It is fair to say that the Taoiseach earned a reputation for spin. During the last general election campaign, the current Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, was asked to define the Taoiseach in one word and he used the word "spin". Little did we know that a few months later, both he and the Taoiseach would be spinning around on a rotating Taoiseach deal. It is really important that we have transparency regarding how money is spent in the Department of the Taoiseach in this manner. During the Covid pandemic, tens of thousand…

Yesterday, Cóilín Ó Scolaí and his wife, Irene Kavanagh, were at the Four Courts in relation to the death of their child Laoise Kavanagh Ní Scolaí in the Coombe Hospital in January 2015. She died as a result of her heart being pierced when she was only two days old. I am sure that the Taoiseach will agree that this was an absolutely heartbreaking scenario for the family. Incredibly, we have another family which has had to fight the HSE through the legal system for seven years just to achieve justice for their child…

We are approaching the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine, which is a humanitarian disaster that has not been seen in Europe for generations. It looks, unfortunately, like we are about to see a period of significant escalation in the war in the coming weeks. We are in a very dark stage as the world is pouring weapons into the region at the moment. It is clear that Russia is the aggressor. It is responsible for the horrendous violence and the disaster that is unfolding. As the Taoiseach said earlier, Russia is …

Many people will be familiar with Thomas the Tank Engine but not so many will be familiar with Leo the slowcoach, but Leo the slowcoach is well known in County Meath. People in Meath have been waiting for more than 20 years for a rail line to be built. More workers left Meath today to go to work than stayed in the county, and that happens in no other county. Meath people travel longer and farther distances than people in any other county. They are in a commuter hell. We have been promised a rail line for 20 years a…

It was built in three years with picks and shovels.

I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide for a public inquiry into collusion between British State forces and other persons, between 1968 and 1998, to commit, assist, or prevent prosecution of, offences, including murder, in the island of Ireland. We in Aontú are happy to be able to move this Bill in the Dáil. It is an important Bill for a number of reasons. An incredible number of innocent people have lost their lives due to British violence, British murder and British collusion…

I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."

The issue of migration is sensitive and we all should be careful in the way we speak about it. It is important that we do not call one another names. We must speak respectfully on the issue without labelling people with certain names. Both extremes of the political spectrum seem to be ramping up tensions in this regard. Middle Ireland wants to help people who are fleeing war, violence and famine, but they also want to be able to differentiate between those who need help and those who do not. On the radio last week,…

According to Daft.ie , new rents in the past three months of 2022 were 13.7% higher than in the same period in 2021. Rents have increased to an average of €1,733 compared with an average rent in 2011 of €765. It is incredible that since Fine Gael took office in 2011, we have seen an increase in rents of 126%. The Taoiseach, his Government and his party have left a massive legacy to tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of people who are struggling to pay rent. In my office, I see on a weekly basis people who have to …

When is the vacant property tax going to be implemented?

They are still searching for vacant homes, by the looks of things.

I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to make specific provision for minimum sentences for certain assault offences; and to provide for related matters. I am delighted to table the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill 2023 on behalf of Aontú. This Bill is designed to protect Garda members and fire service, emergency service and healthcare workers in the line of duty. This Aontú Bill provides for a minimum custodial sentence for someon…

Tairgim: "Go dtógfar an Bille in am Comhaltaí Príobháideacha."

Childcare and early years education are very important for the development of young children. It is also, though, very important for mothers and fathers to have access to work and income. The sector has been in crisis for many years. Under the stewardship of the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, there has been welcome investment in recent times which has helped to reduce the costs to parents somewhat. Much damage has been done, however, especially to the early childhoold care and education, ECCE, sector, and this has seen…

This week the Government received advice from the Attorney General. Let us be clear: litigation by the Government against vulnerable people is a political choice. The Government also has a responsibility to do right by citizens. The truth of the matter is that, right now, most people, when in battle with the State, have to fight tooth and nail for justice, and many have to fight right up until their death to receive justice. Some people even have to fight among the debris of their shattered lives simply to get just…

When?

The GAA has introduced a policy of getting rid of cash at GAA matches throughout the country. This is the wrong decision. It means that many people, especially older people who cannot buy GAA tickets online or use technology are effectively banned from matches. I know of older people who have gone to matches. They have not been able to procure a ticket and they have had to go home. The GAA is a wonderful organisation. It is the most successful community organisation in the country. That is why it is disappointing t…

What about Shell and BP? They are making money.

What about the GAA?

The Tánaiste could try.