Could the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Butler, indicate when the Mental Health Bill 2024 will proceed to Committee Stage for examination? It is critical that we get the legislation right. While strong safeguards are essential, we must also ensure timely and appropriate access to treatment for people who are seriously ill and cannot make that decision for themselves. Thankfully, involuntary admission is in a minority of cases and for a short period, but it is critical that those people have …

I am well aware that the Taoiseach visited the Roscommon-Galway constituency in the aftermath of the storm and witnessed first hand the devastation that was caused. I think he was taken aback by the level of devastation caused by Storm Éowyn. It is clear that up to 80% of the power outages were caused by forestry falls. We really have to learn the lesson about the establishment of tree corridors and proper forestry husbandry. Even in the aftermath of that, in many places in my constituency there are still trees cau…

Taoiseach-----

I welcome the establishment of the national security council. It will give co-ordination, weight and urgency to our security requirements with increased risks because of the unstable international environment and the risk of hybrid cyberattacks and hybrid warfare. It is not as if we have not been attacked. The HSE was attacked a number of years ago. There are lots of private institutions and companies that are under-reported, so we are essentially at war with someone. We do not always know who those actors are but …

This motion is about protecting democracy and securing the institution of the office of the Ceann Comhairle. The Opposition has been attempting to undermine the authority of this House and erode trust in its institutions. Members opposite have chosen the Ceann Comhairle as the sacrificial lamb after their attempt to subvert the Government and its ability to conduct its business failed. Let us be clear. The Ceann Comhairle has carried out her duties with fairness, consistency and full respect for the Standing Orders…

As we reflect on the outcomes of the recent European Council meeting, it is vital we in this House consider and respond to the key priorities raised, including Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, migration and the European Union's next multi-annual financial framework. Each of these issues is significant. I made a statement on security last week, emphasising Ireland's need as a mature, militarily neutral but politically aligned State to invest in its security and defence. Today I will focus on the theme…

The issue of national security has never been more pressing. International trade and security are deeply connected. Without a strong security policy, our political and economic stability are at risk. For far too long Ireland has relied on the security frameworks of our European, UK and transatlantic partners, as well as our remote geographical location. This has bred complacency, often clouded by confusion over the status of our neutrality. However, the global landscape has shifted. Russian aggression in Ukraine, e…

Rubbish.

Of course, you are.

I do not want to repeat what Deputy Ó Cearúil has said but the meeting of 3 February is part of a series of meetings that are extremely important for Ireland with regard to planning our security and defence. It is a changed world. We have an unstable Europe and an aggressive Russia. Unfortunately, we have evidence since 3 February that perhaps the US is not going to be a reliable security partner in the future. There are concerns that the future of Europe is being discussed over the heads of European partners in th…

Auschwitz is a reminder of an extreme racism that allows the categorisation of whole populations of people, who become dehumanised and are then exterminated. I have not been to Auschwitz but my family have been there and they said it is a very sombre event. We need to remember not just the Jewish 6 million who were killed but also the gypsies, the disabled and many other categories of people who were exterminated by the Nazis. It is extremely important that Ireland has announced its endorsement of the global guidel…

Today, on International Women's Day, we celebrate progress, acknowledge ongoing inequalities and renew our commitment to a world free from gender bias, discrimination and violence. As a TD and GP, I see at first hand how gender inequality affects women in the workplace, at home and in healthcare. While Ireland has made significant strides in advancing women's rights, many barriers to full equality remain. Gender-based violence continues to be a national crisis. The CSO's 2022 survey revealed that 52% of women have …

I would like to remember the late rural crime activist and Roscommon independent councillor, Tony Waldron of Ballintubber, as I make these comments. The safety and security of our rural communities must be a top priority. Across Roscommon-Galway, we are seeing a rise in serious criminal activity. There must be a response that matches the scale of the challenge. People in villages like Oran, Glinsk, Ballygar and Knockcroghery are living in fear of mobile crime groups. They deserve to feel safe in their homes and to …

Tomorrow is fine. I thank the Ceann Comhairle.

I formally congratulate the Leas-Cheann Comhairle on his election.

What are the Minister's plans to provide better support to carers who are providing full-time care and attention to more than one person?

I thank the Minister. In Fianna Fáil, we recognise the major contribution carers make to this society, many giving up careers and job opportunities and often providing full-time care to their loved ones. They take away a huge burden that would otherwise have to be met by the State by means of the use of third-party residences and institutional care for people who are disabled or had special or additional needs is something we moved away form many years ago. Fianna Fáil has been the party of the carer's allowance. I…

I welcome the Minister's reply. I also welcome the increases in the income rates to allow people to qualify for the carer's allowance. I recognise and welcome the commitment of the Government to a phasing out of the means test for the carer's allowance. I welcome the improved benefits under the carer's allowance scheme, the extension of the allowance to the self-employed and the provision of access to the State pension. It is absolutely important that we continue to support carers in their very onerous tasks. Many …

I wish to highlight the urgent need for the long-promised rehabilitation unit at Roscommon University Hospital. In 2015 a commitment was made for a €7.8 million investment to provide 20 dedicated rehabilitation beds, yet despite entering detailed design phase in 2021, the appointment of a design team in 2022 and further design assessments in 2023, the rehab unit was abruptly omitted from the HSE Capital Plan 2024 without explanation. We face a 50% shortfall in neurorehabilitation beds nationwide with huge geographi…

I can take it that the Minister of State is confirming that the rehabilitation unit in Roscommon University Hospital is still planned for the area and is undergoing review in the spatial assessment he described. The people of Roscommon have reason to be suspicious. They feel that, after reconfiguration, for which a whole host of new services were developed, including a successful medical assessment unit and injuries and endoscopy units, things in the hospital have been left in abeyance. As I have pointed out, the o…