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being drafted, the process was subject to an extensive consultation and scrutiny with key stakeholders. I am sure the House will agree that there is a reason it is generally the case that complex and far-reaching legislation such as the 2019 Act is developed within the confines … important to the Government to balance these economic benefits of aviation with the objectives of the national aviation policy and the legitimate rights of local residents, which is why it is essential that we have a robust, practical regulatory framework for aircraft noise. In this context

such as energy, water and transport. These areas are front and centre in our priorities as we review the national development plan. The housing activation office will co-ordinate its work with the new infrastructure division to ensure effective co-ordination. We have consistently said we need … support of this reform, we will all need to recognise the importance of a more effective planning and legal process that balances the rights of the individual with the broader societal need for improved services. Since coming to office, we have allocated an additional €450 million to build

seeing the impact of migration and the need for more housing. The core issues that are affecting us here include affordable housing for families, young people and vulnerable people and tackling rent and the cost of rent throughout the country, particularly in more urban settings, such as Dublin … billion provided to date to help it with its defence. We have seen more sanctions on Russia and a condemnation that is rightly done for the support that Russia has been getting from Iran, Belarus and indeed North Korea. We need to reaffirm our support for Ukraine

have had more than a decade of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael presiding over a housing emergency and now the Government proposes to force ripped-off renters to carry the can for its failures. The Government's plan for the private rental sector is really Fianna Fáil … Government's plan. It is doing this during a persistent cost-of-living crisis where people are being hit with price hikes right across the board. In the past four years, the cost of the weekly shop has sky-rocketed by €3,000 per year for many families

Ukraine, these sanctions need to capture the activities of the shadow fleet. What I would say, and say to those outside this House too, without commenting on important national security issues, is that we are obviously plugged to a range of structures in terms of information exchange … national maritime security strategy published shortly and over 300 submissions have been made to that. Recruitment is very much going the right way. Last year was the first year in quite a number of years we saw any stabilisation or increase in the membership of the Defence Forces

provide a strong public transport network that serves the needs of all members of society in rural and urban areas. As the House is aware, the Government is strongly committed to providing all of our citizens with reliable, realistic and sustainable mobility options, as outlined in the programme … previous Government, Eamon Ryan, oversaw the first significant batch of new rolling stock for our rail lines. It is being tested and commissioned right now. I am committed to transport security. I have already advanced proposals within the Department as to what that force will look like

because they are members of the Indian community; regrettably they were targeted in many instances simply because they were migrants. Everyone in this House condemns those attacks. It is worthwhile that the message goes out to the public at large that we stand together in our condemnation … students. It is also lawful for a person to come here to claim asylum. As Deputy Gibney referenced, people do not have a right to asylum, but they do have a right to claim asylum. I am conscious that when I opened this debate, one thing I wanted

country, we have arrived at a situation whereby the country is divided between haves and have-nots. The haves have property and secure housing and the have-nots do not. When the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, was sitting opposite me, he spoke about 762 eviction notices … their communities. They are involved in their GAA clubs and in other activities. They pay their rent on time. They do everything right, yet they received the dreaded notice of termination at the start of this year. The most depressing thing about being having this debate tonight

bring forward is whether they can be put into effect quickly. While I am not talking about the Deputy, people in this House, often those on the Opposition benches, have ideas, even some good ideas, but actually it is about looking at what we can do quickly … first instance should be for a short period of time to allow us that agility, as a State, to respond. The Deputy is right on inflation though and this is a concern I have as Minister for Finance. Today, the focus is on energy but the longer this

that, and that is why I support this legislation and look forward to ensuring that, irrespective of the legislation that comes before the House on film and the arts, we try to get the best. Since Ireland is a small island, on the edge of the world … awards they have got. Whether it is the technical legislation before us or the forthcoming legislation, we have to ensure we get it right. Others are getting their act together, have seen the success here and want a piece of the cake. They would probably have

campaign to get justice for Harvey in order that no other child will suffer. Yesterday I attended a very emotional presentation in Leinster House - I was not on my own - at which I heard the term "medical orphan" used to describe children waiting for treatment for scoliosis … said it is unacceptable that children are suffering. I agree with them. Those backbenchers and Independent TDs have the chance to do the right thing today. Like me, they heard the heartbreaking stories from other parents whose children, as we speak, are suffering in exactly the same

been contacted by people in my constituency trying to escape domestic violence only to face an overly rigid, cold and bureaucratic system of housing supports that shows little sympathy or flexibility towards people in really horrendous and traumatising circumstances. We see the same in our legal system. Sarah … following sexual assault. She exposed the flaws in that system and how it can retraumatise victims and, indeed, be traumatic in its own right. It is a system desperately in need of reform in how it deals with cases of sexual and gender-based violence. The Minister recognises

