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

The name of Harvey Morrison Sherratt, a child catastrophically failed by Children's Health Ireland, CHI, was very sadly joined by another name last weekend. That name is Chloe Maher, from Coolock, a 23-year-old who died on 4 March last. Her death was caused by health complications from her untreated scoliosis. Chloe never got the treatment she required when she was in the care of CHI and then she aged out. Chloe was just 14 when Simon Harris promised that no child would wait longer than four months for spinal surgery, but while she waited and waited, Chloe's condition worsened and like too many other young people, and in the words of her heartbroken aunt Orla, they are left until it is too late to operate and then they vanish from the system because they age out. Will there be an investigation-----

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

I call on the Taoiseach to respond.

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

-----into how Chloe was failed as a child and a young adult?

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

I thank the Deputy.

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

Will the Taoiseach ensure-----

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

Deputy, your time is up, and if you cannot ask a question in the time allowed, you are in the wrong forum.

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

-----that the cases of children who age out of CHI are included in the public inquiry?

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

I call on the Taoiseach to respond.

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

My sympathies go to the family of Chloe Maher, who died recently. She was formerly, as the Deputy said, a patient at CHI's spinal services. I offer my deepest condolences to Chloe's family and friends at what is a very sad time for them.

As the Deputy knows, the Minister has announced that Mr. Remy Farrell has been appointed as the facilitator for the scoping exercise in terms of an inquiry into the spinal services at CHI and paediatric services more generally. Mr. Farrell will engage with patients, families and advocates to assess and consider what steps and what actions may be appropriate in terms of the inquiry and the format of an inquiry.

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

Thank you, Taoiseach. These questions are one minute each. I call Deputy Bacik.

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

Yesterday Conor Gallagher in The Irish Times, working with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, revealed shocking details about the supply chain linked to the Aughinish Alumina plant in Limerick.

His report outlined how significant quantities of alumina from this facility are being exported to Russia, where they are being used to make aluminium, which is then sold to a trading company supplying over 100 Russian weapons manufacturers. It is deeply alarming to see that shipments of Irish alumina to Russia have increased significantly since Putin's brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It is horrific to see this. It is unconscionable that a plant operating in Ireland could be contributing to materials used in the destruction of so many communities and so much civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and can be used to kill children in Ukraine. This is appalling to see and I do welcome the Taoiseach's commitment to review this report, but the question is clear: what urgent action will the Taoiseach take to ensure that no Irish-based industry or business is complicit in supporting Russia's war machine?

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

Ireland has been very strongly adherent to the EU sanctions framework and principles. The Aughinish plant is not subject to EU sanctions, and there is no proposal at EU level to sanction it. Alumina is not a sanctioned commodity and so under the current framework that is the position. There were reasons for that in terms of the complex supply chains in the modern era where different industries in different countries are interdependent. Some member states depend on the output of the production in Aughinish for their industries. Of course, as I said yesterday, I view with great concern the report in The Irish Times and the assertion that the Aughinish product went, via intermediaries, to Russia, to help in many ways to facilitate Russia's war machine. That is a matter of great concern and I will ask the Minister for enterprise to examine the matter and get back to the Deputy on it.

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

Come back to me on it.

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

Over the weekend, violent Israeli settlers rampaged through the West Bank. They blazed a trail of devastation, burning down homes and public buildings and injuring dozens of Palestinians. In a separate attack last week, masked settlers sexually assaulted a Palestinian man in front of his family. They beat him with clubs, tied him up, stripped him naked and zip-tied his genitals. That attack was so horrific that it finally hit the international press but only because two human rights activists, an American and a Portuguese, were present to corroborate it. Palestinians in the West Bank are being terrorised every day by racist, violent Israel settlers and we rarely hear anything about it. In February alone, there were 511 attacks by settlers, who murdered five Palestinians. Now we see Israel invading and occupying southern Lebanon. The IDF is killing with impunity there, bombing civilian infrastructure, and forcing the displacement of 1 million people. My question is: how can the Taoiseach watch what is happening, not just in recent weeks, but for years, and continue to do nothing? When is the occupied territories Bill going to emerge from the black hole it has been hidden in? When is this Government going to act and not just think against Israeli violence?

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

It is an outrageous assertion that we have waited and watched for years and done nothing. That is just wrong. The fact of the matter is that Ireland has strongly articulated on the West Bank issue for many years. We have taken a range of measures with the other EU member states in terms of sanctions against violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank. We have deplored and condemned the behaviour of Israeli settlers in the West Bank. We have taken legal action in international courts. I do not know why the Deputy says things like that just to attack the Government. She seems to be more interested in attacking the Government than Israel. I can never get my head around that sort of orientation and that view. What is happening in the West Bank is horrific. The Deputy does not have a monopoly on horror and condemnation of what is happening in the West Bank. She just keeps doing it.

