Mattie McGrath

I think there is only me and Deputy Nolan.

I have three minutes. I am fine.

We are missing one.

What is required is an ongoing maintenance programme for all stock to ensure it is routinely kept up to a decent standard. No house should be in such poor condition when it becomes vacant that it takes several months to bring back. Usually, it is only after a house is vacated that it would be considered for an energy upgrade to thermal insulation and heating systems, or a new window set. I believe…

Go raibh maith agat.

You are in full flight. Go raibh maith agat. Anois, ar ais go dtí an Rialtas. Glaoim ar an Aire.

Please, Deputy.

Please, Deputy.

Deputy, please allow the Minister to reply.

The Deputy will have the chance to speak shortly.

I will deal with the Aontú amendment. The question is that the amendment be made. All those in favour abair "Tá" and all those against say "Níl".

It is the Aontú-----

Yes. It is Aontú's amendment to the Government's amendment.

A vote has been called by the Government. It will be taken during the voting block on Wednesday night.

The other amendment comes first.

This question is being taken with Question No. 102 so I call Deputy Ahern.

Twelve months ago today, the good people of Dundrum - two of whom the Tánaiste met and I mentioned them to him before, Ms Nora O'Dwyer and Ms Andrea Crowe - started a peaceful, decent protest at the gates. I had a video sent to me half an hour ago of the bus leaving with the last of the Ukrainians. We do not know where they are going but they are being moved out to be replaced by international pro…

I, too, congratulate the Minister of State on being reappointed to the post he held previously. He is suited to this role. He has first-hand experience in Athlone. We all saw him on television manning the pumps. I thank the Minister of State for coming to Clonmel and other places. Now that Clonmel is 97% or 98% secure from flooding, I appeal to him to deal with the insurance companies because, as…

Ar an gcéad dul síos, I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach for giving me this opportunity this evening. I thank the Minister of State for being here. Every August, my office is inundated with school transport queries from parents who have not been able to secure a bus place for their child. I am sure the same applies in the Minister of State’s office. It is the same for all representatives. This ca…

The Minister of State was lucky to get it in both schools. I did not get it in national school, but I cycled to Mount Melleray that year to do the entrance exam. They did not take in any students that year. They had the place closed. I went on the bus to St. Joseph's in Cahir. I too thank the bus drivers, many of whom have gone to their heavenly reward. I also thank the contractors who give an exc…

I speak with a heavy heart as we witness the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the slaughter of innocent civilians caught up in the crossfire of a brutal and unrelenting conflict. This suffering demands not only our sympathy, but our swift action. Ireland has a proud tradition of neutrality, of standing actively for peace and international law and for the protection of human dignity.…

I also welcome this legislation. I hope it would be of interest to Deputy Gould in the context of the lecture he was giving people here. I wish to declare that I am a part of a company that employs up to 25 people. I am sure the Ceann Comhairle is well aware of this aspect, particularly as she was self-employed for years. Many small businesspeople are ag déanamh a ndícheall i gcónaí. They are doi…

Independent independent.

We are not in government.

The problem with these lads and ladies is that they are not fit for government, full stop. They have proven that in the North. They have not yet shaken off the legacy of bullying, intimidation, kneecapping and everything else.