reason I think the Tánaiste is misleading the people is that he has previous on this. Right up to the jaws of the last general election, the Government was determined to give the impression to the people of Ireland that 40,000 homes would be built that year … number of senior Ministers and the Taoiseach himself was wrong. It is important the Tánaiste comes clean with people on this. This housing crisis is far too serious for misinformation. People need to know what is happening in this country

lifesaving aid. Such a step is about using the European Union's influence to effect positive change on the ground. As the House is aware, Ireland and Spain called for this step to be taken in February 2024. Since then, the situation has only become immeasurably worse with … deemed in breach of its obligations - and how can it not be? - such a finding must be followed by concrete action. The human rights clauses in these agreements are not just there for padding. They are not discretional extras. They must have impact. There must be a consequence

question of balance, in particular of tenants' rights. We cannot overdo it and take away tenants' rights. They are entitled to have a right of tenure so they are not in precarious situations. The regulation of landlords has to be balanced. It has to be worth someone … need them as a primary home. That has to be taken into account, and the Deputy has made that point well. Regarding vacant houses, we will have to make a very difficult decision. In tourism towns in my constituency, as I am sure is the case

said. The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has recommended that Ireland should establish an advisory forum consisting of civil society organisations with fundamental rights and expertise in trade unions, as well as people who are often at the receiving end of AI deployment, such as teachers, artists … integration must be thoughtfully managed, equitably distributed and aligned with broader social goals. It is imperative that this Government builds up in-house expertise on AI. Otherwise we will be exposed to external influences, sometimes with contrary agendas. We talk all the time about the damage that

certainty as to when permanent solutions will be delivered. Our motion is rooted in the lived experiences we have brought to the House again and again. Allow me to set out a few of the worst affected places in Cork South-West. This is a national picture … again and again for short-term fixes, sometimes for two weeks at a time, rather than replacing the failing section. People there rightly ask why a Dublin burst is addressed in hours, while Adrigole waits and waits. That is the definition of unequal services. Over Christmas, they

some, it will be as high as 35%. That is what the Government is proposing. If the Minister is right and this leads to an increase in supply at some point - let us imagine that thesis is correct - who made him to think that it is acceptable … alternative and to private sector investment in a moment The Minister also likes to say that people on this side of this House have nothing to say about private sector investment. In fact, I have probably spent more time talking about alternative and better forms of private sector

entirely responsible - is what more can we do. I suggest that we invite President Zelenskyy to again address a joint sitting of the Houses. This would allow us to again express solidarity and to hear directly from the very brave President of Ukraine. Ireland is known … country with President Trump and Members of Congress. The Tánaiste has already outlined that we should reiterate our support for Ukraine's sovereign right to be able to join the European Union. It should be remembered that during Ireland's Presidency of the EU in 1990, German reunification

protestation by the Irish Government and other European Governments. We need to take action, which is one reason the Bill is before the House today. It is not the only reason, however. This Government and previous Governments have failed miserably to take action over the years … would use the EU Presidency to propose a suspension of preferential trade with Israel on the basis of persistent and systematic human rights violations. Here we are, 22 years later, and I am still appealing to the Government to ensure the EU does exactly what it says

workers telling me that they have to meet in cafés and places where they will not be known to discuss their workers' rights with unions. The motion also calls for the expansion of access to flexible and remote working arrangements, supporting a better work-life balance and reducing … reflects the growing frustration among workers but also reflects a clear and constructive path forward. Today was an opportunity for us in this House to listen to unions and act on behalf of workers. Instead, the Government has produced an amendment that ignores all our calls, points

atmosphere to try to get a bit of lithium out of the ground. It is not an inconsequential extraction. The Deputy is right that there have been issues with regard to their safety, particularly in phones and poorly-built toys from countries outside the EU that might … Deputy directly. He raises a very valid point but it may be something that is more pertinent for the European Council than this House

overwhelming scientific evidence, the Government persists in offering remediation when only a full demolition will do. If we go back to remediation, these houses will need to be revisited. It is not good enough. It is simply scandalous to be treated like a second-class citizen in your … This is an issue up and down the country. People from across the floor have come to me about it. As we speak right now, there is not a county in Ireland that is not affected and it will grow. I have talked about this every week

chur faoi bhráid na Dála. I would also like to welcome all of those in the Gallery who made the journey to Leinster House today to hear the debate on this very important legislation. I met a couple of people I know outside, including a constituent … with her mam. All three of them are women. All those women and their comrades are very welcome to their Dáil here tonight. Right now, the situation in our courts is that survivors of rape and sexual abuse can have their private counselling notes dragged into court

Deputy Murnane O'Connor, in contributing to the debate. While we are discussing hip dysplasia, it is very important that I update the House on an internal CHI report that was covered in the media on Sunday. That report was provided … board of CHI requesting a full response to the report. I wrote a detailed letter asking specific questions and I reserve the right to write further letters. I need to receive the response but, on its receipt, my officials will follow up to address outstanding risks or concerns