Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What we saw on "RTÉ Investigates" last night was absolutely shocking. It went to the heart of any parent out there. Children in the care of the State are being placed in really dangerous and wholly inappropriate settings. We are talking about unregulated emergency arrangements with no proper oversight where children are exposed to violence and trauma that will stay with them for the rest of their life. Young people are leaving care into homelessness. It is appalling and it is absolutely shameful.

These are children without a voice. They are overwhelmingly from working class communities and they are treated as if they do not matter while private profiteering continues. As we heard, none of this is new. Judges and child advocates have repeatedly raised the alarm with the Government and the concerns that Tusla is at a crisis point.

This is systemic. It is a political failure. People are asking what on earth is going on with children in the care of the State. When is the Government going to get a grip on this and make sure it comes to an end? We have seen too many programmes and reports.

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

The Deputy's time is up.

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

I agree with a lot of what the Deputy said in the sense of these being extraordinarily harrowing cases involving extraordinarily vulnerable children. I want to answer his question. I know all of us in this House would say that these children do matter. Their voices do matter. All of us need to be their voice. I did have a good conversation with the CEO of Tusla earlier, with whom I have regular engagements. Tusla is making real progress in terms of opening more centres and reducing the reliance on what are called special emergency arrangements, SEAs. Alongside that, and regardless of it, there are laws in this country that have to be applied too. There are also matters that I believe are matters for An Garda Síochána. There are laws if anybody has committed a criminal act against a vulnerable child in this country and those laws need to be enforced. I understand there have been five Garda referrals and six centres were closed over a period.

Mark Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I too want to raise last night's horrific programme. Like the Tánaiste, I thank Barry O'Kelly and "RTÉ Investigates" for bringing this in front of us. As has been said in this House already, it is not the first time that I and others have brought up this concern. Three weeks ago, Independent Ireland raised concerns we have on Private Members' business about Tusla services, SEAs and problems concerning them. It is simply not good enough that the most vulnerable in society are put at risk by these arrangements.

The State seems to be more concerned about bringing these vulnerable children to court rather than dealing adequately with their complex needs. The fact remains that Tusla has handed out €240 million to 93 unregulated providers of SEAs. This includes one company to which it paid over €41 million. Questions remains. Will an investigation be launched by the Government into last night's findings? Are there any financial penalties for SEA providers? Does the Government have a timeline to get rid of SEAs?

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

Last year alone, more than 106,000 referrals were received by Tusla. There are over 6,000 children in foster care with foster parents or in registered centres doing well. The vast majority of children in care are thriving and are being well looked after. The vast majority of them are in education or training. That is not to take away from the harrowing failures.

The Government will of course want to receive a full report from Tusla on this. I acknowledge that Tusla is working hard on this. We are seeing a reduction in the reliance on SEAs. We need to see an acceleration of that. We are seeing that against a backdrop of a greatly increased number of referrals. There can be no escaping the law in terms of any consequences for anyone who has breached the law.

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

A new report revealed today the depths of disadvantage in Dublin's south-west inner city, where I live. On every metric, the area and its residents are being failed. There is a disproportionate disadvantage when it comes to deprivation and crime, low educational attainment and a chronic lack of sporting facilities, which I have spoken about several times in this Chamber. There are also very stark findings with regard to drug deaths and the crime rate, which is twice the national average.

It is really shocking it is laid out in black and white. I see it every day but it is shocking when it is written out in a report. It is also infuriating. There is a lot of money in this country, but how we choose to spend it is really important.

The only real investment that has happened over the lifetime of the Government is investment in private student accommodation, build-to-rent apartments and hotels for tourists. That does not help anyone living there. What I really want to know is if it is possible to have the same sort of thing that happens in the north-east inner city for the south inner city? They mirror one another incredibly, and that is my question.

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

I thank Deputy Cummins for bringing up the issue and I will have a look at that report. The question she is raising is a broader one that arises from time to time, where there is a model that works well in parts of the city or of our country and there are other communities saying that they too could benefit from that model. I am going from my memory now, but I know there was work to be undertaken towards the end of the last Government in terms of how we embed that good practice in other communities. On foot of the Deputy raising this today, I will link in with the Department of the Taoiseach, which is co-ordinating that. I will also point out, as I am sitting beside the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, that a number of funds are available to try to help communities, particularly to tackle disadvantage, and perhaps I will ask the Minister of State to speak to Deputy Cummins on that too.

