Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for raising the sad passing of Michael O’Kennedy and sympathise with his wife, Breda, and family. I got to know the late former Minister in his retirement. He was a gentleman and was always encouraging to me despite any political differences we might have had. I also wish to be associated with the remarks regarding Jimmy Leonard and extend my sympathies to his family.

Will the Leader invite the Minister for Foreign Affairs to come before the House? This week, a district court in St. Petersburg disbanded and banned the largest LGBTQ+ organisation in Russia. This, again, shows the ongoing disregard the Russian authorities have for human rights and minorities, not least the LGBTQ+ community. I ask for a debate to take place on the issue as a matter of urgency. It is an issue born of ideology and nothing else, and we need to call it out. Anybody who supports this type of regime or activity needs to question himself or herself. I hope the Minister will come before the House as a matter of urgency.

Second, I call for a debate with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris, on technological university reform. He has been proactive in the area of the apprenticeship and skills shortages and in addressing and tackling that issue, and I commend him on that. It is in line with both his wider ethos and that of his Department regarding better access and a clearer pathway to higher education.

Finally, I propose we invite in the Ministers for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Social Protection. Anecdotally, I have heard that Ukrainian people who, having come to this country, are offered work and want to take up full-time work have been told they can work no more than 20 hours or they will lose all their social welfare benefits. At a time when employers are calling out for people to work and when there are staff shortages in many areas, can we have a debate on this issue and more? To be fair, the people in question wanted to work for the full 40-plus hours and we need a debate on work as a matter of priority in this House.