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

I move:

Tuesday's business shall be:

- Motion re Presentation and Circulation of Further Revised Estimates 2025 [Votes 29, 33 and 34] and Third Further Revised Estimate 2025 [Vote 24] (without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately)

- Motion re Approval of Appointment of Members of the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (without debate)

- Statements on School Transport (not to exceed 3 hours and 32 minutes)

Tuesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Energy Costs, selected by Sinn Féin.

Wednesday’s business shall be:

- Motion re Statement of Estimates for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (without debate)

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

- Statements on the Use of Vapes and Nicotine Products by Young People and Adolescents (not to exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes)

- Motion for Third Further Revised Estimate for Public Services 2025 [Vote 24] (to be taken no earlier than 5.30 p.m. and to conclude within 60 minutes, with any division claimed to be taken immediately)

Wednesday’s private members' business shall be the Motion re Child Poverty and Homelessness, selected by the Labour Party

Thursday's business shall be Statements on the National Social Enterprise Policy – Trading for Impact (not to exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes)

Thursday evening business shall be the Second Stage of the Industrial Relations (Boycott of Joint Labour Committees) Bill 2025, sponsored by Deputy George Lawlor

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) Parliamentary Questions to the Taoiseach pursuant to Standing Order 47(1) shall not be taken, and Government business shall commence at the time when Parliamentary Questions to the Taoiseach would normally be taken; and

(c) private members' business may be taken later than 6.12 p.m. and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on School Transport, with consequential effect on the commencement time for Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, and on the commencement time for topical issues;

2. the proceedings on the Motion re Presentation and Circulation of Further Revised Estimates 2025 [Votes 29, 33 and 34] and Third Further Revised Estimate 2025 [Vote 24] shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately;

3. the proceedings on the Motion re Approval of Appointment of Members of the Legal Services Regulatory Authority shall be taken without debate; and

4. the Statements on School Transport shall not exceed 3 hours and 32 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.

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

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

(a) in the event that the Statements on the Use of Vapes and Nicotine Products by Young People and Adolescents conclude before 5.30 p.m., the sitting shall stand suspended until 5.30 p.m., when the order of business shall resume with the Motion for Third Further Revised Estimate 2025 [Vote 24]; and

(b) the weekly division time shall be taken on the conclusion of the Motion for Third Further Revised Estimate 2025 [Vote 24], with consequential effect on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil;

2. the proceedings on the Motion re Statement of Estimates for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission shall be taken without debate;

3. the Statements on Auto-Enrolment 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;

4. the Statements on the Use of Vapes and Nicotine Products by Young People and Adolescents shall not exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows:

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

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

(c) members may share time; and

5. the proceedings on the Motion for Third Further Revised Estimate 2025 [Vote 24] shall be taken either at 5.30 p.m., or on the conclusion of the Statements on the Use of Vapes and Nicotine Products by Young People and Adolescents, 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 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;

(b) members may share time; and

(c) any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately.

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

1. the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the extent that topical issues may be taken earlier than 7.24 p.m. and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on the National Social Enterprise Policy – Trading for Impact, with consequential effect on the commencement time for Second Stage of the Industrial Relations (Boycott of Joint Labour Committees) Bill 2025, and on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; and

2. the Statements on the National Social Enterprise Policy – Trading for Impact 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.

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

Are the proposed arrangements for the week's business agreed to?

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

They are not agreed. Every week when the Business Committee meets, I have raised the issue of defective concrete blocks. A year ago, the Government stated that it would extend the increase in the cap to everybody going through the scheme. How on earth has it not produced the legislation to date? It is cruel. People are struggling to find tens of thousands of euro. I met someone the other day for whom the gap is €200,000. They had a six-year mortgage; they will now have a 19-year mortgage. Their mortgage has doubled. That so-called 100% redress in the west of Ireland compares with 100% redress for pyrite in the east. How dare the Minister say that the Government has stepped up and done what is right.

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

Time is up. I call Deputy Sheehan.

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

The people in the west of Ireland have been treated with utter contempt by the Government when it comes to this scheme.

Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We are seeking a debate regarding the 2020 death of 87-year-old Liam Farrell in Leitrim in the context of whether an independent inquiry is necessary in light of the many unanswered questions, the Garda peer review and the RTÉ "Prime Time" programme.

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The housing disaster is spiralling out of control. This year has seen the lowest commencement figures in a decade. The Central Bank has just revised its forecasts for this year downwards.

