Matt Carthy

Because she is not giving an answer.

Hear, hear.

We do not like partition; that is the problem.

I have often said that our farmers deserve three things: fair prices, a fair CAP, and fair play. On all three, successive Governments have failed. On prices, we still have the diktats coming from factories and retailers, and we have never got a stranglehold on the conglomerate interests that are controlling the prices received. On CAP, we now have a situation where farmers are receiving fewer paym…

Hear, hear.

7. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on justice, migration and social affairs will next meet. [52996/25]

The question I keep asking is what this Government has against motorists and people in rural communities. People in constituencies such as Cavan-Monaghan have no choice but to use their cars to get work, do their grocery shopping and bring children to childcare or after-school activities. There is no alternative to using the car, but it is getting more and more expensive to do so. The Government …

95. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his proposals to increase the amount of PET plastic recycled in Ireland. [60467/25]

Cuirim fáilte roimh an deis labhairt ar an Bhille seo. One of the key problems within the justice system is the length of time that it takes for court cases to be heard and that often means that victims and their families are forced to wait far too long to get justice. There are particularly lengthy delays in respect of sexual violence cases, which of course increases the trauma for victims. It im…

I welcome this debate on international protection but I am very conscious that it could be taking place in very different circumstances. The backdrop to these statements could, but for the grace of God, have been multiple fatalities as a result of the arson attack in Drogheda. I want to be unequivocal in stating that there can be absolutely no tolerance for racism or racist attacks. Nobody should …

Cuirim fáilte roimh an deis labhairt i bhfabhar Éire aontaithe. I believe passionately in Irish unity. It is the reason I got involved in politics. The partition of our country was a historic injustice and we have an obligation to undo that injustice. What gives me hope is the huge excitement I see all over the island at the prospect of unity. That excitement is particularly shared by younger peop…

That is not true.

Hear, hear.

Among those who felt let down by last week's budget were people with disabilities and their families. Those families are used to the parties in government failing them but once again, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael did not even try to prove them wrong. Disabled people feel the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis. They suffer as much as, and arguably more than, all the others who were last week abandoned…

The Minister knows there has been huge concern for many years about the potential impact the Mercosur trade agreement would have, in particular for Irish farmers. I would appreciate if he could outline to the House the engagements he has had at an EU level in respect of the Mercosur trade agreement.

The difficulty is that a predecessor of the Minister's agreed at European Council level to opening the negotiating mandate. It was at that point that the original sin in respect of Mercosur was committed because, since then, we have been on the back foot. Even now, as the Minister rightly outlines, he has to work with others across the European Union. There is a very real threat his voice will be …

I would love to hear an argument being put forward by an agriculture Minister anywhere that would suggest that the Mercosur trade agreement would benefit farmers in any part of Europe. This is more about auto parts and the car industry rather than anything else. In terms of what it means for Ireland, this allows Mercosur states, which do not adhere to anywhere near the same level of regulations a…

108. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of land afforested in each of the years 2020 to 2024 and to date in 2025; his target for afforestation in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54991/25]

In respect of afforestation rates and the amount of land that has been afforested in the years 2020 to 2024 and to date in 2025, what is the target for this year and how does the Minister of State intend to increase substantially the level of afforestation in line with Government commitments?

The Minister of State can be absolutely assured he will have my support if he implements a policy and a strategy that actually deliver on the ambition that is required. The previous Government set a target for 8,000 ha per annum over the lifetime of the Government. It did not come close. It did not even reach half that in any single year, despite the fact that we had a Green Party Minister telling…

Of course it is.

Yes.

I can say it is better this year compared with the worst year ever on record. I absolutely welcome that things are not further deteriorating but we are basically back to where we were in 2020 in terms of afforestation rates. My question and my appeal to the Minister of State is to be ambitious and not just set a target which should be set, but meet it and work with members of the Opposition. Let t…

1. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will support the introduction of protection orders for victims of sexual violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54195/25]

The Minister may know that I introduced a Bill to the House in June, entitled the Victims of Sexual Violence Civil Protection Orders Bill. It was drafted by my office in response to discussions we held with a number of victims and survivors of sexual violence, who made it clear to me that having a provision to protect them after the release of the perpetrator of their attack would have a profound …