I point out to the Deputy opposite that we are all desperate for answers. Nobody has a monopoly on desperation or the need for information. Does the Taoiseach have any news for the House regarding extra hospital beds coming into the system, assessments of needs of teenagers and young children in particular under the Disability Act, or home help waiting lists, which are, obviously, very much always on our radar on this side of the House? If he has an update for the House on any of those issues, I would appreciate it…

I thank the Minister of State for his attendance. I had tabled this matter last week and, as happens with some Topical Issues, time moved on and it became a little less topical. However, over the last two weeks I had queries from a number of constituents around the same time. I am sure the Minister of State has anticipated the arrival of parcels from loved ones abroad over the years and especially during the Covid pandemic. I think of our emigrants in countries such as Canada, Australia and the United States who ha…

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. One of the things that has happened since I submitted this as a Topical Issue matter last Tuesday is that An Post has issued a helpful explanatory document for consumers. It arrived in my house today. It explains and outlines exactly what the Minister of State said. I just want to raise a couple of questions arising from the Minister of State's answer. I take on board the fact that the EU developed an import declaration because of Brexit and other issues. I also acknowle…

There is always a theme of punishment and reward coming from the other side of the House. I trust the Minister on this. I would not rush into it but I do not want that to be misinterpreted as me saying that I am not enthusiastic about this. I support the thrust of it but it could easily end up being quite a divisive issue if it is not handled sensitively. The Minister rightly mentioned the front-line retail workers and I would support any call-out to industry, business and employers, particularly those in the retai…

I said that I trust the Minister on this. My experience of any bonuses offered is that they end up being taxed and so the bonus that comes into an individual's hand is minor. I do not want that to be interpreted as a lack of enthusiasm for this. I am really enthusiastic, as the Minister clearly is, to recognise some of the real heroes in the early days of Covid. If we remember them, and it is so easy to forget, some of the real heroes include those who were stacking the shelves and who kept food on the table when w…

The ghost of the former Minister, Shane Ross.

I thank the Minister. I have specific timelines to implement as well so we must move on to the next question.

If the Minister will excuse the pun, we are going to bypass Question No. 72 and move on to Question No. 73 in the name of Deputy Fergus O'Dowd.

This question, in the name of Deputy Stanley, is being taken by Deputy Mairéad Farrell.

The Minister is out of time but I will come back to her.

I have some rural roads in Dublin South-West. The Minister should not forget Dublin when it comes to rural roads.

In the context of the EU third country researchers directive and how might it be impacted by Covid developments, will the Minister make a statement on its status and how foresees it going from September?

The Minister has already answered one of my supplementary questions. He will know that there is simply no question that investment in knowledge has been our hallmark and one of our greatest enablers over the decades. He has referred to this in previous answers. Similarly, in looking to the future, he will agree with me that investment in research will be a critical driver of innovation and provide the foundation for Ireland's future economic growth and societal well-being. I am grateful to the Minister for answerin…

I thank Minister for answering my questions. I wonder whether he can indulge me in terms of a contraflow question relating to Irish researchers or postgraduate students. I want to bring this matter to his attention, but I am sure it has come across his desk. I spoke to a number of his colleagues during the voting block last night and they have experience of receiving the same query. It relates to Irish students who have attained positions in American universities. They have to do an interview with the American Emba…

Can the Minister provide a statement on this?

I thank the Deputy, but his time is up. I call the Minister to reply.

Deputy Bríd Smith has informed the Chair she will take a written answer to Question No. 92.

Question No. 97 is in the name of Deputy Mark Ward and Deputy Martin Kenny has been nominated.

I welcome the Minister and wish him well with the Bill. I echo what my constituency colleague, Deputy Duffy, said about the programme for Government. I have a couple of questions. I welcome the affordable rent aspect and the security of tenure it provides. If someone who avails of it moves into retirement phase, his or her income will drop substantially. The Vienna model and other continental models take account of this, and the Minister has made proposals concerning the availability of housing assistance payment, …

As usual, I find it hard to disagree with Deputy Fitzmaurice. He is a rock of sense. The words I do not hear coming from the Opposition Deputies in their contributions are, curiously, terms like “crisis”, “emergency” and “urgency”. I liken this to a situation where some of the Deputies in the Opposition have arrived at a burst water main. We get all this theory about what ought to be done, the materials which should be used, the professionals which ought to be sought to carry out the repairs and the theory behind t…