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businesses already operating on very tight margins. I have raised this issue with the Minister of State previously on the floor of this House, and while the supports are appreciated, there is a clear sense across the sector that more needs to be done. I say this … responsibility that comes from employing people, the weight of knowing that others rely on you for their livelihood. I have lived it. Right now, many retailers feel that they are not being heard. What additional targeted measures are now being considered to support the retail sector

atá fós ar siúl aige chun na ceisteanna seo a fhreagairt. In relation to the issues the Deputy raised regarding St. Michael's House and so many others, I want to recognise the sterling work of all the institutions the Deputy mentioned. I have met with representatives … with disabilities being at the centre, in terms of raising issues and the implementation of policies, is the entirety of the national human rights strategy for disabled people. There is the implementation group that sits on different committees and the delivery committee is chaired by An Taoiseach, Deputy

Every one of us in the House has met families whose lives have been shaped by scoliosis or spina bifida. These are families who do not have the luxury of waiting until next year for improvements. They need treatment now. As a GP, I have seen how timely … need to be honest. Too many children have waited too long for spinal procedures. While some indicators are now moving in the right direction, nobody should pretend that the job is done or that families can suddenly feel reassured. They do not, and I do not blame them

Labour Party will support the Bill and we hope we can expedite it through the Houses. The Bill is based on the recommendations of the judicial planning working group. This is phase 2 of the recommendations, dealing with the addition of 21 judges. I have to acknowledge … European colleagues, so we still have a bit of work to do on this. While the Bill is a step in the right direction, we will have to go again. We will have to see how the Bill works. The spending per inhabitant on the courts

experience of his two sons. I thank Les for that work too. The points Deputy O'Sullivan makes are fair. The Minister has rightly reminded me that she is committed to a root-and-branch reform and examination of all the various processes in place in relation … operate and collaborate more across the European Union. Deputy O'Sullivan raised the issue of DMD in the House last week and we went to the North-South Ministerial Council. In fairness, it was also raised by Deputy Crowe. At the North-South Ministerial Council we immediately started

respect of a decision ordering two Irish citizens to leave Germany. That is of fundamental concern in terms of the freedom of movement rights that EU citizens have. Approximately four individuals, I believe, are being deported, including two Irish citizens, namely, Shane O'Brien and Roberta Murray … other European countries in respect of the Middle East and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I have been saying that for ages in the House. This is a manifestation of that. I am not justifying it in any shape or form; it is just illustrative of a completely different

into energy prices and supply chains. People are facing the consequences of that in the form of cost-of-living increases. Energy is right at the centre of that. The Council has acknowledged as much. When fossil fuel prices spike, Europe suffers. We remain far too exposed … anchor long-term economic activity in the region. Potential does not deliver jobs, however; decisions supported by Government and made in this House do. I have huge ambition for this country. We can be a global leader in renewable energy, not just a participant

have driven it and I want to get it done. By the way, I appreciate all the contributions that Members in this House make. It is not the case that they have not scrutinised the matter or given me their views on these issues. In many respects … force and, according to the Department of Defence, continue to be used today. Their inclusion will open the possibility of misconduct convictions right up to the present day and into the future being relitigated under a scheme intended to address an historical injustice. Equally, to impose

always functioned through agreement by ensuring that Opposition views, objections or dissent to the content of Dáil business is respectfully given its rightful place. This is not a mere technicality. This is fundamental to how Opposition holds the Government to account for its priorities, legislative agenda … Comhairle last week raised questions about the legitimacy and legal standing of the business conducted in the Dáil because the rules of the House have not been legitimately changed. Therefore, the farce of Other Members' Questions, scheduled to commence tomorrow, has no standing. The credibility of the Dáil

that Glanmire is unique in many respects, especially on the northside of Cork city. It is probably the single biggest area where new housing developments are being built on the north-eastern side of the city. There has been a large influx of young families but, unfortunately, many … people because it might not be part of their normal route to work and given the traffic and having to ferry children left, right and centre across the city, it is often difficult to make the journey. In one fell swoop, we can secure 100 to 150 childcare

outset, we must always remain vigilant in this area. I am putting the facts and the law on the record of the House in terms of the obligation on all regulated entities that should be consistent regardless of the entity. Of course if there are any examples … relation to the code coming into place next month. I am very sorry to hear about the very difficult case the Deputy has rightly highlighted this evening. We have very clear standards that are expected to be followed in relation to all mortgage holders, regardless of which bank

this Government. We have much work to do and we remain intensely focused on delivery. We have just published the new national housing plan and we will shortly publish an action plan to accelerate the delivery of essential infrastructure - key priorities for every member of this Government … geopolitical headwinds and potential economic volatility. We have run budget surpluses for the past three years, and we must continue to make the right political choices in the years ahead. We must be balanced and we must be responsible but we also must know that the security