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

I want to raise again the fact the people of south Tipperary have no consultant ophthalmology service. There has been no eye service for almost two years now. The HSE has failed in its duty to provide that vital service. We have no consultant-led service, no optometry clinics and no nurse-led clinics. As a result there is a huge backlog of 3,000 people, with hundreds of children who have never been seen. There are hundreds of people with glaucoma who either have never been seen or need follow-up and some may be facing blindness. I know the ophthalmology department at the county clinic in Clomnel has been reallocated to other services, so what is going on? Is there a plan to downgrade or transfer the services out of south Tipperary? When will we have and see a consultant-staffed service in operation again in the county, please?

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

I thank Deputy Healy and acknowledge this is not the first time he has raised it in this House. It does seem to have been going on for a very long time. Truthfully, I do not know the factual reason, whether it is regarding an inability to recruit or not. I know it often can be. The Deputy also raised the issue in relation to the transfer of services. On foot of him raising it again, I will ask that the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, interact with him directly on this matter.

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

In Cork city, tenants in Mary Aikenhead Place are living in flats that were built in the 1960s. They are cold, damp and affected by mould. Surrounding units in the residential area have already been retrofitted. The Government retrofit plan aims for a B2 standard by 2050, with only 25% to be completed by 2030. For many of these tenants, the timeline of waiting for 25 years to have their flats retrofitted is simply too long. Let me be precise. Will the Government commit to prioritising older flats such as Mary Aikenhead Place with an accelerated retrofit programme and will funding be in place to bring these homes up to standard by 2030?

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

I thank Deputy O'Flynn for raising this issue. On foot of him specifically raising that area, I will ask the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, who has responsibility for this area, to come back to him directly. The broader point as to how we make sure we can retrofit and make homes warm for people to live in and to have a higher standard more quickly is absolutely at the core of what we need to be doing now. We have so much discussion in this House about fossil fuels and chaos caused in the world. Actually, the action the Deputy outlined is the sort of step we need to be taking. We are eager to do more in this space. We have seen a significant increase in applications but I will ask the Minister to come back to the Deputy.

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

I want to raise the shocking and deeply concerning announcement by Pfizer yesterday that it is seeking to reduce its workforce in Ringaskiddy by over 100. This represents about 12% of the workforce. Pfizer has been a very good employer in Cork since 1969, when it established the plant. As the Tánaiste will appreciate, it is deeply concerning for staff that this announcement has come forward. Will the Tánaiste ensure the State agencies engage with the company immediately to understand the background to this announcement and also to try to minimise the impact? Will he give assurances to staff that will happen ASAP?

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

I thank Deputy McGrath for raising this issue. I will speak to the Minister, Deputy Burke, on this matter today. The Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, has told me he has spoken to him as well today. Pfizer is a great company and has been a great employer in the Deputy's own community but also in this country. I would like to have a better and deeper understanding of this and I am obviously very eager to support workers who are impacted. I know my immediate consideration today, and that of Deputy McGrath and the Minister of State, will be for the employees affected. All arms of the Government will work with them, but I will speak to the Minister on this today and ask that he also contact the Deputy.

John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am seeking clarity on the commencement date for the newly approved Local Link bus service, the 515, connecting Mallow to Killarney, which serves the villages of Ballyclogh, Castlemagner, Kanturk, Boherbue and Knocknagree in my own constituency of Cork North-West. This route is not just a line on a map; it is a vital lifeline for rural communities. People in these areas have faced limited public transport options, impacting access to education, employment, healthcare and social activities. The approval of this service was very warmly welcomed locally when it was announced in November 2025 and there is strong expectation it will be delivered without delay in 2026. Reliable and accessible rural transport is essential if we are serious about balanced regional development and tackling rural isolation. This service has the potential to significantly improve connectivity across Cork North-West and into Kerry. The communities I represent are ready for this service. They now need certainty on when it will begin.

