I thank the Deputy for asking this very fair question. The Minister for Finance, on foot of the decision by the board, is now reviewing the entire issue. It is to be hoped he will be able to come back with proposals on it.

I have to be consistent with what I said in response to Deputy Daly's question. I am not convinced that commissions of inquiries are the optimal way to investigate these issues. They go on much longer than people anticipate or expect. This is a genuine issue; I do not want the Deputy to get me wrong. The Department is examining a variety of options as to how best to respect and meet the needs and concerns of families of those affected.

There may be more.

I know, but people will not be satisfied with an inquiry that goes on for six years. I am just trying to be honest with the House.

Some can and some do.

I am saying there might be other ways of doing it. There might be a better way of doing it.

The Department is always very reluctant to pick one condition over another condition for eligibility for medical cards. There is provision for people who get a terminal diagnosis. We are trying to reduce the cost of care for people in certain situations. We are also extending eligibility, particularly through access to a GP visit card, which, as the Deputy knows, we have for children. I understand the points he is making. As he knows, discretion has applied in many circumstances.

There is a global context here and I am very struck by the apparent refusal by those on the Opposition side, who are asking questions about this, to acknowledge the role of Russia in the supply of gas to Europe. The Deputy can nod all he likes, but it is a key factor here.

No, the Deputy never talks about it. That is the problem. He never will.

We are working on it. I replied earlier.

Basic guidelines and rules that were there are still there in respect of nursing homes and, therefore, the same rules apply. A comprehensive package of indirect and direct supports has been given to nursing homes since the onset of Covid. That continued engagement between the HSE and nursing homes will continue, particularly in respect of nursing homes that may have had outbreaks. The HSE will be there to assist and support nursing homes in whatever challenges they have. The supports continue with free personal pro…

The Minister of State and the Government are keen on a more specific approach to drugs policy, particularly in an approach to area partnerships as a broader way of dealing with the issue, particularly in areas that have a higher level of challenges in respect of drug use and misuse. A number of a citizens' assemblies have been proposed in respect of a lord mayor in Dublin, drugs and biodiversity, and I am anxious that we get a number of those up and running this year. I will revert to the Deputy. I have an interest…

No.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, together. The national risk assessment has been prepared annually since 2014 and provides an opportunity to identify and discuss significant risks that may arise for Ireland. The experience of the past number of years has brought home the importance of work in the area of risk management and preparedness. By promoting an open and inclusive discussion on the major risks facing the country, the national risk assessment plays an important role in this work. A draft n…

I thank the Deputies for their questions. Deputy Tóibín raised the issue of cyberattacks. They are a clear risk to the country. Cybersecurity is vitally important to our economy and to wider society. The attack on our health system last year had a devastating impact on health services, particularly on front-line services with regard to access to scans and so on. It also had an impact on patient care for that period and on senior HSE staff who worked around the clock to try to deal with the issue. Additional funding…

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 to 19, inclusive, together. The Government's shared island initiative is working to realise the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement, to enhance co-operation and connection on the island and to engage with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future. We are working on an ambitious and whole-of-government basis, and through all-island partnerships, with the Northern Ireland Executive, the United Kingdom Government and local authorities and civil …

I thank all the Deputies for raising a variety of issues pertaining to the shared island programme and agenda. Deputy Richmond raised the broader issue in terms of potential. The Patrick Kielty contribution was an extraordinary one. It certainly struck a chord with many people who watched his contribution over and over again. It went viral and was very widely accessed by people. It illustrates the potential of ideas through the context of the shared island dialogue having an impact, getting people to think and refl…

We will communicate with the Northern Ireland Executive but it is a matter for it. On Doug Beattie, he has made it clear himself how unacceptable his tweets were.

He himself has come forward and made it very clear they were absolutely unacceptable and wrong and he should not have done it.

I dealt with fuel. I have answered and responded on fuel poverty all day today. The Deputy asked questions earlier.