Who do you think you are?

How dare the Deputy say that?

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the programme for Government. The programme is a great working document for the next five years. The Government is deeply committed to doing its level best in a very workperson-like way to help all sectors of society. My brother, Deputy Danny Healy-Rae, and I were glad to have participated in those negotiations. I thank the spokespersons from both of the leading parties for the genuine commitment they gave, including long days and long nights, to put together a good programme. …

Sorry, am I out of time? Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle.

The recent storms have caused significant damage to farms and forests, which has resulted in considerable hardship throughout the country. I appreciate this opportunity to provide an overview of the current situation and to update the House on my Department's response to Storm Éowyn. Large numbers of forests throughout the country have fallen trees. Once the storm hit, I immediately issued guidance for those forest owners with windblow. I advised them not to rush into decisions but to make a step-by-step plan to mi…

I acknowledge that Deputy Feighan has worn a path to Agriculture House on behalf of the constituents of Sligo-Leitrim and that he has worked diligently in highlighting the concerns he has on the ground following on from the recent storms. We are taking all possible steps to facilitate appropriate responses to allow forest owners to clear blown trees in a safe and sustainable manner. In this context I thank the Deputy for his Topical Issue matter, which is appropriate. I appreciate this opportunity to provide an ove…

I thank the Deputy and agree with his last statements. I again thank him for raising this Topical Issue matter. It is important that we let the people of the country know exactly what we are doing. I further confirm that this morning I visited counties Meath and Monaghan to see some of the devastation at first hand. I came back this evening and reported to the Minister, Deputy Heydon, what we had seen on the ground. He is raising the issue at Cabinet level and every effort will be made by this Government for the pe…

I wish the Ceann Comhairle good luck in her role. I know she will be very successful, fair and diligent. I thank Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl for his excellent work in the Chair. Most importantly, I thank the people who walked the roads for me for many months – the canvassers, the people who put up posters and worked very diligently – and of course the many people who voted for me and my brother Danny. I welcome the people who have come up here today, the supporters from County Kerry, and Councillors Johnny, Maura and J…

I thank Sinn Féin for bringing this very important motion before the Dáil. Carers are the unsung heroes of Ireland, providing essential care that supports both their loved ones and the broader healthcare system. The current means test for carer's allowance is a significant barrier that prevents many carers from receiving the support they need. Abolishing this means test would not only provide financial relief to carers but would also recognise their invaluable contribution to society and the economy. It is time for…

What about Labour's spending on the bike shed?

And a million houses.

A million houses and a bicycle shelter.

People cannot get a doctor.

There is no time as good as the present for gauging public opinion. I have been canvassing and knocking on people's doors and meeting them in their places of work. The one thing that is coming back - I am sure the Minister will be very interested in this, and I presume he is hearing it himself - is that people can pick good and bad out of the budget but the one thing that an awful lot of people are saying about the budget is there was nothing in the budget for working people, for people who are getting up in the mo…

No, Sinn Féin supported it.

I will put on the record what was actually said. I would like to think that my memory is fairly sharp. At the time it was said across the floor of this House, obviously not to the Minister but to the person in charge at the time, that he was not going far enough, fast enough. This was with regard to taxation on carbon. That was what Sinn Féin said at the time. That must be remembered. It is on the record of the Dáil.

I am seeking the protection of the Ceann Comhairle because I do not want to take up too much time. However, I am making that point. That was said.

On carbon tax, Sinn Féin said the Government was not going far enough, quick enough, and that is on the record of the Dáil. I would take that back if I were wrong but it is on the record of the Dáil that the leader of the Sinn Féin Party said at that time that the Government was not putting enough tax on people. Sinn Féin then came in here complaining about it afterwards. However, that is what it said at the time.

It flip flops, yes Mattie.

At present, when people look at the tax take out of their earnings they hurt very badly. When they go to the petrol pumps they hurt very badly because it is all tax, tax and more tax. As far as I can see, the Government is doing everything it can to penalise workers, to stop enterprise and to close down businesses. We asked - we actually begged - on behalf of people involved in business, to reduce the VAT rate. Those calls were ignored. The people are remembering that now when we call to the doors. They are asking …