Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I move:

Tuesday's business shall be:

- Motion re Sixth Report of the Standing Committee of Selection (without debate)

- Motion re Referral to Committee of Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (Modifications) (Regulations) 2025 (without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately)

- Financial Motions by the Minister for Finance [2025] (Financial Resolutions No. 1 and No. 2) (two separate motions to be debated together and brought to a conclusion within 60 mins, with separate questions put on each motion and any divisions claimed to be taken immediately)

- Supplementary Estimates for Public Services 2025 [Votes 2 and 6] (to be moved together and brought to a conclusion within 60 minutes; to be decided by one question and any division claimed to be taken immediately)

- Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Second Stage) (to conclude within 3 hours and 34 minutes and any division claimed deferred to immediately before Committee Stage on Wednesday)

Wednesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Strengthening Whistleblower Protections, Enforcement, and Accountability in Public Administration, selected by the Independent Technical Group.

Thursday's business shall be:

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

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Are the proposed arrangements for the week's business agreed?

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Not agreed.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I call Deputy McDonald.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Under Standing Order 35(3), I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to strike from the business of the day Supplementary Estimates for Public Services 2025 - Votes 2 and 6. These Estimates have not been scrutinised by the relevant committee, that being the finance committee. The Taoiseach has repeatedly refused to attend that committee. Let me say that again. The Taoiseach has refused repeatedly to attend the committee to allow for the proper and lawful scrutiny of these Estimates.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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The amendment is noted. Thank you, Deputy. I call Deputy Duncan Smith.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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They should not be taken in this House until the Taoiseach presents himself and the appropriate scrutiny is applied.

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal West, Sinn Fein)
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Hear, hear.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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Four weeks ago, the previous Minister for foreign affairs gave an indication that the occupied territories Bill would be brought back to this House before the end of November. The November schedule will be agreed without that being included. Can the Chief Whip now give an assurance that the Bill will be brought before the House before Christmas and the end of December?

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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The situation in Gaza remains dire. The attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank have been relentless. A year ago, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael promised to pass the occupied territories Bill. The Tánaiste, Deputy Simon Harris, promised it would be brought to the Dáil by the end of November. It is the end of November and there is no sign of the Bill. When is it going to be brought to the Dáil?

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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I agree with the points made by the previous two speakers. I also raise the fact that it has been two weeks since the new housing plan was published. The main innovation is the removal of annual targets to prevent accountability for the failure of this Government to deliver affordable housing, while allowing a small few to get extraordinarily rich.

Since the plan has been published, we have been calling for a debate on it but it has still not been granted. Why is the Government scared of debating its own housing plan? Is this going to turn into what we had with the Housing Commission report where week in, week out, we will be demanding debates and the Government will say it is happy to debate it but for six months, we did not get a debate? When will we get a debate on the Government's housing plan?

Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)
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In the past number of weeks at the Business Committee, I have sought to raise the issues of Uisce Éireann, which is getting a budget of €12.2 billion from the State and is not accountable for much of that money that has been spent, and Mercosur. The IFA and the Irish Farmers' Journal did an investigation last week that showed that basically rotten meat - contaminated meat - from South America could end up on Irish tables. We also need a discussion on issuing the writ in Galway West and Dublin Central.

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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Under Standing Order 35(3), I wish to move an amendment to the Order of Business for Thursday's afternoon session, that we have statements on the changes to immigration brought forward by the Minister for Justice, Migration and Home Affairs, which are quite significant. When we respond, as we should, we are often told we are shutting down debate. We would like to have a debate this week on the Minister's changes to the immigration system so that we can get-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Does the Deputy have the amendment?

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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Yes. I propose an amendment to amend the arrangements for Thursday’s afternoon’s business in order to provide for statements in relation to the Minister’s changes to immigration procedures.

