This question is in regard to domestic violence, and I am aware that we touched on this issue yesterday in committee. What supports has the Department given in terms of personnel, expertise and resources to the Minister for Justice in order that she can fulfil her duties in regard to supporting victims of domestic violence?

I am delighted to hear that. I referenced this in my reply to the budget speech, in particular in regard to what exactly was the extra funding. It is €7 million, which is very welcome. Is there a breakdown of the funding between refuge space and additional income for refuges such as, for example, the Amber refuge in Kilkenny, which I regularly mention and which the Minister, Deputy McEntee, visited a month ago. I always reference two parts to this, first, counselling and how important that is, and, second, the Zero…

I agree with much of the sentiment of the Minister's remarks, particularly around housing. Housing is the reason so many people stay in toxic relationships and keep living with domestic violence. Finding housing is difficult, particularly now. Where can people go? Even if they find somewhere to rent, which is nearly impossible, there can be other difficulties. For example, someone's name could be on a property, which is a complex issue. Getting accommodation depends on who they meet on the day and whether they are …

I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 37 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy James Lawless - to discuss the student levy that Maynooth University imposed for several years for a building that will not now be built. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan - to discuss the protection of the rights of the child in the course of any legal proceedings. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh - to discuss fatal medical emergencies on the Waterford-Dublin train an…

From the Social Democrats, I call Deputy Catherine Murphy.

I commend my colleague Deputy Tully on all her work not only in introducing this motion but in general. She is our representative on disability matters and also sits on the Joint Committee on Autism. In my two and a half minutes, I want to raise the issue of day services in the south east, particularly in Carlow-Kilkenny. I was recently contacted by parents who have been given notice that their day service now needs to start charging for some additional activities. There has also been an increase in transport costs…

We have two minutes before we adjourn. I call Deputy O'Rourke.

I ask the Deputy to conclude. His time will be carried over to the next day.

I understand the Minister wishes to seek a Clerk’s correction in accordance with Standing Order 196.

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad amendments Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, are related and may be discussed together.

A message will be sent to Seanad Éireann acquainting it that Dáil Éireann has agreed to amendments Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, made by Seanad Éireann to the Higher Education Authority Bill 2022.

The Select Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment has completed its consideration of the Consumer Rights Bill 2022 and has made amendments thereto.

I am sharing time with Deputy Tully, so I will try to fit loads in. I will look specifically at the area of children and childcare. I will start by welcoming the most recent announcements. It was unusual to have been sitting in the Chair and listening to all the Opposition party speeches. I thought mine might be a little different but it is important to give credit where it is due. I would have liked to have seen more, and our job in opposition is to always to push for more. The Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, …

The Minister’s time is up as she is sharing time with the Minister of State, Deputy James Browne.

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for facilitating me. I apologise for missing my speaking slot. I welcome the creation of the agency in respect of Tuam. It is a positive step forward and something which we all know is long overdue. We all know the various people, particularly Catherine Corless, who have campaigned for this for a great length of time. We also know that time is of the essence in light of the age of many survivors and relatives of survivors. I sincerely hope that we will also see this type of development i…

What impact would there be on core funding for the early years sector if no employment regulation order is agreed, if only one employment regulation order is agreed or if a graduate premium is not agreed?

The Minister and I are probably in agreement on this matter. As he is aware, I have strong feelings on it. As we all know, those in the sector do incredible work. Many of them have degrees and are graduates. I recently visited several early years facilities. Many of the workers are going on to do a masters degree. The level of qualification of the workforce and their commitment to the sector is incredible. For a long time, I have advocated for improvement in wages, terms and conditions and the establishment of a wa…

I agree 100% with that. It is frustrating for those who are working in the sector. They feel that they have been undervalued for many years. Everyone can say how great they are but their getting a pay increase is the best way of illustrating that. We want there to be a wage scale in order that people can progress. Continuous professional development is a key part of this. A point that is made regularly is that in the school system there are in-service days for teachers but there is no such provision in the early ye…

My question relates to the AIM programme. I ask the Minister to review and possibly expand the AIM programme, given the vital role it plays in the early years sector. Will the Minister make a statement on the matter?