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

I just want an answer. I do not claim to have a monopoly.

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

I joined my Green Party colleague Niall Murphy in Galway last weekend, and buses were a central concern of the people we met. The NTA has announced that it expects 60 double-decker, electric buses to be used in Galway by the end of 2027, which is about a year away now. That represents an increase of capacity on individual buses. The important question is: are these going to be new buses, or are they simply going to replace decommissioned buses? Are we going to see more buses on the roads? Will commuters see an improved and more regular timetable? I cite one route, the 424 Galway-Lettermullan service as a clear example of a route that requires extra services but as the Taoiseach knows, there are many more. Will he speak to the improvement of the services in Galway? In particular in the year before those new buses arrive, will commuters in Galway see any improved capacity?

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

We are constantly investing in public transport and public buses as well. I do not have the specifics of the breakdown between replacement and additional buses arising from the very significant investment in 60 double-decker buses. I will revert to the Minister of State with responsibility for transport who is here and who is from Galway as well. I will get the full details and background on the breakdown of those 60 buses. We need to continue to invest more in public transport. This will be additional and also important in terms of emissions reductions and so on it will be impactful.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I was contacted directly by families affected by this issue who felt that they had no other avenue to go to have their concerns heard. Will the Taoiseach address the situation in Carrigaline Community Special School, which closed its doors for six days following an incident involving one child and reopened, excluding a different child and a parent who were not involved in the event that caused the closure without lawful basis or a breach of procedures? Does he accept that families are being pushed towards reduced school hours and that Cork Education and Training Board, ETB, has stated that it cannot meet its needs when it comes to some of the children enrolled in its care, despite its statutory obligations? In those circumstances, does he consider that Cork ETB is fit for purpose as patron of that particular school and does he stand over the actions of the school? Will he commit to an urgent independent intervention, including full-time orthopaedic supports, and outline the immediate steps that are being taken to restore proper provisions to ensure that no child is denied their appropriate education?

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

I do have confidence in Cork ETB in respect of special education. A number of years ago, it stepped into the breach to establish the school to provide desperately needed places in an area where children could not get places at the time. We had to take action. For the long term ETBs have a very significant role in special education across the country. That is my view. If we look at how it is evolving, some of the section 39 bodies have pulled back from education so the State has to get more involved in this particular area. The structures of ETBs are such that they have flexibility in providing resources.

On the specific case in Carrigaline, I have been in touch with the ETB and I am fully aware of the difficulties and challenges that have occurred there. We are working with the ETB to provide additional resources to enable that school to operate as optimally and effectively as it can for the benefit of the young people who attend it.

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

Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire in Broadford, County Kildare, an exceptional national school with 60 pupils, is typical of a lot of rural national schools around the country that have a reduction in school numbers and therefore a reduction in capitation. This is posing a challenge for many rural schools. The Financial Support Services Unit has engaged with the school and has essentially used it as a best-case example of a national school doing the most it can with the capitation it has. However, there is a clear issue with capitation funding for rural schools with declining school numbers. I ask that the Department of Education and Youth review the capitation funding for small rural schools to ensure their longevity and that they do not have to continue fundraising year in and year out for vital services such as electricity. It is important to state that this is an exceptional school, with exceptional teachers and exceptional students.

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

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. He is saying it is an illustrative example of the challenges when numbers are reducing and then the impact on capitation. We did increase capitation by a record amount of €20 in the latest budget, which is unprecedented in terms of the scale of the increase. The Deputy has raised a very interesting point that I will bring to the attention of the Minister in terms of the next budget. He is essentially proposing a tiered structure that would take into account the impact of declining numbers in rural schools. That is certainly food for thought and I will talk to the Minister in respect of it.

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the issue of driving test waiting times. Nationally, the average waiting time is back up to 12 weeks. Last year, the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, who is present, instructed the RSA to bring the average times down to ten weeks.

1 o’clock

We need to bring them down and we need to keep them down. The policy should be to stabilise and sustain them at ten weeks. The centre with the second highest waiting time in the country is that at Mulhuddart. This waiting time has consistently been one of the highest and now stands at 20 weeks. That is double the national average. Our waiting times have stayed consistently high since the autumn. A woman who contacted my office this morning said that it took her eight months to get her first driving test. She now has to repeat the test and that will take an additional six months because the lists have now been put together and there is no longer a shorter waiting time for repeat tests. I am looking for an updated plan that targets measures such as longer opening hours and more testers at the centres that need increased capacity.

