I welcome the opportunity to examine the report prepared by the Housing Commission. I also welcome Deputy Browne's appointment as Minister for housing. I have no doubt he will carry on the transformative agenda started by his predecessor, Deputy O'Brien. The Housing Commission report is based over two years of deliberation by the commission and includes 83 recommendations, together with hundreds of suggested actions. Clearly, this is a significant piece of work and I thank the members of the commission for their ef…

I welcome the opportunity to examine the situation in Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. I acknowledge the presence of H.E. Larysa Gerasko, and the members of the Ukrainian community who have travelled from all corners of Ireland to be here today. You are all most welcome. Three years on, it is more important than ever to stress our steadfast support for the people of Ukraine, and our strong commitment to helping them achieve a just and sustainable peace based on the …

I welcome the opportunity to examine the disability policy and support for people living with disabilities and their families. Improving the rights of and support for people living with a disability is a priority for me and the new Government. I wish the Minister, Deputy Norma Foley, well in her role; I worked closely with her in her role as Minister for Education. I know at first-hand her commitment and dedication to improving the lives of others, particularly vulnerable citizens. I look forward to the finalisatio…

Last Monday, Aircoach unexpectedly withdrew services from large parts of south County Dublin. I have been inundated with complaints since then about the lack of service on the 700 route, which impacts Cabinteely, Cherrywood and Galloping Green, as well as the 702 route impacting Loughlinstown and Shankill, which will take effect from 2 March. I ask the Minister to raise this issue as a matter of urgency with the National Transport Authority, which issues these licences with a view to opening up competition along th…

I welcome the opportunity to examine the programme for Government that has been adopted by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the non-party Members of this House. Over the past five years we have seen an unprecedented level of geopolitical upheaval and challenges to the norms that were established after the Second World War. These challenges and their impact, combined with the Covid-19 pandemic, have tested our social and economic models. The previous Government provided strong, calm leadership which ensured that Ireland r…

I thank my constituents in Dún Laoghaire for their support in the most recent election. Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Teachta O'Meara on his maiden speech. I welcome the opportunity to examine the Government response and national response to Storm Éowyn. I acknowledge the exceptional efforts of our front-line workers, including those in the ESB and Irish Water who have helped non-stop since Storm Éowyn hit Ireland on the morning of 24 January. I also acknowledge the efforts of teams from abroad. Skilled technicians…

Hear, hear.

That was in 2016.

Hear, hear.

I am sure the Taoiseach will have seen media reports of the high-profile case of Naveed Rana, a taxi driver who was jailed last week for five and a half years for repeatedly sexually assaulting a young woman he was driving home. At the time of the assault, Mr. Rana was reported to be out on bail for serious drug offences. Does the Taoiseach agree that it is completely unacceptable for anyone charged with a serious offence and out on bail to operate a taxi? According to section 36 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, a …

I welcome the opportunity to examine the Electricity Costs (Emergency Measures) Domestic Accounts Bill 2024. The climate action committee waived pre-legislative scrutiny of it, as it has done for other Bills, to ensure the credits land on time for householders and that the work behind the scenes can be done for householders to benefit. The €250 energy credit will be spread over two payments. The first, €125, will be credited from 1 November, while the second will be from 1 January 2025. This will be at a cost of €5…

I welcome back the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and all our colleagues after the summer recess. I hope and trust that people had a nice break and I look forward to working in the term ahead, however long it may last. I also welcome the opportunity to examine the implications of the Court of Justice of the European Union's decision in the Apple state aid case. In the first instance, it is important to acknowledge that the Apple case involved an issue that is now of historical relevance only. It relates to opinions of the R…

I welcome the opportunity to examine the Bill. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, and her officials for their work on this important legislation. We in Fianna Fáil believe in the delivery of fundamental health services to the highest standard through investment, innovation and reform. We support the Bill, which will give effect to recommendations of the expert group review on mental health legislation. The key objectives are to improve the provision of mental health services and to ensure that the autono…

Go raibh maith agat, a Theachta. I thank the Deputy for his work on and stewardship of the committee on agriculture. We move to Deputy Fitzpatrick.

The Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach has completed its detailed scrutiny of the Capital Supply Service and Purpose Report Bill 2023 in accordance with Standing Order 178 and has recommended that for the reasons outlined in its report the Bill may proceed to Committee Stage.

I welcome the opportunity to examine the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2024. I thank and acknowledge the work of the Minister and his officials in preparing and pursuing this important legislation, which will increase the legal age for the sale of tobacco products to 21. As we have heard, the objective of the Bill is to protect young people from becoming addicted to tobacco. Smoking remains the single leading cause of preventable ill-health, disability and premature mortality in Ireland. Current estimate…

Given the comments about this Bill today, it is important to put into context what is being done here. It is to try to decouple the enticement of tobacco and its addictive nature for a cohort. It is based on data and studies. The Minister has outlined it clearly, not only in this House, but also at committee meetings. Equally, on the vapes there are challenges. We all acknowledge that and the Minister will be aware of my comments around that and children, but legislation is pending for that, which I welcome. I than…

I was going to ask the Taoiseach to conclude but I will allow a little extra time.

Dirty water, foul water, sewerage, local flushing, a Thaoisigh, these are the sorts of questions that are being raised. I ask for his response, please.

I call the Taoiseach. I understand he is sharing time with the Minister for Justice. They have 20 minutes.