Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Much like others, I want to be associated with remarks in relation to the actions that need to be taken to address the crisis that has unfolded in the Gaza Strip. I had an opportunity to reflect on that yesterday.

I again ask the Leader to try to arrange a debate in this House, if possible, at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss migration and related issues. I raised this issue before. Quite frankly, many politicians from all political parties over the years have tried to not engage in this debate, because things were often better left unsaid. That has created a microcosm that has allowed certain far-right actors to put forward untrue tropes and information that have now unfortunately become part of common parlance. It is incumbent on all of us who believe in the importance of migration and truth in relation to this matter to stand up and fight back from a position of unity. We should start that in this House. I am concerned that some parties and individuals are observing the polls. Much of the misinformation has been unchallenged by mainstream politics. I am concerned that we are starting to lose the battle here. The polls are showing, sadly, that the general populace are believing the misinformation that is being disseminated. I am concerned that this may have a domino effect on mainstream politics. We need to begin the process of challenging the misinformation and disinformation that, unfortunately, many right-minded and solid people are believing because they are hearing it so consistently but are not hearing it being challenged. It is incumbent on us to have that debate and to take the gloves off. We must fight back against this outrageous slur that has been created around the issue of migration.At the outset, I welcome the Report of the Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use and its 36 recommendations. Why am I doing that today? I am doing that because I want to go further and welcome that Cabinet yesterday approved the establishment of a special Oireachtas committee to consider the Report of the Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use. That is the right thing to do, first of all, to thank the assembly for the enormous work it did. There is much thought in the 36 recommendations. It is important that it come back to the Oireachtas because, ultimately, the Oireachtas determines law and makes decisions. As I said, I was particularly pleased yesterday that the proposal was brought to Cabinet by the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, who has ultimate responsibility for public health, well-being and the national drugs strategy. I acknowledge her huge work and commitment on this. She always said it was her intention that we would come back and discuss it in detail in the Oireachtas.

I was also pleased that the Taoiseach officially announced on the floor of the Dáil yesterday that he will seek an Independent TD to chair the committee. That is a measure of political maturity, reasonableness, fairness and pragmatism. The Taoiseach of this country decided that. That is his decision and I warmly welcome it because at times, there is much criticism about parliamentary democracy and it is constantly challenged, particularly when there is a very large coalition. It makes it difficult. I acknowledge and thank the Taoiseach for that decision. Clearly, that is a decision he has taken as leader of our country and it is one I welcome. The Taoiseach went on to say there will be 14 members and that he hopes this committee will be up and running in April. Again, that is important.

My ask of the Leader and Cathaoirleach today is that we need to sit down in terms of the Oireachtas. Clearly, the Seanad will have nominees to that committee. We should work constructively and support one another to put in place early the people who are going forward and who will represent the Seanad as part of this committee. Let us talk about it in a mature and political way. Again, I want to particularly thank the Taoiseach for his initiative in agreeing to select or put forward an Independent Member of Dáil Éireann to chair this really important committee.