To paraphrase, it is saying that this Government has no hope of reaching its housing targets. Meanwhile, not-for-profit housing organisations are telling us that they have never seen such chaos and they are blaming this Government. The truth is that the Government has totally lost control of housing. The Minister is barely there. We need a debate on this crisis in the House this week.

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

I seek confirmation from the Government that it agreed to have statements next week on Gaza. I think we do have that confirmation. We might get an initial response. Micheál Martin made a significant statement at the UN yesterday opposing the right of Palestinians to self-determination. Is that now the position of the Government?

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is nonsense. Check the record.

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

Independent Ireland met the Irish Hairdressers Federation today. The federation is in a crisis or, as it put it, a chronic situation. There is a stark future for many hair salons if they do not get a VAT reduction to 9% in January. Hair salons employ thousands of people and apprentices in this country. Suppliers are now refusing to credit many of these salons. There is a huge crisis. Can we bring the relevant Minister before the Dáil to talk about VAT reliefs and other such reliefs to save these salons?

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

We had a good and robust meeting last Thursday, which the Ceann Comhairle will be aware of, given that she chaired it, in relation to the Order of Business for this week. Regarding the items raised, the Minister gave a comprehensive answer on the issue of mica.

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

Pyrrhotite.

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

With regard to the other issues raised, we can discuss them at the Business Committee this Thursday.

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

Are the proposed arrangements agreed to?

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

Not agreed.

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

We now move to questions on policy and legislation. I call Deputy McDonald.

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

Last week, we got the devastating news that the remains of three-year-old Daniel Aruebose had been found. He was missing for four years and nobody in authority noticed. I think this case has to be a wake-up call for the State in terms of the protection of children and vulnerable people.

GoodPeople Homecare is a company that provided fake Garda vetting clearances to Tusla. Incredibly, this company continues to have a contract with the Minister's Department, providing vulnerability assessments for IPAS applicants. I want the Minister to tell me why this is allowed and I also want him to tell me how much this company, which has breached the law, is being paid by his Department.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for her questions and, like her, I extend my condolences to those who knew and loved Daniel Aruebose. As the Deputy will be aware, there is an ongoing Garda investigation in respect of that matter. The Garda deserves to be commended for the work it has done to date. It was a very difficult search but, ultimately, the Garda tragically found the remains of the young boy. I urge anyone with information to provide it to An Garda Síochána to ensure the investigation that is ongoing is brought to a conclusion.

The Deputy then moved to a question about a company called GoodPeople Homecare. I am aware that an individual who worked for that company was convicted of serious offences before the courts in terms of forging vetting certificates. That company previously had a contract with my Department for the provision of accommodation for Ukrainians. That contract was terminated this month. The Deputy has correctly pointed out, however, that the company has a contract in place to provide vulnerability assessments. That contract was entered into in September 2024. It was a European-wide contract that was put into the public domain. My Department has done an assessment of all the vetting certificates that have been provided and they have been found to be valid.

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

Minister, feel free to further correspond with the Deputy. Deputy Bacik is next.

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

The Minister did not give me a figure.

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

All of us are appalled to learn of the stabbings of a teenager and of a tourist in his 20s in Dublin over the weekend. We all think of those who have been injured and of their families. News of these attacks put fear into people. Knife crime is a real concern for many, particularly in Dublin city centre.

An Garda Síochána, to much fanfare from the Minister's side of the House, announced an increase in visible policing only recently. That is very welcome but we are concerned that in rural areas and some urban areas we have seen a drop in Garda numbers when read alongside retirement and resignation figures. We have real concerns over numbers of those involved in community policing and concerns over implementation of the Dublin city task force recommendations. How will the Minister give people peace of mind when we see this level of violence and see attacks like these occurring in Dublin city centre in spite of announcements from Garda headquarters and the Department about visible policing on the streets?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Like Deputy Bacik, I was very concerned when I heard about the stabbing of the two individuals over the weekend but it has to be put in context as well. I received a report from An Garda Síochána at the end of August this year in respect of knife crime. It showed that knife-crime seizures where up and knife-crime injuries were down. In general, knife crime as a criminal offence is down. That has to be taken into account. Also, regarding Garda visibility, the Deputy will be aware herself from being around the city that we have an increased Garda presence in Dublin city centre. I want to see that rolled out through the country in all the villages and towns as well. In order to do that we need to get the recruitment of gardaí up. I am pleased to say that the numbers are going in the right direction. Some 200 hundred new recruits entered into Templemore in August of this year and in November, at the next passing out, 200 will be coming out. The numbers are looking good but the secret to Garda visibility is increased Garda recruitment.