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy very much. The waiting time has reduced from an average of 27 weeks. It is down to 12 weeks this year. The problem in Mulhuddart is that we are waiting to open a new centre in Sandyford, which will take some of the pressure off. The number of driving testers has increased. We are at 196 right now. We need to get to 200. There has been an increase in the number of tests as a result of a regulation I introduced to stop people applying for tests and not showing up. People now have to sit the test. That has added a little bit of pressure to the system. That is being dealt with. Last year, we had 8,000 no-shows because people were just applying for tests so they could renew their learner permit. That provision is gone from next October. There is a bit of pressure there. I got the figures only yesterday. I am talking to the RSA and meeting with its board in the coming weeks to discuss all of that.

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

At a recent meeting, members of Louth County Council heard of an expected rise of 25% in the cost of tar, which is obviously a key material for road surfacing. This will obviously lead to huge issues for the roadworks programme. We also hear of the possible impacts of additional costs relating to retrofitting and upgrades, which are absolutely necessary. What engagement has there been? Louth County Council has applied for extra funding to address the impact of recent flooding. It is looking for somewhere around €1.5 million, although that figure probably will not cut the mustard at this point in time. Donald Trump and genocidal Israel's illegal war are causing huge issues. Supports will be needed. I would like to think there is good engagement with local authorities.

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

The implications of this war are widespread. The danger is that there will potentially be secondary effects on the wider economy. Governments cannot chase inflation. We cannot compensate for every price increase everywhere. That will not work. We have to try to target our resources as best we can at those most in need. There are concerns about the inflationary impacts of this crisis, which may feed into the wider economy. It could affect all areas and sectors of the economy. The ECB has already downgraded its economic growth forecasts for the European Union. It was predicting growth of 1.4% for 2026 but it has now reduced that to 0.9%. We will also have to look at our growth figures. I would say there will be some decline in what is expected and anticipated as a result of this crisis.

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

I will raise the issue of flood damage to roads in County Wicklow caused by Storm Chandra. The recent floods caused severe damage to many rural roads. The council has costed the repairs needed at several million euro. Wicklow County Council has submitted a detailed report to the Department seeking emergency funding assistance to facilitate the timely delivery of the required remedial works and to ensure continued safety and serviceability of the county's road network. I have seen the extent of the damage. It is truly shocking. The roads budget does not cover one-off events like this so I ask that special consideration be given to supporting these repairs. This would represent a much-needed investment in the roads and would actually save money in the long term.

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

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. Bohernabreena Road opened yesterday, which was some help. We welcome that. The flooding as a result of Storm Chandra was quite shocking. As the Deputy will know, it has had a significant impact. The Minister sought submissions from all county councils in respect of the damage done to the roads. We announced various investments in February. Some €718 million for regional and local roads was announced. The Department is liaising with the affected counties, including Wicklow, which was significantly impacted. Approximately 300 local roads were damaged with over 50 left impassable across eight counties. Working with the local authorities, we will see what we can do to respond. Local authorities are advised to set aside a minimum of 10% of the grant given to them as a contingency to deal with severe weather events and damage to the network. We will follow up on that.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The recent drowning of Joachim McNulty from Belderrig in County Mayo when his vehicle slipped off a pier is a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritise pier maintenance around the country. This happened on the anniversary of a similar drowning off a pier in County Donegal. I extend my thoughts and sympathies to Joachim's family. Along with Darren Forde, they are now starting a campaign for the maintenance and proper improvement of piers because dangerous moss-covered pathways and piers and inadequate protections pose real and preventable dangers to the public. They need Government support. Will the Taoiseach commit to funding local authorities properly to carry out this work, to launching a nationwide pier maintenance programme and to introducing a public awareness campaign on the risks of slipways and piers?

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

My sympathies go out to Joachim's family. It is quite a shocking event and very distressing and traumatic for the family. There has been extensive investment in piers over the last number of years. A significant amount of Brexit adjustment reserve funding was allocated to piers. I am of the view that we should continue to invest in piers the length and breadth of the country. We are an island nation and safety is paramount. Local authorities have obligations in this regard as well, as do some port authorities. The consistent annual provision of funding is key in getting to grips with the numerous inlets and piers, including smaller piers, around the country.

