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that company that his equipment was involved in the killing of Palestinians in Gaza, he said that is true. The UN human rights report stated that the company had provided defence infrastructure, military software and AI that allows automated decision-making, so it is using AI to automate … Palestine. That is what we need to do. Deputy Harris is a new Minister. I want him to state clearly to the House whether he believes that taxpayers' money should be invested in companies like that. There are many companies across the world that our money could

they side with in pursuit of their bloody aims. This conflict is of a scale that is perhaps unfathomable to this House, to be honest. It is as bad as anything the continent has seen and while we are living in really difficult geopolitical times … Deputy and I represent in our constituencies. We should never lose that focus in regard to why it is not only the right thing for Ireland to be involved in this and provide that support but it is also the sensible thing

face systemic discrimination, especially outside urban centres. Rural LGBTQ+ people deserve the same services, safety and visibility as anyone else. That includes safe housing, inclusive healthcare and properly resourced community supports. Let us not forget how far we have come. It has been nearly a decade since … phobal, le glacadh le daoine eile agus a bheith glactha tú féin. Is é sin croílár an Bhróid. We cannot stop at civil rights and equality before the law. We must keep fighting for full lived equality, and for the right to be seen, safe, supported and celebrated

fundamentally disagree with the last part where the Minister of State said it should be left to secondary legislation. This House has seen no secondary legislation. I agree that regulations have a place, but it is not here. It would not give the confidence or reassurance … establishing from day one that every individual who may be involuntarily detained for more than 21 days is entitled to the exact same rights and entitlements in the exact same format regardless of where they are receiving their treatment. It would not be best practice to not have

However, we are not simply looking to repackage existing taxation into own resources. On migration, which Deputy Lahart raised, I can update the House that EU leaders welcomed an update they received from President von der Leyen, as well as the European Commission’s proposal … position is very clear. We must address the shared challenge of migration, through collective effort, including on returns, in accordance with fundamental rights and international law. We fully support EU efforts to intensify co-operation on migration with countries of origin and transit, through mutually beneficial partnerships

members of the force in a very vulnerable position when they are asked to do something, by way of legislation we in this House have passed, without the consideration of how they implement the piece of justice or the action that is required. That is where the problem … detective or a garda on the beat tracking down those who are selling drugs within our communities and causing havoc right across the country. In Kilkenny and Carlow, it is no different. They are plagued by drugs on every street corner. Every young person has direct access

European Parliament election or referendum. Article 16 of the Constitution states that those who have reached the age of 18 shall have the right to vote at an election for Members of Dail Eireann. Article 12, relating to the President, Article 47, relating to referendums, and Article … being examined by the Electoral Commission as part of its research programme for the period 2024 to 2026. My colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Browne, is of the view that it would be premature to progress the Bill at this time in advance

should have an informed conversation about this. What the Deputy has said is true. There are things the Government can do and this House can do, and there are things we cannot do. I am going to be honest, as the Deputy has been honest, in saying whatever … situation worse and there may be things we can do to make the situation a little better. We need to get that calibration right and that is what we are working to do. There is the question of whether you do something temporary or whether

huge testimony to the family of Jennifer Poole, particularly Jason, because they have convinced the entirety of political opinion in this House of the merits of this measure. That is a phenomenal achievement on their part. I want to say to them that they have done Jennifer proud … that when we have got to the point where legislation with such widespread political support has been introduced, we need to get it right. Amendments Nos. 9 10 and 12 are in my name. Amendment No. 9 proposes the following: In page 5, between lines

Ireland must champion a pro-social Europe that delivers for working people. Across the European Union, families are struggling to afford basics like housing, childcare, healthcare and energy. Economic growth means little if it fails to improve people’s lives. Climate action remains one of the defining challenges … with fair pay and conditions are created across every region. Ireland must also use its Presidency to defend peace, international law and human rights. Ireland has a proud tradition of military neutrality and supporting peaceful conflict resolution. At a time when international law is being violated with impunity

There are three things I would like to discuss which I think will come up during the course of our debate in the House this morning. The first is what the referendum was or was not about. For those of us on the progressive left who campaigned … this issue out of the Constitution and into the hands of legislators to legislate in respect of it. It was also about reproductive rights and freedom, and that is what our Bill is about. For far too long, we looked away as women travelled abroad. That

