Cathal Crowe

I want to make a big push in support of the additional school accommodation application that has been made to the Department by Scoil Seanáin Naofa, better known in my locality as Clonlara National School. Last September I brought the principal, Donnchadh Kelleher, and the chairman of the board of management to meet with the then Minister, Deputy Foley. Subsequent to that, there has been correspon…

I thank the Minister State for that. That is indeed a very positive update. The school has applied for the replacement of its old prefab classrooms. In total, there are five classrooms in an older block of the school that was built in 1968. The school has applied to the Department to replace these and provide a new staffroom and entrance area. The classrooms are small, draughty, cold and damp. The…

I thank the Minister of State. This is really good news. I am aware that representatives of Clonlara school are watching this morning. This amounts to a new school, but, for all the reasons I have outlined, it is desperately needed. There is also an inaccessibility issue because, as one notes if coming in the main doors of the school or going down the corridor, the school is built on two levels. …

I would like to welcome ambassador Larysa Gerasko and the Ukrainian population to our Dáil Chamber this evening, and all those who are in the Public Gallery. It is very hard to believe it is now three years since the war in Ukraine began. I remember the morning it began. I was in my office watching "Sky News" and there was huge fear for the capital that Russian troops would advance on Kyiv. Peopl…

At the outset, I want to congratulate the Minister on her new role and, indeed, the Minister of State. I have full confidence she will do a great job in this Department. It is a tricky Department but it matters to all of us. Everyone goes through life's processes and as we all care for older people and for communities, it is a very important Ministry. Unfortunately, in my county, far too many old…

Go raibh maith agat a Theachta. Anois leanfaidh muid ar aghaidh go dtí an Teachta John Connolly.

Anois an Páirtí Sinn Féin. Does Deputy Cullinane wish to speak again? Deputy Mitchell is listed.

No problem. Bear with me. We move to the non-party group and Deputy Toole. Dhá nóiméad, le do thoil.

As the Taoiseach knows, I speak a lot in this Chamber about Shannon Airport and advocate for it. I was delighted to see the Government take on my proposal that Shannon be a test bed for new forms of aviation over the lifetime of this Government. Indeed, it is in the programme for Government. I would like to hear some expansionary thoughts from the Taoiseach as to what that role could be. The futur…

I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth. How wonderful to say "Minister" before her name. I am delighted to see her elevated to this position. This is a proud time for her family and for County Cavan. I believe she is from Bailieborough. I often see it on her social media. It is a proud day for her community to have one of their own not just in the ministerial ranks but holding the seat…

For the information of Members, it is proposed to group amendments Nos. 2 to 5, inclusive, and amendments Nos. 6 and 7 for the purpose of the debate.

10. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider amending inheritance tax thresholds for individuals who have no children of their own or nieces or nephews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4854/25]

The Ceann Comhairle might stop the clock until the Sinn Féin Members stop rambling on there.

I wish to raise the issue of homes and businesses in County Clare ,though it is also a national issue, who cannot get flood cover on the insurance policy. Those that can, pay a huge amount for it. The industry tells us it is all about the principle of risk equalisation. One house gets flooded so all must pay. That is fundamentally wrong. There has been a lot of remedial work undertaken in the lowe…

I do not think I have ever praised Deputy Michael Healy-Rae but it is great to see him on this side of the House. After the election, everyone had a mandate to sit here. Some chose to come over here, make a difference and not speak out of both sides of their mouths but only from the side that could deliver and lead on policy. I welcome hearing the Deputy speak as a Minister of Government. Fair pla…

15. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on his plans to pass the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4363/25]

I congratulate the Ministers of State, Deputy Martin Heydon and Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan, on their appointments. Deputy O'Sullivan is a good friend of mine and while I am delighted to see both Ministers of State in their positions, I think Deputy O’Sullivan is going to do a particularly good job. People often get appointed to roles they have half an interest in, but anyone who knows Deputy O'…

You are doing a lot of standing for Facebook there, Thomas.