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

The Taoiseach will recall that last November I brought the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2025 before the Dáil, partly to get the Bill through and partly in an effort to move the Government on this issue. I have been receiving replies to parliamentary questions on this matter for a decade and a half now. The most recent one, from the start of this month, says:

My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines ... The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines ... [Blah, blah, blah.] That is the same reply I have been getting for a decade and a half. When I introduced that Bill, the Government said it would bring forward guidelines within three months. The Taoiseach, the Government and I all know that, given the subject of debates in the House this week, we need to increase our supply of renewable energy and to become more energy self-sufficient. We cannot depend on Trump and the boys. Nearly a decade and a half has passed. There have been four governments. Who is blocking it? We need to sort it out. It cannot take 15 years to get guidelines in place. I think the Taoiseach would agree with that.

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

It is a tribute to the Deputy's longevity in the House-----

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

I have grey hairs from it.

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

-----that he has been getting a consistent reply from the Department for a decade and half. I understand the issue but let us be honest: when these guidelines emerge, they will probably lead to a reduction in the number of wind farms. We cannot dress it up and say that the guidelines will help to expand the supply of onshore wind energy because all of the impetus from Deputies and others has been aimed at restricting the growth of onshore wind farms.

Let us be honest: we have had incredible expansion. That is why I think offshore is where we need to go now for the next decade. That said, onshore wind farms have made an enormous contribution to electricity generation. We kind of shield ourselves from the hard choices as a society. I said yesterday that I was in this House when people were against onshore wind, gas generation and solar. We have a huge challenge in terms of energy independence, and we probably need a greater discussion on that.

Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have had a couple of adversarial exchanges with the Taoiseach in this House, but I will be the first person to applaud him if he intervenes in the situation facing healthcare workers with long Covid. He met a group of these workers last June. He knows that their case is genuine and that they have suffered terribly not just with their symptoms but also with being on a financial cliff edge every six or 12 months as their special Covid leave with pay was due to end. Their circumstances are extremely difficult. They are about to transition onto half of their basic salary on the standard sick leave scheme, and they are facing not being able to pay their mortgages soon. Providing these workers, who sacrificed so much on all of our behalf, with financial security would be a minimal cost to the State but would make a profound difference to their lives and to their peace of mind. The group that met the Taoiseach last June urgently needs to meet him again. I know the Taoiseach has been extremely busy recently, but I implore him to make time for that soon.

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

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. It is a very difficult and challenging issue, primarily for those who got long Covid, and they did incredible work in the healthcare service during Covid-19. I met them last June and that resulted in the extension to last December. As the Deputy knows, there was then the Labour Court recommendation. It recommended a final extension and that got expanded. They are now in the public service sick leave scheme and the Deputy has indicated that the full payment will come to an end. I will talk to my colleagues again to see what can be done in endeavouring to support them given the circumstances around their particular case. I will come back to the Deputy on it.

Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to raise an issue in Mallow General Hospital, which is in my home town. Over the past six months, the day ward has been closed on several occasions to facilitate overcrowding in Cork University Hospital, the Mercy Hospital and Kerry University Hospital. It is entirely unacceptable that day procedures would be halted for several days to facilitate overcrowding. People in genuine need of these day ward procedures have often been told on the morning of their procedure that it has been cancelled. This issue has been highlighted to me by members of staff in Mallow General Hospital and by patients. I am not placing blame here, and I commend the Government and previous Governments on the significant investment in Mallow General Hospital. We are very proud of our hospital. Will the Taoiseach provide a specific date for the opening of the 24 inpatient beds? I want an actual date, and no more "quarter 1" or "quarter 2" predictions. On 3 December 2025, I was told that it would be the end of quarter 1 2026. We are very much near the end of that now. These beds will help with overcrowding in our larger hospitals. They will keep day ward services constant and continue to upgrade the services in Mallow General Hospital.

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

Deputy Stanley spoke about waiting for a decade and a half. I have waited about three and a half decades for a Member from the Opposition to compliment the Government on its investment in Mallow hospital, so I will take it.

Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The previous Deputy, Seán Sherlock, would have as well.

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

It is a very significant moment. People have used that for their campaigns for about 50 years. To get praise for the investment in the hospital is a major watershed moment politically. I jest, but Deputy Kenny makes a very serious point. Mallow General Hospital, Bantry General Hospital, Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital and South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital all have to be used now as part of integrated care model. Cork University Hospital covers the entire region. If there are huge pressures on its emergency services, it makes sense to use Mallow hospital every now and again if there are spare beds to alleviate the pressure at Cork University Hospital. I take the Deputy's point, however. Optimally, we want the day procedures operating all of the time, 24-7, if possible, for throughput, and also getting that further project completed.

Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Will the Taoiseach provide a date on the opening?

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

The Taoiseach will have to come back to the Deputy in writing.