Bill before the House is plain and simple. It amends what is known as Coco's Law. The purpose of the Bill is to clear up a grey area of whether the 2020 Act explicitly covers the creation of intimate images. However, it fails to state that … sexually suggestive nudified images were created hourly. These mainly depicted women, children and young girls and represent a violation of sacrosanct human rights. As if that was not bad enough, after a huge backlash, instead of removing such a base tool, X hid Grok behind a paywall rather

organisation and the school that would be open for the school during school time and open for the community afterwards. That is the right thing to do. I understand that there are ongoing issues regarding the patron and trustees. Unfortunately, I do not have the imprimatur to make … involves the challenge of getting the required documents to the Department before draw down. Additional information not given on the floor of the House. A set of revised procedures on the use of school buildings and school sports facilities outside of school hours was published in June

polluting LNG. It seems the private sector will continue to be relied on to deliver essential public services like childcare while workers' rights are only getting derisory treatment. The Government has abandoned initiatives such as drug policy reform and the citizens' assembly on the future of education. There … programme for Government is not up to the task. There is no sense of urgency about tackling the crises that face us in housing, climate and disability services. We are seeing no vision and a regressive set of policies. It is not only the policies that are regressive

energy skills, planning, construction and the entire infrastructure agenda that the Government has set out. Everything from our metros, DART+, energy grids and housing supply that we want to radically ramp up is all dependent on a skilled workforce with the relevant training and skills available to build … evolving workforce and societal needs. Fourth, to promote curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge and education as a public good in its own right. I am expanding pathways to skills, reskilling and apprenticeship capacity through targeted investments across that sector. Our further and higher education system has expanded

consistently that, in his opinion, there is no evidence that the necessary conditions have been met to date. The motion before the House calls on the Government to plan for Irish unity. Let me be clear. When I talk about reconciliation or about the work that is ongoing … really matters. It is indispensable work under all constitutional scenarios. If we hold the sincere ambition to achieve reunification, as is our right as a constitutional position, this needs to be achieved through real reconciliation and real material gains. The programme for Government clearly states that we will

woman who is a constituent in my county. She paid €860 for less than half a tank of home heating oil for her house. That is the equivalent of about three weeks' income for her. The amount of oil she bought is unlikely to do her until … which means that it the cause of a significant portion of the difficulties she is having in regard to paying for her oil. Right now, it takes more than €100 for a worker to fill a tank with petrol or diesel. That individual is a worker who gets

legal changes because for many years this has been demanded and called for. The idea that the birth father has a divine right to the custody of their children and access to their children has to be challenged. We heard a while ago from Deputy who talked about … nail this one on of the head because it is a constant mantra from a few parties and Deputies in this House. It is just a common refrain. For all the faults and issues relating to Tusla - and there are many - the idea that it should

very positive contribution. Community safety is a top priority for the Government and the Department of justice. Everyone has a right to be safe and to feel safe in their communities. Community CCTV plays an important role in achieving that goal. It is important to note that there … local communities in Limerick. I understand that, to date, the majority of funding for this CCTV scheme has come from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as part of the regeneration projects in Limerick, with a significant contribution also being made by Limerick City and County

have seen situations where there are a load of houses and people are told theirs is too high. There are eight or ten houses behind them, most of which are holiday homes, and they were able to get planning permission. That gives the likes of me a kick … whole lives are being destroyed by spending a year or two years trying to get planning permission and then being refused? Am I right that my time

areas, I would say we are looking at approximately two to three weeks. I am probably the only Minister in the House who is under heavy demand. I am everywhere and anywhere but I like to visit people and to see the problems first hand. I am familiar … been very supportive in the recent talks relating to providing funding. Government is very much to the fore in respect of flooding right across the country

House and you would swear to God they never held a portfolio when they go around, pretending they are Mighty Mouse in Leinster House and Mickey Mouse down in their own constituency. It is about time we started doing something about it and working together … with nothing being done. We just need to get to work. We need to listen to the developers, get the people in the right places, move on Irish Water, get the infrastructure built and just do it. I am sick to death of coming to debates here, week

experience, any money that is granted is matched by the council in terms of alterations for stair lifts and extensions and making a house wheelchair accessible. That is really important. The provision of day care centres is important. It is important that people go somewhere … stool and if one is taken away it will keel over. That is the best way of saying it. We also recognise the right of the people to have a level of care in their own home and to continue living there. All of these provisions

airport after him, given that they both have been involved in long campaigns and, just as hope was fading, we had delivery right at the end - or so we hope. It is quite common for major airports across the world to bear the names of leaders who shaped … Lemass would be a fitting tribute to a man who stood for progress, ambition and opportunity. It would reflect our pride across these Houses in his legacy and our confidence in Ireland's future. This is not just about honouring history; it is about inspiring the next generation

Instead, we have found ourselves in this never-ending debate on speaking rights which has been defined by vitriol, barracking, anger, obstruction and a complete disregard and disrespect for the Ceann Comhairle and her office. There has been blocking of the election of a Taoiseach and the attempt … Whip during the last term, I always valued how we worked together at the Business Committee to try to build consensus in the House where we could. It is incumbent on all of us to work together to urgently restore a collegiate and constructive approach. During the last