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to the issue raised by Deputy Mary Lou McDonald under Standing Order 35(3), my preference was to attend committee to set out the case for the Supplementary Estimates for Votes 2 and 6 and I had set aside time to do so last Thursday. I regret that this did not prove possible, in particular because there was a precedent for the Government Chief Whip presenting previous requirements for Supplementary Estimates for Votes in the Vote group of the Department of the Taoiseach. That would have happened back as far as 2004 when the then Chief Whip Mary Hanafin attended, in 2022 when the then Chief Whip Deputy Jack Chambers attended and in 2023 when the then Chief Whip Deputy Hildegarde Naughton attended. This is a time-sensitive issue that we will vote on on 3 December 2025.

In relation to the issues raised on the occupied territories Bill, the housing plan, Uisce Éireann and the second amendment raised under Standing Order 35(3), relating to the changes to immigration, these can be discussed at Thursday's meeting of the Business Committee. I will also discuss the matter with the Minister, who I have no doubt will come to the Dáil to discuss any changes that are being made. The Order of Business stands.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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We are moving on to Questions on Policy or Legislation.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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When he gets to his feet, the Minister might clarify the precise whereabouts of the Taoiseach. Tonight, our justice spokesperson, Deputy Carthy, brings forward a very important piece of legislation - a Bill that would allow courts to impose a restraining order on someone convicted of a sexual assault, preventing them from approaching the victim when released from prison. Not alone would this increase protection for victims but also play a really important role in women regaining the sense of safety so violently robbed from them, and provide them with the security they need to rebuild their lives. This legislation has been called for by victims and it has been shaped by them and their traumatic experiences and insights.

It is supported by front-line organisations, including the Rape Crisis Centre. I ask that the Government not block this vital legislation and that it support its passage to Committee Stage and urgently into law because victims cannot wait any longer.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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To deal with the important matter that the Deputy raised, I know Sinn Féin has legislation in that regard. I outlined earlier on some of the measures that the Government was taking on this important and critical issue. I will certainly discuss Sinn Féin's Private Members' Bill with the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, and will revert directly to the Deputy in relation to how the Government proposes to approach that. In fairness, everyone in this House is trying to work on this important issue in a unified way. It is critical that we do that. I assure the Deputy that we are minded of the voices of victims and survivors.

Moving on to the Deputy's first point, I thank her again for her concern as to the Taoiseach's travel. I will make an important point. The Taoiseach is representing the Government. I said that earlier on. It is not unusual for a Head of Government to attend international fora.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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The Minister's time is up. I call Deputy Bacik.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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He is travelling back as we speak.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Is he still away now, though?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I will let him know the Deputy was asking for him.

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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Today, we mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. We need to commend the bravery of all those women who have come forward and who have made changes and advocated for change, from Lavinia Kerwick to Natasha O'Brien and so many more. I acknowledge the progress that has been made on the introduction of Coco's law, the offence of coercive control and Cuan, the new agency, but I also recognise how much more there is to do in terms of lack of refuges and more legislative change.

I want to speak about something that came out at the weekend. We are all conscious that we cannot have zero tolerance of violence against women while we are normalising attitudes that facilitate or tolerate sexist abuse. We saw the Shein website advertising childlike sex dolls online. In France today, the French Government is moving in court to suspend the Shein website - this online shopping platform's website - because of the sale and advertisement of these awful objects that are perpetuating this sexist attitude towards women and perpetuating a culture where we cannot have the zero tolerance we all want to achieve.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I agree with the Deputy. I mentioned in my opening remarks earlier on during Leaders' Questions that all us share responsibility in this House but also outside the House, and that includes corporate bodies and our education system. Our teachers and our other educators are doing a lot of work in this regard from a very young age, particularly in relation to boys' and young men's attitudes towards sex, pornography and the normalisation of pornography. Certainly, the ability of companies such as Shein to sell these types of product is of concern. I know it is of concern to the Minister as well. I have noted that other countries have taken steps to ban this, too.

It has to be a zero-tolerance approach. Now it is about continuing on that path of the progress that has been made. I listened to Deputy Mary Lou McDonald. We must make sure that the voices of the survivors and the victims are the most critical in this regard. Given their horrific experiences and the bravery that they have shown, it behoves us to do everything we can.

Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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The Tánaiste, Simon Harris, promised voters an action plan on childcare within 100 days and here we are 400 days later with nothing to show for that but more empty words. The Minister does not need me to tell him that this sector is at breaking point for service providers, staff and, fundamentally, young families. The Social Democrats have called for a time-limited special Oireachtas committee to develop a pathway for the future vision of childcare and early years education in Ireland. That has fallen on deaf ears. We have asked for this many times previously. There is still no word, still no action plan and still no future vision for childcare. Now that the Tánaiste is the self-appointed Minister for Finance, there are no more excuses. Is the Government going to put its money where its mouth is and follow through on its commitment to €200 a month childcare and, most importantly right now, an action plan for the future of childcare and early years education in Ireland?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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With the young population that we have, it is important we support childcare services. I was in this House when a previous Government, in 2009 to 2010, brought in the early childhood care and education programme, ECCE. We see the advancement of that in terms of childcare right the way across the country since then. While it is fair to make constructive criticisms, it is also fair, by way of balance, to see where we have come from and where we are now. If you look at budget 2026, €1.48 billion was allocated for early learning and childcare.

That is an increase of 9% on the previous year. Capital funding is rising as well, with 2,300 additional childcare places. The national childcare scheme supports 286,000 children. If we look at the early childhood care and education, ECCE, scheme nearly 98% of children are now participating in a scheme that did not exist 14 or 15 years ago.

Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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What of the action plan?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Hold on-----

Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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The Minister needs to answer the question on the action plan.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I think I have answered the question so if the Deputy wants to keep interrupting-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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The time is up Deputy. I call Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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Minister-----

Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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I asked a question and the Minister has not answered it.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I was in the middle of answering it.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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Minister-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy Farrelly you are in other Members' time now. I call Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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I am glad the Minister for Transport is here. He was not here when I raised, on behalf of the taxi drivers of this country, the issue of Uber and its attempt to undermine the regulated taxi industry and the livelihoods of nearly 20,000 taxi drivers. On Saturday, along with thousands of taxi drivers, I participated in a protest at Merrion Square. They are asking that the Government enforce its own regulations or, if necessary, amend the legislation to protect their livelihoods given the efforts of Uber to undermine the regulated fare structure. What they are asking for, which is a win-win for everybody, is that there would be a not-for-profit, publicly-run, National Transport Authority-run app, which all of them would sign up for. This would mean money for Revenue and money for the Exchequer. It would mean the protection of the regulated taxi industry and the protection of the livelihoods of taxi drivers-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I thank the Deputy. The Minister to respond.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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-----and it would prevent surge pricing, which is what Uber-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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The Minister to respond.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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-----and companies will bring in if they get the chance.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I am very pleased Deputy Boyd Barrett-----

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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They will be protesting on Thursday as well.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Please, Deputy.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I know that too. I have a lot of friends who are taxi drivers who work in the industry and I am a big supporter of our taxi drivers and the sector-----

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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Did you tell them you will meet the NTA on Thursday?

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy, do you want the answer? Please. We do not have time for this.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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In fairness, Richard is just back, and it is good-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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We do not have time for this. Minister, we do not have time. There is 40 seconds.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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-----to see him back. I have written to the NTA on this very specific issue - I mention friends, constituents of mine and, indeed, people across the country - in my role as Minister for Transport so I want to get to the bottom of this. I have asked the NTA to look at it. I attend the taxi forum. I attended just four or five months ago and I will be attending again this week. I do not have an answer back from the NTA yet. I wrote to it on 19 November. I was at COP30 last week but I will be chasing it up this week. I will be engaged with the taxi representative bodies on this matter. I want to see what the regulatory framework is for this. It is a concern to many taxi drivers, unquestionably, and I will be working on it-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I call Deputy Ken O'Flynn.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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Will the Minister please inform the House when the Government first received reports indicating that the anti-malaria drug Lariam, mefloquine, was associated with adverse side effects? When did the Department of Defence become aware of that? Can the Minister also confirm whether Lariam was issued to all personnel of all ranks, and not just the privates or the NCOs?

