I will make a number of points with respect to the winter plan. First, I welcome the additional funding across a number of areas. The reality is that this must, out of necessity, be a dynamic process as it is responding to a situation that is changing almost daily. However, there are a number of challenges that come with that uncertainty and the need to respond quickly. I draw attention to those requiring services on a long-standing basis who have found the last number of months incredibly difficult. It is very enc…

As has been stated a number of times, the figures involved in these Revised Estimates are large and denote the scale of the challenge we face in the coming months and years. Coupled with this is the considerable level of uncertainty with regard to the future of our economy, education system, health system and communities as the pandemic continues to play a major part in our decision-making. This will likely continue in the months ahead until a vaccine for the Covid-19 virus is made fully available. It is only right…

The Covid crisis has, for good or ill, led to a significant re-evaluation of what our communities can offer, what kind of public realm we have access to, and the primary role our immediate neighbourhoods play in keeping us healthy and safe during this crisis. Local authorities have a vital role in this regard. They now shoulder the great responsibility of making space available for people to prioritise public health in the public realm and to do so in a way that is universally accessible for every single person. A …

I thank the Minister of State. Part of the worry is that perhaps the roll-out or response from particular local authorities is somewhat erratic and that perhaps there needs to be communication in order that local authorities that do not have the specific expertise know that the NTA is there to help them and that they can access those supports easily. I thank the Minister of State very much for his response.

I have a number of questions. I know we would normally go back and forth but, given the nature of the convention centre room and the fact we are only two days in the job, I might go through as many questions as I can before hearing the replies. There is some worry among consumers that businesses are in a vulnerable state and, obviously, it is incredibly important that we support local businesses by booking where we can and by shopping local. I agree with the previous speaker that it is lovely to see businesses star…

Recent data and mapping analysis has found that 60,000 homes will be vulnerable to coastal flooding by 2050. Areas of Dublin, Louth and Clare are expected to be the most affected. I am glad to see mention in the Minister's statement of further funding for that issue. Another study has found that Ireland will be among a number of countries that will bear the brunt of increased flooding and that the frequency of extreme flooding is likely to increase from a one-in-100-year event to possibly a one-in-50-year event. Th…

I thank the Minister. He mentioned our constituency. The transition statement identifies that the most profound health impacts of climate change will arise from severe weather events, ultraviolet radiation and poor air quality. My colleague, Deputy Costello, gathered some data on schools at the start of the year. They showed that additional traffic doubles the level of nitrous oxide, NOx, during the school term. The Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, says that Dublin city centre's air quality in 2019 was likely …

I thank the Minister. Upgrading our homes, offices and public buildings to ensure that they use less energy will be one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce emissions and limit climate change. The OPW, with its property portfolio of approximately 2,500 buildings, including more than 200 large Government and State agency buildings, must lead the way in this regard. While it is important that energy-efficient design be incorporated into all public sector projects from the early design stage onwards, we should al…

My final question takes us back to the Phoenix Park. Last year, the OPW proposed a redevelopment plan for the park that included the addition of retail, significant new construction within the park, the relegation of Natura 2000 biodiversity quotas and the construction of new permanent car parks. This proposal was met with a great deal of opposition from the general public and, to its credit, the OPW took much of that opposition on board. However, the OPW should be taking the lead in protecting biodiversity as part…

I will not be sharing time with anybody so the Minister will only have to deal with one Green Party Deputy. I thank the Minister for the update. Despite the implementation and further proposals for some of the largest collective stimulus measures in our history, it seems a partial recovery in 2021 is the best we can expect. Now is the time to act but it is also a time to reflect on how we organise our economy in order to find new ways to structure our economic activity. I am very heartened to hear the Minister flag…

It is understandable that during this crisis, we seem to have somewhat lost track of other threats and challenges that are coming down the line, which will also have an impact on our quality of life and on the prosperity of our country. Though it has perhaps not received the attention it should have, it is clear that the negotiations to agree an orderly departure for the United Kingdom from the European Union have somewhat run aground in recent weeks. Covid-19 has made co-operation on the protocol and future relati…

As previously stated, it is important that some of the vagueness is addressed around what is envisaged in the arrangements for border checks and oversight and the integration of climate targets under any future agreement. I understand the negotiations are at a delicate stage but will the Tánaiste outline whether proposals are currently being discussed as to whether the Border between Ireland and Northern Ireland will be co-managed by the EU and the UK or if it is envisaged that the UK will manage any checks or bord…

The Tánaiste did not answer my question regarding the Paris Agreement.

The business today shall be as set out in the second revised Report of the Business Committee dated 6 May 2020. In relation to today's business, it is proposed that, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, the only business to be taken shall be the business as set out in the second revised Report of the Business Committee dated 6 May 2020, with no Questions on Promised Legislation; between each set of statements and questions and answers, the House shall suspend for a period not exceeding 20 minutes; No. 4, st…

I am mindful today that I am speaking in response to the finance portion of the Bill, not just as Green Party spokesperson on finance but also as a Teachta Dála representing Dublin Central. My constituency is home to many thousands of people who are among the most vulnerable in our society. We have some of the highest rates of homelessness, single parent households, children living in poverty, addiction and unemployment in the country. In short, I represent a constituency where many people will be unable to cope on…

I move amendment No. 9: In page 8, to delete lines 3 to 6 and substitute the following: “(i) the nature and potential impact of Covid-19 on individuals, society and the State, (ii) the capacity of the State to respond to the risk to public health posed by the spread of Covid-19, (iii) the policies and objectives of the Government to protect the health and welfare of members of the public, (iv) the need to mitigate the economic effects of the spread of Covid-19, and (v) the need to ensure the provision of adequate h…