I thank the Minister for coming to the House to listen to and consider the contributions of Senators on this very important topic. Like her, until recently I was a physical education teacher in a classroom in a secondary school so I would like to think I can bring something to this debate. For some of the time available to me I would like to concentrate on the logistics of operating physical education in the secondary school setting. I am heartened to see the reference in the Minister's document that pupils' physic…

I join colleagues in welcoming the Minister to the House. I wish him the best in his new role in what remains a challenging time for the country in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on this important Bill, which seeks to expand on a phased basis eligibility for free GP care for children aged under 13 and to increase the income limits for persons aged 70 and over from €500 to €550 for a single person and from €900 to €1,050 for a couple. My party and the Ministe…

I thank the Minister with responsibility for higher education, Deputy Harris, for the significant announcement made yesterday of a €168 million package of supports for further and higher education institutions and students. The package of supports includes €15 million in funding to purchase laptops and devices to enable the most disadvantaged students to continue their education, an additional investment of €3 million in mental health services for students which, we will all agree, is of critical importance, a doub…

I wish to raise an important issue that has been brought to my attention in my new role as Fine Gael spokesperson on housing, heritage and local government. It relates to the exemption from planning permission that was introduced in February 2018 by the then Minister of State at the Department Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy English, where there is a proposed change of views for certain classes of commercial buildings to residential status. The aim of the exemption was to bring much needed housing un…

I do. A Chathaoirligh, can I congratulate you as well at the outset? This is my first time speaking in the House. It is a great honour to be elevated to the role of Cathaoirleach and I wish you the best with it. Tomorrow marks a significant milestone for Waterford city and the south-east region. A planning decision will issue for a transformative 125,000 sq. m mixed-use development on the city's north quays. The project aims to deliver significant retail, hotel and conferencing facilities, prime city centre offices…