Go raibh maith agat for that comprehensive response. While I welcome the new terms of Ireland's €1.3 billion forestry programme and strategy, for me, the Government must be aware that there can be an excess of a good thing in our rural areas. As already stated, we must balance both the concerns and needs of a community against our environmental commitments. Creating new forests in Ireland is crucial in the context of our commitment to achieve our climate action targets. Our afforestation targets certainly need to i…

I want to bring to focus the role of young family carers. A recently published ESRI report highlighted the challenges faced by young people who are overburdened in their role as carers for parents, siblings or close relatives. The story of a 17-year-old student from the west of Ireland who helps her six-year-old non-verbal autistic brother was highlighted in the report. The young girl highlighted the difficulties she faces in progressing her studies while also assisting her brother. Young carers have been identifie…

I want first to commend the success of the Government and of Fine Gael's policy in the unprecedented job opportunities which mean that unemployment is currently at an all-time low. Figures have also shown over 1,800 IDA Ireland-backed companies directly employ over 300,000 people in Ireland for the second consecutive year. This also demonstrates a continued strong regional performance for the past year with 132 investments outside Dublin representing 54% of the total investment. While this good work must be acknowl…

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. The overwhelming priority of the Irish Government is to continue to advocate for an immediate stop to the death and destruction in Gaza and to take relevant actions to this end. Through the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste, the Irish Government is doing everything it can to bring about an immediate, durable and sustainable humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas. The only way to achieve this or any resolution for communities in Israel and Gaza is immediate de-es…

The Defence Forces deserve their fair share of EDA support. The EDA's co-operative projects and programmes with member states offer significant opportunities. By participating actively we can enhance our capability and ensure interoperability with our European partners. The EDA's mission is to support and improve EU member states' defence capabilities that align with our needs. I would appreciate an opportunity to explore current provisions within the Defence Forces.

I thank the Tánaiste for his comprehensive response. It is encouraging to hear that with the support of the EDA, the Defence Forces are enhancing their capability and improving their readiness. This will contribute more effectively to both regional and international security. I am aware that the EDA chief executive visited Ireland last year and had discussions with the Defence Forces and Department of Defence senior officials on new opportunities. Certainly, cyber defence, maritime security and medical support are …

I have just one comment on participation in joint exercises. Over the past months we have seen a number of drug seizures off the coast, which have been valued at more than €100 million. With Ireland's vast coastline extending to more than 3,000 km, it is not practical for officers within the maritime unit to be able to cover all this area. The possible assistance of the EDA to strengthen our coastal security measures on the Irish coast, be it through EU co-operation and participation in both the joint military exer…

The green light was given to the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board to proceed to the next stage of developing a multimillion euro college of the future back in November 2022. I would like an update on the current status of this project and any significant milestones achieved to date.

I thank the Minister for his response. It is certainly a very exciting time for both further and higher education in Mayo with the new college campus. This will build on the current links we have in the newly-established ATU and develop a clear pathway for students between further education training and higher education. It is important to strengthen those links. I compliment the Minister on the announcement before Christmas of more than €1 million being invested in the ATU with the establishment of a new apprentic…

I thank the Minister. It is good to hear there is a pathway in place to see these projects delivered in a timely manner, especially the college of further education in Mayo. It is positive news to hear that there is engagement with the county council on the preferred site at the military barracks. The key consideration for this college will be site selection to serve the needs not just of the students but also of the town and to make it a hub for people to come visit and to get educated. On the back of that, I emph…

Last June, I brought to the Dáil's attention a pressing issue concerning Castlebar Educate Together National School, which finds itself in a serious situation. It comprises 140 enrolled students, five teachers and one SNA. For the past eight years, the school has been operating out of Marsh House, a former town council building leased from Mayo County Council. The conditions are dire for an educational institution. The school is now scattered across three campuses, each with limited classroom space. The children ar…

The horrific violence and loss of life in Israel and Gaza continues to shock us all. When the EU General Assembly calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, backed by 150 countries including Ireland, it is a significant step. It highlights the growing isolation of the United States and Israel. I acknowledge the efforts of the Tánaiste and Taoiseach in condemning the war and calling for an immediate, permanent and sustainable ceasefire. As a Government we must continue to lead the pursuit and de-escalation of th…

As we acknowledge the growing complexity in maintaining law and order, the role of An Garda Síochána becomes even more crucial. We have learned there are plans to introduce new equipment and technology to aid our gardaí in their duties. It is clear that these advancements will undoubtedly boost their efficiency and effectiveness. Will the Minister provide us with more detail about these technologies and the impact they expect to have?

I thank the Minister for her response on this important issue and her hard work on increasing the budget allocated to An Garda Síochána. It is welcome. An issue for communities I represent concerns rural crime and An Garda Síochána's security and intelligence capabilities, referenced in the future of policing plan. What additional supports can we provide for counterintelligence efforts and measures against cybercrime? It is important we have measures in these areas. We saw recently in the riots in Dublin that count…

I welcome the expansion of areas the Minister did not mention, such as the Garda dog unit, the provision of tasers to the public order unit and the improved public order equipment in vehicles. These are important areas, along with the new legislation for the provision of body-worn cameras. Facial recognition technology will be beneficial. Will there be a pilot scheme to assess its relevance or efficiency, given the sensitivity of the data involved? Will the Minister update the House on that? We need to tread carefu…

Recent reports suggest that pyrite issues are affecting up to 1,000 homes in Mayo, from Erris to Ballina and from Westport to Castlebar. That figure encompasses both rural and State properties. These homes are showing concerning signs and cracking patterns, suggesting immediate attention is required. This devastating development is forcing families to witness the demolition of their homes and to seek alternative housing solutions amid an ongoing housing crisis. Over the past year, a total of €94 million has been al…

I bring to the Taoiseach's attention an issue that has been constantly raised by numerous distressed cancer patients concerning their experience when applying for medical cards. In discussion with the staff and volunteers of the Irish Cancer Society, it has become even more evident with the numerous challenges faced by individuals who received devastating news of cancer diagnosis and who subsequently have to go through the process of applying for a discretionary medical card. In these extremely challenging situatio…

I would like to address a topic outlined in the programme for Government that pertains to the mental health services for children and adolescents. Only recently, the Fine Gael parliamentary party members engaged with the organisation Families for Reform of CAMHS, where we had the opportunity to listen to some profoundly distressing stories concerning the impact of the HSE on children and adolescent mental services, CAMHS, units on children nationwide. A recent report concerning the CAMHS within community healthcare…

Sinn Féin's conduct this evening is nothing short of a disgrace. Its party leader has knowingly misled this Dáil-----

-----which is a shame on you, Deputy McDonald.