Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I start by condemning in the strongest possible terms the latest attack on the poor Ukrainian people in the city of Kremenchuk. Imagine being out with a member of one's family in a shopping centre in Dublin to pick up the basic foods or clothes one wants and these missiles suddenly hitting, with people dead and injured. It is utterly outrageous and monstrous carry-on. Every Member, including the Leader and you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh, will join me in condemning this blatant and outrageous attack on people. There seems to be no end of it from Russia, with innocent people being hit down in this way. It is so tragic.

It was appalling to listen to the news reports last night, to see the destruction and to see bodies and people being taken out of a building that had been completely destroyed. It is just too bad, and it is important that all countries, including ours, condemn such actions by Russia. They are being perpetrated by Russia, regardless of what it says.

I welcome the Government's plan to tackle domestic and gender violence.It is very important this is done. I welcome the statement by the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, and the Government. We hope that will progress very quickly. I know it is something the Leader has a major interest in. We do not have a refuge in County Roscommon. I am glad to see the Government will move to ensure that every county will have a refuge.

On another good note, I am glad to see that Irish workers are the most productive in the world, according to the Central Statistics Office. According to that body, workers in the Republic added an average of €95.76 to the value to the economy for every hour worked in 2020. We should laud all our workers and commend them because the Irish have a good work ethic. It is lovely to see that bit of good news. I wanted to note that today.

I will very briefly refer to the fact that the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris, this morning announced an extra 1,000 college places. That will be very important to our student population as regards the points race. The places will be in IT, architecture, education, engineering and other areas. That is important. I am glad to see the Minister and the Government have acted on that.

I understand the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, brought legislation to Cabinet this morning with the publication of the Health (Exemption for Children from Public In-Patient Charges) Bill 2022. As Members know, this will pave the way for the abolition of overnight and day case inpatient charges for children aged under 16 in all public hospitals. That will be very much welcomed by many people. I hope the Bill passes quickly.