I also note that the Taoiseach has travelled 20 times in the last ten months-----

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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This is a joke.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy O'Flynn, it is one question.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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This is all related.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Right.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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On any of the occasions Government Ministers have left the country, have they been in receipt of Lariam, or was a different drug prescribed for them?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The first question in relation to Lariam is probably more appropriate for a parliamentary question but I will raise the matter and seek a response for the Deputy. I do not have the details or the answer to hand on that. Each Minister travels and a Head of Government has to attend international events-----

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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I have no problem with that. I am only asking if they had Lariam.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy-----

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to what medication different Ministers use, I have no idea. That is a matter for those particular Ministers as well.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Continued interruptions mean we may not get three Members in today. I call Deputy John Connolly.

John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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It is opportune that the Minister is in the seat. Successive Governments have committed to building the Galway city ring road. In October 2023, which is over two years ago now, the Galway roads project office resubmitted the planning application to An Bord Pleanála. That followed a three-and-a-half year assessment process by An Bord Pleanála, which unfortunately failed in the judicial review process. There has been over six years of an assessment process for a piece of infrastructure that is badly needed while in Galway there is traffic chaos on a daily basis. I know the Minister is aware of it but the concern is that there is no certainty over when we might get a decision on this. I was in the Chamber earlier in the summer when the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, gave a response to Deputy McAuliffe with a date that An Coimisiún Pleanála had prescribed for the Luas extension to Finglas.

The people of Galway deserve similar certainty. We deserve to know when this decision will be made. There is another impact because the NTA will not devise our new transport strategy until we get the decision. I know we cannot engage in planning decisions, but can we get certainty on when the decision will be made?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I will. I know how critical this project is for Galway and Galway city. It is a matter of regret that it has taken so long. It has taken so long for many reasons. We have had serial and continuous objectors to this critical piece of infrastructure. The Government wants to see this road built. It is critical for the city of Galway and the surrounding areas. Following the Deputy's intervention today, I will seek an update as to when we can expect a final decision on it. The Government supports the development of this critical piece of infrastructure for Galway.

Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I wish to raise the recent summer works scheme allocations. In my constituency, only five schools were successful in their applications. I am delighted for these schools and their allocations are well deserved, but the scheme has not gone far enough to meet the needs of many schools. The scheme is themed around climate action summer works, including roof works, electrical and mechanical works, and essential maintenance. However, Our Lady's Girls National School in Rathdrum, County Wicklow, would have met these criteria as its heating system is not fit for purpose. In Coolgreany National School, the principal has to go round with a bucket every rainy day because there are so many leaks. I was in the school in Ballycanew in the past couple of weeks. It is absolutely freezing. It is not fair on the kids or the teachers. It is the complete opposite of energy efficiency. I compliment the scheme, but I question why so many schools in genuine need of works are being totally excluded.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The summer works scheme is important for schools and there will unfortunately be some that fall outside the boundaries of it. I noted the announcement last week by the Department of education relating to moneys allocated through the climate action fund to allow energy upgrades for schools. Specifically on Our Lady's Girls National School, I will raise that matter directly with the Minister, Deputy Naughton, on Deputy Brennan's behalf and seek a written and direct response to him.

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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This morning and every morning, thousands of Wicklow residents are stuck in lengthy and lengthening queues along the N11 and M11, which is having a serious and detrimental impact on people's quality of life. People are late for work and school. It is having a detrimental impact on the economy in Wicklow and a serious impact on the environment. In 2022, after going through a lengthy process, getting to phase 1 and with several million euro spent on the upgrade of the N11, funding was pulled from that scheme, which was part of the national development plan. This was much to the annoyance, bewilderment and amusement of people who were stuck in lengthy traffic jams. A review of the national development plan has been completed. I am conscious that the sectoral plans are due out. Will the Minister give a timeframe for when the Department of Transport's review or sectoral plan will be published and, more importantly, will the funding for the N11-M11 upgrade be reinstated in the national development plan?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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In the review of the national development plan, we secured that €1 in every €4 invested between now and 2030 would be in transport and transport measures. That is just short of €25 billion, which is the largest investment ever made in public transport and transport infrastructure. I intend to publish the sectoral NDP tomorrow. Details of projects of €200 million or more will be published tomorrow. Separate road allocations will be done in December and January. We will publish the sectoral NDP tomorrow afternoon.

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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Will that include the N11?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy must wait until it is published.

