I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Gary Gannon - To discuss the crisis in funding for primary schools in Dublin's north inner city. Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss the Killarney to Farranfore bypass. Deputy James Geoghegan - To discuss the extension of the red line Luas to Poolbeg. Deputy Ciarán Ahern - To discuss the provision of speech and language therapists in Dublin South-West, …

I call Deputy Emer Currie to speak on the first Topical Issue matter.

As we gather here today to celebrate International Women's Day, I find myself reflecting on my own journey to this Chamber. Growing up in the eighties, I dreamed big. Playing with my Barbie dolls - office, doctor and astronaut Barbie - I imagined a future where I could be anything I wanted to be. Encouraged by my parents and inspired by Barbie, I believed that hard work would make those dreams a reality. When I entered the workforce, though, I quickly realised the playing field was far from even. Promotions were no…

Having limited access to childcare options is inhibiting predominantly women from returning to the workplace and their absence is a loss to the economy. The one thing they need for return to the workplace is simply not available to them. Childcare needs vary from family to family and the Government needs to be dynamic and urgently support the delivery of more childcare options, especially in areas like my own constituency of Dublin Fingal West, which is one of the youngest areas in the country and is rapidly growin…

The new national fare structure for train fares announced by the NTA will see the implementation of the Dublin city zone later this year. Skerries and Balbriggan, two towns in my constituency of Dublin Fingal West, have been excluded from the Dublin city zone; unlike Maynooth, which is in the county of Kildare and Bray, which is the county of Wicklow. This exclusion poses an additional annual financial burden of up to €440 on people living in Skerries and Balbriggan. I have already received numerous emails from peo…

I wish the Minister, Deputy Foley, well in her new portfolio. I thank the Ministers of State for coming to the Chamber today. Tackling the deficiencies in disability services is a significant challenge. It is imperative that all of us, as elected representatives, collaborate with the Minister and Ministers of State to bring about much-needed transformation in disability services. In the short time I have, I will focus on my constituency of Dublin Fingal West, which falls under CHO 9. I highlight that the two CDNTs …

I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, on her appointment. I also congratulate the Minister, Deputy Foley, on her new portfolio. I ask the Minister of State to outline her Department's plans to reduce the number of children waiting longer than three months for their assessment of need in CHO 9.

The Minister of State has acknowledged there are more than 2,500 children in Dublin north waiting for assessment. I would very much like the area to be prioritised. Even though we are sourcing private assessments, a lot more needs to be done in the area.

As this is my first contribution in the Chamber, I thank the people of Dublin Fingal West for placing their confidence in me. I am determined to justify that confidence and will work hard every day to deliver for all of us who live and work in the vibrant constituency of Dublin Fingal West. I also thank my family for their support and encouraging me to actively participate in politics. My dad, John Boland, taught me the importance of public service and that politics is a worthy profession. My mum, Kay, too often do…