William Aird

The Minister knows that the farming community accepts the importance of improving storage capacity, and the farmers understand the need to protect water quality, reduce emissions and ensure holdings are compliant. I accept that significant progress in this area has been made through TAMS, especially with enhanced supports for young, trained farmers and new entrants. However, situations like the o…

These measures are needed, and match environmental ambition and political delivery.

The objective should be to bring farmers into compliance through investment and engagement. It should not be to exclude those who are trying to do the right thing but are limited by financing conditions. I welcome the update from the Department that it is considering additional flexibility on targeted measures, but the Minister knows quite well that there are thousands of people out there from an …

That is no good to the farmer who cannot get it.

I presume the Leas-Cheann Comhairle is not going to let me back in.

Deputy Kenny, who does not even have a herd number spoke five times, and the Leas-Cheann Comhairle will not let me in.

Will the Deputy come home and milk my cows this evening?

Today we mark Europe Day 2026. It is a chance to reflect on how far Europe has come and what Europe stands for, namely, peace, working together, democracy and opportunity. For Ireland, being part of the European Union has made a real difference. It has helped grow our economy. It has supported our communities and has backed our farmers. We have seen that clearly in County Laois and across the midl…

I welcome the opportunity to address the House on supports for hauliers and the wider supply chain sector. Global instability from the Middle East conflict continues to affect international markets. We have seen sharp increases in oil and fuel prices and households and businesses are under sustained pressure, and this has all been well debated in this House. I welcome the Government fuel support s…

I want to raise the issue of GP shortages in County Laois. The population of Laois has risen sharply over the past decade but primary care services have not kept pace. I acknowledge the tremendous work of local GPs. They are the backbone of community healthcare. However, the reality is the HSE can assign a GP to a medical card and GP visit card holder, but there are no GPs in the Portlaoise area w…

I wish to raise the issue of payment terms applied by State and semi-State bodies to contractors. I welcome that payments are guaranteed but I have been told that payment terms can stretch to four months, which is simply not acceptable. These are small and medium-sized operators, the backbone of small enterprise across Ireland, who must cover fuel, machinery, wages and other overheads all upfront.…

The escalating conflict in the Middle East is causing profound distress and uncertainty. Middle East strikes are continuing on the sixth day of war. I begin by expressing my deep sympathy for all innocent victims of these attacks. The images and reports emerging from the region are heartbreaking. Civilians are bearing the brunt of violence they did not choose and cannot control. Their suffering mu…

Usually when I stand up here to say a few words I am upbeat and hoping to get a positive response. I stand here today representing County Laois. Since 2002 when the new currency came into this country 22 or 23 post offices have closed in County Laois. The Government needs to give some form of backing to the remaining post offices in our county or we will be here again in 12 months' time when more …

You cannot even get a pint of milk because you cannot get it from your local farmer because it is not pasteurised. That is where we have gone to now.

I want to raise the serious issue of Irish citizens currently stranded in the Middle East. Since the weekend's events, I have been contacted by constituents who are on holiday or working in the region and find themselves trapped. Airports are closed and flight paths are suspended. People are in a frightening and volatile situation through no fault of their own. I commend the Minister, Deputy McEnt…

Go raibh míle maith agat, a Cathaoirleach Gníomhach. I want to raise an issue that I have already raised with the housing Minister and his Minister of State. I want to use my time highlight an issue that does not always show up in the headlines relating to the homeless figures but which is very real and urgent, namely the growing number of people with disabilities who are effectively locked out of…

I raise the issue of Droimnín private nursing home in Stradbally, County Laois, and ask the HSE to give serious consideration to retaining this facility on a full-time, permanent basis. As the Minister of State is aware, following an application by HIQA under section 59 of the Health Act 2007, the High Court directed the HSE to assume responsibility for the operation of the nursing home as a provi…

I thank the Minister of State for his response and note his comments. It is acknowledged that Ireland’s population is ageing, and this will bring significant challenges. We must plan proactively to meet these needs. There are three HSE nursing homes in County Laois: one in Abbeyleix, St. Brigid's Hospital in Shaen and St. Vincent's community nursing unit in Mountmellick. While I mention St. Vincen…

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this important matter. Doris, Gareth, Dennis, Alex, Barra, Eunice, Ciarán, Ashley, Éowyn and Chandra were some of the fiercest storms to batter our country in the past ten years. They brought strong winds, rain and flooding, and left a trail of destruction behind them. In light of recent severe weather events, and the flooding we have again …

I want to address the emergency of BTV-3 and outline its implications for farmers and the agrifood sector, as well as the obligations on the Government to respond effectively and responsibly. First, I acknowledge the farm family in County Wexford where the cases have been confirmed. I commend them on their immediate and ongoing co-operation with veterinary authorities, including compliance with mo…

I welcome the Taoiseach's upcoming engagements in Washington and Philadelphia for St. Patrick's Day. These meetings come at a critical moment for Ireland as global trading conditions become uncertain. Our trading relationship with the United States is central to our economy. In 2024, Irish goods exported to the US reached a value of €72.6 billion, around 32% of all goods we sell overseas. Pharmac…

I thank the Taoiseach for his response. Ahead of the Taoiseach's US trip, it is essential that the Government identifies the risks posed by the US tariff policy and industrial strategy; sets out the commitments required to safeguard key export sectors, including pharmaceuticals and agrifood; and actively promotes market diversification and bilateral safeguards rather than relying on EU-level respo…

First, I thank the Taoiseach for making his very successful trip to China and the rewards we got as a result of it. I raise the issue of Portarlington Garda station in County Laois and ask that its operation be restored to a full-time, 24-hour service. Portarlington is the second-largest town in Laois with a population of 9,000 people. The station serves not only itself but a wider area, includin…

The Government has loads of money now.

The Government has loads of money. It was closed down when there was no money but now the Government has loads of money so I want it opened up again-----