocking development in Beara while more than 90% of rainfall is available through the environment is beyond draconian and grossly unfair to the people there. I urge the Taoiseach to act and to bring Uisce Éireann and all the concerned bodies together to work for a short-term solution for Beara.

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

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. It is obviously a matter of real concern to people in Ardgroom, Eyeries and Castletownbere. I have had discussions but not specifically on this issue. I did not realise the Deputy was going to raise the matter this morning, but I will follow up on it. I have asked Uisce Éireann, in respect of rural communities in particular, to develop bespoke solutions to deal with water supply and wastewater treatment under the umbrella of standards and facilitating an inspection regime subsequently. If the Deputy can send on the details, I will follow up.

Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The programme for Government outlines a commitment to reduce costs, minimising red tape, reforming our planning system and promoting direct delivery. Because there is a national housing crisis, I believe the Government needs to urge local authorities and planners to actively support individuals applying for planning permission. People feel disconnected from the process and feel they are unable to effectively deal with the local authority. We need a designated point of contact with local authorities for planning, allowing applicants to consult with a dedicated individual for guidance and support.

To effectively address the housing crisis, we must adopt a more collaborative approach to planning. This means ensuring that the processes are not only accessible, but also welcoming and supportive. Many of these people could easily have their names on council housing lists, but with help from parents, families or friends, they could build homes over time. A more collaborative approach is needed to ensure the planning process is accessible and supportive so that people can build homes for themselves and their families.

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

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. There is a lot of merit in what he is saying. The Government is endeavouring to develop greater flexibilities for people in rural Ireland in particular. I understand guidelines are under consideration in that respect to enable people to build their own homes. With the vacant grants and the grants to restore derelict houses, we have facilitated quite a number of people in rural Ireland, and young couples in particular, to establish homes. However, I know what the Deputy is saying, in that many people have the wherewithal to build a house. We just need to facilitate and enable them to do that.

James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The AI summit hosted by President Macron in February was a big moment for Europe, demonstrating innovation and a change of approach at a European level. I put it to the chair of the AI council at the AI committee that Ireland could host a similar AI summit during the hosting of the EU Presidency. That is something that has been taken up by the Minister of State with responsibility for AI, who also appeared before the committee. She indicated that she would prepare a report for the Taoiseach on the AI summit, which she advocates for. Does the Taoiseach agree that the EU Presidency presents a unique opportunity for Ireland to demonstrate that it will be the best in class for certainty when it comes to the regulation of such an important industry?

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

AI is an enormous issue of enormous consequence for the future of Ireland and the future of the world in terms of economy and society. Its impact will be as significant as the industrial revolution of the 19th century. I spoke to the Minister of State, Niamh Smyth, on this after the committee meeting. Certainly, we will give consideration to this.

I did attend the AI summit in Paris. It was a significant and enormous event involving governments across the world and was co-hosted by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and President Macron. There was also a lot of private sector involvement in the conference. I have met a lot of companies in the last while recently and there is absolutely no doubt that the impact of AI on work, behaviour and the economy will be profound. We need to be very clear about the regulatory environment but also see if there are areas in which we can develop particular strengths, given the strengths we already have in human capital on AI and in terms of some of the industries we have here, too.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I want to take up the issue of a child who is registered blind and who is due to start at Rampark National School in north Louth in September. The child can navigate around quite well but he is sensitive to lighting levels and they greatly affect him. It has been stated that he needs an SNA from a health and safety perspective. The principal of the school says communication with the NCSE has been incredibly difficult and the school has been given a hard “No” and told there will be no additional support. The school has been told to use the allocation that it has. It has promised the parents it will do everything it possibly can, but this situation needs to be looked at. There is an issue with SNA allocations and there are a number of other issues in ensuring we have appropriate places, but I ask that this particular issue be looked at and that there be an overall look at SNA allocations and appropriate places.

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

I thank the Deputy. I do not have the details of the individual case. The model of general allocation is one that was favoured by school bodies and principals when it was originally introduced, giving more flexibility to schools to deal with the numbers of children they may have in respect of additional needs.