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

I thank Deputy O'Shea for raising this issue with me and with the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, here who has responsibility for rural transport as well. I am pleased to see the investment in rural transport in Cork increased by 46% between 2024 and 2025 to more than €7.2 million. To the Deputy's point about Cork, passenger numbers on the rural routes are increasing by 95% so there is clear demand for this as well. I thank the Deputy particularly for raising the proposed new bus route 515 under the Connecting Ireland rural mobility programme. I know this is something the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, is very supportive of as well. It would serve a number of villages the Deputy has outlined in Cork North-West. The NTA tells me it is planning the advancement of these routes but has not yet given me a date for implementation. On foot of the Deputy raising the matter here, the Minister of State will come back to him directly.

Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am going to give the Tánaiste some examples of how this Government is failing our most vulnerable children. Hansfield Educate Together National School is telling us it will not be able to support children with additional needs due to the lack of SNA allocation for this September, forcing it to reduce timetables for students with additional needs. One school in Dublin West has been awarded DEIS plus status but there is none in Corduff, Blakestown or Mountview. At least 19 children with additional needs have no post-primary school place for September. The Minister's task force on special education, set up in October 2024, has still not published its recommendations. Why? Children have been waiting six years for an assessment of need for children with additional needs in Blakestown CDNT. School completion programmes tackling disadvantage in the Mountview, Blakestown and Ongar areas are operating with no increased funding and have been asked to support a school population that has increased by over 1,000 children. Deaf children get supports, or not, due to a postcode lottery. There is a baby alarm and monitor scheme in Meath-----

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

Thank you, Deputy, the time is up. The Tánaiste to respond.

Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

----but not in Dublin West. It is the same HSE. Why? Why is the Government failing our children?

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

I thank Deputy Donnelly. I am very proud to be a member of the Government that has introduced the DEIS plus programme. For the first time ever in the history of the State, we now have DEIS plus and I thank the Minister, Deputy Naughton, for her work on that. The Deputy and I have discussed this before. It is a start. The schools have been chosen on the basis of need, with criteria that are above and beyond politics in terms of trying to identify those most in need. That is not to say we do not wish to see DEIS plus expanded or rolled out further. Of course we do.

On the other specific issues, including HSE-related issues, I will ask both the Minister for Health and the Minister for education to come back to the Deputy.

While I am on my feet, I welcome the youth advisory panel who Deputy Keira Keogh, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality, said are in the Gallery. I know they spoke so very well yesterday on the topic of online safety. I think there are representatives form Webwise, Youthwork Ireland, the NYCI and the Ombudsman for Children's Office. I welcome them to Leinster House and thank them for being here.

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

On behalf of all the Members, the youth advisory panel are most welcome and we all identify that their contributions are most important.

David Maxwell (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Following the announcement in February of the annual roads allocation, will the Tánaiste give an update on any further allocations for Monaghan, Cavan and all of the other counties? This year's allocations for local and secondary roads will not go as far because they will be eaten up by price increases in supplies and labour year on year. With the excessive wet weather this winter and a number of storms, the latest being Goretti in February, local and secondary roads in counties Monaghan and Cavan are in a deplorable state. Will there be a further allocation to help local authorities reinstate these roads? These roads are used by farmers, all types of businesses and the people who live on them. It will cost Monaghan County Council just over €1.4 million for repairs to cover storm damage alone on their local roads this year.

At the moment this €1.4 million is being taken out of the ordinary roads maintenance budgets that are already cut to the bone. The people of rural Ireland deserve roads that are fit to be used safely. We need sustained increases to bring all local roads up to the required standard over the coming years. Can the Tánaiste give a commitment here today to local authorities that another tranche of funding will be coming forward?

