We had a good and robust meeting last Thursday, which the Ceann Comhairle will be aware of, given that she chaired it, in relation to the Order of Business for this week. Regarding the items raised, the Minister gave a comprehensive answer on the issue of mica.

With regard to the other issues raised, we can discuss them at the Business Committee this Thursday.

I thank the Deputy for the question. I am familiar with the issue as our constituencies border each other. It has been raised with me by people living in south Tipperary. I have been in contact with the new integrated health area manager in the HSE in relation to this. The Deputy is right. The waiting lists are increasing because of it. I met one of the employees when I happened to be out and about one day and she raised the issue with me. I will speak to the HSE locally in that area again. I will revert to the Dep…

I move: Wednesday's business shall be: - Motion re Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (‘BBNJ Agreement’) (without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Statements on National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 (not to exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes) Wednesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Special Education School Places, selected by Sinn Féin. Thursday's business shall be Sta…

I appreciate the Ceann Comhairle's efficiency. The Business Committee met last Thursday at 11 a.m. There was no request for a debate on energy last Thursday. We will have another Business Committee meeting tomorrow at 11 a.m. and I can take on board all the requests that have been made. Yes, we will certainly have a debate or statements on Gaza in the next week or two. That was discussed last Thursday. We will certainly be able to facilitate this. The Minister is in the Dáil this afternoon for statements on the dis…

I thank the Senator for raising this really important matter. I apologise for being late. I was in the Dáil. I arranged cover in the Dáil because I wanted to take this matter personally. I did not want to pass it to someone else. The Senator will appreciate that none of the Government, my Department, the HSE or I can comment on the individual case. However, the HSE does, as a matter of routine, investigate any allegations of the nature made in this case and notifies all appropriate agencies and individuals. I want …

As a Minister of State in the Department of Health, I take safeguarding incredibly seriously. I have to be frank. For too long we have had a culture of silence in relation to child abuse, with cover-ups facilitated by institutions and those in positions of power and authority. I do not say that lightly. We also know of the harm caused to people who have been victimised and abused in the care of the State and services funded by the State. This is not new and unfortunately it is not something we can say is fully behi…

I thank Deputy Stanley and his colleagues for tabling this motion and giving us the opportunity to discuss oral healthcare services. The motion is timely, given that the Minister for Health has only last week officially opened the RCSI's new dental education centre in Sandyford. The motion, which the Government is not opposing, provides a chance to update the Dáil on developments in the sector and to outline the Government’s priorities to fundamentally reform dental services. As Deputy Murphy said, it is really imp…

Local Link does it.

No. Well done to the Deputy for ploughing on.

As we recognise Pride week here in Dáil Éireann, I am deeply honoured to stand before Members, not just as Minister of State for mental health and the Government Chief Whip, but as a proud mother, ally and advocate for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in Irish life. I am especially proud of who I am and who my family is. My son is a transgender young man, and seeing him grow into his own identity reminds me daily of the urgent need for compassion, dignity and fairness in public policy. His story is part of a bro…

I move: Tuesday's business shall be: - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) and Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 51(3)) Regulations 2025 (without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the draft Commission of Investigation (Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools) Order 2025 (to conclude within 3 hours and 32 minutes) Tuesday's private members' business shall be Motion…

I notice all the requests from the various Whips. At the Business Committee meeting last Thursday, there was no dissent in relation to the Order of Business for this week, just the rolling dissent.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCeann Comhairle. We have a busy schedule this week, with several pieces of important legislation. I propose we proceed with the Order of Business as set out.

What?

No.

I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach, Deputy Farrelly, for being in the Chair again. He is a regular on a Wednesday morning and it is much appreciated. I am surprised Deputy Daly is here because I thought he would be on his way to the High Court.

It is not a question-and-answer session. While I was walking across to the Chamber, I was struck by how ironic it is that I am the first ever Minister of State with special responsibility for mental health at Cabinet, and the Deputy is trying to remove me, while here he is today asking me to come forward and find a solution for him. I was just struck by how ironic it is.

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. As he will be aware, operational responsibility for the delivery of mental health services at local level is devolved directly to the relevant HSE regional health area, RHA, which in this case is the HSE South West RHA, and across all areas. I am aware, of course, that the HSE always aims to work in partnership with all relevant stakeholders in the community in the design and delivery of mental health services to achieve positive outcomes for all. In relation to the issue…

I am glad there are services in Killorglin because I would be disappointed if there were not. My understanding is that the HSE manager is actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate accommodation that meets the needs of both services, the National Ambulance Service and, of course, the mental health supports, including the outpatient psychiatric facilities that support very vulnerable people. It is my understanding that while there are plans to locate a facility for the National Ambulance Service …