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

I raise the issue of the new SNA review guidelines with the Minister. At a time when we should be increasing the support for our students, the Government - despite saying disability is a priority - seems determined to make it more difficult for children to get adequate support. The new SNA review guidelines appear focused on gatekeeping and rationing and not supporting children. The review window is too short, the criteria is too restrictive and the process will leave mainstream classes and special education classes in competition with one another. Will the Government agree to the suspension of the new SNA review guidelines until adequate consultation happens with schools, SNAs, unions and parents to ensure every child is provided with the support they need to reach their full potential? Go raibh maith agat.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Deputy Cummins for her question. To answer it straight, no, we will not suspend it and it needs to be put in context with what is being done in respect of special education at present. There are over 23,000 SNAs currently in place in the education system, which is an increase of 43% since 2020, and budget 2025 added 1,600 SNAs, the largest increase to date. Almost 21,000 special education teachers support children with special needs. Therefore, there is a huge amount being done in the area. I am conscious that there are demands on the system that need to be filled and I know, from speaking to the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, and the Ministers, Deputies McEntee and Foley, that a huge amount of work has been done. Some 407 new special classes were sanctioned for this current academic year, 300 of which were in mainstream schools. There is a lot being done but we will not suspend the guidelines.

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I raise the issue of wind turbine regulations and guidelines. Where are they? I am raising this in the House for the past 14 years. We need to utilise wind energy. It is very important that we do that as part of the move towards green energy. However, we do not have up-to-date guidelines, never mind regulations, for large turbines. Every Minister for planning and energy has promised them over the past 14 years. Communities are highlighting this throughout the country. In Laois, large turbines are planned to be erected right across the south of the county. These are massive turbines without up-to-date guidelines or regulations. We need to protect communities when putting in turbines where they are zoned in the county development plan to ensure proper set-back distances and that people are protected from noise and shadow flicker. When are we going to see the wind turbine guidelines? They are long-promised. Draft ones were brought in in 2019 but they never went any further than that.

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

Thank you, Deputy. The Minister to respond.

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have a Bill before the Dáil - the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2025. Perhaps the Government might support that?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I apologise that I cannot answer Deputy Stanley's question. I cannot tell him when the wind turbine guidelines will be available. However, I am aware from discussions with my colleagues that these are required. I cannot give him an answer. I do not have it. There is no point in me making it up.

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Minister write and tell me?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We will come back to the Deputy and provide him with information. As regards the guidelines, we cannot ignore the fact that at times 40% of our energy is being provided by wind. Wind is a great success and it is really part of the transfer from fossil fuel to a more appropriate fuel that is at the forefront, wind energy.

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

Recently, we were told that 20 new gardaí are being appointed into Limerick city, where they are much needed. How many can the Minister give me in the county as well? County Limerick is a big place, with 40 sq miles per Garda station. There is Bruff Garda station and a new Garda station at Newcastle West. When the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, talks about recruits, he says that 200 are going in and 200 will come out. According to the last statistic before he became Minister, we had 400 going in and only 145 or 150 coming out. I am delighted the Minister is confident that 200 are going in and 200 are coming out. How many will be replacements for retirements? How many gardaí will we actually get on the ground? The Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, came out last week and had a go at me about putting city against county. I am not. I am looking for equality for city and county. The protectors who are in the Minister's remit are needed in the county and the city. How many are going to come in to replace the retirements? How many gardaí are we actually going to get?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The biggest problem I face as Minister for justice is that every elected representative and member of the public I meet wants to see more gardaí in their community. There is a positive story behind that when we reflect upon it. It was great that 20 gardaí went to Limerick city. I do not decide where new recruits coming out of Templemore go. I know everyone wants them. As I said earlier in response to Deputy Bacik, if we can get 200 in each intake into Templemore, and there are four or five intakes per year, at the end of each passing out we will find ourselves with lots of gardaí going around the country and available. That is the policy objective.

