John McGuinness

I want to raise the issue that is central to this problem, which is the bureaucracy of the three sectors: the HSE, the disability sector and housing. That is preventing initiatives from being taken and preventing staff from being employed. Kilkenny SOS provides a fantastic service. It is at the cutting edge of developments in this area. It has been left short €500,000 since 2013-14. It was given i…

It was going too smoothly.

Is that the one the Minister is addressing?

I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Joanna Byrne - To discuss unsafe working conditions in the ambulance station in Drogheda. Deputy Séamus McGrath - To discuss Garda resources and station opening hours in south Cork city. Deputy Shane Moynihan - To discuss the need …

They do not have any worries.

We now have statements on the importance of agrifood to the Irish economy. I call on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Martin Heydon.

Deputies Kenny, Mac Lochlainn, Conway-Walsh, Bennett and Carthy are sharing time.

Do not tempt me.

The Deputy's time is up.

The Deputy is straying from the agrifood sector.

I allowed Deputy Whitmore to make that contribution as I did not want to get into any argument about it at this stage but I would like to stick to what is on the agenda, which is agrifood. You have made your point but in the future whatever is on the agenda is what the Minister has prepared for, and that is what we are dealing with.

No, I am sorry-----

Deputy Ward, please.

First, I congratulate the Ceann Comhairle on her election. I have not spoken in the Chamber since then. While I was a candidate in that election, she was the chosen one and I wish her well in her term of office. I want to thank the people of Carlow-Kilkenny for giving me the opportunity to represent them here once again and the fact that they gave me such a strong mandate. To all those who signed …

It clearly states in Standing Orders that the language is English and Irish, and while I may not be a fluent Gaeilgeoir, I can tell Members I have a great love for the Irish language and will use it occasionally as best I can. I would say to all of the Members here that there is no embarrassment about not being able to speak the Irish language fluently and we should try it every time we get the op…

May I take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support today in the election of Leas-Cheann Comhairle? I look forward to doing my job, as Leas-Cheann Comhairle, with plenty of support from the Ceann Comhairle, and with Members’ support, I will be able to fulfil this part of the declaration – maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of Members. As I did this morning, I would app…

A Chléirigh agus a chairde, ar an gcéad dul síos, is mór an onóir é dom gur éirigh liom ainmniúchán do phost an Cheann Comhairle a fháil. Gabhaim buíochas dóibh siúd a thug an t-ainmniúchán dom. Gabhaim míle buíochas freisin do gach feisire a bhí sásta labhairt nuair a bhí mo chanbhasáil ar siúl. Molaim an sárobair a rinne na Teachtaí Seán Ó Fearghaíl agus Catherine Connolly. Gabhaim buíochas leo.…