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incredible. In particular, I pay tribute to the nurses and staff of some hospitals. On the night of the storm, before the worst winds hit, staff and nurses in hospitals throughout Ireland, including Clonakilty Community Hospital, Bantry Hospital, Cork University Hospital and, I am sure, hospitals in County … certain works to existing buildings. The climate action plan commits to reducing the use of fossil fuels in buildings and that the energy performance requirements for new buildings are set out in accordance with the nearly zero energy building, NZEB, requirements of the energy performance of buildings directive

Waterford Port. Waterford Port and, indeed, Rosslare Europort in Wexford are uniquely placed to play a really strong part in offshore renewable energy. They want to do it. They have the capacity to do it. They have the ability to do it, the plans and the drive … this for Waterford and the south east. For those of us who will go out and aggressively sell the advantages of offshore renewable wind, there will be some kickback, as there always is. I will be one of those who will go out and say what we need

Ireland; — reduce the reliance of corporation tax in Ireland's enterprise policy by investing in other competitive advantages, such as transport, housing, communications, energy, water and education infrastructure; — reduce input costs to businesses, such as electricity, property, banking, insurance, and other utility costs; — review non-human resource regulation … much exposed to the movement of FDI. Indigenous enterprise is stickier, less mobile and less likely to leave this country if the prevailing wind changes. Foreign direct investors are far more likely to leave. One of the other threats to this country concerns corporation taxes. Again, the Government

massive retrofitting programme. We need to see the State enabling ambition at all stages of life. We need it to invest in offshore wind development and in the sort of ambitious climate programmes that will be needed to meet our targets. We called for a fair tax system … union. We put forward a plan to address the cost-of-living crisis, to use the machinery of the State to drive down energy and insurance prices and remove what are effectively taxes on the poor, which are surcharges on those who pay by instalment. We believe that

review framework, recognising the difficulty of managing that process overall, because of course all hospitals need water and energy security. Those things are also important but there needs to be significant capital investment. I appreciate the recognition of that. We cannot continue to grow the current budget … help of the health committee in particular in analysing the performance of hospitals in this way and making sure that we are winding down a structure we know is legitimate and lawful but is not what we want and not what we believe is the correct thing

could at least have a bit of humility about the impacts of austerity and how it devastated this country. As the economic winds again change, he could also forgive people for being deeply concerned that we will see the reimposition of austerity in the form of cuts … years. She now spends at least 35% of her monthly income on rent and that is before she pays for utilities. Other energy costs are soaring. The cost of childcare is eye-watering. Families have to go to the private system to get care and assessments they need

located environment, the racks that would ordinarily sit in offices or other buildings dotted around the country. That consolidation leads to an energy reduction. Some on the hard left seek to set that at naught. I want to pick out Deputy Gogarty, who, in fairness … something the Government will look at. I have my worries about it. In my constituency it is a phenomenal challenge to get a wind farm built. There is a lot of push-back. I regularly ask constituents if they would take a nuclear reactor instead. I have

foreword states: The journey towards robust legislation to regulate and support donor assisted human reproduction (DAHR) and surrogacy has been a long and winding one spanning over a quarter of a century. This has included the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction (2000), a special Joint Oireachtas Committee … have campaigned outside the Dáil, held protests and written so many submissions to Government Departments. I do not know how they have the energy to keep doing it and it has gone on for far too long at this stage. I will talk through some of the recommendations

said, Ireland experienced an unprecedented storm, one that none of us has seen in our lifetime, that led to damaging, dangerous and destructive wind gusts, causing widespread power outages on our distribution system. Reports from ESB Networks indicate that the worst affected counties were Galway, Roscommon, Mayo, Longford … this be done - and it will be done - to identify those specific projects and investments that are needed to future-proof Ireland's energy grid and to adapt to the challenges of climate change. It is essential that companies and regulators responsible for protecting our citizens are appropriately

delivers several important changes. The expansion of access to the insolvency payment scheme to include employees of employers who ceased trading without formally winding up their business is significant and must be welcomed. I am happy to note the Bill will also provide a new statutory process … living crisis. The cost of living extends to people trying to be able to afford their groceries and trying to pay their energy bills. We know that almost a half a million people are behind with their energy bills at present. It is distressing to see that

retail and hospitality sectors, have consistently raised concerns about the cumulative impact of such measures in light of rising labour, input and energy costs. Research, including research by my Department, has shown that firms in the retail, accommodation and food services sectors were likely to be more impacted … important changes. Most importantly, it will expand access to the insolvency payments scheme to include employees of employers who cease trading without formally winding up their business. This situation is sometimes called informal insolvency. The Bill will provide a new statutory process for such employees to apply