I introduced the SNA system back in the late nineties when I was Minister for education and we had no SNAs in mainstream schools. By September, we will have 23,179 SNAs in the country. That is double the number of SNAs that were in our schools ten years ago. This year’s budget provides for about 1,600 additional special needs assistants. There is no cutting back on this. It is also the case that the number of children identifying with additional needs is growing. If the Deputy sends the details, we can forward them to the NCSE and see what it can do in respect of this particular case.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Taoiseach.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Taoiseach for taking this question. In the last few days of the school year, Gareth Heagney, the principal of Sixmilebridge national school in County Clare sent a letter out to parents. The school has around 400 pupils, so is quite a large school, and for the last few years it has only had three SNAs even though the children in the school have needs that far exceed that allocation. Indeed, children who will enrol in junior infants in September will also have additional needs. The school applied for an exceptional review to the NCSE. It was going to have that review on 16 June but it was cancelled. It now faces the prospect of starting the new school year, going back on 28 August, without having additional SNAs. The school is quite worried about that. The Taoiseach is a big advocate for SNA support in schools and supporting all children equally in the school environment, but it is daunting for the school that it faces a new school year without an additional SNA allocation. I ask for the Taoiseach’s intervention on this matter.

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

I thank Deputy Crowe for raising this issue. The National Council for Special Education, I understand, has advised that Sixmilebridge national school has resubmitted a previous special needs assistant review request, which now includes additional new junior infants due to start in September 2025. The NCSE has confirmed that the SNA review will be completed and the outcome notified to the school in advance of the new school year. It is important that that would happen.

I gave the figures in an earlier reply but, by September, we will have 23,179 special needs assistants. When the school receives its SNA allocation from the NCSE, it may recruit two SNA posts as it would have done in previous years, so there is no change to the recruitment process. I understand the particular issues facing the school in terms of its expansion and growth. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, have announced work is underway on a redeployment scheme for special needs assistants, which will be in place in the 2025-26 school year.

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Last April, the Minister for housing was quoted in the media as saying he would instruct all local authorities to reopen their county development plans and rezone a very significant additional amount of land for residential use so that that land is available for builders to build homes that people need across the country by the end of this year. This is a very welcome initiative. When will the Minister write to the local authorities and spell out what he wants from this process? Will he consider bringing in all the chief executives, directors of service for planning and chief planners along with the OPR’s office to thrash out how this move can result in progressing planning applications for local housing?

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

The Minister moved early in terms of the national planning framework and the follow-through on that is a circular to all local authorities on zoning and to get more land zoned for residential use. That is absolutely vital and we expect every executive and every county council to follow through on that and to zone more land because that will be essential for the level of housing we require in the coming decade.

The Minister had to go through certain procedures before the direction could issue. I will get the exact date for the Deputy.

Ann Graves (Dublin Fingal East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Our hearts are broken at the sight of Palestinian men, women and children being targeted and killed while queuing for food and drink. In the West Bank, families are forced to endure unprecedented levels of violence from the Israeli state and illegal settlers. The GAA in Palestine has been working with local clubs across Ireland to provide Palestinian children with much-needed respite from the trauma of war. This week, we received the heartbreaking news that the Department of justice had refused the visas to facilitate their trip to Ireland. This was devastating for the children, who were so looking forward to a trip to Ireland and a break from the atrocities in their own country. I know first hand the work that has gone into this by the community services in Fingal County Council and local GAA clubs, including Fingallians and O’Dwyers. They are deeply disheartened and outraged by the Department of justice’s outright refusal to allow these children to travel. I am pleading with the Taoiseach on behalf of the Palestinian children to use his office to ensure the visas are granted for them. Let them come to Ireland and play.

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

An appeal was lodged yesterday at about 2.40 p.m. even though people have suggested that an appeal could have lodged a week ago, but for some reason, that did not happen. I am genuinely perplexed about how all of this has been handled - not by the Department, but just generally. Normally in situations like this, the lead association would approach the Government or a Department with a plan and say it was intending to do this, and then one would get things lined up and people would understand what was required in respect of applications for visas. That is a fairly basic thing. There are basic rules there that apply to everybody in every situation. That has not quite happened on this occasion for some reason, and it has come late in the day in some respects - certainly from my perspective, if I am honest. There is something about this that has me surprised.

In any event, we are open. The appeal has gone in and is being considered by the Department, and the Department will respond as soon as possible.

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

In Senator Frances Black's occupied territories Bill in 2018, she set out four categories of trade: the import of goods; the import of services; the export of goods; and the export of services. Inexplicably, the Government's Bill has left out three of those categories. This is despite the unequivocal advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice that Israel's continued occupation of the occupied territories is unlawful and must be ended as soon as possible. The violation of international law places an obligation on us to do all we can, so I am asking the Taoiseach to give me an explanation as to why the Government is proceeding with just one aspect of Senator Black's 2018 Bill over seven years later in the face of genocide and slaughter. More people have been shot at the so-called humanitarian aid centres - I make no comparison; it is just that the figures are stark - than were killed when Hamas wrongly crossed the border, which I have condemned. More people have been murdered at aid centres.

