This is truly an historic day, not least because we are convened in this modern building, that is Dáil Éireann for today, to vote on the election of a Taoiseach. While this is an historical occasion, there is nothing normal about it. We know the election of a Taoiseach is not just about electing an individual, it is also about a programme for Government and the beliefs, ideologies, passions and views that deliver for those of us honoured to have been elected. Across this House, we hold different beliefs and views. …

On my own behalf and that of the Social Democrats, I want to express our sympathy with the family and friends of Detective Garda Colm Horkan and with his colleagues in An Garda Síochána. The reports of his life and work tell us something about the man that has resonated with everyone. From the reports, we can see that Detective Garda Horkan was a very dedicated member of the force and was very dedicated to his work. It was not just a job. Some professions have a vocational nature to them and that was very much how …

The fact that this comes in front of us every year tells us that there is something different or abnormal about this legislation. We in the Social Democrats have tabled an amendment to recognise that this is more than just a criminal justice issue but a societal issue too. Our amendment reads: - in the absence of any specific information being presented which points to the inadequacy of the ordinary courts in the administration of justice in Ireland with specific regard to offences listed under sections 6 to 9 and …

I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after “Dáil Éireann” and substitute the following: “— resolves that sections 2 to 4, 6 to 12 and 17 of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 (No. 39 of 1998) shall continue in operation for the period beginning on 30th June, 2020 and ending on 29th June, 2021; and — in the absence of any specific information being presented which points to the inadequacy of the ordinary courts in the administration of justice in Ireland with specific regard to offences liste…

I move: That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, the Dáil on its rising today shall adjourn until 12 noon on Tuesday 30th June, 2020, when, in view of the public health measures arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Dáil shall meet in the Convention Centre Dublin on North Wall Quay, Dublin 1: Provided that where, pursuant to Standing Order 26, the Ceann Comhairle, at the request of the Taoiseach, summons the Dáil for an earlier date than Tuesday 30th June, 2020, such meeting shall also take place in the…

I am sharing time with Deputy Cairns. There have been a number of devastating stories in recent months, including some of the cases the Minister has referenced. There are so many of them, and the 25% rise in the number of calls tells us that is probably just the tip of the iceberg. People, mostly women, but also men and children, are stuck in lockdown with their abuser. There is none of the usual respite, whether school, work or another activity, that would allow them to get away. I cannot even begin to imagine wha…

The heading for today's debate is combating racism and supporting inclusion, two issues one would have hoped would be a no-brainer in 2020 Ireland. However, even thinking such issues should not be a thing shows a privilege that all of us must not face, however uncomfortable that may be as we listen to the real-life lived experiences of black people and people of colour in Ireland. Last week the legend that is Paul McGrath tweeted: "Honestly I think Racism exists everywhere. But being Irish means we should know a li…

As we proceed through the accelerated roadmap and people begin to look forward to normal life, or as normal as it can be, summer holidays and travel become a big focus. In the sea of what has been confusing messaging on a host of measures, not least face coverings although the Taoiseach has addressed that to some degree today, it is fair to say that people are also confused about the realistic prospect, or not, of air travel in the near future. Michael O'Leary has been omnipresent, telling everyone who will listen …

The advice that we heard last week from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport was that social distancing on flights would occur where possible. Are there limits on the number of people allowed to board a flight? If not, is it really possible to socially distance if the flight is full? A number of weeks ago, we saw photographs of an Aer Lingus flight from Belfast at the height of the pandemic here. That is the kind of thing that we are likely to see. We all want the least amount of restriction but where peop…

I am very pleased that we have sport on the agenda tonight. The loss of active sport and the coverage of sport across the various media has left a large gap. We are all very glad to see sport returning, albeit very gradually. It will be a long time before we see stadia full. That has its own consequences. We should acknowledge the work the volunteers in sport did throughout all of our communities in the non-sporting arena in supporting communities during Covid. Such organised groups are so important and it is great…

The other questions are also really important.

What about the committees not meeting? The Minister did not reply to me on that matter.

I also inquired about the financial information. Will the Minister talk about the meeting he held yesterday with the FAI?

I know. We all feel that.

Was it about Covid?

I will share two minutes with Deputy Cairns. According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, transport is the sector with the largest energy demand and it is the most sensitive to the economy. It tends to grow or reduce sharply in response to economic growth or contraction. It could not be more evident with the economy now in hibernation with Covid-19 that such is the case. Transport is also by far the largest source of final energy demand, at 42% in 2018. According to the EPA, 19.5% of Ireland's gr…

I would appreciate it if the Minister could get the information on the amount allocated and the amount drawn down.

I acknowledge the role of the Garda in the Community Call initiative. A huge amount of unseen work has been done on that and some good relationships have been built up through that initiative that should be encouraged to continue after the Covid-19 pandemic is over, and we hope that will be sooner rather than later. For some areas, it has been novel to see the kind of visibility of gardaí that there has been in recent times. This issue came up strongly in the general election. The lack of matching resources, includ…

It is welcome that a task force is to be set up for the recovery of this particular sector. It is probably one of the most exposed sectors in terms of the impact of Covid-19. I welcome the fact that a representative from the trade unions will be included but there is a wide range of opinion within trade unions. It is wildly different for a person who is an airline pilot represented by the Irish Air Line Pilots' Association as opposed to someone who is a baggage handler. It will be important for the total views of t…

What does that mean?