could hire 20 lads tomorrow morning if he could find them. That is a major issue. We will never build enough houses or infrastructure unless we can address the manpower issue in the country. There is no doubt that there has been an attitude of snobbery towards … legal profession with such little regard. I plead with the Minister to address the issues relating to the apprenticeship system. It is only right and proper that people who go into trades know that if they satisfy the criteria relating to work experience and examinations, they should qualify

motion does exactly that. It highlights a right to education as a basic value of Irish society to truly deliver on the constitutional right of every child to an appropriate school place. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, in her speech said that she does not disagree with any part … that. Centralised applications are key to so many parents whom I deal with. My office, like those of many Members of this House, is inundated with calls from parents who cannot get school places for their loved ones. Centralised applications were mentioned by the Minister, Deputy McEntee

agenda. I compliment the work done by the Deputy, as Chair of the autism committee, not only in bringing together Members of this House but also in engaging with advocacy groups, parents and, in particular, young people to understand what we need to do to support people … school, not only has a place in school that they are constitutionally entitled to but also the place that is right for them, with the right supports they need to thrive and fulfil their potential. In that regard, in the last number of weeks the Minister of State

Covid crisis by introducing a suite or basket of emergency measures which are then subject to debate, controversy and discussion across this House. There are commonalities emerging in these shock events in terms of how they impact our people and communities. We need to prepare for these events … rules in this State. Obviously, we have proposed legislation that would empower people to work from home and give them real rights and protections. Given that the Government seems intent on not supporting that legislation, when shock events happen the Government should impose work from home orders

that of the school community with the Minister for Education and Youth, Deputy Naughton, both on the ground locally and in the House, has been important. I compliment Deputy Neville on his hard work because he has been instrumental in bringing this matter to a positive outcome. Providing … planning purposes, the Department examines urban areas as a whole and does not recognise parish boundaries in the review. Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and, where the school has places available, the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there

this evidence cannot be used in a court, there is a risk for later criminal proceedings due to fair procedures considerations. The right to a fair hearing is rooted in the Constitution and this includes, among other things, a requirement for the courts to ensure a thorough … technical nature. I am satisfied these are not insurmountable and could be satisfactorily addressed. I am pleased to be able to inform the House that work is under way in the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration that will go some way towards addressing the issues

substitution of the NTMA in place of NAMA and the IBRC as appropriate in such proceedings, along with the continuation of associated rights and obligations. In that context, the amendments being brought relate to the terminology used in Part 4 and ensure clarity and consistency in how references … matters to the NTMA, and to allow those matters to be brought to an orderly conclusion. I therefore commend these amendments to the House

here today. While I fully agree the appeals panel should be independent of the Minister, the Department and the Housing Agency, that does not mean they should not ask for and receive regular updates on the work being delivered. When elected Members such as me ask for that … were in touch with me lately are ready to start but can do nothing until their appeal is heard. They surely have a right to know when that will happen so they can make plans. It is in the interests of the people who have appeals

same scale but they are present in County Meath. The council has submitted a formal request for inclusion. The Housing Agency completed its investigations earlier this year. Following that, the agency submitted its letter of recommendation to the Department. The evidence is there and the need is urgent … Meath under this scheme and ensure that affected homeowners can apply for support without further delay. This is about fairness, equity and doing right by families who have been let down by systemic failures in construction oversight. We must make sure that no county and no family

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 Ruairí Ó Murchú - To discuss the failure to provide an SNA for a primary school child. Deputy … lists affecting families in Kildare North. Deputy Pa Daly - To discuss the north Kerry CAMHS review. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss ongoing human rights abuses against the Uyghurs. Deputy David Cullinane - To discuss the development of a youth mental health centre for the south-east. Deputy Eoghan Kenny

will see their take-home pay go down and while the Government will allow them to opt out, it is bizarrely delaying their right to do so by six months. At the same time workers continue to face a cost-of-living crisis that has not abated. There … Perhaps it is the Government’s plan that Irish workers can benefit from institutional investment making a fortune on the back of the housing crisis. Of course, that benefit will accrue should the housing crisis continue to be unaddressed, which is a near-certainty under Fianna Fáil

because there are people who are very supportive of this project. I accept that people will challenge it again. It is their constitutional right to do so. We want to get on with the public consultation. The Department has the report. We must have the public consultation … area. It can be seen in photographs from 2010 that there was up to 1.5 m of water in commercial premises and houses. It is a frightening experience for a business or family to have to deal with and therefore it is important that this scheme proceeds

month they are short money for their bills, their rent and their common everyday purchases. That is simply not right. Those people on the ground, carrying out the work we all commend, are struggling to get by. It is also worth pointing out as it is quite noteworthy … looked at, given that these students must already pay considerable amounts to get a place in our universities and face the same housing and cost-of-living barriers as domestic students. In this regard, as I have raised with the Minister previously, we must extend the duration