Simon Harris

I thank the Deputy. I have a big, long note here, which I have no intention of reading out because I think this issue is at a really critical stage. I met Grace Lynch's parents, two incredible people who are really trying to make society safer after the loss of their daughter, Grace. On the e-scooter issue, from memory, I heard somebody say it was the number one reason that children were now endi…

What a constructive contribution. This is the sort of thinking we need. I thank the Deputy for that. I do not 100% know what the right thing to do here is, but what I 100% know is that the current situation is extraordinarily dangerous and needs to change. I do not say this to blame parents, but there is an issue here. It may be awareness, as the Deputy says, but there is a real issue here. Kids a…

There is certainly an urgency across this House. I do not say this to be provocative on an issue where I hope we can all work together, but nobody on any side of the House has brought forward legislation to try to make progress. We have had multiple Private Members’ measures, but let us all work on this together. It is not a question of nobody being urgent, and I am going to push back very firmly …

I very much do. I thank Deputy Stanley for raising this issue. Domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is an epidemic in Irish society. In fact, there are certain people in certain positions of power and influence in certain parts of the world who are trying to make sure we talk about these issues less. There has been an effort at times to shut down debate on these issues, and to use phrases li…

The House rules may somewhat preclude me from over-commenting in relation to matters that may be before An Garda Síochána and a number of other issues as well. I appreciate the Deputy's bona fides and the reasons he raised this matter, but the organisation that carries out investigations in relation to alleged crime in this country is An Garda Síochána. From what the Deputy has told me, it sounds …

I thank Deputy O'Meara very much for that contribution and also for reading out that correspondence from his constituent. There are two points to be made. First, there needs to be a broader review of how the drugs process works. I say that without any comment on the specific drug. My colleague the Minister for Health is fully committed to that and has work under way in that regard. Second, on the…

I thank Deputy Aird very much. I agree with him that there are many good means-tested supports in place in this country. That is important. There are people who find that they do everything right and play by the rules but do not qualify for any of them. They ask us to hang on a second and ask whether they can have a little bit of assistance and keep some of their own money, and whether work can ac…

The Deputy is right. They should not. I thank the Deputy for raising this. I truthfully do not know enough about the issue, other than that what the Deputy said is quite concerning. On foot of her raising this, I will talk to the Minister for media and Coimisiún na Meán and determine what co-ordinated action can be taken. We will come back to the Deputy on this issue.

I will work out who needs to be spoken to and come back to the Deputy. It is an important issue.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. She is right about the availability and accessibility, and not having to ask somebody else, particularly somebody who is perhaps in a position of authority, to allow someone to access such an important health product. On foot of her raising the issue, I will engage further with the Minister for education and the Minister for Health. There are also commit…

We also need to recognise that the Minister for justice has increased criminal legal aid fees by 8% in the Circuit Court and higher courts from 1 July 2026. Not too many of our constituents are receiving an increase of 8%. This represents a total restoration of-----

Reforms are sometimes difficult. The Minister has also introduced a fee of €520 for District Court criminal cases under the criminal legal aid scheme. This figure represents the current fee paid for five appearances in the District Court, plus a further 8% on top of that. I note that the Social Democrats have used colourful language about the Minister, including comparisons with Margaret Thatcher …

The Deputy's colleague who is sitting beside her has done. The party spokesperson has.

The Deputy did say that. I read his comments.

The Deputies comprise a party. The party has chosen to call the Minister for justice names.

I am disappointed that Deputy Whitmore-----

Deputy Whitmore is trying to play all sides here. We are increasing the amount being paid in criminal legal aid. We are trying to speed up the delivery of justice in the District Court system. We are also trying to bring about reforms. Many of our constituents believe there is significant room for reform to the free legal aid system.

The Minister for justice has been engaging and will continue to engage.

I thank the Deputy. The Government is aware of the recent announcement by Aer Lingus that it is to undertake some network and organisational changes as a result of what it describes as a sustained and challenging operational environment. It has stated that it will begin consultation with employees and their representatives, which is important and urgent. It has said that it expects the impact coul…

You did the Margaret Thatcher line.

It was unhelpful to refer to the Minister for justice as Margaret Thatcher. That was the flowery and colourful language-----

-----that was unhelpful. Reforms are difficult and tough. The Social Democrats show a great appetite for reform in some areas. They were squarely behind the Minister for Health in her reforms for consultants. When it comes to the lawyers, the party is adopting a different approach. That is an interesting insight. The Minister for justice is increasing the flat rate fee that is being paid. It is g…

-----well, quelle surprise.

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. I am not aware of all those details that the Deputy has put on the record of the House but on foot of her doing so, I will make inquiries today and ask that the relevant Minister reverts to her.

I thank Deputy Nolan for raising the issue and I join her and all Members of the House in extending our absolute sympathy to the family of Jamey Carney and our repulsion, horror and deep sadness at what has occurred. This Government, through our law enforcement authorities, through An Garda Síochána, will go to the ends of the earth to ensure justice is served. There is already a very significant …