I thank the Minister of State for his proactive approach to this problem. I know he is acutely aware of how serious it is and that he is personally extremely determined to assist around the country. I will be looking to him to help County Kerry in particular. The horror of flooding and what it means for businesses and families is immeasurable. I will give the example of a great local employer in County Kerry, started by the late Paddy Quill, namely, Quills Woollen Market. The shops are located throughout Kerry, but…

At the outset I will highlight the great concerns I spoke of in my speech after the budget. One of the first concerns is the absolutely crazy anomalies created by the tax reform group, which was set up by the Revenue Commissioners. It is actively discussing the raising of further excise duties to compensate for the excise duties that will be lost with the introduction and pushing of electric cars and other vehicles on the public. I can translate this into very straight and ordinary English. Any person doing what mi…

No.

I have a point I wish to make.

The Leas-Cheann Comhairle seems to-----

I am sorry, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, but I had indicated.

I had indicated. When you asked on the Order of Business if there was any objection, I said that I had. It is very-----

I believe I am entitled to speak. I indicated on the Order of Business. When you asked if there were any objections, I said I had something to say. If you will allow me to do so, I will make my point.

Can I make my point?

It is not agreed but I am still going to be denied my opportunity to make my point. I believe it is very tidy and I would have made it long ago if I had been permitted.

And his point was very valid.

I had indicated before anybody else, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I want to know why you are victimising me now. Why do you think you are going to deny me my right to speak in this House?

I indicated in a very fair fashion, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. All I wanted was an opportunity to speak. Are you denying me my right to speak?

A very important issue of great concern has been arising in this House in recent weeks. For instance, yesterday evening it was announced that the House will sit an hour and a half later than planned tonight. This is a continuing trend. I am speaking on behalf of people who work in this House and have voiced concerns. These hard-working staff will be in Leinster House until 12.30 a.m., 1.30 a.m. or 2 a.m., locking up the premises when the House has finished sitting tonight. It makes no sense in the world that the Dá…

This is a nonsensical decision. How could anyone say that there is anything prejudicial to anyone's health or safety by going out shooting? Perhaps that might be true if a person goes out with somebody else but in most cases, one person goes out with a dog, predominantly shooting land that person has been shooting on for many years. The date of 1 November is a very special day for those people. They do it in a responsible way.

On behalf of those clubs, I ask the Taoiseach to please exercise common sense. He has failed the farmers, the publicans and many people at this stage. If he is trying to alienate himself from everyone in Ireland, he should keep going the way he is going.

I am asking the Taoiseach to please listen to common sense on this subject.

How does the Taoiseach know that?

That is not true.

That is not true.