I spoke previously about the fact that I flew to Egypt and met people on the ground. I have kept in touch with these people, including in recent weeks. I am very concerned about the word "ceasefire" because that is not the feeling on the ground. I have two huge concerns. The first is the level of aid getting through. The second is the rebuilding process. What is the plan to rebuild? We must also look at the rebuilding of the people - the young people - who have gone through this horrific war. We must look at the bu…

I welcome the Government providing over €100 million in non-lethal military support to Ukraine. I welcome 116,000 Ukrainians here under the temporary protection directive, with it being estimated that some 80,000 will stay. I have a huge concern, though, over the peace process itself and the role Europe has played in it. The 28-point plan was made up without the involvement of Ukraine, and that is so wrong. Additionally, could the Minister give us an update on President Zelenskyy's outstanding invitation to Ireland…

I wish to raise the recent summer works scheme allocations. In my constituency, only five schools were successful in their applications. I am delighted for these schools and their allocations are well deserved, but the scheme has not gone far enough to meet the needs of many schools. The scheme is themed around climate action summer works, including roof works, electrical and mechanical works, and essential maintenance. However, Our Lady's Girls National School in Rathdrum, County Wicklow, would have met these crit…

I am here again to speak about sports capital and arts capital. It is hugely welcome but I have asked - and I have the Minister's ear red on this - that areas that have not been supported before be given priority. The town of Arklow has 16,000 people but no venue to put on a show and no town park. These areas must be helped. I welcome the work the Minister has done to date but ask him to please prioritise Arklow and other towns like it throughout Ireland.

It would be remiss of me not to take this opportunity to mention that people from north Wexford have experienced a number of serious medical emergencies abroad. I thank the Minister and her staff for their prompt response and service in these sensitive matters for the families concerned. The responses by the Departments of Health and Foreign Affairs and Trade and the HSE have been really appreciated by the families. One case is still ongoing and I am working closely with the family on it. I must mention one of the …

I welcome the strong investment. The Gorey and Arklow area is one of the fastest-growing areas in Ireland. When we add in the coastal area between Castletown and Cahore, there are an extra 40,000 people every summer. The capacity really is stretched. I ask for continued investment in specialised advanced paramedics and community paramedics, who provide a vital service in communities. Second, what is the status of the promised national ambulance training college in the area? The model in Limerick was rolled out very…

I ask the Minister to give a further commitment of funding for non-emergency patient services. In my constituency, Arklow Cancer Support is an example of a charity doing incredible work providing a wonderful transport service for vulnerable cancer patients to and from appointments. It operates on a shoestring and spends a huge amount of time and effort on fundraising. All the measures we have discussed will put less pressure on Wexford hospital, which provides an excellent service in the south east but is stretched…

In light of the disastrous effects of Storm Éowyn in January, can the Tánaiste make a statement on the preparedness of the Defence Forces in the event of further extreme weather events?

The Storm Éowyn review makes it clear the most prolonged impacts were felt in counties on the western seaboard, including Mayo, where access was cut off, in some cases, for days. Power outages were widespread and vulnerable people were isolated once communications and electricity failed. The review also acknowledges real progress with expanded generator capacity from Uisce Éireann, strengthened community support centres and, crucially, the roll-out of additional satellite communications to protect the emergency res…

I really welcome investment in Defence Forces. I will never forget when I was canvassing in Arklow and I went to the house of a young soldier who had come back from Lebanon after six months. I went there out of respect because I was called by community leads, who had a little function for him. He had come back from the Lebanon after six months, as I said, and I think he was in the 124th regiment. I could not get over how young he looked but it was the reaction of his parents to seeing him. We can never underestimat…

I commend Ailish McCarthy. I have met her on a number of occasions. She has left no stone unturned over years and years chasing this worthy cause. I acknowledge Deputy Ó Snodaigh for his work on it. We have discussed this privately. I am fully behind what the Deputy is trying to do, but I do not feel that the Bill goes far enough. I am putting my cards on the table. I simply cannot understand why comedy is not included. I cannot understand why amateur drama, which hits the heart and soul of every town and village i…

I want to discuss the pending closure of the Merck site in Arklow, County Wicklow. This has come as a devastating blow to the 100 employees, their families and the people of south Wicklow. I am looking for assurances that the Government and IDA Ireland will leave no stone unturned in their search for a new operator for the site. When we consider that we have a highly skilled workforce and one of the largest and newest wastewater treatment plants in Europe, the location must be really attractive to any potential buy…

The Minister is here and the Minister of State, Deputy Grealish, is also here. That is a huge statement. Since being elected, I have attended many debates where Ministers have not turned up. It shows the importance of the issue. We were both in Naas. We saw what went on. They were expecting 250 people but over 1,000 turned up. The people I was speaking to there felt it was the biggest meeting they ever had in Naas. It was a clear statement that the tillage industry is on its knees. The tillage sector needs help. It…

I need an update on behalf of the people of Gorey on the new ambulance station and the primary healthcare centre. For too long, Gorey has waited on this issue. Gorey is one of the fastest-growing towns in Ireland. Come summertime, an extra 40,000 people move in between Courtown, Castletown, Ballymoney and these areas. We just do not have the medical infrastructure to cater for these people. We really need an update. At the moment, we feel the primary healthcare centre has been pushed down the line. The module at th…

I thank the Deputy.

The Deputy's time is up.

Let us be very clear: the attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023 were simply barbaric. However, Israel's response has been called out for what it is, which is simply genocide. There has been the killing of journalists, medics, humanitarians and people of all ages, but the indiscriminate killing of children can only be described as the most horrific crime of our era. I am lucky enough to be on the foreign affairs committee. We have met stakeholders from all sides, including the ambassador from Palestine, Senator Frances…

It is just too important. It will define us.

I welcome the cross-party motion. I welcome the families and I can only imagine the stress they are going through. I have a constituent, Caitríona Graham, whose mother has been down to me in Arklow and has been in touch regularly. I have been on to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade directly and I really feel it is totally on top of the situation, but I ask it to continue to be that way because it must be absolutely heart-wrenching. I must also mention Senator Andrews and Deputy Heneghan. We might not agre…

I am here to speak about the latest situation with regard to the occupied territories Bill. I have the privilege of being on the foreign affairs committee. I commend all members of that committee on the work that has been done to date. We are a crucial stage. I am seeking an update on the Government's view on the matter. We have had hours of legal discussion. We have met legal teams from all over the world. We met the ambassador. We met the person who took the lead on this - Senator Frances Black. She deserves enor…