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Anne O'Mahony have been spearheading with their committee for a number of years. Giving grounds to the State and the people of west Cork is an extraordinary gift which has to be acknowledged here and by the public. Now I know it has been signed over … place. Maybe one centre of excellence like the one that will be built in Dunmanway might be a help. If the Minister of State and any other TDs are around, a great tractor run, fundraising for this effort, is taking place on 28 December. They are most welcome

gift of another Department. This is just an additional support we are providing through the family resource centres. It is important that we recognise that and there is clarity around that. Mental health services fall within the remit of my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Mary Butler

some cases it was while same-sex activity was still a crime. They created families together, they did it ethically and the State has never recognised them jointly as parents. These are people who brought these kids up together in loving, stable relationships, raised beautiful children … already passed and the rules are in place. What she could do now is sign the Commencement Order and give these families the gift of those protections before Christmas for this small cohort of families so that they would have that joint parental right. It would

priority must be and where the injustice in all this lies. Irish fishermen are complying with the rules and suffering the consequences. Meanwhile, states including the Netherlands, Germany, France and Poland coalesce to protect their own interests and, as we just heard from Deputy Mac Lochlainn, the interests … interest in the environment, the rule of law, democracy or fairness. This Government has allowed Irish sovereign natural resources to be effectively gifted, not even by us in Ireland and Irish people but by foreign Governments, that are there for our generation and future generations to private corporations

have seen brings out the best in our humanity. Working with dogs makes us better people and there is no greater gift that a dog can give. Since being elected to this House a little over 12 months ago, and as a long-time advocate for dog welfare … more likely to exhibit antisocial and aggressive behaviour. Fine Gael has always stood for strong animal welfare protections. Recent developments include how the State now funds over 100 animal welfare organisations, with funding increasing from €2 million in 2020 to over €6 million today. We have established

dogs to be continuously pregnant to produce puppies is just beyond cruel. In the audiovisual room yesterday, Dogs Trust told people about the state of the mother dogs and puppies that come to them when rescued. They told of the horrific conditions that these unscrupulous breeders are keeping … mean that the puppy fails to thrive and may die prematurely. I am imagining the number of puppies that will be gifted this Christmas. I am also imagining the joy of somebody getting a little puppy at Christmas - or any time of the year but apparently it happens

have spoken about the cultural importance of local greyhound racing and traditions that bring communities together. I have also called for the continued State support of €19 million annually for greyhound tracks to ensure these venues can survive and thrive. I believe in sustaining rural life, protecting jobs … clear of puppy farms. If someone is ready for a dog, they should choose a reputable source or give a rescue dog the gift of a loving home. We all know the saying that a puppy is for life, not just for Christmas. I pay tribute to people

strong society is built not only by Government or policy, but by people who look out for one another - our volunteers. The gift given by volunteers is priceless. It changes people’s lives for the better and makes our country and our communities, as the Deputy said … under each area is reflected. In conclusion, while the process of consultation is still under way, I do not wish, as Minister of State with responsibility for volunteering, to anticipate the areas that may be focused on in the new strategy. I can guarantee to Deputy McGreehan, however