Notwithstanding the remarks of Deputy Haughey on citizens' assemblies, with which I tentatively agree, the citizens' assembly model has proven its worth over the past number of years. Some of the questions that have been asked, in particular on the social side of things, may not have come about as quickly had we been left to deal with them in these Houses. That being said, biodiversity is probably one of the key elements on the list of citizens' assemblies outlined in the programme for Government. I am pleased to s…

I commend the scheme. I also commend the Minister and the Department on the work they have put into it. There is so much within it that is extremely positive and it is quite disheartening to hear Members opposite decry it and predict its failure before it has even begun. We have to recognise in addition to what Deputy Bruton has said that the scheme has a huge element of work that will see homes at risk of fuel poverty or in fuel poverty retrofitted in the coming years. These will be in addition to the 150,000 home…

Deputy Ó Cuív is sharing time with Deputies Carey and Cowen.

I call on Deputy O'Donoghue who has a ten-minute slot.

I am sure you will.

I thank the authors of this report for their thoroughly comprehensive body of work and recommendations. The report sets out, in a very clear manner, the current state of our Defence Forces and points to various paths that lie ahead for the future of the military, depending on how we in this House and as a society react to the analysis and the warnings contained therein. We must implement systemic changes within the Defence Forces and the kind of changes required will impact on every aspect of the work they do. Memb…

That is no problem. I commend Deputy Carroll MacNeill on the introduction of this Bill, which is an eminently sensible solution to a constitutional problem. I thank Deputy Lawless for making the point that the Irish version of the Constitution takes precedence and it is far less prescriptive in regard to where, and I think the “where” is important. A debate did ensue when we were relocated to the Convention Centre as to what “where” meant, and whether it could be a constituency office, for instance. We have to come…

That was fantastic teamwork on behalf of Cavan-Monaghan.

We now move to County Meath and I call Deputy Tóibín.

That is not related to the question.

The Chair has Standing Orders-----

I welcome the opportunity to have a discussion on this Bill, which will benefit both employers and employees. I commend the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, Deputy English, on their ongoing efforts to support businesses and workers across the State. It would be remiss of me not to also acknowledge the work of others, particularly those on the relevant committee, for the work they put into this. This Bill is symbolic of a suite of measures that Government and my own party have taken to protect workers, while allo…

Next is Deputy Gino Kenny, who I understand is sharing time with Deputy Paul Murphy.

I am sorry to interrupt, but can I ask the Members who are speaking to either go outside to have their conversation or to be quiet. There is a Deputy in possession and they are interrupting him. Please continue, Deputy Murphy.

I now call the Regional Group. Deputies Tóibín and Canney are sharing an eight-minute slot equally.

In light of the recent spate of horrific attacks on young women, in particular, the murder of Ashling Murphy in January, and the publication of the gender-based violence policy the Government will bring forward soon, which cannot be published soon enough, will the Taoiseach recognise that there is legislation that I believe we as a House should change, particularly relating to sentencing guidelines and the likes of the sexual offences Bill, which I know is being considered by the Department of Justice? Would that b…

I, too, want to raise the matter of supports. The Minister will be aware of the committee report of a number of months ago which highlighted the inevitable additional supports that would be required for students after Covid. It highlights the necessity for us to put in place enhanced mental health supports, particularly in our schools. I understand that is occurring at third level, but it is also eminently necessary at second level. The Minister has made a difficult decision under very difficult circumstances so as…

This question relates to one of the fastest growing communities in the country, namely, Dublin 15, Swords and Balbriggan and, in particular, the provision of school facilities in Swords.

I thank the Minister for her comprehensive response. I am pleased to hear the level of detail the Department has gone into in its planning for additional accommodation at the school and a long-term solution. For the benefit of the other Deputies present, when one thinks about a secondary school one thinks about large yards, perhaps a couple of football pitches and things like that. This school has a basketball court and that is it. There are 880 students on site. They have been there since 1985 and, through no faul…

I thank the Minister and completely understand her position. To put the matter in context again, in the census that will be completed later this year, Swords is expected to exceed 50,000 residents. Fingal County Council has long projected that by the end of the 2030s the population will be over 100,000 and, therefore, this sort of planning and the level of detail the Minister has outlined is entirely necessary. I commend her and the Department on all the work they are doing. Other schools have benefited from expans…