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moment in how we dramatically and fundamentally overhaul how nursing homes are run in this country. It is within the Minister of State's gift. An awful lot is riding on his efforts. We need, for the dignity and respect of older people in this country

come. It has been nearly a decade since the marriage equality referendum. It has been over 30 years since the State decriminalised homosexuality. These gains were not gifted. They were won by people who refused to accept silence or shame. Tá cumhacht ar leith ag baint le saol

respect for all those who have brought us to this point. Their determination to see these horrific injustices acknowledged and redressed is a gift to Irish society. It is a huge service to us all and it comes at enormous personal cost. Openness and transparency are so important … only look to the Carrigan report affair in 1931 to see the DNA of denial that blighted child protection in Ireland from the State’s foundation. The Carrigan committee, appointed in 1930, held 17 sittings and one of its witnesses was the police commissioner of the time

reality of the situation. I fully accept Tusla's core competencies in respect of looking after children, but is there a greater gift to give to a child than the opportunity to learn how to swim? The wonderful thing about most activities in the water is that … Clonmel swimming pool is at full capacity. There is a five-year waiting list for swimming lessons. I again urge the Minister of State to intervene, to engage with the facilities manager in Tusla and reconsider this disheartening decision. I am calling for the exploration of all possible

this part of the city. We want the shops on Henry Street and GPO arcade to thrive. We want an end to the State-supported dereliction of the Moore Street battlefield site and the southside of upper O'Connell Street. We want to ensure no part … will not stand for this betrayal. Was it for a Starbucks that all the blood was shed? Or for Carroll’s Irish Gifts, no harm to them? No other country that fought for its freedom would have a government that is so blatantly desecrating its hallowed ground, choosing

millions to say "Yes" to equality and to dignity. It was undoubtedly one of the most significant moments in the history of this State. On that historic day ten years ago, Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote. With … conditions. What has happened is that the world has still not accepted who we are. That is their loss. Disabled people have many gifts to bring. Wisdom. Joy. Successes. We are proud of who we are. And [of] all [that] we achieve. That is a powerful message