Le tús a chur, tá mé chun rud éigint a chur amach faoi Ghaelcholáiste Reachrann. It is still waiting for an update. The Department was saying that the design team is looking at it and it is a priority for the Department. I am in a group chat with 450 concerned parents. All we are asking for is a written update on the current status of the permanent school and an urgent update on what is holding it back. I would also like the Taoiseach to look at the KRC school campaign in Clontarf, Raheny and Killester, where 1,231…

I strongly condemn the decision by President Trump to impose 20% tariffs on EU exports, especially those that affect Ireland. Let us be clear here: this is not a negotiating tactic but an act of economic aggression by President Trump against our long-standing relationship. Let us call it what it is; it is reckless and short-sighted and will be deeply harmful to Irish jobs and businesses and the broader European economy. These tariffs will strike at the heart of our global economic model. This can already be seen in…

When we talk about crime and antisocial behaviour among young people, we often focus on the consequences but we need to ask what is causing it in the first place. It reminds me of a story I heard at an event by Peter McVerry. It is a story I come back to which goes, if you see people floating down a river, you jump in and rescue them. Then you see another person floating down, and you jump in and rescue them. Then you see another and eventually you ask yourself, "Where are they coming from and how are they falling …

It is great to see a united party effort on this issue. We all attended the information evening in Belmayne. It is very clear we need another special school in Dublin Bay North. The issue is the option for phase 2 of the Belmayne Educate Together school has been offered by the school. It is clearly a better solution than putting these kids into prefabs. On the night we were all there, we heard parents who have children who will be attending the special school as well as children in Belmayne Educate Together urging …

I also thank the Minister of State for coming to the cross-party meeting on autism. When I raised this matter with him, he looked at it straight away. All the TDs in Dublin Bay North have raised this matter because they have been fighting for it since before I was elected. There is a prefab pandemic in Dublin Bay North, as those involved with running Gaelchólaiste Reachrann have noted. People have seen how it is never a temporary solution. I welcome what Deputy O’Callaghan said. The amount of work that would have t…

Deputy O' Flynn said there are no Government TDs here. Have you not been calling me a Government TD for the last three months? It is ridiculous. I do not have sympathy-----

I am here now. I do not have sympathy-----

The Minister has a huge task ahead of him and I wish him the best of luck in his role. I urge everyone from all sides of this House to work together as we see in the committees. We are here for one reason, which is to work for the Irish people. As a newly elected TD, it is ridiculous what have seen in here for the last few months. There is something clearly wrong with regulations where developers can pay adjoining residents considerable sums to not make objections. A recent article by the Irish Independent said tha…

I raise an issue I raised with the Taoiseach three weeks ago and that was also raised this evening by Deputy Carthy. I am seeking clarification on the occupied territories Bill, the reinstatement of which was included in the programme for Government. In a meeting with the Palestinian ambassador, she asked whether the Bill, when it is reintroduced, will include provisions regarding natural resources. I accept that the Tánaiste does not want to fully disclose that until his meeting with Senator Black but can he add a…

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire for that update. It is very important that we keep the public informed of developments. I welcome his indication that he will meet with Senator Black next Tuesday. I thank him and his Department for the aid already supplied. It is very important that when the occupied territories Bill comes back to the House, provisions regarding resources are included, especially the natural resources that are extracted from the occupied territories. I hope that by taking that step in the right direct…

I thank the Tánaiste for taking up the case. I will give him the details with regard to that.

Gabhaim míle buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach agus leis an Aire Stáit. I want to reflect on the recent European Council meeting and what it means for Ireland and our role during these challenging times. As I have stated previously, I welcome the Council’s continued support for Ukraine. The suffering caused by the war remains immense. I am grateful to see the compassionate role that we have played in welcoming those who are fleeing from this conflict to our communities. I have seen at first hand the generos…

Go n-éirí leis an Aire ina phost nua. Will the Minister provide an update on the role of accessibility officers in all councils, but particularly Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council? What oversight is in place to ensure future housing developments meet universal design standards? Are additional measures being considered to improve accessibility in social and affordable housing projects?

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. I thank him for noting that this is something I did at local level. I would really like to see it carried through. As he stated, an independent framework is provided for in section 63 of the Local Government Act. However, section 26 of the Disability Act 2005 places an obligation on public bodies, including local authorities, to have one accessibility officer. I have spoken to people in Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council. In that context, I want to know what enforcement mec…

It is great that the Minister will reach out to local authorities. I do not want to be Dublin Bay-North centred; this is for all local authorities. The main point is that we are already required by law to protect the rights of disabled people by ensuring there is equality, accessibility and non-discrimination. The Government has a pivotal role in providing local authorities with adequate resources to fulfil their obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This requir…

In the light of ongoing geopolitical tensions, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the genocide occurring across Palestine, the role of our neutrality has never been more scrutinised. Ireland has long taken pride in its policy of military neutrality, a stance that has allowed us to play a respected role in peacekeeping, diplomacy and humanitarian efforts, and I thank all those who have done this in the past. However, neutrality is not an ideology frozen in time. It must be continuously assessed to ensure it …

Go raibh maith agat.

It is good to finally be able to speak. What I was trying to say earlier is that I was described as an underling, which is someone who is under someone else's order. I would love for that to be withdrawn from the record of the House. As an Independent TD, I support this Government with cautious optimism, in the hope that it will be able to listen to me. The only people whose orders I am under are the people of Dublin Bay North, who put their trust in me, a 26-year-old Independent. How many marriages and childhoods …

Céard atá an Rialtas ag déanamh leis an laghdú de 40% ar bhuiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge le 20 bliain anuas, nuair a thugtar boilsciú san áireamh, a chur i gceart agus cothrom na Féinne a thabhairt d'fhorbairt na Gaeilge fud fad na tíre? Sa tréimhse chéanna, d'éirigh buiséad an Chomhairle Ealaíon ó €40 milliún go €140 milliún. Cé mhéad airgead a chuirfidh an Rialtas ar fáil le buiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge a mhaoiniú i gceart?

Go n-éirí leis an Aire Stáit ina phost nua. The presence of community gardaí is not just about enforcing the law, it is about building trust and, in north Dublin, creating the safer neighbourhoods I want to see. It is about fostering real partnerships between gardaí and the people they serve. In recent years, we have seen progress in Dublin and I can stand here proudly and say I am the son of a garda who served for 35 years. I have seen at first hand how gardaí help when they are dedicated to community policing rol…