Aisling Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Is the Government concerned about a developer's ability, under current insolvency and receivership law, to convert themselves into a secured creditor during the collapse of their own residential project? This is the shocking scenario that homeowners have faced in my constituency in Ringfort, Rathmolyon, County Meath. The developer now ranks ahead of Revenue and the contracted home buyers, which may leave the State at some loss but, more importantly, these five families at a huge loss. Will the Government review the legal framework that enables this practice to happen? Ringfort is a development of 16 houses that these families and others put deposits on in good faith, paid for extras and signed valid, binding contracts on more than five years ago. The developer does not wish to honour the said contracts, as he can see he would make so much more today selling the houses. He should not be allowed to do this. He is shattering the dreams and futures of these families.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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This is an awful situation, which the Deputy has also discussed with me directly. I am familiar with it. I will raise this matter directly with the line Minister. I think this will cross over between the Departments of justice and Finance. It is an horrendous situation that these prospective home buyers find themselves in. It is something I will discuss directly with the Tánaiste and the Minister for justice. I thank the Deputy for raising this. Where we can help, we will, but I need to ensure that we have direct engagement with the relevant line Ministers on it. I will ask them to revert directly to the Deputy.

John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Sport has a unique ability to lift the nation. In recent weeks, we have seen that first hand with what the boys in green achieved, reaching the next stages of qualification. That is replicated in golf, rugby and GAA. I acknowledge the Government investment in pathways, participation and high performance. Sport is a proven formula to provide success and joy right across society. However, a young man in my constituency, Alex Dunne, is on the cusp of greatness in Formula 1. He has several podium finishes. He is on the cusp of a bright career and his viewership is in the hundreds of millions weekly when he takes to the circuit. He is a generational talent, but because he is a generational talent, he falls between the frameworks that Sport Ireland and Motorsport Ireland provide. At this stage, he is simply ignored by our sporting organisations in this country, with absolutely zero financial support in a sport that is demanding. His is a generational talent. He needs generational support. Will the Government please commit to supporting him?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Sport has the ability to lift the nation. The Deputy mentioned the boys in green. The girls in green came through against Belgium. We have seen some great sporting events recently. We will not talk about the rugby at the weekend, but I blame that on the referee and a poor refereeing performance.

Alex Dunne, who is driving Formula 2 at McLaren, is unquestionably an incredible talent. I am a fan myself. I am not aware of the structures that Sport Ireland and Motorsport Ireland have to ensure he is supported. I can raise that matter with the Minister for sport and the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue. Alex Dunne is a great talent. He has reached levels we have not seen of an Irish person since Eddie Irvine. Where he can be supported, I will ask both the Minister and the Minister of State to respond directly to the Deputy.

Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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I raise with the Minister the urgent need for an immediate intervention to avoid an imminent serious disruption to Caredoc services over the Christmas and new year periods, particularly in Wexford and the south-east region. Up to as recently as 2022, Caradoc’s doctors were paid as public servants. However, since then, Caredoc nurses have missed out on 14 pay rises between public sector and sector 39 pay rises. For example, a Caredoc nurse covering night shift gets 25% less pay than nurses in district hospitals, community hospitals or general hospitals. I ask the Government, through the HSE, to address this pay disparity issue, as was done for the section 39 sector in recent agreements.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Caredoc across the country is critically important, particularly at weekends and out of hours. I will raise that matter directly with the Minister for Health on the Deputy's behalf. I will ask the Minister to respond directly to him about the situation he has articulated here as it pertains to Wexford.

Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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We have seen that the N4 and N7 are like car parks at the moment. I believe part of that is due to service unreliability of some of the routes, particularly the C4 and W6 routes, after huge investment in BusConnects. On the C4 route, we see persistent cancellations, ghost buses and severe overcrowding. With the W6, we see the removal of the post-4 p.m. service, which is impacting students and commuters. There are then repeated delays and cancellations. I have two proposed solutions. One is timetable staggering. At present, the W6 and C4 run in convoy. These should be staggered. The second is increasing the frequency of the C4 by moving from 30 minutes to 20 minutes, particularly in areas where we have huge population growth and huge populations.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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It is an area that is growing greatly. Lots of young families are moving in there. I have had the pleasure of being in the Deputy's constituency on a number of occasions recently. You can see the development happening there. A great frustration for me is unreliability of public transport. This ghost bus phenomenon on certain routes is not acceptable. From time to time, things happen. Drivers can be sick, and people understand if this happens now and again.

