Meetings of this sort are a good occasion to float new ideas with particular reference to the degree to which we can assess its acceptability. In this regard, I ask the Taoiseach whether it was possible to do that and to expand on the issues referred to by my colleague a couple of minutes ago to find out whether there was an acceptability of the need to move on and to make progress on the outstanding issues in regard to Brexit, the Good Friday Agreement and the necessity to ensure the sentiments expressed in the ag…

I want to join this conversation, if possible. There are various projects, like those described by my colleagues, that were urgently required many years ago. The need was demonstrated many years ago. Particularly in relation to flooding relief, the emphasis now is on reflooding areas. I would hate to think that in deference to reflooding, we might put on the back burner those projects that were urgent many years ago and are equally, if not more, urgent now. Progress needs to be visible in the shortest possible time…

I thank the Acting Chair for allowing me to raise this issue. To say the least this is a very disturbing development. We have all read in the newspapers about the activity of predators who seem to be able to gain access to residential care areas. Alarming is one way to describe this. To my mind it is without precedent. After all, there are several agencies that could have responsibility for dealing with this kind of situation. Were it not for UCD carrying out a report, we probably would not know about it at all. Th…

I thank the Minister of State for his detailed reply. The Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, contacted my office to indicate he was unable to be in attendance, and I accept that. This issue is serious and needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible. Action needs to be taken as quickly as possible as well. I note the reference to a number of agencies that have responsibilities. That is the worst possible situation, where a number of agencies confer together to ensure they provide the best possible service arising from the…

I seek to bring to the attention of the House the activities in recent times of some lending institutions, fund managers and their successors. This mainly relates to funds that were sold over from the pillar banks in a package to the investment fund managers. Some of them are being sold on again to third parties. I am not too certain whether they are fully regulated, but I am sure they are. I am concerned at the tendency - I observe a new urgency now - on the part of asset managers who, with a renewed vigour, seem …

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. What he says is accurate. That is the way this is supposed to work but it is not the way it is working. To what extent can this House ensure that what the Minister of State has just intoned to the House actually happens and that every borrower gets the same chance to recover, regardless of whether he or she is in arrears? There is no sense in saying we will continue as we were and pay back as we should have at the beginning. That option has been gone for a …

I again raise the question of family law reform. I welcome the Taoiseach's outlining of the timeline for that legislation, which is going through the Houses at the moment. However, one issue remains, the issue of those who have become victims of section 47 and similar sections over recent years. This problem still has to be addressed and redress will have to be dealt with because, in some cases, the families are condemned to isolation, sometimes forever, which is grossly unfair. I ask that this be provided for in t…

The location was very impressive, as was the attendance, at a time in European development that will be regarded as crucial when European history comes to be written. To what extent were representatives of traditionally neutral countries in attendance? Was there any discussion of neutrality, the ability of traditionally neutral countries to defend themselves, whether they will receive assistance from their neighbours and whether they will have to stand alone? Was cognisance taken of neutral countries that were over…

This is a similar question to the previous one. I am seeking to ascertain the extent of the progress in dealing with the issues raised in the review of the Defence Forces then, beforehand and afterwards and whether a timeline can be set for the conclusion of those issues.

Will the Tánaiste indicate the extent to which he believes the issues, particularly the sensitive issues that have been raised by the Women and Men of Honour on the one hand, and the very involved and delicate business of upgrading the level of readiness of the Defence Forces to combat situations that may arise at very short notice on the other, are being dealt with? In the event of there being deficiencies in that area, will he address those in such a way as to reassure the Defence Forces and the public that they …

In view of the necessity to bring the level, strength and equipment of the Defence Forces up to speed at an early date on issues such as pay, which has a bearing on recruitment, might it be possible to introduce emergency changes to pay and conditions, with a view to bringing the forces up to the greatest level of readiness for something happening which we can anticipate but cannot quantify? Could that be done at the earliest possible date?

I ask this question on behalf of my colleague, Deputy Colm Burke, who cannot be here this morning. It relates to similar questions that have already been raised, the replies to which I have listened to carefully. The question is about the processing time for paper-based applications and first-time renewals of passports.

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. Unfortunately, everybody cannot, for very obvious reasons, make an online application. There are exceptions, of course, where alternative arrangements could be made. However, we must deal with the situations we face. I compliment the Tánaiste and his Department on their helpfulness with regard to particular applications. However, I, my colleague Deputy Colm Burke and other Members of this House have dealt with applications made as far back as January that have still not been proc…

I thank the Tánaiste. I note his willingness to look at the situation and consider what can be done to improve it. The fact of the matter is that we have all had complaints from constituents during holiday time. It obviously does not happen at any other time. However, the processing time for paper applications needs to be looked at, as the Tánaiste has agreed to do, in order to find out what exactly is causing the hold-up and what can be done to improve the situation. That applies to first-time applicants and renew…

I agree in general with what the Tánaiste and Deputy Connolly have said. In a previous existence, I had occasion to meet all sides in that debate and dispute, which continues. It would be of considerable importance and influence if, at on-site level, there was a platform to which grievances could be addressed before they boil over into the kind of incursions we are talking about now. That platform could earn the respect of all sides, which is hugely important. I say that on the basis of having met all sides previou…

I thank the Taoiseach for his recent correspondence and update on the matter of parental alienation which the Ceann Comhairle has kindly allowed me to raise in the House. The update is welcome and is indicative of a programme for reform. However, it does not do anything to help those mothers, children and, in some cases, fathers who are prevented by order from meeting or having any discourse, except by telephone, for the foreseeable future. Could there be an intervention that could deal with that part of the situat…

I wish to draw attention to the fact we live in changing times and there may be an urgent necessity for certain Cabinet committee meetings to take place at very short notice to deal with emerging situations. For instance, the former President of Russia made an announcement to the effect that it was in order for the Russian authorities to pursue the various installations, subterranean and submarine, and justified that. There is a need for an immediate reaction and response in those kind of situations.

This question seeks to amend the qualification levels for medical cards with particular reference to those people who may be suffering from life-changing or life-threatening conditions.

I ask that consideration might be given to the fact that it is quite a considerable time since the income thresholds were adjusted. They need to be adjusted now in line with the cost of living and other compelling reasons. They also need to be adjusted on the grounds that when a household receives indication that a patient, be he or she the bread earner or not, and when it is considered that the shock to the system and to the household budget is fairly considerable in any event, and that there are many calls and ch…

I also draw attention to the fact that some patients may be suffering from a hospital misadventure, which places considerable burden on the family in financial ways, as well as due to the trauma within the family of such a situation. I plead that consideration might be given to awarding a full medical card to those patients in the interim period because they should not have to wait until a court case decides, maybe four, five, or ten years later, when it is impossible to address the situation of diminishing income …