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

I thank Deputy Maxwell for raising this. It is not the first time he has raised it with me. I know his constituency in Cavan and Monaghan has been significantly impacted by Storm Chandra. While we have increased the funding for roads in Cavan and Monaghan, which is important - there is an increase in the funding in 2026 versus 2025 - I want to see that money, and more importantly the Deputy wants to see that money, in Cavan and Monaghan being spent as it was intended and not sucked up by the road damage. We have gone out to the councils. When I say "we" I mean the Department of Transport has gone out to the councils and asked them to come back to us in terms of their storm damage so we can see if we can allocate additional funding for that storm damage within the Department of Transport Vote. That is the direction the Taoiseach and I gave a special Cabinet committee on the flood damage. There is currently an application in from eight local authorities, of which Monaghan is one. That is now being assessed. I am not saying this to be difficult but I am not sure if we have one in yet from Cavan. On foot of the Deputy raising this, I will follow that up. The Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, who is in that Department, will also link in with the Deputy on it.

Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The new school building for Gael Coláiste Reachrann in my constituency was moved to tender. Parents have been waiting 25 years for a permanent school building. We do not want any more broken promises in the sense that the school was told the project would move to construction in the second quarter of 2026 as previously indicated. Will the Tánaiste outline any risks to this timeline and provide a detailed update on the status go háirithe i mBaile Átha Cliath Thuaidh, áit a bhfuil daoine ag iarraidh Gaeilge a fhoghlaim? Caithfimid an infheistíocht a chur isteach san áit sin. Tá tuismitheoirí agus páistí ag iarraidh Gaeilge a fhoghlaim i bhfoirgnimh bhuan ach tá siad i prefabs atá fuar. They are leaking and they are cold. Can we get an update from the Tánaiste please?

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

I acknowledge that this is certainly not the first time Deputy Heneghan has raised this issue in the House. The Deputy raises it almost every time we meet, either formally or informally, around this building. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta for all the work he is doing in relation to it.

It is now one of the 105 large-scale school building projects that will go to tender and-or construction during 2026 and 2027. In other words, the project is definitely moving forward. The 600-pupil post-primary school project was authorised to proceed to tender on 12 November 2025. The invitation to tender issued on 28 November 2025 through the eTender portal. A request for an extension to the tender return period was granted. The school has also been granted a two-classroom special educational needs unit to be configured within the existing layout. An addendum is to be added to the invitation to tender shortly. The short-listed parties have been issued a clarification. It is expected the tenders will be returned approximately two weeks after that addendum in the second quarter of this year. The timeline remains on track. I will get a detailed note sent to the Deputy by the Minister, Deputy Naughton.

Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat.

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

I wish to raise the issue of the HSE discharging people from hospitals without the consent or co-operation of the families and in breach of the HSE's own protocols. I have an example of a man in south Leitrim who had a stroke and was in the care of the HSE. His sister in Dublin got a phone call saying, "He is going home today". She said there was nobody at home and that the house was under reconstruction because of the situation. She was told that he would be put in a taxi and sent home. That is it. A similar situation in south Donegal involved a lady who was in hospital. She was a very vulnerable patient with poor eyesight. Her daughter phoned the hospital to inquire about her and she was told she had already gone home. The daughter contacted a neighbour who had found the lady wandering outside in her pajamas in the month of January. This type of situation is happening more often than one would realise. Because of the pressures the HSE is under it is pushing people out, in breach of its own protocols and often without a care package in place. In regard to that gentleman in Country Leitrim who had had a stroke, adequate services for his rehabilitation were only put in place this week. He was waiting for two months. No care plans are being given to people and they are being sent home in breach of the HSE's own protocols and regulations.

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

I take Deputy Kenny fully at his word and do not doubt in any way the accuracy or bona fides of what he has shared with the House. I also accept the HSE is often very busy and under pressure. There are very many fine people who work in our health service and we thank them for that. There is, however, no excuse for anybody, no matter how busy they are, to discharge somebody without making sure there is an appropriate care plan in place. Surprising relatives and the like is not an acceptable thing to happen. I am not doubting the Deputy but on foot of him raising it, perhaps he will share the details, if he would not mind, in a confidential and an appropriate manner with the Minister for Health. I will ask that she would directly pursue that with the HSE. There are very clear protocols in place, as Deputy Kenny said, in relation to these issues. I am very sorry to hear about those two cases. The Minister for Health will engage with the Deputy directly.

