Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I stand here as a Taoiseach's nominee and shall raise two issues with him. He is very welcome here today.

First, I wish to refer to the International Protection (Family Reunification) (Amendment) Bill that was mentioned by my colleague, Senator Higgins. The Bill was passed here this time last year and it passed Second Stage in the Dáil last December with a majority of 78 votes to 39 votes but, disappointingly, did not have the support of the Taoiseach's party. The Bill is a very modest administrative proposal that would make a big difference to the lives of families like the Sido family who are currently being highlighted in the media. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and Equality has considered the Bill and is due to report shortly. I ask the Taoiseach to consider the report when it is released. I also ask him to consider intervening with the Minister for Justice and Equality because the Bill is a modest proposal and does not deserve a money message.

I wish to raise a second issue.There are 55,000 citizens living with dementia, but there is little recognition of or no profundity of the challenges they face. We are waiting for the home care services and - the more modest proposal - dementia advisers that were promised in budget 2019 and which were a feature of a conversation on the confidence and supply agreement. The promises were made, but there is dismay and concern among people living with dementia and their carers. There are people who are taking up hospital beds which they no longer need, but they cannot go home. If the Taoiseach could look into that matter, I would be anxious to hear from him on it.