Answer the question.

Or TikTok.

I am a member of four significant regeneration projects within the Dublin 8 area: those for Oliver Bond House, Dolphin House and Emmet Road and the Donore Project Consultative Forum. There is scant and limited mention of regeneration in the damning housing report so I will inform the Minister of the communities' experience to date. Oliver Bond House and Dolphin House are established complexes that are mortifyingly overdue for regeneration. They have now been in progress for 20 years and it will be at least another …

I thank Deputy Coppinger for the comprehensive motion on gender-based violence. It will further the State's response and our society's attitude to this insidious harm in virtually all walks of life. The statistics are startling as mentioned by my colleagues here. Substance abuse and poverty play their part in the domestic and gender-based violence and disturbingly our homeless figures do not include those who are accessing safe havens. We welcome the inclusion of criminal behaviour which was previously not recognis…

That is not true.

In Crumlin, in Dublin South-Central, the Dublin 12 autism group, a grassroots organisation of exhausted mammies, has through hard slog, tenacity and dogged determination showed up the abject failures of those tasked with providing an education for children with extra needs. Education is the only right guaranteed by this State. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding and cohesive policy in the face of an obvious need has resulted in underinvestment and a paucity of services and supports that leaves many children way …

Gabh mo leithscéal, a Cheann Comhairle. It is Máire.

While this is considered to be my maiden speech, my first utterance in the Chamber consisted of loud gasps a fortnight ago as I was incredulous at the embracing by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of the Regional Independent Group to be half in and half out of the Government. Luckily - it is concerning and it took time - the penny has dropped and we move on. I thank the people of Dublin South-Central for electing me to represent them. It is a place that values community. I remain a Liberties gal at heart and always will b…

I usually am, a Chathaoirligh. This is an extraordinary human and economic crisis that we are going through. I express sympathy and solidarity with people across the globe, especially those at the epicentre at present. This is the first disease outbreak in generations and it is also the first since social media has become a main form of interaction. I caution the deliberate spread of disinformation. Risk communication is so important that all of us need to focus on providing authoritative information to ensure accu…

A Chathaoirligh, will we get a hard copy of the proposed amendments?

I move amendment No. 26: In page 13, line 34, to delete “application.”.” and substitute the following: “application. (10) A person living in direct provision who has qualified and practiced as a dentist outside of this jurisdiction may also apply for registration.”.”. We put forward these amendments given there is a learned and experienced resource among those living in direct provision. We are asking that the qualification of dentists or different healthcare professionals be included and that, if they have practis…

I am obviously disappointed. How long will it take to go through the regulators? Many things are going to be further delayed because of Covid-19. Perhaps the Minister could push the regulators a little, given it is healthcare professionals we are discussing and that is what we need. It is a question of speed over perfection. Nonetheless, I take on board what the Minister has said. I have some points for later regarding some of the amendments. I take on board the need for us, in here, as well as medics and the Nursi…

I move amendment No. 28: In page 17, line 10, to delete “application.”.” and substitute the following: “application. (9) A person living in direct provision who has qualified and practiced as a pharmacist outside of this jurisdiction may also apply for registration.”.”.

I move amendment No. 29: In page 18, line 34, to delete “application.” and substitute the following: “application. (9) A person living in direct provision who has qualified and practiced as a medical practitioner outside of this jurisdiction may also apply for registration.”.”.

I move amendment No. 30: In page 21, line 5, to delete “application.”.” and substitute the following: “application. (9) A person living in direct provision who has qualified and practiced as a nurse or midwife outside of this jurisdiction may also apply for registration.”.”.

I note and welcome this lengthy amendment. I am partially reassured by the Minister's response. It is an onerous registration process. Perhaps after this emergency when we come through the other side of it, we can reflect that a lot of what we do is quite onerous and a bit plodding and it prevents speed of action. We need to look at every area of our lives, legislation, policy and procedures, etc., always being mindful of risk and safety. I know there are about 100 nurses from the USA, and I made representations in…

It was a point of order or something like that.

I cannot really see the wording anywhere. Is there wording to provide that while we welcome everyone back and hope to make getting back to the frontline as smooth and as easy as possible, there are those who have been struck off for professional misconduct. How do we ensure that the safety of the patient is a priority? We are doing this with speed and we are probably not ticking every box. However, we need to ensure we tick the box in respect of people who have been struck off because of professional misconduct. Th…

I move amendment No. 34: In page 22, line 6, after "concerned" to insert ", in person or by remote consultation". My concern was addressed somewhat in the Dáil but I would like to see it reiterated here. The amendment aims to insert ", in person or by remote consultation". I think the Minister for Health said that this was a given. I was involved in the Mental Health Act and know how difficult it was at the time but at that time, we did not have remote consultation or electronic means. I worked on it with the trade…

None of the rest is mine.