Martin Daly

This motion is about protecting democracy and securing the institution of the office of the Ceann Comhairle. The Opposition has been attempting to undermine the authority of this House and erode trust in its institutions. Members opposite have chosen the Ceann Comhairle as the sacrificial lamb after their attempt to subvert the Government and its ability to conduct its business failed. Let us be …

157. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking to counter the possible impact of US tariffs on EU products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15537/25]

As we reflect on the outcomes of the recent European Council meeting, it is vital we in this House consider and respond to the key priorities raised, including Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, migration and the European Union's next multi-annual financial framework. Each of these issues is significant. I made a statement on security last week, emphasising Ireland's need as a mature,…

6. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Taoiseach the engagements he has had with the National Emergency Coordination Group in the days before, during and after Storm Éowyn. [11060/25]

The issue of national security has never been more pressing. International trade and security are deeply connected. Without a strong security policy, our political and economic stability are at risk. For far too long Ireland has relied on the security frameworks of our European, UK and transatlantic partners, as well as our remote geographical location. This has bred complacency, often clouded by …

Rubbish.

Of course, you are.

12. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the EU leaders' informal retreat on 3 February 2025. [4451/25]

I do not want to repeat what Deputy Ó Cearúil has said but the meeting of 3 February is part of a series of meetings that are extremely important for Ireland with regard to planning our security and defence. It is a changed world. We have an unstable Europe and an aggressive Russia. Unfortunately, we have evidence since 3 February that perhaps the US is not going to be a reliable security partner…

24. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent attendance at the commemoration for the liberation of Auschwitz. [4450/25]

Auschwitz is a reminder of an extreme racism that allows the categorisation of whole populations of people, who become dehumanised and are then exterminated. I have not been to Auschwitz but my family have been there and they said it is a very sombre event. We need to remember not just the Jewish 6 million who were killed but also the gypsies, the disabled and many other categories of people who w…

Today, on International Women's Day, we celebrate progress, acknowledge ongoing inequalities and renew our commitment to a world free from gender bias, discrimination and violence. As a TD and GP, I see at first hand how gender inequality affects women in the workplace, at home and in healthcare. While Ireland has made significant strides in advancing women's rights, many barriers to full equality…

I would like to remember the late rural crime activist and Roscommon independent councillor, Tony Waldron of Ballintubber, as I make these comments. The safety and security of our rural communities must be a top priority. Across Roscommon-Galway, we are seeing a rise in serious criminal activity. There must be a response that matches the scale of the challenge. People in villages like Oran, Glinsk…

Tomorrow is fine. I thank the Ceann Comhairle.

89. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to provide better support to carers who are providing full-time care and attention to more than one person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8382/25]

I formally congratulate the Leas-Cheann Comhairle on his election.

What are the Minister's plans to provide better support to carers who are providing full-time care and attention to more than one person?

I thank the Minister. In Fianna Fáil, we recognise the major contribution carers make to this society, many giving up careers and job opportunities and often providing full-time care to their loved ones. They take away a huge burden that would otherwise have to be met by the State by means of the use of third-party residences and institutional care for people who are disabled or had special or add…

I welcome the Minister's reply. I also welcome the increases in the income rates to allow people to qualify for the carer's allowance. I recognise and welcome the commitment of the Government to a phasing out of the means test for the carer's allowance. I welcome the improved benefits under the carer's allowance scheme, the extension of the allowance to the self-employed and the provision of acce…

I wish to highlight the urgent need for the long-promised rehabilitation unit at Roscommon University Hospital. In 2015 a commitment was made for a €7.8 million investment to provide 20 dedicated rehabilitation beds, yet despite entering detailed design phase in 2021, the appointment of a design team in 2022 and further design assessments in 2023, the rehab unit was abruptly omitted from the HSE C…

I can take it that the Minister of State is confirming that the rehabilitation unit in Roscommon University Hospital is still planned for the area and is undergoing review in the spatial assessment he described. The people of Roscommon have reason to be suspicious. They feel that, after reconfiguration, for which a whole host of new services were developed, including a successful medical assessmen…

10. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence in the context of Storm Éowyn, the specific protocols and contingency plans in place to ensure Defence Forces assistance in future natural disasters; the criteria that are used to determine Defence Forces deployment in such emergency situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6069/25]

In the context of Storm Éowyn, will the Tánaiste outline the specific protocols and contingency plans in place to ensure the Defence Forces' assistance in future natural disasters and the criteria that are used to determine the deployment of the Defence Forces in emergency situations?

I am reassured by the Tánaiste's answer regarding the Army's role in dealing with any future natural disaster. We must put it in the context of the devastation that was caused on the west coast, most especially in the Roscommon-Galway constituency that I represent but also in west Galway, Leitrim and Cavan. Forests were blown down, roads were blocked, water supplies were cut off and people had no …

I am reassured by what the Tánaiste said. What we need is a reassurance that we learn lessons from this storm. There needs to be the three corridors. We need Uisce Éireann and our local group water schemes to be generator ready. The three corridors issue might be a bit more complicated to solve, but it has to be solved in the national interest, when 700,000 households were without electricity, som…