I support the motion. I am disappointed that an Teachta Tóibín's amendment, which I also support, was not put through, but I understand the situation. The difference between what people get on jobseeker's allowance and what they would be entitled to on the pension is €2,000 per year. It is a most ignominious insult to 65-year-olds to be told to sign on. These are people who were proud to work all their lives, raise their families and pay their taxes and dues. To expect them to sign on with other people, no disrespe…

I want the Government to bring Mr. Paul Reid before it to get clarification on hospital visits and especially the accompaniment of partners for childbirth, labour or scans, which is not allowed in various hospitals. The hospitals are operating like independent republics. Following the cyberattack, they will not even respond to letters. It is utterly ridiculous that partners are not allowed into hospitals. Thankfully, hospitals now have a limited number of patients. There are only 60 or 70 patients in hospital altog…

I support the fishermen of our coastal counties. I am from an inland county, Tipperary, which is a proud county. I acknowledge the work that Deputy Michael Collins has done and corroborate his statement that his demand that the Taoiseach appoint a full Minister for fishing was not delivered on. That is all he ever asked for. Irish fishermen understandably resent the EU requirement, facilitated by the Irish Government and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, for catches to be weighed at ports. They have to take t…

I am disappointed that the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, is not here. I listened to the debate on “Saturday with Katie Hannon” last Saturday. I heard the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, whom I greatly respect, speak on behalf of the Government and there were also people from the aviation industry. I heard Michael O'Leary in a phone call to the programme. Like him or lump him, he talks great sense. He just said that, unfortunately, the Minister has no plan, no roadmap and is disinterested. He is more concerned wit…

It is nothing short of a disgrace.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach. The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly disrupted everyone’s lives. Its effects vary considerably for people of different race, ethnicities and income levels. What has been the impact on people with disabilities? Children and teenagers, for example, with a wide range of developmental, physical and behavioural needs have been very severely impacted. Ongoing harm caused by the pandemic or rather caused by the Government’s inaction, or actions as has been said earlier, has …

Glaoim ar an Teachta Ó Broin. Tá ocht nóiméad aige.

The Regional Group is next. Deputy Seán Canney is sharing time with Deputy Verona Murphy.

Anois, we move to the Rural Independent Group.

The time is up. I call Deputy Richard O'Donoghue.

The time is up.

I call na Teachtaí Ged Nash agus Duncan Smith who will each have cúig nóiméad.

It is the wrong site.

On this issue of community halls the Taoiseach addressed earlier, Newcastle Community Hall had an excellent submission for funding under urban and village renewal, under the stewardship of Ms Marian O'Dwyer. The hall got 80% funding in late 2018. The 20%, which was €35,000, then had to be made up. With sterling work and ingenuity the €35,000 has been raised. Now the dilemma is that because of the delay the group must retender the project. As the Taoiseach knows, thanks to many Government policies the cost of buildi…

He was. I brought him in and gave him tea.

I did, and he agreed to come.

He did.

I apologies on behalf of Deputies Michael and Healy-Rae, who are currently attending their uncle's funeral on Zoom. Our sympathies go out to their family. I was in Cahir last week to meet the IFA farmers. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful turnout, with a huge crowd in the square in Cahir. The farmers got huge applause and a great welcome from the customers, shoppers, shopkeepers, shop owners and everyone else. Ní neart go cur le chéile. That is what it is all about. Farming is so important. We are all only one…

My group and I want to call a vote on the taking of these Stages of the Bill.

I object to the taking of this debate now, not the amendment. I want to call a vote against the House considering this huge Bill for only three and a half hours.