I welcome the opportunity to examine plans for a statutory home care scheme. Supporting people so they can remain living in their own home is a fundamental policy for Fianna Fáil. We have consistently increased budgets for the provision of care in the community through day care centres, meals on wheels and home care. We know that for most people, home is the preferred location for care. The home support service is therefore an essential service for thousands of people across the country. Today in Ireland, approxima…

I join in the tributes expressed across the House on the passing of two Irish legends of broadcasting. The wonderful Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh was the sound of the GAA, the sound of Sunday and for generations of fans he was an exceptionally descriptive broadcaster and was also generous with his time, particularly in promoting the Irish language, his native tongue. I offer my condolences to his wife Helena, their extensive family and wide circle of friends. We also learned today of the passing of Tommie Gorman, who p…

The Select Committee on Justice has completed its detailed scrutiny of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons (Amendment) Bill 2021 and, in accordance with Standing Order 178, has recommended that, for the reasons outlined in its report, the Bill should proceed to Committee Stage.

The Taoiseach addressed that point. It was one line and the Deputy missed it.

Deputy Haughey has two questions in this grouping. Will he take them together?

I ask Members to note the remaining time for this slot. We have a little more than 13 minutes. I ask them to keep to a minute apiece to give time to the Taoiseach to respond.

I know we are dealing with questions to the Taoiseach but Deputy Barry, who is next, might inform the House what happened to his finger. That is a pretty big bandage he is sporting. I know postering is dangerous but-----

The Select Committee on Health has completed its consideration of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 2024 and has made no amendments thereto.

Is the Bill opposed?

Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.

Is the Bill being opposed?

Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.

The Deputy must withdraw that remark about lying.

Allow the Taoiseach to answer.

I thank the Taoiseach for that response. A little over seven minutes are left. There are three Deputies here.

Sorry, we have 45 minutes for this slot collectively. Seven minutes are left and three Deputies are in the Chamber now. Do they wish to take the remaining questions?

No, because the questions would all have to include a response from the Taoiseach as well. That concludes this session.

I welcome the opportunity to examine the Government’s Housing for All policy. While others talk, Fianna Fáil in government is a party of action on housing. Since his appointment, the Minister, Deputy Darragh O’Brien, has delivered a sea change in the construction sector in Ireland. The legislative framework has been adapted and updated, and billions of euro have been allocated to deliver social, affordable and cost-rental homes. Every honest person accepts that seeing the full impact of this takes time, but the fac…

Hear, hear.

We all recognise the importance of the early learning sector. The St. Nicholas Montessori College in Dún Laoghaire told its staff and students last month that it is due to close. The St. Nicholas Montessori College had a very long and proud history of education in this sector and was one of the leading colleges in the country. Obviously this decision has taken staff and students, and indeed their families, by complete surprise and shock. While I acknowledge it was a private educational centre, we need to ensure the…