I thank the Minister of State for his detailed and informative response. I am sure he is aware, given his Mayo roots, that there are three Gaeltacht regions in the county, namely, Toormakeady, Achill Island and Erris. Excellent work is being done in those areas to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the food and drink, tourism and manufacturing sectors. Will the Minister of State outline how he intends to develop and roll out these support measures?

I am glad to hear the Minister of State's reply. I acknowledge the work of Údarás na Gaeltachta. These support measures will go a long way for businesses in the Gaeltacht and give them a chance to survive in the crisis and find new markets and an opportunity for them to provide innovative services and products.

I propose to share time with Deputy Cathal Crowe. I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important Bill. Before doing so, I wish the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, Deputy English, success in their new portfolios, which will undoubtedly play a crucial role in Ireland's economic recovery. It is fortunate that we have such a skilled Minister and Minister of State with responsibility for enterprise, trade and employment, both of whom have relevant previous experience in Departments. I hope the Tánaiste can rep…

I will be sharing my time with Deputies Higgins, Feighan and O'Donnell. The closing of schools has greatly impacted fifth year classes. There is real concern now that there will not be enough time to finish the two-year curriculum by the time examinations are due to begin in summer 2021. Many students and their parents have contacted me to express the legitimate concerns surrounding falling behind on course work, on top of the many challenges students face while learning from home such as limited access to online m…

Alongside the Ceann Comhairle, the Taoiseach and many previous speakers in the Chamber, I also wish to extend my sympathies to the family and friends of the late Detective Garda Colm Horkan, a proud Mayo man from Charlestown, in my constituency. I knew Colm. I played against him on many occasions. He was one of those people who got along with everyone and was so well respected. He was a leader in so many ways within his community - on the pitch with Charlestown Sarsfields GAA and also in his chosen career with An G…

I wish to share time with Deputies Richmond and Feighan.

I commend the Minister of State, the Tánaiste and the Irish diplomatic team working abroad on the repatriation of Irish people following the onset of Covid-19 and throughout the intervening period. As a people we have always held a special attachment to home and many of our people have returned home during this crisis. As a new Deputy, I am inspired by the incredible work of the Tánaiste and the Minister of State in response to Brexit and our approach to negotiations. Mayo, as with many other counties, has signific…

I am sharing time with Deputies Richmond and Feighan. As the Minister and Minister of State will be aware, the fundraising efforts of sporting clubs and organisations around the country have been decimated as a result of Covid-19. Many clubs in Mayo and throughout the country have cancelled their flagship annual fundraisers over the past three months and into the future, which will undoubtedly place significant strain on their finances. We are all aware of the importance of sport in our communities. In many cases, …

I will be sharing time with Deputy Feighan. It is a true honour to speak in Dáil Éireann for the first time. From the outset I sincerely thank the people of Mayo for placing their trust in me as we navigate these unprecedented times in circumstances I could never have imagined. I hope to serve my constituents with honour, integrity and humility. I assure the Mayo electorate I will continue the work of my predecessor, Enda Kenny, with the same ethos as he showed when he entered this Chamber on his first day as a Tea…

I commend the Minister, his officials and in particular, our healthcare and front-line workers for their unwavering commitment to those who they treat. I am conscious that Ireland's response to Covid-19 has been a momentous effort and one that has brought many communities together, even while physically remaining apart. Everyone I meet acknowledges Ireland's swift response to the crisis in comparison with other countries which are experiencing greater difficulties. The mental health crisis triggered by Covid-19 is …