The ongoing shortage of some 300 prescription-only medications is causing significant stress for many people. This is compounded by news articles stating that pharmacists are being left with no alternative but to dispense substitute medications that have not been authorised or registered for use in Ireland. This has happened despite the fact these medications, known as exempt medicinal products, can be legally supplied to patients by qualified pharmacists to meet their health needs in the absence of their regular p…

I welcome the Bill. In making its pre-budget submission, the Regional Group met the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and put forward several suggestions. On foot of doing so, we received a commitment. Therefore, I very much welcome this Bill. Its purpose is to exempt rent-a-room income of up to €14,000 per annum. It is to be disregarded in medical card and GP visit card income assessments. This is a very positive step forward. I am glad that the Government has ta…

It takes initiative, conviction and courage to start a business. Those who take that leap of faith stake their future on making that business a success. No business sets out to fail. Managing a business involves hard work. It is time-consuming, demanding and full of stress and worry. It is constant, unrelenting pressure. It takes an emotional and physical toll on those who take on the ownership of a company. Trying to cope and deal with regulatory and compliance requirements is a big issue for small businesses. The…

Before I address the issue of Roscrea, I wish to put on the record of this House that I am not a racist. I am not anti-immigrant and I have no record of provocative language, either in or outside this House. Unlike Deputy Smith, who happened to mention me on three occasions in her speech, I stand for something. In her position, she is against everything and for nothing. I have been in this House for 37 years because I have managed to support Governments that have delivered for my constituency.

That is my responsibility and obligation and I have done that. Let me now address the issue of Roscrea. On four occasions in the past year, I have raised the subject of immigration policy and the lack of strategy. Each time I spoke in this Chamber, I illustrated Roscrea as a classic example of a system that is not working – a town that was overburdened, overwhelmed and in urgent need of vital services to be improved and supplemented. The Government did not listen. It ignored the legitimate and genuine concerns of t…

I welcome every initiative that can be taken to support and assist Roscrea and its people. In my opening address, I complimented the Minister on her commitment to Roscrea and to the organisations within Roscrea, and I am glad to hear today that the REACH project can now go forward. As the Minister is aware, I have been very active with her officials in successfully promoting other projects such as the Gantly Street and Market Square developments and the provision of a new coláiste pobail for Roscrea. As regards the…

-----and recreational facilities?

I refer to my recent representations to the Government concerning the dramatic level of closures across the hospitality and SME sector. The figures on closures make for grim reading. The sector is reeling from the perfect storm. A huge increase in operational costs, combined with the soaring cost of living, have sounded the death knell for these small businesses. A number of Government decisions in the budget had unintended consequences and if not revisited, the shutters will fall on many more cafés, restaurants, s…

In light of ongoing challenges in our housing sector, will the Minister of State provide an update on the progress and effectiveness of the current strategies implemented by the Department, particularly in the realms of affordable housing provision and homelessness prevention? Will he make a statement on the matter?

I welcome the progress with the Department's housing plans. It unfortunately still falls short of addressing the current chronic housing shortage. The deficiency is leading to high rent demands, most of which are beyond the reach of young families. This has left some parents and relatives with no alternative other than to help their loved ones. For some, the only way to help is to provide a modular dwelling on their property to give their loved ones a roof over their heads. When such circumstances strike, the eleme…

I will raise that issue again with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. However, in the context of social housing, I know the Minister of State has mentioned Kilkenny and Tipperary are proactive. How many councils are working to full capacity to deliver social housing and how many have the ability to do more than they are doing? In every system there are those that are good, that are competent and capable, and make the exceptional effort to build houses. From my understanding, some of our councils around the country are l…

People across the country were outraged when they learned the inside secrets of RTÉ's operation. News of bonus payments and sponsorship perks were followed by acrimonious debate. It was clear that if RTÉ was to survive, decisive action and Government help was required. The Government approved a State bailout of €56 million subject to a number of stringent conditions. As these Government discussions took place, they were closely observed by Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, IBI, the body that represents all 34 of…

I thank the Taoiseach for that very positive reply. This is an issue that I and my colleagues in the Regional Group have been putting forward on behalf of our local radio stations across the country. This allocation of funding will enable them to sustain their service, retain experienced, high-quality staff and recruit and train for the future. It will also allow them to further exploit their huge potential. Their message to the Government and to every Member of this House is that broadcasting is not all just about…

There is a problem with policing in Dublin but can the Minister confirm that Garda members will not be transferred on a temporary or part-time basis from Tipperary or from other rural towns across the country to supplement Garda numbers in Dublin? We do not want a case of Peter robbing Paul. The issue of rural crime across Tipperary is causing deep concern amongst our communities. This trend disrupts the peace and security of our people. In light of recent incidents, including burglaries and vandalism and antisocia…

Support from the State to the horse and greyhound industries is one of the most important financial outlays in the budget. The money allocated to both industries is an investment. Budget 2024 allocated €95 million to the horse and greyhound fund for the coming year. Horse Racing Ireland is set to receive €76 million of this while the remaining €19 million will be put to good use by Greyhound Racing Ireland. The increased allocation for the year ahead has been welcomed across both organisations, particularly by Grey…

On the same theme, the events that took place on the streets of our capital city last Thursday night will haunt people's memories for many years to come. A knife attack on innocent children is the most despicable form of violence. People are sickened by what took place outside that school. It has rattled them to the very core. Above all, people need to know that their children are safe. They need to know that the streets in our cities, in our towns and in our villages are safe. Those who swept through the city stre…

It has reached the stage where people fear the Department will target every vacant building in their communities. I want to say that the Irish people are not racist, and I am not racist.

They have welcomed, and I have welcomed, the victims of the war in Ukraine with open arms. They have willingly opened their hearts to those in need. However, I believe it is time to modify and rebalance our immigration policy. The events of last week taught us about the critical role of our gardaí in society and the urgent necessity to focus on the limitations of the force. The images of rank and file gardaí entering last week's volatile eruption were frightening. Our gardaí on duty were brave and courageous in the…

I thank the Taoiseach for his response. I fully understand and appreciate the value of migration. His final comments address the issue I am raising, which I raised in the past with him, about the influx of people. I am not hindering their opportunity to come to Ireland but local people are extremely concerned about the numbers arriving in their small villages and towns without the support and services needed to address their care. That is happening on a wide scale around rural Ireland. It needs to be addressed. We …

Say that on the record. You are a lout, that is what you are.