Information was provided to us at the committee on children that Tusla is short of 300 social workers and 100 social care workers, and needs another 500 foster carers. In fairness, Deputy Kerrane spoke about the need to follow up on the State pension and other particular issues that will make it more attractive. We look after those who are doing absolutely necessary work. We all know the complexity. We know the issues that have been in front of this House in relation to Tusla. It is about ensuring it is fit for pur…

We all welcome initiatives in relation to workforce planning, although the easy refrain is that this should have happened earlier. The reason I am bringing this up with the Minister is the fact that Gerry Hone from Tusla spoke about unfilled positions. At the moment, there are 1,728 social workers. If we take in agency staff, the number is 1,754 but that is 300 short in terms of being able to deliver the work they do, which is phenomenal. As I understand it, there are 1,422 social care workers in the system but aga…

We all welcome those initiatives, which are absolutely necessary, but we must make sure we fill the gaps. We must ensure the services Tusla is meant to provide are not put under more pressure. I am aware Tusla has a new resource allocation model and is talking of new models of care in relation to the more complex cases that are arising. I ask the Minister to come back to me in writing on the detailed plan in relation to targets, not only for recruitment but for actual employment. We must ensure we have a sufficient…

This is not the Minister of State's first interaction with me in relation to flooding. I have thanked him for visiting Blackrock and for having conversations with some of the local elected representatives, including me, Councillor Sionainn McCann and a number of others from all parties. It was following what had made its way onto RTÉ, which was the coastal flooding in what is usually a very scenic area of Blackrock. Flooding had also occurred at the same time in Dundalk, where a number of businesses were flooded. I…

I left that for you, Deputy Nash.

A considerable number of Members are here to deal with issues that relate specifically to education. As Deputy O'Rourke said, unfortunately we keep having to bring up these issues about finding appropriate places for children, be that in mainstream or in special classes and schools. We really need to not be trying to deal with issues like this on the floor of the Dáil but sometimes we have no choice in the matter. This week, people were particularly exasperated about the reality of cuts to special needs assistant, …

With regard to Ardee Educate Together, I met the design team and Louth County Council alongside the principal. In fairness, we were told there is a proposal. I accept that it is late in the game. The building project is fabulous, as I know, having visited the site. We really need to get this issue sorted or it will be chaos on the morning of the opening of the school. There are a number of autism classes. We need to ensure that the children can arrive without a level of chaos. I ask the Minister of State to follow …

They are not happy.

Everyone has spoken about and will continue to speak about the absolute advantages we have all seen and heard from those who have the capacity and ability to work remotey. There are huge logistical savings for people in relation to childcare when they are working from home, as Deputy Gould said. As Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh said, it is also about facilitating those with disabilities. A lot of work has to be done regarding access and facilitating people into work, but in certain circumstances, it would facilitate an …

There is a lot of talk about a shared island, but we need to facilitate those in Border areas, in particular, and throughout this island who should be able to work remotely. As has been said before, a right to request remote working is not much of a right if it is always refused.

Amendment No. 1 in the name of Deputy Carthy is out of order.

Yes.

We are dealing with section 1. I call Deputy Mark Ward.

Deputy Ward's was the first hand I saw. He indicated a few minutes ago.

I was going to say I would not worry a whole pile.

Before we move to Deputy Gannon, I welcome to the Gallery the pupils from Glantane National School, who are visiting with Deputy John Paul O'Shea from Cork North-West. They are about to leave.

I think I just about caught them. Tá fáilte rompu go léir. I call Deputy Gannon, whom I have held up long enough.

This is the whole problem with what is being dealt with here. The only reason we are operating on this timeline is the EU migration and asylum pact and the deadlines that have been set for us. We have all stated one of the major issues is the common travel area. Unfortunately, partition continues to cause problems no matter what the issue is. This common travel area is not taken into account. There is no detail on how the relationship with Britain regarding safe returns is going to evolve. The Government is going t…

We have just heard Deputy Joanna Byrne do what she does, which is to look after the needs and wants of Drogheda. If the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach will allow me a bit of flexibility, I will commend her on to the rightful position she took in calling on the FAI to ensure no Irish team plays against genocidal Israel.

I know the supporters and sponsors of Drogheda United and the good people of Drogheda stand solidly behind Deputy Joanna Byrne. This is very difficult for someone from Dundalk to say. I ask that there be a rethink by Drogheda United, because it is an absolute disgrace-----