We now move to the motion-----

I am sorry, Deputy Murphy. Gabh mo leithscéal.

Is Deputy Ó Murchú substituting for Deputy McDonald?

When the Taoiseach is ready, I understand he is taking Questions Nos. 1 to 12, inclusive.

I welcome the opportunity to examine the forthcoming UK import controls. As the Minister outlined, from next Wednesday, 31 January, new requirements will be in place for agrifood businesses exporting to Great Britain. Unfortunately, these changes are a further outcome and certainly a reminder of Brexit. Over one third of Irish exports go to the UK and the UK remains the largest single destination for Irish food, drink and horticultural exports. The new UK import control requirements will create significant change i…

Go raibh maith agat, a Aire. We note that 17 February deadline.

We are out of time for this session, but the Taoiseach may want to make a brief response to the questions.

While we discuss the Middle East and the ongoing conflict there, I ask the Tánaiste for a report on his attendance at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council in Kyiv.

I thank the Tánaiste for that reply. As he will be aware, last night, Russian shelling hit the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk and at least three civilians were reportedly injured. Russia is ramping up its attacks in the eastern Donetsk region. A Ukrainian military spokesperson said that Russia has doubled its artillery fire and air strikes and has also intensified ground infantry attacks. It has also been reported that Russia is likely to have begun more cluster bombing in the Donetsk region, the bombs ejecting 100 to …

At EU level, has there been any discussion about the potential impact of the American presidential election, which is due in 2024? If the situation or policy was to change from the perspective of the United States as to the support, what impact might that have on the war in Ukraine?

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate on the recent spate of violence in Dublin city. Last Thursday’s attack on three innocent children and their carer outside Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire shocked the nation. I send my best wishes to the children, one of whom is still in critical care, their carer, their families and all those who intervened to stop the attack. I commend the emergency services on their response to the various incidents of that evening. It is appalling to think something like this, an…

We have two other speakers in this slot. Obviously, it is an important topic; they all are. We have ten speakers and after these two questions we have eight questions to get through in the remaining 35 minutes. I ask Members to be conscious of that. I call Deputy Boyd Barrett. He will be followed by Deputy Paul Murphy.

Before I call Deputy Haughey, I welcome the Limerick ladies' 2020 Club to the Public Gallery. I know all Members here welcome them. Enjoy your day here, ladies. You are very welcome.

Can we stick to this question, please?

Deputy, the Taoiseach cannot answer questions on that.

The Deputy is eating into other people's time. I call Deputy Paul Murphy.

I call Deputy Barry, who has two questions in this grouping.

That is very positive.

I welcome the opportunity to examine the Electricity Costs (Emergency Measures) Domestic Accounts Bill 2023. I am sure nearly all of us welcome this Bill. At the outset, I would like to note that it is disappointing that more proactive efforts have not been made to pressure utilities into passing on savings to consumers. Unfortunately, the Exchequer will now have to step in to support households at a cost of €1 billion. Notwithstanding that, the terms of this measure and the associated supports introduced by the Mi…

I welcome the opportunity to examine the Government’s investment in healthcare today. This debate needs to be framed in the context of the unprecedented increase in funding for the health service, going from €19 billion in 2019 to over €24 billion today. Inflation has caused massive challenges across society and this is no different for the health sector. The Minister, Deputy Donnelly, and the Ministers of State, Deputies Butler and Naughton, are all well aware of these challenges and they have made tremendous effo…