For well over ten years, the wastewater treatment plant in Cluain na Croise in Crossbarry has been malfunctioning and it is causing huge difficulty for locals. As far back as 2016, the plant was one of only half a dozen that the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications was advancing through a pilot scheme to resolve defective developer-led infrastructure. Unfortunately, Crossbarry was the only village in the original pilot scheme that did not advance to construction. A new resolution programme was …

For well over ten years, the wastewater treatment plant in Cluain na Croise in Crossbarry has been malfunctioning and it is causing huge difficulty for locals. As far back as 2016, the plant was one of only half a dozen that the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications was advancing through a pilot scheme to resolve defective developer-led infrastructure. Unfortunately, Crossbarry was the only village in the original pilot scheme that did not advance to construction. A new resolution programme was …

It is now two months since the Windsor framework was agreed. There has been an opportunity for the different parties to review the agreement and to have questions answered. While some people might have had Good Friday or maybe the US presidential visit as target dates, they have come and gone. It is reasonable to allow people time to consult and clarify, but sooner or later a decision on this must be arrived at so things can move on and an Executive can be established. Is there an identifiable pathway, or what mile…

Will the Tánaiste give us his current assessment of the situation regarding Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine as the brutality is now dragging on into its second year?

I understand that the EU Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the conflict this week and that, at the beginning of those discussions, the Ukrainian foreign minister addressed ministers via a video link, briefing them on the latest developments on the ground and on Ukraine's priorities and needs. Will the Tánaiste give an update on what the foreign minister said and what the response was? What action is the EU taking to sustain pressure on Russia through sanctions? What engagement is the EU having with third c…

Reports on Wednesday indicate that the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, was going to send a delegation to Ukraine to hold talks with parties there. This was the first call he has had with President Zelenskyy since the invasion in February last year. According to Chinese media, his aim as set out is to facilitate these peace talks and bring about a ceasefire as soon as possible, and that he is going to be neutral on it. That is all coming despite China describing its partnership with Russia as a no-limits alliance. We…

The programme for Government set out a mission to build safer, secure communities. Part of that is implementing the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, which the Taoiseach referred to, and supporting the Garda with the resources it needs to do its work. A new policing model has already been rolled out in many parts of the country. This is now being rolled out in County Cork, one of the larger areas. An obvious part of that model appears to be missing in County Cork, in that while a headqu…

The introduction of the online safe pass renewal has been a very constructive move. It is giving people a change to renew their safe pass at a time that suits them and without taking time away from work. Concerns have been raised with me about what appears to be a high fail rate. Has this been brought to the Minister's attention? Will he give an outline of the situation and the progress on it?

I thank the Minister for the overview on the situation. Having the online option available to people has been a very positive and constructive move given that people can do it at their own pace, in their own time without taking time away from work. It is understandable that there would be teething issues in getting a system up and running, but I do not feel it would be right for people who are using that newer system to lose out as a result if there are teething problems and if access is not that easily available o…

Just because a lot can be seen in the background on the online system and it can be seen that some people are accessing the online tools on it at this stage, is it compulsory or is the system now set up to push people towards the support tools to ensure they avail of those ahead of taking on the exam itself? Are there also options available for them to retest quickly so they can continue on with the process? The whole concept has been a very positive and constructive move. We call this a teething issue. It is the k…

The Cabinet committee discussed Sláintecare and there was quite a bit of emphasis on community services. Were day centres for older people discussed? They are important services that give people the opportunity to live independently and remain in their own homes with dignity. They are fundamental to the health and well-being of our older population. Having access is key in enabling older people to live independently in their own communities, providing invaluable support to them and their carers. In Macroom, there h…

The Department of the Taoiseach has a lead role in advancing the well-being framework, which is aimed at ensuring budgetary funds are advanced not merely through purely economic measures but also through a range of things that are of value and are priorities for us, including educational attainment, biodiversity, the quality of housing and many other different values. A very significant milestone was achieved in advancing the framework last year when it was included in the summer economic statement and in budget 20…

The Windsor Framework is very much about Northern Ireland and, in putting it together, it is clear the views of many elected representatives and of those in business and society across Northern Ireland were taken on board. It offers hope of a new chapter in EU-UK relations. It would be valuable for everybody to have time and space to look at it and arrive at the most informed decision on it. I understand that DUP members are doing that and that they are continuing to meet and debate it, including tomorrow, when I u…

It is vital for the people of Northern Ireland that power sharing be re-established. I am conscious that the DUP has asked for time and space to assess the framework. However, it has been indicated that it will be voting against an aspect of the Windsor Framework tomorrow and it also has been suggested that the DUP would not re-enter power sharing in Stormont. What can be done to alleviate these concerns? Are there avenues open to the Irish Government to assist in any way?

Tá mé ag éileamh ar an Aire Stáit tuairisc a thabhairt ar an obair atá idir lámha aige chun cosaint a thabhairt do phobal Bhaile Bhuirne, Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh, Inse Geimhleach agus Baile Mhic Íre ó na tuilte. Is cúis buartha é do phobal go mbeadh baol ann ón tuile. Tá obair planned le fada. Will the Minister of State give us an overview of the planned works in the upper River Lee, the River Sullane, Ballyvourney, Ballingeary and Inchigeelagh?

Works on the River Sullane have been planned for a number of years. There was an exhibition in the Abbey Hotel. I acknowledge that quite a bit of background work is being done, between surveys and reports. However, there is a struggle to get temporary works carried out in the area. The OPW has handed over the lead role to Cork County Council. What prompted that move? Tá an-chuid oibre déanta le fada an lá ag tabhairt le chéile tuairiscí agus go leor eile chun an plean seo a thabhairt chun cinn i gcomhair an tSuláin…

Ballingeary has suffered flooding from both the Lee and Bunsheelin rivers over many years. When they flood it impacts on householders, businesses and the road, but also the defective sewage treatment plant, which results in flooding in amenity areas such as football pitches. Has that been factored in to the case for promoting or pressing forward a scheme in Ballingeary? I understand temporary works, including the removal of gravel from the river and clearing of vegetation, were carried out a number of years ago. Wh…

I thank the Taoiseach for giving his view. When the Cabinet subcommittee meets again, will it discuss medicine shortages? This is an issue that has been constantly raised with me and it is challenging for patients throughout the country. Pharmacists are finding that while there would have always been some medication shortages, the breadth and number of medications that are in short supply this year is much more unusual and significantly overwhelming. A recent survey of Irish Pharmacy Union, IPU, members found that …

Extreme nausea and vomiting can be so debilitating for a pregnant woman. There are various therapies available to support such women but having easy and affordable access to them is very important. Will the Minister outline how women can access the various therapies available?

I acknowledge the different initiatives the Minister has been undertaking for women's health. The funding and access he has already been putting in place for Cariban is proof of this and demonstrates the commitment. As the Minister outlined and as so many people have been raising with me, there are these difficulties. Having timely and affordable access is so important. As the Minister is aware, many people will not expect to be seeing a consultant until they have reached about the 12-week stage and they would have…