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family is the same and therefore the rights and entitlements should be the same. It is more important than ever that these rights are enshrined in law for cohabiting couples simply because it is far more common today for couples to cohabit than to marry. I am concerned … their families who are not entitled to that pension are caused real and significant financial problems, whether that be with regard to housing costs, the cost of childcare, or even a parent having to give up their job. I urge the Government to examine the possibility of some

Brexit negotiations, well in the discussions he will have to lead on behalf of the European Union. It is critical within these Houses that every opportunity is given to Ministers to ensure that they are represented at EU decision-making tables. At no stage should those seats … example. We must also talk about the importance of free trade. As a Government, we have always believed in its importance. Globally and right through history, free trade has always been shown to create more jobs and lift people out of poverty. That does not mean that free

welcome the opportunity to address the House. I sincerely thank Deputy Byrne, as Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence, and the overall committee for the important work they have undertaken in their first interim report, which is the subject of this motion. The extensive engagement … interact as a society. The opportunity Al offers is immense, but I am acutely aware that so is our responsibility to get it right. The Government recognises that Al is not just a powerful tool for business and the economy; it is an enabler of progress that

equal pay for equal work, they have been ignored. That is why the amendment was proposed. With the additional focus on workers' rights and conditions this week, it is a shame the Government still has its head buried in the sand. The Minister also objected to prohibiting … open to changing the wording if the Minister had a better suggestion that would make the intent clearer. With artists gathering in Leinster House this evening to speak about this issue and in light of the Dáil's unanimous vote in July that no public money should

every 33 people in Gaza has been killed. Let us think about those numbers. The equivalent of five TDs in this House, when it is filled up, have been taken out and killed. One child has been killed every hour 24 hours a day for two years. That … missed opportunity. History will dictate on this. History will say we had the opportunity to stand up and do the right thing but we failed. We did not fail; the Government failed

Deputy is absolutely right. All of us, in particular, the Minister and I, accept there is a responsibility, in terms of accountability and transparency, on organisations in receipt of public money. In saying that, if putting an onus and a financial burden on small community groups and organisations … organisations. However, none of us want to see the wild west when it comes to irregularities. We will have people coming into the House today who will question us on financial responsibility and the roles and functions of directors of companies. I know there is a burden

based on expert advice, are at a level to ensure homeowners will get the money they need to put their homes right. That the grant scheme follows the most up-to-date science is particularly important and changes were made to the scheme late in 2024 to take … will engage with the Minister regarding what is the latest position on that. I think what the Deputy is suggesting is that a house would be built adjacent while the existing house is being repaired

clear on this and has described this delay as a major set back for Waterford and the Comeragh district in particular. She is right. This is not a minor inconvenience. It is about whether people can get to work, students can get to education, older people can remain … because they do not drive or cannot afford a car, or no longer feel able to drive. We cannot speak in this House about balanced regional development, climate action, reducing car dependency and tackling rural isolation while at the same time allowing essential rural transport projects to slip

First, I want to acknowledge Cara Darmody, who is continuing her campaign outside the gates of Leinster House. I know Cara has met with the Minister, Deputy Foley, and they have had good and positive engagement. In terms of assessment of need, the demand for assessments of need … privately through the waiting list initiative. The Minister, Deputy Foley, is advancing legislative change to reform the assessment of need without weakening the rights of children, establishing a dedicated panel to provide autism diagnostic assessments, removing the requirement for an assessment of need for accessing non-health supports

commitment to the LGBTQI+ community. I welcome all our friends here to the Gallery. I am very glad we have Mammies for Trans Rights here with us this morning. That is really important. I genuinely believe that mammies know best. Mothers know their children. They know their children … with compassion, dignity and humanity. They do not want their children to be othered. I do not like when people come into this House or other public forums and seek to other people. Regardless of whether somebody identifies as a cisgender male or a cisgender woman, or whether

Deputy asked me to try to untangle it. In my mind it is quite clear. The Taoiseach, the Government, Members across this House and people across the country are very committed to the issue of climate action. I was sitting here beside the Taoiseach when he delivered … targets, we are living in a society where we are constantly being hit with judicial reviews and planning delays. While people have a right to do that and I respect that, it is somewhat of an irony that when we are trying to deliver projects that would assist

unravelling day by day. The Government is at sixes and sevens, caught up in damage limitation and exercised because people can see right through what this plan is all about. It is about pushing up already extortionate rents even higher. As the Tánaiste knows, it will allow landlords … their lives, whether for work or education, tend to move frequently. Young people, the generation which has already been shafted by your housing crisis, will be on the hook for even bigger rent hikes. We know students and their families are already desperate for affordable accommodation and will

more funds go into the economy to pay for all the services that everyone requires. Some of us on this side of the House believe fundamentally in the social market economy. In order to make your society work, you need an economy that works. That … Those were times of famine, civil conflict, double-digit rates of inflation, mass unemployment and a social system which did not respect the rights of minorities or women and which, in comparison with what we have today, did not involve decency. Many of them have found themselves

