Victor Boyhan (Independent)

First, I want to say that I am thinking of the people of Gaza. A guiding light for my work here is that we should shine a light in a dark place. I pay tribute to our colleague, Senator Chris Andrews, for his bravery and courage. He is walking the journey and embarking on a journey. He is a man of conviction and one of our own. It is at times like this that we, as a Parliament, should be united in our support of him and the cause of Gaza. I am more than happy to endorse and support the amendment to the Order of Business today. I also support the great courage of Barry Heneghan, our Independent TD. They are a shining a light and moving beyond words into actions to highlight the terrible injustice of the crisis that is Gaza and, more importantly, its people. It is too easy for us to sit in our comfortable armchairs at 9 o'clock and say it is all shocking and terrible and then turn the button off and walk away. These people are walking their talk. They are courageous and I salute both of them.

I raise one issue relating to Family Carers Ireland. Everyone will be aware of it having received the organisation's pre-budget document. What is interesting about its pre-budget document for 2026 is that it says it has exactly the same asks as it asked for in 2005. There are eight points: the abolition of the carer's allowance means test; a fair and adequate income for carers; a right - an absolute right - to respite; delivery of the statutory home supports scheme; a fully funded carer guarantee; priority supports for children with additional needs; delivery of housing, transport and climate justice; and support for working family carers. I commend the organisation's pre-budget submission to the House. I hope we will take it on board and use our contacts within our party and political networks to once again highlight the need for these key asks. Family Carers Ireland is worthy of our support and we need to support it.