The next session will be questions to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. While we await his arrival, I welcome our guests to the Visitors Gallery. Good morning to everybody. You are all very welcome. There were other visitors during the debate earlier, too. It is great to have so many visitors to the House today. It is an historic day, with the President of the European Commission coming to address the House, which is why the rostrum is here beside me.

The Taoiseach will be aware that the Garda and private security organisations have been calling for the introduction of body cameras to improve safety and transparency. The general data protection regulation and other data protection rules, regulations and related guidelines limit or prohibit the use of body cameras. There was some revised guidance from the data protection officer recently. However, uncertainties remain and primary legislation is required. Will the Taoiseach advise as to when he expects Second Stag…

As a member of the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action, I welcome the opportunity to examine the outcome of the most recent UN Conference of the Parties that was held in Sharm El-Sheikh from 6 to 20 November. I thank the Taoiseach for his earlier update on the conference. I congratulate him and the Minister, Deputy Ryan, on their work at COP27. I particularly welcome the Taoiseach's comments about the need for urgent delivery and a swift transition. The breakthrough at the conference to support least …

I welcome the opportunity to discuss the recent revelations of abuse in schools by the Spiritan Order. The details of the abuse and its handling by the order are deeply disturbing. It is heartbreaking to see so many people impacted across all the order's schools and through so many generations. It is important to remember that crimes have been committed and should be investigated by the An Garda Síochána. This process must not be compromised. I am conscious of this while discussing this matter today. However, given…

I am sure he will not criticise Deputy Bruton.

I welcome the opportunity to examine the Social Welfare Bill 2022, which gives effect to the changes announced in budget 2023 as announced by the Ministers, Deputies Michael McGrath and Donohoe, on 27 September last. This cost-of-living budget will help families to cope with the impact of rising costs of living. There is no trickle-down side to this. There will be a direct and substantial aid to those most in need. This month alone will see people on half a dozen schemes receive lump-sum payments such as the €400 c…

I welcome the members of the Hillery family, particularly Professor Hillery's wife, Miriam, to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. The late Professor Brian Hillery served, as the Ceann Comhairle pointed out, as a Deputy for the constituency of Dún Laoghaire between 1989 and 1992. It is wonderful to have so many of the Hillery family with us today. This is the 85th anniversary of Professor Hillery's birth. Brian James Hillery was born on 22 November 1937 at the family home in Miltown Malbay, County Clare, to a stron…

I welcome this debate. As my party's spokesperson on Dublin, I welcome the need to improve safety, services and the environment in Dublin city and the wider Dublin region. Dublin is a world-class city with thousands of years of history and a rich architectural and social culture. Dublin should be a wonderful place to live and visit and most of the time it is. However, as other speakers have said, the welcoming atmosphere of Dublin has been overshadowed by antisocial and criminal behaviour by a small minority. Antis…

The Deputy should invite the whole House and we would all be there.

The next speaker is Deputy O'Reilly, who is sharing time with Deputy Quinlivan. Deputy O'Reilly has 15 minutes and Deputy Quinlivan has five minutes.

They are very welcome.

I welcome the VIPs in the Gallery. They are intrigued. It is lovely to have them here. I wonder if they know they will be on the record forever more. That is important.

The Deputy took the words out of my mouth.

I will give some latitude; it is Thursday.

There are six minutes left.

It is a Thursday as well.

It is the leak.

For the benefit of the other Deputies who are here for the Topical Issue debate, I will tap the bell when it gets to one minute so they are aware of the time. We are a little bit lost without the clocks.

The Deputy did not. He had a sixth sense. That is what comes with experience.

The Minister has four minutes.