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

Some 17 months have elapsed since HIQA was tasked with the objective of looking at the totally inadequate accident and emergency services in the mid-west, particularly in Limerick University Hospital, and making recommendations on what should be done. They informed us at the time that they would take a year to report, which we did not agree with but had to accept. Some 17 months have now elapsed. I have a reply from the Taoiseach dated 6 November 2024 confirming that the final report would be available in May 2025. We are nearly at the end of September 2025 and I am very anxious to know when that report will materialise. Is the Government committed to implementing the recommendations when it does?

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

The Deputy will be aware that I updated the House in May that HIQA had looked for an extension of that timeline, and intended to finalise the report in September. I can confirm to the Deputy that I have not received it from HIQA yet. It is the intention of the Government to examine the recommendations of HIQA and take them extremely seriously. I have not seen it and have not received the report yet.

Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I want to raise with the Minister my concern that there is no structure in place between local authorities and Uisce Éireann. If an engineer in a local authority wants to make a representation about a connection, he or she is treated in the same way as a member of the public. I ask that the Departments would sit down with Irish Water and the local authorities to set up a proper structure. I know of one housing project belonging to a local authority that is now delayed six months because we cannot get the water and sewerage connections as there is such disagreement between them. A structure must be put in place. I ask that this would be done at the earliest possible date.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Deputy Burke for his question. He highlights an issue that many of us experience in our local communities where there is a delay in major infrastructural residential development because of not getting a connection with Uisce Éireann. There definitely should be a process in place whereby local authorities and Uisce Éireann can engage. I am surprised there is not. I will speak to the Minister, Deputy James Browne, in respect of that matter to see whether anything can be done at departmental level to ensure there is direct contact between local authorities and Uisce Éireann.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister will be aware that in April there was a lot of concern in the Cork city area about the amalgamation of units across four Garda stations into two units, in Carrigaline and Douglas, and Bishopstown and Ballincollig. Subsequently, and after many years of campaigning on behalf of the people of Cork, with public representatives and Cork Chamber of Commerce and so on, I am glad to see for the first time in a long time a decent allocation of gardaí in Cork. I know the Minister is going to tell me it is the Garda Commissioner who decides where Garda resources go, but I know he was briefed on this when he visited Cork in April.

Does he at least agree that it is not an ideal situation to see two different Garda stations being served by the same unit, and that it would be a good use of additional resources to ensure every station, including those in Carrigaline, Ballincollig, Bishopstown and Douglas, have a unit of their own, ensuring those big areas of population - busy areas with young populations - have a full-time unit monitoring crime in the area?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy said, I was down in Cork before the summer and saw the great work that is done by members of An Garda Síochána in the Cork area. I am aware of the issue in respect of units. I hope the Deputy will forgive me if I do not throw myself into the middle of it. It is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. The last thing I want to do, as Minister for Justice, is to start issuing operational diktats to a Commissioner. He is the expert on how to run An Garda Síochána. I set the policy but it is up to him and senior management to dictate what happens in respect of whether units are available to each area or not.

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

Yesterday on Eden Quay, a 17-year-old boy was stabbed by a group of four or five men. Disturbingly, those involved used e-scooters as getaway vehicles. They were dressed in black clothing and were able to leave the scene quickly. This is not an isolated issue. Across the country, e-scooters are increasingly linked with antisocial behaviour, drug activities and reckless use on footpaths, creating a real risk for families and especially older people. We also know from Temple Street hospital that 20 children under the age of 16 have already presented this year with head injuries from e-scooter incidents, many of them serious, despite the fact they are under-16s and not permitted to use them. I ask the Minister whether the Government is considering further measures or updated legislation in this area, such as vehicle registration for traceability, possible insurance requirements and education for parents and young people, to ensure e-scooters will be used safely and responsibly and not misused for antisocial behaviour and criminal purposes.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Notwithstanding the fact that the culprits on Eden Quay were using e-scooters and were wearing black clothing, I can assure Deputy McCormack that the strong likelihood is that they will be apprehended. The Garda has great success in apprehending people involved in those types of violent criminal attacks in the city centre. We saw that a suspect was arrested in respect of the injuries sustained by an English tourist on Saturday evening.

I will give consideration to what the Deputy said. However, I know from An Garda Síochána that it does seize e-scooters from people under 16 years of age and that needs to be done continuously and repeatedly. I will engage with my colleague in transport, the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, to see whether he has any proposals in respect of regulating them on a wider basis.

