In recent years, we have heard that clean green energy was going to save a fortune because we would not have to import, which is correct, and we were told it would be much cheaper. In the past week, however, it has been announced that the ordinary consumer, under the public service obligation, PSO, levy, will pay €70 more from next September on, and that is on top of what was there already. Something like €500 million will now go to these fat cats of wind who will come into this country. Most of the profits from th…

I thank the Minister for coming in to answer questions. I concur with the previous Deputy on a few of the issues she raised. There is a fear that some children with autism have gone backwards because they were not getting their educational needs met. We have to make sure that those people in the community, many of whom are silent, get proper representation and the proper educational system they deserve. There is trepidation among parents, teachers and SNAs that this has not been handled well. Every Deputy is lookin…

I have a few questions. Deputy Eamon Ryan spoke about why people say that the Green Party will be bad for rural Ireland. It would be helpful if that party made a statement on the export of cattle to third countries and on rewetting the likes of peatlands on mountains. People are farming sheep on those lands. It would be helpful if the Green Party could clarify its stance on a few issues like that. Yesterday, in the Minister's own county, there was good news with regard to methane. A study was carried out on feeding…

First, we have to acknowledge the work that the farming community and the workers in the food chain have done in recent weeks to ensure there is food for everyone. I want quick-fire answers to questions on different issues. The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Humphreys, said that if more than two people were diagnosed in a factory, or any business for that matter, the company was to contact the HSE. What are the consequences if a company does not do that? Second, the role of the Health and …

We want to resolve this for everybody. Nobody is looking for the names of factories. Could we get the number of inspections done in meat factories between 1 March and 20 May? It is all we are asking.

I thank the Minister.

If we could get the number we would be happy. The period is 1 March to 20 May.

What are the consequences for a factory that does not notify the HSE in the event of a cluster of more than two cases?

If an employer has more than two cases-----

Right.

I thank the Minister for facilitating this debate. First, we must give our condolences to the families of those people who have died over the past month or six weeks. I also thank the farming community right around the country and across Europe for keeping the flag flying, as well as those who process produce. People who were once kicking the daylights out of farmers should now appreciate what they have done in this time of crisis. I have a few questions for the Minister. My understanding is that Europe has agreed …

I welcome many of the different measures brought in during recent days. They are helpful to people throughout the country. There are anomalies in certain areas. We have told our elderly to isolate as much as they can. If they have to isolate in the coming months, the fuel allowance should be paid to them. Obviously, they have to keep themselves warm. We should ensure we put that in place. This morning mixed signals came out. Officials in the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection sent letters to peo…

To families who have lost a loved one, I want to send our condolences. We need to commend front-line staff, such as nurses, doctors, catering staff, porters and cleaners. We also have to remember the people who are bringing food and medical necessities around the country, such as lorry drivers and the haulage sector, as well as those who are keeping water, electricity and shops going. The student nurse issue has to be addressed urgently because we are in a crisis and it is a totally different Ireland to six weeks a…

First of all, well done, a Cheann Comhairle, on being re-elected. In the last Dáil you were fair, especially to the smaller groupings. I smiled today when I came to the Chamber. Over recent weeks we have heard that such a one would not talk to such a one. Yet, when I looked around today in different parts of the Dáil I saw people from all political divides shaking hands, talking and hugging one another. It is damnable how we can do that today but we are unable to sit down to address the economics of our country for…