Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

11. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline his proposals to remove the triple lock neutrality protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6108/25]

We are returning to this issue again. We have had a discussion regarding the principle of it, and it remains my strong view that the effect of getting rid of the triple lock, whatever the intention, will undermine Irish neutrality. The Tánaiste talked a great deal about the detail and so on. This is an opportunity for him to tell us what is going to be in the legislation and outline, to the greate…

I will not make a final intervention after this because we have ventilated it well enough. It sounds to some extent as though these are criteria the Dáil should have regard to, but ultimately it remains a decision of the Dáil and there is no safeguard beyond that. I am concerned about that. It is not the UN Security Council or anyone on it that has prevented us from sustaining a peacekeeping pres…

I begin by acknowledging the presence in the House of H.E. Larysa Gerasko, the Ukrainian ambassador, and all the representatives of the Ukrainian community in Ireland. I thank the ambassador for continuing to keep Members and the Irish public aware of the reality of life in Ukraine . On behalf of my Ukrainian constituents in Cork, I thank her for the representation she provides for them. Three ye…

We are clear that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a blatant breach of international law. It is full-scale aggression that has been defined by the potential war crimes committed by the Russian military against innocent people. Sinn Féin calls for a co-ordinated and concerted effort by the international community to secure an end to the hostilities and build peace. We want to see a peaceful settleme…

Fianna Fáil has fair expertise in strokes themselves.

Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I wish him the best in his new position. With the short amount of time I have, I will make some brief observations across the areas of both agriculture and fisheries. I echo the concerns that have been raised by others regarding Mercosur. The issues with Mercosur are wide-ranging and significant. It is difficult to see why anybody from an Irish…

I will finish by saying that was not necessarily the case. There is a lack of long-term planning and a need for reform of the marine agencies because there is a feeling that it is a neglected area and its potential is not being fully met.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. Tá AI linn agus cé go bhfuil leas le baint as, tá baoil ag baint leis freisin. Ar aon chaoi, tá sé ag tarlúint agus caithfimid cinnte a dhéanamh de go bhfuil ár bpolasaithe réidh le déileáil leis ó thaobh cúrsaí oideachais agus fostaíochta de agus ó thaobh seirbhísí poiblí agus go leor gnéithe eile. AI is a reality. It is pushing forward at a relentless pace. There a…

I wish to be associated with the condolences expressed to Mr. Babatunde. While my party leader, Deputy Mary Lou McDonald, raised the issue of crime in the capital city, we have had some serious incidents in Cork city in the past couple of weeks. There were two arson attacks, including a petrol bombing, as well as a stabbing close to the Taoiseach’s own constituency office. Some 203 bus services we…

Dúirt sé "ag insint bréag". Nach iad sin na focail a d'úsáid sé?

The programme for Government is pretty thin gruel when you sit down and look at it. There are commitments to "examine", "consider", "evaluate" and "assess". Where the people of Ireland would have hoped for a significant radical shift in some areas of policy to resolve the challenges we face, particularly in housing and health, they were met with a programme for Government that resembled nothing so…

It is during storms like these that we really see the value of public services, especially our front-line public servants, those from the ESB, local authorities, emergency services and An Garda Síochána. They were out in all weathers, in very difficult circumstances, to ensure that people were safe, looked after and were reconnected. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude. The storm wreaked havoc a…

1. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on the progress of the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018. [4844/25]

As this is our first question time in our new roles, I wish the Tánaiste well in his new role. While I will hold him to account, I also look forward to co-operation where appropriate. We had a lengthy debate on the occupied territories Bill last week. There was a fair bit of discussion about the vehicle but, to my mind, a change of substance is afoot in what the Government is proposing. I will pu…

I share the Tánaiste's concern about the ceasefire. I might say some more on that, as I have another question later about Palestine and the Middle East. I urge people on all sides of the conflict to step back from the brink. With the limited time I have, I will return to the legislation. It seems that there is an attempt to obscure issues of substance with technical issues. There may be technical …

I understand Senator Black has been in contact with the Minister and has not been able to get an appointment as of yet. I hope that will happen very shortly. I will keep asking the question. This has not been addressed; I have not been given an answer. I raised it numerous times in the course of the last debate. I have raised it twice here already. Technical issues can be overcome. They are overco…

That does not clarify my question.

Is the Minister saying precisely goods alone?

That is not a clear answer.

No, it is not.

Confirming an affirmative is not the same as denying a negative.

That is a change in the policy.

Uncontested.

3. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how the Government intends to ensure adequate capacity within the passport service this summer. [4847/25]