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

Will the Tánaiste join with me in calling for An Post to reverse the disastrous decision to move the sorting office for Dublin 16 out of Dublin 16, moving it from Edmondstown to Lucan. It makes no sense whatsoever. It is not clear where the public who miss packets and parcels are going to have to go to collect them. They may have to go all the way to Lucan to collect parcels that they miss. It certainly is clear that it will result in a worsened service for the public. The postal workers are going to be stuck on the M50 going between Lucan and back to Dublin 16. It is also clear that it is a disaster for the workers. Workers have built their lives around where they work. I was talking to one couple who both work there but one of them does not drive and they get there by bike. There is no way they are going to be able to get to Lucan. It just makes no sense whatsoever to move a sorting office for an area out of the area it serves, and particularly when it is staying in the control of An Post.

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

As I was listening to what the Deputy was saying, I also had colleagues here saying to me that they are not unfamiliar with the significant inconvenience, anxiety and practical issues it can cause for constituents, including the constituents the Deputy referred to. On foot of the issue being raised by Deputy Murphy, I will ask the Minister and the chief executive of An Post to examine the specifics of the issue the Deputy mentioned about the proposed move of the sorting office from Edmondstown to Lucan. We also have to look at the opportunities to use local post offices and collection points there as well. An Post needs to think outside the box and be flexible as well. There are practical ways people need to go about collecting post, collecting parcels and like. We do have a very extensive post office network in addition to the sorting offices. I will ask the chief executive of An Post to engage with the Deputy.

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Cuirim ceist ar an Tánaiste faoi Ospidéal Beaumont. Despite the very best efforts of nurses and doctors in the emergency department it is often severely overcrowded. For over a decade, the Tánaiste's Government has been promising a new emergency department at Beaumont Hospital. What is causing the delay to this much-needed new emergency department? When is it actually going to be delivered?

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

I thank Deputy O'Callaghan for raising the issue in relation to the need for a new emergency department for Beaumont Hospital. I accept that the Deputy is accurate. This is something that has been long discussed and much needed in Beaumont. I do not have the specifics in front of me here, so I do not want to give the Deputy or his constituents false information but it is my understanding that it is part of the HSE's capital plan. I will ask the Minister for Health to come back to the Deputy directly in terms of a timeline.

I also hope that some of these projects can be progressed in the healthcare space using the critical infrastructure legislation and other common-sense ways to try to speed up processes, with processes in parallel. I accept that emergency department is badly needed. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, to come back to the Deputy.

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

I wish to raise the ongoing issue of Garda numbers in Cobh in County Cork. This issue has been brought to my attention by my Labour Party colleague, Councillor Cathal Rasmussen. Over the past number of months, and including this week, there have been a number of knife attacks in Cobh. Recently the doors of the Garda station itself were closed with no access to the public because of the lack of gardaí. There are four units in Cobh and in one of those units now there is only one garda. Likewise, in Carrigtwohill both stations are swapping personnel to cover the shifts. I understand now that gardaí are not willing to transfer to Cobh because of the lack of adequate resources. Locals are concerned that not only are there no boots on the ground but the station itself is now closed to the public.

Cobh is a hugely popular town and Carrigtwohill is becoming one of the fastest growing towns in Cork. The public are genuinely concerned for their safety. The first of the liners have started to dock in Cobh, swelling the daily population, but there are very few gardaí available. We all want new gardaí in our areas but Cobh brings such an economic benefit to Cork, the presence of gardaí is absolutely essential there.

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

I thank Deputy Kenny for raising this issue on his own behalf and on behalf of Councillor Rasmussen. They represent a beautiful part of this country. I know so many people who live there and who visit there from home and abroad. I take seriously the points the Deputy makes in relation to garda numbers in Cobh, in Carrigtwohill and in the area more widely, and in relation to the operating hours of the Garda station. I will ask the Minister for justice to engage directly with the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the deployment of gardaí. We are now seeing a significant increase in the Garda budget and in garda numbers in Templemore. I will raise the Deputy's concerns directly with the Minister.

