Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit chuig an Teach ar maidin. The Minister is very welcome to the House and I thank him for taking time out of his busy schedule to discuss this important matter. Most people and most families would like, where possible, to own their own homes. That is a credible and laudable ambition for most people. Not everyone will want to do so, but for those who do, it is important that the Government does all it can to encourage home ownership. Unfortunately, for people who currently live in Par…

I thank the Minister of State for his response. Until the last few lines, it was disappointing but I am heartened by the fact the Minister may publish the reviews later this year. I certainly hope the reform, which is much needed, will address the three issues that I raised, in particular so those who want to buy out their homes will have the opportunity to do so, whether they are in Part 5 housing or housing provided by a social housing body, and so the income limits, another issue that is in need of reform, will …

Last week, NatWest Bank announced its decision to wind down the operations of Ulster Bank in the Republic of Ireland. The reason given was that it was no longer profitable. The loss of Ulster Bank is a major blow to the State and to the many communities in which this bank has operated for more than a century. Ulster Bank has been particularly strong in Border communities, and its branches have operated in prime locations in many towns, including The Diamond in Monaghan town. Branches of the bank have also operated …

My comments will be brief. I acknowledge the contribution of my Opposition colleagues and of Senator Ward. They have highlighted the example of where the law has detached itself from common sense. I acknowledge also the Minister of State for his practical approach to the issues raised. As Senator Bacik said, the implications are far-reaching. We had a good debate here and clearly highlighted the anomalies that arise. I look forward to the Minister of State addressing them, going forward.

Now.

A chara, ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur romhat go dtí an Teach seo ar maidin. I welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank him for taking time out of his busy schedule to make it here. The Covid-19 pandemic is changing the way we look at how we live and how we work. Remote working has become commonplace out of necessity. The future of working is now seen in a different context with regard to location. Rural Ireland is seeing the arrival of new families, which is great to see, who are seeking a better qualit…

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I am disappointed to learn that the review is still ongoing almost eight years since the European Court of Justice gave its judgment. I plead with the Minister of State to expedite this matter. The world as we know it has changed since the Covid-19 pandemic started. People are looking at living in rural Ireland as an option. It is important that we have the necessary infrastructure in place and that we remove any barriers currently preventing those who wish to live in…

Last week I called on the Leader to contact the Government on the non-essential cross-Border travel, which was taking place both ways, despite the current restrictions North and South. I welcome that the Government has moved on that request with the introduction of a €100 fine for anyone who travels into the State on a non-essential journey. Not alone is the person driving the vehicle subject to this fine but anybody else in that vehicle will also be subject a €100 fine, which I welcome. However, I am disappointed …

I welcome the Minister of State back to the House. We are blessed to have such expert legal minds as Senators Ward and McDowell among us. I certainly do not speak as one of those; I speak as a layperson. It is striking that we are so far behind the curve on what Senator Ward mentioned. I compliment him and the Law Society on their work in this regard. I agree that the restatement should be done as a matter of course in future. I look forward to hearing the Minister of State's comments in this regard. I believe legi…

I too will be brief bearing in mind the clock is ticking and that we have to conclude at 3.05 p.m. I wish to acknowledge the contribution of Senator McDowell. As on Second Stage, his contribution went some way to educating me in respect of the far-reaching extent of this legislation. I was smiling to myself when I heard the Senator use the phrase "nonsense on stilts". That sums up much of what we are talking about. Senator Bacik talked about overreach and excessive provisions and I agree wholeheartedly with all tho…

Next Monday.

Thankfully, the incidence of Covid-19 is on the decrease in this country and we have many people to thank for that, from the gallant efforts of our front-line workers to the general public, the vast majority of whom have been adhering to the strict guidelines that have been laid down. We must always ask ourselves how we can do better. We had much debate this week about the zero Covid strategy, which NPHET has ruled out as not being practical for this country. We also had some talk about sealing the Border with Nort…

I raised two issues that the Leader might address. Those are increased co-operation and protocols to be put in place between the gardaí and the PSNI and the non-attendance of people for Covid tests.

I welcome the Minister of State to the House to discuss this important legislation. I listened attentively to his contribution. I welcome that increased financial and personnel resources will be made available to beef up the Garda Síochána's specialised unit and address an ongoing problem. We in Fianna Fáil are delighted to support this legislation, which further strengthens our protections against money laundering. The warnings issued recently by the Garda on the use of so-called money mules were another reminder,…

Next Monday.

I too wish the Cathaoirleach, Martin, all the staff on the Leinster House campus and, indeed, Members a healthy and happy new year. I would like to raise the issue of the long-term future of the cross-border healthcare directive. This scheme has been a significant success since it was introduced in June 2014. To emphasise how popular it has become, in 2014, only seven people were reimbursed, to a value of €29,000. That had grown by last year to 4,614 people availing of the scheme, with a value of €15 million. For p…

My comments will be confined to discussing the end of the year. This time last year, little did those of us who were in the Chamber think we would have the year that has just gone by. It has been a strange and tough year for many families, especially those who have lost loved ones along the way in difficult and strenuous circumstances. It has also been a very tough year for many in the business community, who struggle each day and will continue to do so for some time to come. Nevertheless, it is a time of year for …

I appreciate the latitude the Leas-Chathaoirleach is giving us and I appreciate that other Senators want to say a few words on this matter. With regard to the two previous speakers, Senator Martin mentioned that the time for talking is over. None of us need to say any more on what councillors do. Everyone knows what they do. Senator Gavan summed it up very eloquently in his contribution. This is not about a blame game or pointing the finger at Fine Gael and saying that it has been in government for eight years and …

Fianna Fáil has been in government for less than eight months. Like Senator Martin said, I intend to do all I can, along with my colleagues, to ensure that councillors get what they are entitled to.

I welcome the Minister of State back to the Chamber. As the Cathaoirleach outlined, Fianna Fáil is delighted to support this important legislation which is referred to as Coco's Law, in memory of Nicole Fox Fenlon. We are thinking of Nicole's family at this time, particularly given the time of year, and our thoughts are with them. The Bill provides for the creation of two new offences in respect of the publication and distribution of intimate images without consent. The first offence concerns the distribution of in…