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

I will come back to the Deputy with a date.

Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I seek an update on the applications from Wexford County Council and Wicklow County Council for emergency funding for urgent road repairs following Storm Chandra. I strongly commend both councils' teams on their work to date. I welcome the Taoiseach's visit to many of the affected areas in days following the storm. However, this week, almost two months on from the storm, many roads remain closed or simply impassable. There are damaged or collapsed roads the length and breadth of Wicklow and Wexford from Kilanerin to Enniskerry, and from Coolkenno down to Kilmore Quay. Many of the potholes are now mini craters. When we factor in the combination of darkness and rain, these roads are a serious risk to commuters. We do not need a quick-fix solution. The roads need to be completely resurfaced and drainage must be addressed, or we will be back here again in 12 months. The CEO of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, and the CEO of Wicklow County Council, Emer O'Gorman, have submissions on the desk of the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. Two months on, we simply need to sign off on this long-overdue critical funding.

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department of Transport has been liaising with all of the local authorities on foot of the flooding that happened. They have done a schedule and survey of all of the roads that have to be done. Preliminary costings have been prepared. Our Department is working with each local authority to put in place a plan for executing these works. As the Taoiseach said earlier, some discretionary money has been allocated to local authorities. Of course they will need support in carrying out these works. Our Department is working closely with each local authority so we can put in place a programme to get the works done as quickly as possible.

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I again raise the CAMHS scandal in Kerry. Will the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, provide updates on the north Kerry look-back review and the compensation scheme? I thank the Minister of State for visiting Kerry recently and meeting with individuals and their families. She has always made herself available to the families. I was in Leinster House on a number of occasions over the years when the Minister of State met with them and listened to their concerns. I want to ensure that all of these children, many of whom are young adults today, are adequately compensated and that all services are regularly available to them. These individuals and their families suffered greatly. They were misdiagnosed and mismedicated. I want to ensure that everything possible is done to make their lives some bit easier.

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

I thank the Deputy for raising this really important issue. I compliment him on his advocacy for the families and the children over many years. As he knows, a report relating to another group of children who unfortunately were harmed by the mental health services in Kerry was published recently. I visited and met with some of the families. At that time, I said that I would be coming forward very soon with a new compensation scheme. I will be able to announce the details of that tomorrow. Again, it will be a non-adversarial scheme. The Taoiseach was very conscious that we had to continue the same approach that has worked really well for 230 of the previous 240 children who have availed of the scheme. I will also announce details of the further look-back report. Over the recess at Easter, I will visit Kerry and meet some of the families that the Deputy asked me to meet and that I was not able to meet the last day I was there.

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Of the 1,800 children in Roscommon and Galway waiting to see a psychologist, over 1,000 have waited for one year. A business case is being submitted for a dedicated CAMHS team in Ballinasloe this year. The CAMHS service that was there previously was closed, and parents have to trek an 80 km to 90 km round trip to Roscommon for appointments. When this business case is submitted, will the Minister of State reinstate the dedicated CAMHS team for Ballinasloe as quickly as possible?

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

I thank the Deputy for raising this really important issue. Primary care psychology and the CAMHS teams are two separate services, as the Deputy knows and understands. The majority of the children on the waiting list are for the primary care psychology team. They are not for the CAMHS team. We are trying to reduce the number of children waiting for CAMHS. I visited over 21 teams in the past six months to see what we could do to support the teams on the ground. There are a lot of culture issues and different challenges across different teams. No two teams are the same. In relation to the Deputy's question, there will be a waiting list initiative this year for primary care psychology to try to remove as many children as possible from that list. Believe it or not, it does not technically come under the mental health budget. I am putting a complete focus on it because it has a knock-on effect on the CAMHS teams.

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

We have had a discussion about the immediate measures needed to help with the fuel crisis. We have also talked about the longer term investment in the grid network. I am talking about a couple of quick wins. Yesterday the issue of plug-in solar, which would put it into the household, was referenced. I would like to add to that by talking about the solar panels that you can put on your balcony and use to charge your devices. There should be some sort of a discount on them, or some sort of a grant should be available, so people can save those little costs that add up over a period.

Second, in relation to EVs, at the moment a lot of newer estates do not have their own driveways. They are trying to put a cable underground. I have raised this before. It is massively more expensive to charge using these on-street chargers rather than using the domestic tariff. Could that be looked at in this context?

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

I thank the Deputy for his constructive, low-hanging fruit-type ideas. I will talk to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, in respect of those issues and how we can incentivise or trigger a greater uptake and utilisation of them.

On the EV question, something has to be done there.