Ruairí Ó Murchú

I thank everyone for their flexibility. I ask the Minister to come back with the answers to those issues and I ask that we would get the answers in relation to the National Training Fund so we could make a determination. We all want to support, work and deliver.

Sinn Féin introduced Private Members’ business this week in relation to the lack of a cost-of-disability payment. There were many organisations in Leinster House on the day, including Rehab, the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disability Federation of Ireland and a number of its constituent organisations. There is a point that needs to be repeated. Everyone accepts what was in the Indecon re…

That the programme for Government "commits to further review the minimum hours requirement under the wage subsidy scheme" is an absolute necessity. It goes without saying that we need "to examine an increase to the payment rate". One of the fears is with the three-year review mechanism. There will be other factors that will impact the costs faced by the Rehab Group and some of these other organisa…

I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." Where do I start?

I could not say I was shocked but I was not particularly happy, obviously, when I saw the Government's response to this. This is not the first time the Minister of State and I have had a conversation, never mind the legislation, on the issues regarding those seeking places for their children, and the rights of those children, whether in primary or secondary school. I would state quite explicitly t…

I do not doubt the Minister of State's sincerity. We have dealt with many issues many times and, in fairness, he has always made his best attempt to deal with those issues. On some level, we are dealing with a system that is far from perfect at this point. I will make a defence of this legislation. I thank Deputy Cummins for speaking on it and I reiterate what she said. A two-year run-in is just a…

The Minister spoke earlier about what needs to be done to protect family farms. We have all spoken about that issue many times. We know the dangers that are oncoming for farmers. Many of my colleagues have already spoken about fears over the loss of the nitrates derogation. There is also absolute fear around Mercosur. We require the Government to step up to the mark on these dangers and the possib…

8. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on the economy, trade and competitiveness will next meet. [50088/25]

19. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on EU and international affairs will next meet. [50089/25]

I am really disappointed that we are here dealing with this issue today. The Government recently published the national human rights strategy for disabled people. It spoke about a human rights ethos and the fact that disabled people should have certain things as a right. In fairness, a number of the advocacy organisations, including Rehab, DFI, the IWA and all the constituent parts of the Disabili…

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 Michael Cahill - To discuss the need for an additional teacher at a school. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss ongoing human rights abuses against the Uyghurs. Deputy Tom Brabazon - To discuss the school building project at Gaelchol…

I am glad to have this opportunity to speak on World Mental Health Day. Like previous speakers, I thank and commend all those who work in mental health services, for both the State or the organisations that do absolutely necessary work. I was very taken by what Deputy Roche said. It obviously came from the heart. Unfortunately, it is the worst aspect of the detrimental impact mental health diffic…

We have to look at all of this. I welcome some of what has been said, but we definitely need better pathways.

Many of my colleagues have already spoken about the cost-of-living crisis, in case anyone needed it pointed out to them, that exists out there. Whether we are talking about energy costs, rent and other housing costs, or insurance, we know all the issues. That is even before anybody goes to a till when he or she tries to do the shopping on a Friday, Saturday or whatever day he or she chooses. This …

I ask the Minister to set out the level of funding allocated to League of Ireland clubs for academies and to state whether such funding will be increased in the budget. Sinn Féin very much supports the Global Findings Report recommendations produced by Double Pass as part of its audit of the League of Ireland academy system. We urge the Government to commit significant funding to same, as promised…

Tá brón orm. Táimid ar Ceist Uimh. 7.

Within the context of the question, I will ask a supplementary question about a training programme in Dundalk.

I accept that we are not going to get an outline of what will be in the budget but I seek reassurance that there is still a commitment there. In fairness, the Department played a major role in the Global Findings Report being conducted. That report found there is an absolute necessity to provide significant funding for academies. We know the scenario in relation to professional football, the possi…

I am in complete agreement with the Minister. I do not think there is anyone out there who would not say that there is a need for a huge level of reform and that there is more to do in relation to the FAI, particularly in regard to governance. That goes without saying. In terms of the League of Ireland and grassroots football, we need to ensure the necessary supports are there. I ask the Minister …

Will the Minister ensure there is engagement with the FAI and the ETB on this matter? I would appreciate it if he could come back to me on that.

Before I get to my contribution, I would like to outline my solidarity with those who have been illegally kidnapped from the Global Sumud Flotilla by the Israelis. I ask the Government to fulfil its obligations to ensue safe passage. There were promises made earlier. We think of Senator Chris Andrews and I believe Barry Heneghan may be taken in the next number of days. We need to make sure we do a…

It is very hard to discuss anything relating to SNAs without dealing with the onslaught of fears that have been expressed to politicians due to the guidelines from the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which provide that there will be a very limited school-led review and that the window will be shut. There has been row back on that. There has also been row back on the fear that SNA all…

The NCSE guidelines need to be updated to ensure there are no further worries about what people believed were the changes introduced. We do need to look at some element of flexibility in dealing with specific children like Tiernan. He is registered blind and has a propensity to break bones. We can all imagine the difficulties that exist and we talking about a four-year-old child. The circumstances…

I take this opportunity to pass on my condolences on the death of Mark, Louise and Evan O'Connor, a family who suffered absolute devastation. I do not have words for the shock that that family and the wider community have suffered. Superintendent Andrew Waters said that he would maintain engagement with the family and would also ensure that those supports that are needed would be provided, which i…

There will be a need, at times, to deal with the issues relating to social media. I would ask that people desist from any speculation and leave the investigations to the Garda. We need to make sure the supports are provided. I am aware there is a candlelit vigil tonight at Stonetown community walking track at 9 p.m. and I have no doubt the community will come together on this.