I will not take that as a slight, a Cheann Comhairle.

In the time I came from my office to the Chamber, there was a changing of the guard. In that context, I was going to mention to the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, the Topical Issue I raised last night. However, I will leave it and follow up with him later. I welcome much of the spirit and intention of this Bill. It places priority focus on the establishment of digital health records and access to health data for care and treatment. Its provisions underpin the Government's roadmap, Digital for Care: A Digital Health Fra…

Ophthalmology.

I thank the Minister of State for taking the question. Parents across County Longford are becoming increasingly anxious and frustrated about the situation regarding the ophthalmology service at St. Joseph's care campus in Longford. Over many years, parents have always found the local service to be very efficient. It was a comfort and support to know it was on hand locally. There is a serious failing in oversight on the part of the HSE and there is simply no reason, if the service is on hold, that children who were …

I thank the Minister of State. I appreciate her undertaking on that. What is most disappointing is that the Department or agency has not come back with any indication or commitment on whether the children attending the service at St. Joseph's can now access the same service in Mullingar or Roscommon, which at most will be 20 or 30 miles away. It is also extremely troubling that while a derogation was sought in November 2023 to replace the permanent post from which the orthoptist resigned in October 2023, it still h…

Will the Minister provide an update on IDA Ireland's plans for an advance building solution facility for Longford town. At present, the town boasts in excess of 2,000 FDI-supported jobs thanks to Technimark, Avery Dennison and Abbott. Abbott is due to start work on an expansion at its plant and Avery Dennison has applied for planning permission. I have repeatedly asked this question in the lifetime of this Government so can the Minister provide me with an assurance as to IDA Ireland's commitment to an advance build…

I thank the Minister for his commitment to this project. He is working hard on it. I appreciate that there are commercial sensitivities involved. Discussions are at an advanced stage in relation to the acquisition of a site for the new facility. Will the Minister, as he has to date, to take a personal interest in it. This is a key project for Longford town. It is critical for the future development of the town. We have seen the success that Abbott, Avery Dennison and Technimark have brought to the town. They have t…

As the Minister rightly says, FDI has been transformative for the midlands and very much for County Longford. Abbott has evolved. Initially, it started out with 600 jobs. It has now in excess of 1,300 people in employment. Avery Dennison - the Minister pointed out that he opened the plant in 2018 - is enjoying a meteoric rise. The company's stated intention is that it wants to be the next Abbott in Longford. We really need to get the fourth FDI facility into Longford town. That is why I am pushing hard, in the twil…

Will the Minister provide an update on the benefits of the NUTS 2 eastern and midland region project arising from its regional innovation valley status designation?

I thank the Minister of State for his response. The RIV is a very welcome project and very worthwhile pan-European initiative, as it seeks to strengthen and advance a European-wide innovation ecosystem and connect all EU territories to address Europe's burning societal challenges and foster stronger cohesion. The midlands and north east were particularly fortunate to be included. As the Minister of State and the Minister rightly said, there is a nucleus of very strong businesses and a strong culture of innovation a…

The RIVs are particularly beneficial for those regions, which probably have not evolved as fast, that can learn from the successes and good fortune of the more innovative regions. The concept of the RIV was never more welcome, especially as we face into an era of artificial intelligence and seek to look to a future that will reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, increasing global food security and mastering the digital transformation, including cybersecurity. In that respect, the north east and the midlands have a m…

I will have my Deputy Murnane O'Connor moment because I will cross Departments. The Minister of State will obviously be familiar with just transition, which is very important to the midlands and the north east. It is important that the RIV engages with the Department of the environment and sees the opportunities that are there for the midlands in just transition in respect of the climate challenge and how we try to move to a carbon-neutral environment, especially for business and industry. It is very important that…

Will the Minister give some indication as to the number of business in counties Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois that have registered for the increased cost of business grant and the value of the payments for the businesses in each county?

That is okay.

I share the Minister's goodwill towards the officials and staff of Longford County Council. It is one of just 19 local electoral areas, LEAs, throughout the country that paid out more than 99% of their grants. That is commendable work on their part. Initially, €160 million was allocated. At present, it looks as if €102 million has been paid out under this scheme. The Minister has indicated a further round of payments for retail and hospitality. Is that on top of the €160 million or is it going to be taken from the …

I would give a word of caution and perhaps a word of warning. As we came out of Covid, many businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises in retail and hospitality, became somewhat dependent on supports and this continued through the ICOB scheme. I am sure this has been fed into the budgeting process. It is critical that we have a commitment in the budget to ensure the supports that businesses have enjoyed, and have been dependent on to keep their doors open, will continue. Hopefully, we will see a specific…

I ask the Minister to report on the work of the Corporate Enforcement Authority.

After 18 months of existence, the advantages of the CEA being a stand-alone agency are clear. In particular, the flexibility that status brings is readily apparent. Will the Minister indicate how the agency has performed regarding recruitment? Has it secured its own recruitment licence, thereby allowing it to run recruitment campaigns with competitions tailored to suit the needs of a specialist agency?

There have been two cases before the courts in recent weeks which have brought the issue of gender-based violence into focus once more and have shone a light on our ineffectiveness in dealing with the issue and supporting victims. The sad reality is that while both cases were high-profile, in the weeks and days that followed those acts of violence and degradation, several other women have endured agony and attacks in anonymity and isolation and were not able to reach out for the help and support they need. I welcom…

I join my colleague in commending the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, on her steadfast commitment in this area. I know it has been the defining principle of her career to date. She has put the care, protection and well-being of our elderly and the people who made this country what it is to the forefront of her raison d'être in political life and she is to be commended on that. She is an outstanding advocate and passionate speaker at all times, and a great defender of our elderly population. We greatly admire that…