Sorry to interrupt but can the schemes be signed off? Will the Minister of State provide an update on when, for example, the scheme in Skibbereen will be signed off?

I am asking about the OPW signing off the schemes as completed.

No, but it is the OPW's job to finish the scheme so that people can get insurance.

Before discussing the specifics of the Bill, it is important to note the background to the fisheries penalty points system. Just over a year ago, the Taoiseach, then acting Minister for the marine, signed a new system into law without consulting the sector. This was the fourth attempt to bring in such a system after High Court rulings in favour of the fishing sector and the Dáil voting down its introduction in 2018. This entire issue was mired in controversy before it even began. The lack of engagement with those a…

Due to changes introduced in recent years, we have a disconnect between the Department of Finance, which has responsibility for credit union policy, and the Central Bank, which is responsible for regulation but has no remit to appreciate the credit union as a volunteer-led, democratic organisation. The programme for the Government commits to reviewing the credit union policy framework. When will this review be complete and when will the much-needed reforms be put in place to support community banking?

Credit unions play an essential role in so many communities. You are guaranteed to meet a staff member and not to be directed to a machine. We cannot underestimate the importance of that in terms of accessibility. Credit unions have also provided flexible services to people and families who would have been refused by other financial organisations. I would not have been able to do my masters had it not been for my local credit union in Skibbereen. However, current financial regulations fail to appreciate their commu…

The Minister of State mentioned some of the engagements he has had. I ask to prioritise engaging with the Credit Union CEO Forum and the ILCU. On this particular issue, it would feel wrong to not mention Donal O'Driscoll, CEO of the Access Credit Union in west County Cork, who passed away last week. He was a kind and thoughtful man who embodied the principles of the credit union movement. His loss is deeply felt by his family and everyone in the community.

Deputy Smyth articulated that perfectly. All of the women in the Oireachtas are calling for this. It was all well said by Deputy Smyth. I first raised this issue more than a year ago. Since then, there have been considerable changes. We are close to most of the restrictions across all of society being eased. More than 90% of over 16-year-olds are fully vaccinated, yet, restrictions still remain in accompanying people to maternity hospitals. Despite the opening of pubs, sports, offices, bingo and almost everything, …

It must be confusing for people watching to hear that all of the female and male Members want this, yet it still has not happened. Why is that the case?

Can you skip to that bit?

I thank the Minister of State for her response. We all appreciate the complexity of the situation. We understand that nobody has the interests of the newborn more at heart than the expectant or new parents. They deserve as much certainty and clear guidance as possible and support from a partner through all stages of the journey, and that has to happen immediately. We hear that the Minister has called for this and the Taoiseach has called for that, but the statement the Minister of State read on behalf of them inclu…

The same in the Seanad.

On the last day of the previous Dáil term, I asked the Tánaiste about the ongoing restrictions in maternity hospitals. He stated: this really ought not be a problem anymore. Certainly, by the time we return after the summer recess, ... Let us try to get this sorted over the next couple of weeks. Unfortunately, we are back but many of the restrictions are still in place. Last night, Better Maternity Care had a meeting where women shared stories of distress, fear and anger as they were forced to endure labour and car…

It is high time the Government gave this issue the same attention. Will the Tánaiste please do that?

This is incredibly important legislation for adopted people. It provides them with unconditional access to their birth certificates, a right which has been denied to them by successive Governments and civil servants for decades. I thank Deputies Connolly and Pringle and their teams for putting forward this legislation and prioritising it. Birth registrations have been public records in Ireland since 1864. For more than 150 years, it has always been possible for any member of the public to view the register of birth…

The Bill forms part of a considerable overhaul of the governance and regulation of the maritime area. I welcome this focus on the sea and how we can better manage this incredible resource in a sustainable way for the benefit of coastal and island communities. Clearer structures and more cohesive governance are to be welcomed, but I want to emphasise the need for stronger assurances around public involvement, justice, and sustainability. The Maritime Area Planning Bill will bring in an entirely new legislative frame…

In the same week we found out about the granting of a licence for a large salmon farm in Bantry Bay, Argentina effectively banned the practice due to its serious environmental implications. Bantry Bay is the latest of several recent aquaculture projects that locals are deeply concerned about. Will the Minister conduct a review of salmon farming and its impact on biodiversity, ecology and industries dependent on the local environment, such as fishing and marine tourism? So often community groups in west Cork have ha…

The granting of the salmon farm licence is against the wishes of a substantial number of local groups, including community organisations and fishing communities. The Minister referred to marine tourism but it is difficult to understand how this could ever benefit marine tourism. Campaigners, State agencies and businesses have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of such an industrial farm. Sea lice from salmon farms can have a significant and detrimental impact on sea trout and wild salmon. Officials from th…

Local concern about Bantry Bay is only one case from west Cork. There was a strong campaign to oppose an oyster farm application for Clonakilty Bay, a special area of conservation, while groups in Kinsale are objecting to a planned mussel farm, an application about which there is confusion due to an error that took place regarding initial public notice regarding the aquaculture licence. I would appreciate if the Minister could examine whether the community has been left feeling unclear and disenfranchised. I hear w…

A report in 2017 recommended complete reform of the licensing system.