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

It is horrific what is happening at the aid centres, where people have been mowed down, slaughtered and murdered. It is beyond any moral compass. I have condemned unreservedly the Israeli conduct in Gaza and the war in Gaza, particularly the last phase, which without question represents collective punishment of the people of Gaza and an attempt to drive them out of Gaza or make life so unbearable that people feel they have no alternative but to leave. That is something the international community has to respond to.

The legislation is currently going through the House. The Minister has asked for further legal advices in respect of services. In terms of the latter two points regarding the export of goods to the occupied territories, that is not an issue for us. In the past four to five years, goods worth about €600,000 have come in from the occupied territories, which is a tiny amount. Nonetheless, the symbolism of the Bill is important. When we get the legal advice back, we will have greater clarity regarding the inclusion of services.

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

I will raise an issue about a local school. In normal circumstances, I would not expect for one second the Taoiseach to have intimate details about a school in my constituency. The school is Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square. There was a moment during the last Dáil term when the name of that school was on all our lips because of the tragedy that befell the community there. Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire was promised a school building would be delivered and completed. It found out earlier this week that this would no longer be the case. There has been a large degree of radio silence from the Department and, in the absence of communications, there are all sorts of whispers. This school is in the north inner city and the Taoiseach is overseeing the task force on this area. I ask that his office take an interest, find out some information and re-engage with the parents council and community there because communication has been sorely lacking and people feel let down.

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

I presume it must know because it is a contractual issue.

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

Yes.

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

There is an issue between the Department and the contractor, so I presume the board of management must be aware of this. The board would be in-----

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

It does not know if it is going to go into litigation.

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

It must know.

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

It does not. I promise.

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

In any event, I will ask the Minister for education to talk to the Deputy in respect of it.

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Every year, 14,000 expectant women lose their babies. This equates to roughly 25% of pregnancies ending in a loss, which is clearly a traumatic and difficult time for any woman. Currently, those women need to rely on sick leave to deal with the loss they are going through. Are there any plans to introduce paid miscarriage leave as a stand-alone support for women affected by miscarriage and their families?

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

That was the subject of a debate in the Seanad recently. The Government has an open mind on this. I will give consideration to it but there is a time lead into this and so forth.

Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The birth rate in Ireland fell from 75,000 in 2010 to 55,000 in 2023. We now have the lowest birth rate ever. This low birth rate has clear negative impacts on sustaining our economy and public services. It will lead to a lower tax intake and inevitable cuts to our welfare state. Will the Government look at strategies to help increase the birth rate? This could be done by financially supporting people who want to have children. Additionally, we need to look at more imaginative strategies and not just financial ones. This is a really difficult challenge, as all countries in the world are experiencing, it but we must start having this conversation and face up to this reality, which is already well underway.

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

There is a broad range of factors. Ireland is late to the phenomenon described by the Deputy in many respects because we would have had the highest birth rate across Europe, and still do, is my understanding, or we have one of the highest. Nonetheless, the Deputy's point merits broader reflection in terms of the society we organise, how society is organised and supported, and challenges in terms of housing. They are all interrelated, so there is no one particular solution or idea that could change that trend. These are long-standing trends. The Deputy is right to raise the issue for reflection and for people to think about and I have no doubt that it could be a matter of discussion for some Oireachtas committee.

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to raise the issue of energy developments in County Galway. My constituency has seen some of the highest concentration of wind energy projects across the State. There are proposals for a large solar project in Monivea and two large-scale gas-fired generation plants in Athenry and Portumna. These projects are causing huge unease in communities. They are extremely divisive and they are all being led-----

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

Is it the two wind farms?

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We have wind farms, a solar project in Monivea and two large-scale gas-fired generation plants being proposed in Athenry and Portumna.

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

Are all of them causing concern?

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In general, yes. All these projects are very divisive. They are all being led by private investors that are only interested in extracting a profit from local resources and are not interested in the communities around them. The public consultations on these projects are nothing more than box-ticking exercises. There is no input from communities and many large-scale projects are in close proximity to residential areas. Everybody understands the critical need for energy security but this developer- and profit-led approach needs to change. Communities need to have real input and, ultimately, ownership of these projects. I ask the Taoiseach to look into the projects outlined and ensure there is real community consultation and guidelines where projects should be located.