Peter Roche (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the issue of TB testing, the new guidelines and the action plan. There is considerable confusion about the testing and the movement rules. Constituents are a little bit confused about the categories their livestock fall into in this regard. They are asking that the rules be simplified. The compensation cap of €3,000 is fundamentally important, as a pedigree in-calf cow would exceed much more than €3,000. Apart from the financial burden, the emotional loss is also considerable. I am asking that the compensation cap be revisited and that consideration be given to 60 days pre-movement for all. Some are asking for 90 days but I believe that 60 days pre-movement would be relevant in this instance.

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

I thank Deputy Roche for raising this matter. I know he has been engaging with the Minister for agriculture on this issue also and I thank him for it. We all know a TB breakdown can cause significant emotional and financial impacts on farms, and the recent changes are necessary to help drive down the levels and prevent more farmers experiencing these very difficult impacts. The changes are targeted to ensure they focus on a group of animals that are responsible for the largest number of reactors, namely cows, while also ensuring farmers can continue to sell them at livestock marts to achieve a competitive price. The Minister wrote directly to all farmers in advance of the changes, and officials from the Department continue to engage with farm organisations - it is very important for all of us to listen and engage on this issue - and with the livestock marts to try to guide them through the changes. I am aware of the financial impact and I will discuss with the Minister the points Deputy Roche has made on compensation schemes and changes. I know changes were made to the scheme in 2023. I will discuss the matter with the Minister, Deputy Heydon.

Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Shannen is the mother of four children who all have additional needs. Her daughter Evie went to Castlejordan national school in County Meath from junior infants. After meetings with the school, Evie moved to Clonard school, which has an autism class and more resources. In under a year Evie has nearly fully integrated back into mainstream education with access to autism support and she is thriving. Sadly, Evie is now isolated from the local kids and has lost local friendships from a school the family can see from their front door. Shannen's son Fionn is almost four and attends an autism playschool in Robinstown, an 80 km round trip for a child with additional needs. There were no closer options. Shannen has spent 13 years fighting for support for her children and says services are getting worse. A lack of accessible services locally is an issue that has deeply affected Fionn and has left his mother Shannen feeling powerless to get the system to support him. She wonders whether he will have a school place when needed. What measures are being put in place so children like Fionn with additional needs can attend their local schools and do not have to travel halfway around the country?

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

I thank Deputy Guirke for raising this issue in relation to Shannen and her children. I am pleased to hear that Evie is thriving but I very much take the point about people wanting their child to be able to thrive in their own community and not be isolated from that community. I take the point. There is also anxiety as to whether Fionn will have an appropriate place. The budget we are working through for 2026 allocated funding for 433 additional special classes. Of these, 432 have been sanctioned and this week the Government allocated significant additional resources to the Department of education. Much of this will be for special education to increase further the number of classes. I believe we will need a number much closer to 600 by this September. If Deputy Guirke wants to send the specific details to the Minister, Deputy Naughton, I will ask that she comes back to him directly.

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Hauliers and farmers who took part in the fuel protests are now facing summonses. In some cases their registration plates were recorded at the time of the protests and now they are being pursued. These are people who have invested heavily, in some cases hundreds of thousands of euro, into their businesses, trucks and livelihoods. The additional penalty points will see many of them lose their licences and their insurance policies. There is a real risk, therefore, that some of these people will be put off the road and will lose their businesses. I hear that in some cases gardaí are patrolling certain areas where the protests originated and summonses are issuing in the aftermath. Is the Government engaging in reprisal action in relation to the protesters? Are people being penalised for exercising their democratic right to protest? Will the Tánaiste instruct An Garda Síochána to recognise the protest as peaceful, legitimate and driven by financial hardship? It is really important these people are protected.

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

Time is up and Deputy Lawless knows that the rules apply to him the same as everybody else. There is no point in us talking over one another. The rules apply to him the same as everyone.

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

I want to be really clear that the Government does not give any direction to An Garda Síochána in terms of implementation of the laws of the land. Anybody who participates in peaceful protest is entirely in accordance with the laws of the land. Peaceful protest is an important part of our democracy. I have participated in protests and I have been protested at. Protest is a good thing in our democracy. What is not a good thing in a democracy is breaking the law, and anyone who breaks the law will face the consequences of the law, as An Garda Síochána applies laws without fear or favour.