I raise the urgent need for a coeducational, non-denominational secondary school in Dublin 8. Dublin 8 is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, with a young, diverse population. In fact, 62% of residents of Dublin 8 are not Catholic, yet almost all of the secondary schools in the area are Catholic and single sex. The Catholic Church has played an invaluable role in providing education in Dublin 8 for generations, particularly at times when no other options were available, and that contribution should alw…

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Given the significant developments outlined in the Saint James's Hospital Strategic Programme 2021–2025, including the establishment of a world-class academic health science campus and the integration of the Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, could the Taoiseach clarify whether the Cabinet subcommittee has prioritised these initiatives? Additionally, what specific plans are in place to support the timing and effective redevelopment of St. James Hospital, given that St. James's …

The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is deteriorating rapidly. Rwanda-linked M23 rebels are advancing in the eastern regions around Lake Kivu, escalating violence and displacing thousands of people. The UN Security Council has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for Rwanda to withdraw its forces. Will the Taoiseach clarify Ireland's position on this conflict? Are we aligned with the UN's stance on Rwanda's involvement? Has the Government raised this issue at EU or multilateral leve…

I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Central Bank Act 1942 and prohibit financial service providers from discriminating against survivors of cancer from accessing financial services and to provide for related matters. I wish to share my time with an Teachta Erin McGreehan, le do thoil. The Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025, also known as the right to be forgotten Bill, is a really important and long overdue piece of legislation that will make a real difference to the lives…

I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time." I hope this can happen as soon as possible.

Is mór an onóir dom agus tá an-áthas orm an Teachta Micheál Martin a ainmniú mar Thaoiseach inniu. Tá an t-ádh linn mar thír go bhfuil ceannaire socair, stuama agus trócaireach againn. Tá na tréithe seo riachtanach i ról an Taoisigh. Deputy Micheál Martin has served the Irish people with honour and commitment during his distinguished career. He has overcome many challenges and shown himself to be one of the most important, influential and successful democratic representatives of these times. He has shown an unwaver…

I have come from a conference in the Ashling Hotel hosted by Family Carers Ireland. I take this opportunity to note the vital work Family Carers Ireland does in advocating for carers. Those carers, as we all know, are the backbone of our health and social community and without them we would be lost. They save our country billions every year. They have a few small asks, one of which is to get rid of the means test. We have worked in this House on increasing the income disregard but I hope that will go further in the…

I also join in the sympathies to Breda and the family of John Naughten. Today I feel compelled to address an issue that families including my own are grappling with, namely access to appropriate education for children with special needs. My son Darragh, who has profound autism, attends Stratford National School in Rathgar. It is a wonderful school with fantastic staff. The patron, the Talmud Torah, has unfortunately gone against a decision by the board to convert his class into a school-age class. This has left Dar…

I, too, would like to mention the optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Obviously the protocol allows individuals or groups to lodge complaints with the UN after their legal domestic process has been exhausted and holds states accountable to ensure the rights of people with disabilities are upheld. The protocol is a really welcome and big step. As a parent of a child with profound autism, we read about and hear in the Seanad about various institutions where children or a…

I am really proud to be a member of the joint committee and Senator Carrigy has done unbelievable work. Obviously the report encompasses early intervention, school places and meaningful employment. The most important thing is that people with autism and their families live in an inclusive society where people understand the difficulties because I think we are still really far behind. A lot of people just do not understand the difficulties experienced when you have a child with autism or other disabilities because t…

I wish to say a few words about yesterday’s budget, particularly how it impacts individuals with disabilities and their families. The budget introduced a number of key issues and key financial supports, not a panacea. One of the most notable changes is the increase to the incapacitated child tax credit, which was raised by €300 to a total of €3,800 per year. This increase will provide families with additional financial relief to cover extensive costs associated with the care of a child with disabilities and their o…

As I have said before, my heart goes out to the families of our troops in Lebanon who are very worried. I hope they will carry out their duties and make it home safely. I stand today to discuss the assisted decision-making Act. The intention of this Act is for people to set up enduring powers of attorney or other plans for their lives when they have somewhat diminished or loss of capacity. Before the new system came in, 1,250 enduring powers of attorney were registered. With the new system, which is only one year o…

I also join with my colleagues in tributes to Charlie O’Connor. He has been a great friend of mine and my family for many years. He is an absolute gentleman. I am delighted to have him as a member of Fianna Fáil. He is a very warm person and he has a lovely family. I wish him all the best in his retirement. I stand today to mention ASD school places. We are doing great. Huge kudos to the Department because it has opened many schools. It is not for want of trying. However, there are schools, especially in the south …

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House today. Fianna Fáil supports this Bill. As the Minister of State mentioned, it provides for amendments to the Civil Registration Act 2004, as amended, to provide for online registration of births and stillbirths and faster notification of births and stillbirths by medical practitioners and institutions. It also provides for the revision to the criteria determining stillbirths. I pay credit to our former colleague Regina Doherty because changing the criteria for s…

Next Tuesday.

I propose that we suspend until 6.15 p.m.

I thank the Minister for coming to the House today. We in Fianna Fáil fully support this Bill, which is very progressive legislation. The Minister is fortunate to be the Minister for Social Protection at a time when our economy is very strong, we are doing very well, and we have the resources to see increases pretty much yearly in our social protection spend. Obviously, I am a solicitor. I am a sole trader. I am self-employed as well as being a Senator. I am also elected from the industrial and commercial panel, so…

Next Tuesday.

I am delighted to introduce the health (postponement of certain leave) Bill, colloquially known as the leave our leave Bill. I would like to have No. 10 taken before No. 1. The campaign for this Bill has been driven by the Irish Cancer Society and patient advocates like Erica Tierney. The Bill is supported by my colleagues in the Fianna Fáil group and I hope it will get cross-party support. Every year, more than 60 women receive a cancer diagnosis and commence treatment during their maternity leave. This Bill propo…

I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend and extend the Maternity Protection Act 1994 and the Adoptive Leave Act 1995 and for those purposes to provide a mechanism to postpone maternity leave or adoptive leave in circumstances where a person is diagnosed with or being treated for cancer and to provide for related matters.