However, the increased prevalence on certain routes is a matter of grave concern. I will speak to the NTA directly and TII on the Deputy's behalf about this and put forward his suggestions with regard to the C4 and the W6 services. I myself will come directly back to him on that.

Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I want to raise the issue of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, with the Minister. Because it is used in medical, industrial and commercial applications, nitrous oxide is cheap and accessible, but it is also extremely harmful. I am sure the Minister has seen the discarded containers, small silver bullets and big industrial containers. You see them in parks, car parks and playgrounds across the city. It is a big disposal issue and a nightmare for Dublin City Council and other local authorities. I went to a waste-to-energy plant recently and saw first-hand the damage they can cause because they explode in the combustion chamber, causing shutdown and a potential risk to staff. A recent Department of Health report states that services are needed 24-7 to meet the needs of all those who use these substances, as well as highlighting a need to tackle nitrous oxide use at source among children and young people. We need an urgent and comprehensive cross-government response to what is a clear danger to young people, in particular, in our society today.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I agree with the Deputy. It is a clear danger. I chaired the north Dublin regional drugs and alcohol task force for about ten years and we saw the increased prevalence of nitrous oxide or laughing gas, the small canisters which are being used for recreational purposes by a lot of our young people. It is a matter that the Department of Health and the Minister of State with responsibility for the drugs strategy are aware of. It is a legal product when used correctly, so there are complications in that regard, but I will again refer directly to both the Minister and the Minister of State on this and let them know that the Deputy has raised this matter here and to seek an update on the progress and work on this issue.

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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I want to raise the village of Inistioge in County Kilkenny. I am not sure if the Minister is familiar with it. It is the most picturesque village in Kilkenny, if not in the country. It is home to the great Eddie Keher, one of the greatest hurlers of all time, it is home to the fantastic Woodstock gardens and arboretum, a national treasure and a gem in the south east, and it has hosted numerous films down through the years, such as "Circle of Friends", to name just one. However, that village is being strangled at the moment because there is a lack of infrastructure there, and there is a huge issue regarding the wastewater treatment plant, which absolutely needs to be upgraded. It has been on the Irish Water and Kilkenny County Council list for the past number of years. It has been ranked second but demoted to fourth and to fifth. In order for this village to grow and in order to help the schools, the GAA clubs, the pubs and the shops, we need this wastewater treatment upgraded. I implore the Minister to do everything he can to get this treatment plant upgraded as soon as possible and as a massive priority for this Government.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I know Inistioge well. I was with the Deputy all the way through until he got to "Circle of Friends" in the end. As regards this wastewater treatment plant, the Minister, Deputy Browne, has brought forward new measures to allow us to accelerate delivery of wastewater treatment plants above and beyond what the capital programme might set out through Uisce Éireann. I will speak to the Minister directly about Inistioge. I know Deputy Cleere has been advocating for this himself. It is critical to allow that town to expand and for people in the area to be able to live there. I will speak to the Minister directly and get him to respond to the Deputy.

Natasha Newsome Drennan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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I want to raise with the Minister the urgent case of Roxanne. She is suffering with a range of complex medical issues, including the onset of scoliosis. Over 2024 and 2025, Roxanne has undergone three operations at a cost of nearly €200,000, all of which has been paid for by family-run fundraisers. I ask that the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health urgently review Roxanne's case and assist this beautiful little girl in accessing the life-changing surgery she desperately deserves. We have sent on the details of the case to the Minister. Her family cannot be expected to keep fundraising for this to cover the cost.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for raising the case of Roxanne and the situation she is in. I will raise it directly with the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. The Deputy has said she has corresponded with the Minister. I thank Deputy Newsome Drennan for raising it here. I will speak to the Minister directly post this and make sure that she responds directly to the Deputy and to the family.