Member of Dáil Éireann in 2017, as she was, when we dealt with the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill that went through the Houses then. Section 33 provided for the inclusion of a new section 19A. All of us thought at that time this provision would deal with … that I want legislation to be brought through amending the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 in order that a court can remove guardianship rights from parents or guardians who kill or seriously harm another parent or guardian of their child. I hope to have a memorandum going

condemned on multiple occasions the brutal repression of protestors, the extrajudicial killing, the repression of political dissent and the repression of women's rights. That is crucially important - absolutely - but there is no contradiction there. I think Pedro Sánchez articulated that quite well. For all the talk from … That is one of the most frightening things. There is no plan here. The Pentagon is distancing itself from the White House. Marco Rubio is putting something out there and walking it back. JD Vance is missing. I do not know what is going on with him. What

issue is the use of deepfakes and social engineering attacks on politicians. However, it is not just on politicians and Members of this House but also on local advocates and residents, where attacks online or by way of litigation have a chilling effect on their public participation. Deputies … provide protection for those targeted by abusive proceedings against public participation. However, the striking-out of proceedings represents a limitation on the right of access to the courts, and a balancing exercise is therefore necessary. The Bill outlines an indicative list of circumstances where proceedings might be considered

here to respond on behalf of the Minister for Defence, who unfortunately cannot be here, but she sends her apologies to the House. I welcome the opportunity to respond on this matter. I acknowledge Deputy Ó Fearghaíl’s long-standing interest in the protection, conservation and preservation … Camp and the Curragh Racecourse, which leases a large tract of land. Additionally, the plains are used by sheep owners who avail of rights of pasture on the lands, and by both locals and visitors to Kildare as a major natural amenity. I concur about its scenic beauty

period and clear disclosure requirements and ensures that these agreements are subject to proper regulatory oversight. Most importantly, it protects the homeowner's rights to remain in their home for life. This is a central principle of this legislation. This Bill also recognises the broader reality that people … prescribe a solution. It merely creates a framework. It provides a choice and I hope that regardless of political perspectives, Members of this House can engage with that principle because, ultimately, this is about dignity, independence and giving people financial options later in life. I commend this Bill

Callaghan for the question. In replying I want to restate the Government's clear opposition, which is also the clear opposition of this House, to illegal Israeli settlements, which are contrary to international law and damaging to the pursuit of peace in the Middle East. Ireland … additional funding made by the Minister for foreign affairs, Deputy McEntee. The Deputy refers to the ISIF and to the UN Human Rights Council database, which identifies businesses involved in specific activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. This UN database was first issued in 2020, updated in June

wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Pat Buckley - To discuss ongoing water outages affecting the community of Knockane, Castlemartyr, County Cork. Deputy Brian … Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the backlog in assessment of need applications in Dublin Fingal West. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss ongoing human rights abuses against the Uyghurs. Deputy Rory Hearne - To discuss ongoing issues with the tenant in situ scheme in Dublin North-West. Deputy Jen Cummins

national planning statements that are now required over the coming years. Providing one under wind energy is a priority for the Department of housing, but as I said, many of the key principles are also within the Department of environment. We are continuing to work with … difficult one to ensure that we can balance those competing interests. We have to ensure that we get this right, even if it does take a little bit longer than people might have hoped for. To ensure that we do not have a rushed answer is critical

Israel and Palestine. It was a member of the Minister of State's party, Deputy Niall Collins, who said that in this House in 2019. What has changed? What has happened in the intervening years is that there has been a genocide. Gaza has been reduced … listen to this debate. I cannot think of too many issues that are more pressing and that should be on her agenda right now. Again, this is another insult to the Dáil. I issue a content warning for anybody listening, but soldiers accused of sexually assaulting handcuffed Palestinian

code is structured. I heard a number of colleagues raise the point regarding the application of this VAT measure with regard to approved housing bodies. At the start of this debate, I acknowledged this was an issue and that, as I consider Committee Stage, I would examine whether … safe and consistent with the framework we published earlier in the year. Bringing it forward in the summer tries to get the balance right. On the other hand, I heard some Deputies say we should exclude businesses of a certain size and heard particular businesses mentioned

real awakening as to what is going on in the real world. I will move on to wastewater. We need more housing in west Cork and the wastewater is in an absolutely scandalous condition. We have Shannonvale, which was brought up by Councillor Daniel Sexton last week. There … almighty, the Minister would not expect his land to be taken from him and neither would I. We expect that there is a right for these genuine, hardworking farming people to have their land swiped from under them, whether they like it or not that. That is where

people to make the change. In recognition of the huge increase in current fuel costs, which it is not always recognised in this House is something that is outside our control, a decision was made to defer the carbon tax in May this year. I also said that … will work towards addressing it. What the Deputy is proposing today would cost in the region of at least an additional €500 million right here and now. For that reason, I cannot and will not accept the amendments