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

I will say something at the outset in a broader sense. The Government does not develop wind farms. The Government does not develop solar farms. The prospect of doing that would involve a multibillion euro speculative kind of investment by the State, so they are privately led. The fundamental difference between us in terms of economic philosophy is that I believe there has to be a private sector and there has to be private sector investment in these matters. There have to be guidelines. The Deputy's point is interesting because he instanced wind energy, solar and gas, and there are problems with all three. We have a significant energy security problem. In fact, one of the biggest issues facing the Government for the future is energy security and how we provide for a growing population in terms of household energy, companies, business and industry and how we deal with the AI revolution that is coming.

We need a debate on energy, because if we are going to reject all three types, then we have a very bleak future from an energy perspective.

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not rejecting them. I am just about talking about guidelines for where they should be going in.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am sorry, Deputy, but your question time is over.

We have two Deputies who were outside the time. Given the day that is in it, I am going to allow them in, ask them to brief and ask the Taoiseach respond. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue to begin.

Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Ceann Comhairle. I am here with many friends today. I have the Knocklong Men's Shed and I have Patrick O'Dea here from Dromin. I have Maurice and Elly above in the Gallery and they are both wheelchair users. Maurice is from Granagh. He plays Munster hurling and tag rugby and he works in the HSE. He is 25. Maurice told me he had lost out on so much with his friends because the facilities were not there for wheelchair users. They are there in public buildings, but they are not in other businesses. Maurice knows businesses are under massive pressure, but is there any grant aid there to provide the basics for people who are wheelchair users so that they can go out and socialise with their friends? He has lost out on 18th and 21st birthday parties. His friends have been brilliant to him, but he wants to know. The Minister for Health is here as well. Maybe we could liaise with the likes of Maurice-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We will get the answer, Deputy, thank you very much.

Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----to see what we can do to help people in that situation.

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

I thank the Deputy very much for raising the issue. I welcome the community from Knocklong. I have a small connection. My grandfather was in the rescue party for Seán Hogan at Knocklong when he was rescued during the ambush there. They took him away and he was a sentry in the Galtee Mountains for a while.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I see "brief" is not going to work.

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

Well, the Deputy mentioned Knocklong and I was reared on the stories about it in my family.

Deputy O'Donoghue raised a more serious point about wheelchair users. I was at an event recently with the Department of Social Protection in terms of supporting the employment front. The Deputy makes a fair point. In schools and some other areas of life, we do support adaptation.

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

Local Link does it.

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

There is Local Link as well whereby we give incentives and supports in terms of facilitation for wheelchair users. There is certainly more we can do now with the sports grants because to the credit of sports clubs, of all codes, they are now developing really good streams of participation in sport-----

Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

For leisure.

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

-----for those with additional needs.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Maybe further engagement.

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

It is very good that rugby union is doing it. The GAA and soccer are doing it now as well.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Taoiseach. Further engagement would be warranted there. I call Deputy George Lawlor.

George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Ceann Comhairle. I recently met a Ukrainian woman who qualified as a GP in Kyiv. She practised for seven years as a GP and six as an intern. She is now working as a healthcare assistant and doing a very fine job in a primary care centre in Wexford. Last week, I met a man working with a drain clearing company in Wexford. He fled the conflict in Ukraine, where, having qualified and worked as a surgeon, he was moving to specialise in neurosurgery. They belong to a WhatsApp group with some 315 other highly skilled healthcare professionals from Ukraine. Their route to working in their discipline in Ireland is long and cumbersome and we employ highly skilled healthcare workers from right across the globe. Is there any way we can expedite the entry of Ukrainian healthcare professionals who are highly-skilled into our health service, given that they are here through no fault of their own but are eager-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Thank you, Deputy. The question is posed.

George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----and keen to take part in our workforce?

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

We are very keen for them to work here. There are three aspects to that. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, NMBI, has done good work on improving its registration times and I am confident about that side of things. CORU, for the health and social care professionals more generally, has made very significant progress, although the Taoiseach and I are discussing how we can bring that further in respect of physiotherapists and a range of professions in that space. That is moving on.

The aspect where I have concern is the Medical Council. The Deputy mentioned a GP and a surgeon. I have given a very clear direction to the Medical Council to improve its processes. It is due to report back to me in early September and I will be keeping the Taoiseach and the Cabinet committee updated on this. It is very clear that the Medical Council has received very significant additional investment and it is now up to it from a public safety perspective to have as many doctors registered as quickly as can be.