We all know this will cause considerable issues.

We have seen an escalation in Vladimir Putin's war on civilians in Ukraine. President Zelenskyy has spoken about cold as a weapon of mass destruction. We have seen the recent targeting of energy production and the madness of the attacks on Zaporizhzhia. We all see that this is happening because Russia cannot win in the field, so it is attempting to win in other ways now. This means there will be significant issues for Ukrainians due to the cold and lack of power. We also know we have an energy crisis across the boa…

I might not need quite this level of latitude. The Taoiseach has spoken a number of times to Prime Minister Sunak. It is fair to say we are somewhat more hopeful. Some of this is not on the basis of Mr. Sunak so much as the basis everyone believes that due to the conditions prevailing in the world today Britain needs a deal with the EU. I do not think there is anyone, especially in this Chamber, who does not want to see the protocol issue dealt with. We still have those fears at the back of our minds. We do not nee…

A considerable amount has already been said, particularly by my colleagues. Strangely enough, I am in agreement with them. We have laid it out in the sense that we will be bringing a number of amendments forward. I think even the Minister would accept from time to time that anomalies are created. In fairness, she dealt with the issue of the disability support grant not being paid to National Learning Centre students. That is to be welcomed. I like to think consideration would be given to the other amendments we are…

We are obviously dealing with a circumstance of astronomical prices, whether we are talking about diesel, petrol or home heating oil. I do not think it makes any sense whatsoever to add to that. As has been said by many, the Government is leaving people behind and there is no logic to that. The only logic in regard to carbon tax was from the point of view of pushing people in a particular direction. The alternatives were not always there, but that has happened naturally in a dramatic way and I do not think there is…

I wish to deal with the issue of junk food marketing and the dangers to children's health. Safefood research estimates one in 20 children on this island will die prematurely due to problems caused by being overweight. The biggest junk food brands are designing online games for young children to promote their products. Research in Britain shows children aged under 16 years there are exposed to 15.1 billion online junk ads per year. Nearly three out of four people want a ban on the marketing of unhealthy foods to chi…

The Government needs to rein in the junk food brands-----

I am taking this question for Deputy John Brady. I ask the Minister to outline the Government's response to the escalation in the conflict in Ukraine, particularly the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure. President Zelenskyy has spoken about the Russians using cold as a weapon of mass destruction. Everything from energy to the refugee crisis has been weaponised. The Russians have complete belief in hybrid, asymmetrical warfare and we need a response.

We all know the biggest victims in war are civilians. People were killed in Poland recently, and, unfortunately, this is what happens in war. The Irish people have shown significant solidarity with those dealing with Russian munitions daily. Things are not going particularly well for Vladimir Putin in the war, but the problem in this regard is that he has taken aim at civilians. He has tried to operate any level of asymmetrical warfare or hybrid operations that he thinks will have an impact. We have seen the attack…

I accept that. We all want this war to end and for Russia to leave the Ukrainian lands its forces have taken. We want to see a peaceful situation restored. Hopefully, there will be a time when a straight player, such as Ireland, will be able to play a role in this regard. We all accept this opening does not seem to be there now, but we must live in hope and be prepared for such a situation. On a European basis, and beyond, we must deal with the energy crisis. I refer to the specific difficulties we have across Euro…

I ask the Minister to outline the Government's response to the threats by the Iranian Government to execute protestors. We all have been deeply shocked by the killing of Ms Mahsa Amini. We have seen the bravery of the protestors. A large amount of people have made the ultimate sacrifice because of this. We have seen the bravery, particularly of Iranian women. I want to get the Government's response on this. We even saw the Iranian national team show solidarity with what is happening at present in Iran.

I agree with the Minister that huge resolve has been shown by Iranians across the board, especially Iranian women, who are rightfully absolutely outraged at what happened to Mahsa Amini. The level of force and lethal force employed by the Iranian regime to a degree shows the level of resolve. We are aware of a phenomenal level of violence and it is probably very difficult to get the full numbers. A very large number of people have been killed. We are told a number of them were children. It is vital that at every le…

I welcome the response of the Minister. He has a level of access to the regime in Iran. This is down to vital work done to build up relationships. For the want of a better term, I suppose it is normalising the situation as would benefit all of us internationally in making this world a safer place. It had been scuppered by President Trump. What is happening now has to be called out for what it is. It has to be made absolutely clear to the Iranian regime that there can be no acceptance whatsoever of what it is doing …

I am looking for the Government's advice for football supporters who have travelled or may travel to Qatar for the World Cup. It is very difficult to get over the fact that the World Cup is being held at this time of year. Questions have been raised on how the tournament ended up being in Qatar. The questions are fairly obvious as regards FIFA. We are all aware of the treatment of women and members of the LGBTQ+ community in Qatar, as well as the disgraceful way migrant workers have been dealt with. We would probab…

I welcome that. I get many football fans might see this as an opportunity to see Brazil play. I assume not too many will wish to see England play but who knows? It is obviously vital fans would monitor advice and it is good to see consular assistance will be in place. However, I will go through the questions again and ask about the view of the Minister and the Government. There is a certain element of dismay that the World Cup is in Qatar but FIFA has many questions to answer over many years. There are the particul…

I agree with the Minister. The one good thing that can come from this World Cup is that the spotlight is on Qatar, the human rights abuses there and whether we will have any movement on it. However, I wish to see a greater level of courage from some of the football associations and some of the footballers in particular. There was considerable talk beforehand about what they would do to highlight these issues. That has not happened. I welcome that the Government has drawn attention to the human rights abuses across …

We are all working on the basis that Britain needs a deal and that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak be offered a deal, regardless of what he means about not looking for a Swiss-style relationship with the European Union. We could rise and fall on the basis of comments from British politicians over the past number of years. We all want to see matters being streamlined and the protocol issue being taken off the agenda in terms of there being no possibility of a hard Border and, beyond that, facilitating unionism to get off…

We are dealing with another motion about how things are in the real world in the context of the cost of energy. Whether it is individuals or businesses, we all know that we have been inundated in respect of this matter. Some of my colleagues spoke about the weakness of the CRU's remit and powers with regard to standing charges. There are huge anomalies. Many of us will have dealt with issues around communal or district heating systems that are fed by gas and the massive costs that people are facing as a result. I h…

He will at the wedding.

I reiterate what Deputy John Brady said about the 52 officials, including members of the Government and Members of the Oireachtas, who have been declared personae non gratae . I am fairly sure that nobody was preparing to travel to the Russian Federation. This is an affront to our democracy and to our place in the world. We need to ask Ambassador Yuriy Filatov to make his journey home. If the Government will not agree to that, then we definitely need some sort of action to be taken in respect of this matter. One co…