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

At a meeting of the Committee of Public Accounts at the end of June, the then Garda Commissioner confirmed he had reported to the Minister on the controlled delivery operation that related to the late Evan Fitzgerald and the shocking incident in Carlow. The then Commissioner went on to say that he took note of the comments made by Senator Michael McDowell on 24 June in the Seanad about what was or was not said in the currency of a live bail application, and that he had referred those comments to the Garda ombudsman, Fiosrú, for consideration. On the RTÉ "This Week" programme that subsequent Sunday, the Garda ombudsman confirmed that there is nothing further to be considered by it. I raised this issue previously in July when the Minister, Deputy Chambers, was standing in at Leaders' Questions. He indicated he would raise this with the Minister. My question then and now is whether the Minister considered the matter concluded regarding what was or was not said in that District Court bail application, or the report he received from the Commissioner. Has the Minister discussed these issues with the new Commissioner and does he intend to carry out any further inquiries on the matter?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am conscious that at present, there are two live issues before the courts in respect of that investigation. One of the associates of the late Mr. Fitzgerald has pleaded guilty so there has to be an issue with regard to sentencing in respect of his plea. Second, another individual, I understand, has not yet made a plea so there could be a trial so I am not going to get involved in the detail of that.

I would make one point. I have discussed this matter with both the former Commissioner and the current Commissioner. We are lucky in Ireland that we have a low level of firearms in this country. If you look at the injuries sustained from firearms in this country, they have stopped recording them because they are negligible. Part of the reason we have such a low level of firearms in the country is because of the work done by An Garda Síochána stopping weapons from coming in. That has to be a central part of its function.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Minister is aware, the week before last there was an "RTÉ Investigates" programme on the death of Liam Farrell, a man in Roosky, County Leitrim who was found dead on his back door in January 2020. The situation the programme exposed was a very lacklustre investigation by An Garda Síochána. Anyone who saw it - I am sure the Minister did and I know he is aware of the case - was shocked as to what had transpired. The family, Liam Farrell's son and his wife, are here today and they are looking to have a meeting with the Minister in respect of this. They are looking for a proper investigation into what happened. The investigation the Garda carried out was completely inadequate. Liam Farrell did not get a proper post mortem. There was no forensic post mortem. The scene of the crime was not sealed off properly; it was compromised. The man's body was covered in blood and there was bruising all over the body. It was a scene where everyone who was there, including the family and other people who were there, recognised he was the victim of an assault and yet there was no proper investigation carried out into it. Will the Minister meet the family and ensure there is a proper investigation into this situation?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

At the outset, I should say that I have no difficulty meeting the family. I am happy to meet the family. In fact, I was down in Carrick-on-Shannon on 8 September last and Deputy Scanlon asked me to meet the family. I agreed to meet them on 8 September but unfortunately it did not suit them. There is no issue with me meeting them. I am due in front of the justice committee, chaired by the Deputy's colleague, Deputy Carthy, at 3.30 p.m. so it is going to be difficult for me to meet the Farrells today or right now but I have no difficulty meeting them at some convenient time in the future. I saw the "RTÉ Investigates" documentary and I am aware of the case of Mr. Farrell. By the way, I extend my condolences to his son Brendan and all the family. I have discussed it with the former Garda Commissioner and the current Commissioner but rather than give a narrative here as to what I have been apprised of, I am happy to meet with them. I cannot do it today-----

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is okay.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----unless Deputy Carthy is happy to put back the committee meeting and I will meet the Farrells. I am conscious they are here but if Deputy Carthy cannot, I will not be able to meet them now.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I noted the Minister's comments earlier today with regard to a discussion about the occupied territories Bill and a date for such. He said the Government can influence but not dictate the position of our partners in the EU and elsewhere around the world. I agree with that 100% but I also acknowledge that there has been ongoing pressure, let us say, from the Opposition in this Chamber and then from the Government in Europe and beyond, that has led to some countries, for example, recognising the two-state solution. Credit where credit is due but the Israeli State is now threatening to annex the West Bank and occupy more territories, so we do have an urgency to show leadership once again. In that context, what is the delay? We had the summer. Can we try to get this done as early as possible in this term? Can a commitment be given today to that effect?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am conscious that everyone in this House has, to a large extent, contributed to the occupied territories Bill. As the Deputy knows, Deputy Lahart did an excellent job chairing the committee that did pre-legislative scrutiny on that Bill. The report is now being published. That was necessary in order that pre-legislative scrutiny would be done and for it to be progressed through the Houses of the Oireachtas. Notwithstanding the fact that it has not been enacted yet, it still has been extremely impactful in our negotiations with other countries. I know from the Chief Whip that next Tuesday, there are going to be statements on Gaza in the House so that would be an opportune time for the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach to update the Deputy in respect of where and when the Bill will be introduced.

Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As has been said previously, there is a 17-year-old boy in the Mater in a critical condition because of a vicious stabbing on Sunday night. Earlier this year, an 11-year-old was stabbed by another school pupil and the horrible reality across many of our communities is that knife crime and the carrying of knives is very real. Unfortunately, in the communities I represent in the inner city, there is somewhat of a siege mentality among some young men who feel the need to carry a knife. The response to date has been about more gardaí, stop-and-search powers and longer sentences, none of which are really going to address the problem. My question to the Minister regards the antisocial forum set up by the Government in 2020. Where is that now at and is it going to report? The reality is that gardaí are really stretched and with respect to longer sentences, we have an overcrowded prison system. On stop-and-search powers, there was a report commissioned by the Minister's own Government in 2021, which said that such powers are not going to be effective in cutting down on knife crime.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I refer to what I said to Deputy Bacik earlier on in that there was a very informative report published by An Garda Síochána at the end of August, which showed that knife crime is down, knife seizures are up and knife injuries are down. However, that is of cold comfort to the 17-year-old young man who was injured over the weekend and indeed the 11-year-old. This is a more complex problem than simply amending criminal justice legislation.

It is an educational issue. The Deputy is correct, regrettably, when she suggests that some young men think it is necessary for defensive purposes to carry knives. If that happens and a knife is produced, there can be cataclysmic consequences not just for the victim but also for the perpetrator, who may not have intended to use it.

The antisocial behaviour forum was discussed in the Department by me recently. Work is being done on antisocial behaviour. In regard to where the forum is, there will be further engagement with the stakeholders in respect of it. I do not want to give an absolute commitment as to the outcome but there will be further consultation with the stakeholders.

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

Ballymun, in my constituency, is a strong and proud community. As the Minister knows, having visited Ballymun recently, following decades of underinvestment by successive governments it is facing huge challenges ranging from poor housing to lack of economic opportunities. The community has been promised so much but is dealing with issues such as high poverty levels and a recent increase in drug-related and gang-related violence and intimidation. Today's Movember health report shows that men in areas of high levels of deprivation, such as Ballymun, are 150% more likely to die before the age of 75 than those living in less deprived areas. Having visible community-based gardaí is a key measure to ensure community safety. The level of Garda presence in places like Ballymun is 20% below the national average. When will the Minister increase the Garda allocation to Ballymun and deliver a north-east inner-city level of funding in order for the Ballymun implementation board to undertake vital community prevention work with young people, families, community groups and schools?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As Deputy Hearne said, I had the pleasure of being in Ballymun to meet the integration forum there. A huge amount of excellent work is being done. I am alarmed by the statistic that Deputy Hearne has put onto the record of the House. It is frightening that men in Ballymun are 150% more likely to die in the circumstances he has outlined. Deputy Hearne wants more gardaí on the streets in Ballymun, and so do I. The way I need to do that is to recruit more Garda. Then it is a matter for the Commissioner to decide where they should go. I certainly see the benefits of having more gardaí on the ground doing community policing in places such as Ballymun.

Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There has been no public eyecare service in south Tipperary for more than 12 months. The former permanent consultant, Dr. Hillery, retired last September. She provided a wonderful service for a long number of years. She gave more than adequate notice. Unfortunately, the HSE has failed to fill the vacancy and provide a vital service. There is now a huge waiting list, running into thousands, with hundreds of children on the list who have never been examined. The HSE advertised a permanent post on a temporary basis. Of course the post was not filled. Bizarrely, the HSE has readvertised the permanent post on a temporary basis. What is going on? Why has permanent post been advertised on a temporary basis on two occasions? When will we see a proper facility in operation again in south Tipperary?

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

I thank the Deputy for the question. I am familiar with the issue as our constituencies border each other. It has been raised with me by people living in south Tipperary. I have been in contact with the new integrated health area manager in the HSE in relation to this. The Deputy is right. The waiting lists are increasing because of it. I met one of the employees when I happened to be out and about one day and she raised the issue with me. I will speak to the HSE locally in that area again. I will revert to the Deputy in writing, if that is okay.