I thank the Taoiseach for his personal interest in the subject and in the potential and opportunities that artificial intelligence presents in so many aspects of Irish life. The fact that there are references to AI and digitalisation within the programme for Government including, as the Taoiseach referenced, the improvements to public services, means it is going to be critical. Our challenge, as the point was made, is how we govern the roll-out of this new technology, not just at a national or European level but, i…

Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for welcoming my friends from Tara Hill national school. We are all rightly proud of the very innovative and dynamic film, television and animation production sector here in Ireland. There was cross-party support in the previous Oireachtas, under the audiovisual media services directive, for the creation of a levy on streaming services to support the telling of Irish stories. We read this morning that the UK cross-party committee on culture, media and sport is calling for the introduc…

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, for taking this debate. It is particularly important in the context of the biggest challenge facing this country, which is housing. Whether it is the challenge of the cost of connection fees for individuals, which Deputy Lawlor has raised, or indeed for developers trying to build a new estate, some of the amounts are eye-watering. In many cases Uisce Éireann is not willing to negotiate even phased payments. It is my view that every State agency should be contributing…

I am grateful to the Minister of State, Deputy Dillon, for taking this Topical Issue. It concerns introduction of a youth culture card which, as the Minister of State will be aware, we have committed to in the programme for Government. I championed this in terms of our manifesto at the general election. This is something we believe is critical to ensure young people have access to the arts, cultural events and cultural activities. This is supported strongly by the National Youth Council of Ireland and by many youth…

I thank the Minister of State for his kind words. It was a privilege and pleasure to work with him on the previous arts committee in a very collaborative way. I hope the new arts and culture committee will look at this commitment in the programme for Government as a priority. It is welcome that the Minister has indicated that his Department will carry out assessments as to how this culture card will operate in practice. I appreciate that there may be a cost to the State but that is why I also suggested that we look…

I agree with colleagues that this is an existential threat to our economy and to society more generally. It is rather surprising that the party of Eisenhower and Reagan is now led by an individual who is moving towards protectionist policies that were never part of the Republican tradition in the United States. I hope that those within the Republican party who believe in business might try to convince President Trump of the errors of these actions. As so many have said, there are no winners as a result of tariffs. …

It is a privilege to be able to stand on the floor of this Chamber and ask questions on behalf of my constituents in Wicklow-Wexford directly of the Tánaiste or, indeed, the Taoiseach. It is critical to economic development that we invest in infrastructure. The Tánaiste will share my frustration about the pace of delivery of certain infrastructure, be it water and wastewater infrastructure, the national grid or transport. I wish to pose a question on transport to the Tánaiste. Obviously, he will be familiar with my…

I would love to have the Tánaiste's confidence that we will see all of this delivered over the lifetime of the Government. I would love to see all of that happening. For commuters stuck in traffic or on an inadequate rail service every day, delivery over the lifetime of the Government will be essential. What the Tánaiste is speaking about in terms of additional rail carriages will need to be delivered over the next four to five years. We will need to see the M11 completed to Rosslare. We will need to see the introd…

I wish the Minister and the Ministers of State well in their important roles. On the diversification of farm activity, I was rather surprised that this question was chosen and that we have reached it. The question relates to wine production in Ireland. This is a growing activity. I would be grateful if the Minister of State would outline the approach of the Department and any supports that may be made available for those who choose to cultivate vines.

I thank the Minister of State. Unfortunately, or fortunately, because of climate change the possibility of growing vines in Ireland has become more extensive. We are fortunate that parts of the country have a similar terroir or soil type to parts of northern France. Indeed, just outside my hometown of Gorey, La Kav vineyard is producing some very fine wines. The Ceann Comhairle will know about the Old Roots vineyard, which is located not far from her-----

They are producing some very fine wines. Indeed, right around the country now quite a number of boutique vineyards are starting to produce wine in greater quantities and of higher quality. There is an opportunity to actively support those farmers and those involved in horticulture who want to move into the sector. In that context, I welcome the statement by the Minister of State.

It is important that we support this growing sector. I welcome the supports that are available already. We also need to promote the development of Irish wines, perhaps through Bord Bia. As the quantities start to increase, there will be an export market for some of these wines. I am very happy that officials are actively engaged on the issue.

I agree with Deputy Aird. One of the areas that is critical in implementing the tillage strategy is enhancing markets. Part of that is the development of a commercial flour mill. As the Minister and his officials are aware, the Kavanagh brothers in Ballycarney, County Wexford, have advanced proposals and are planning to develop a commercial flour mill. I would be grateful if the Minister continued what his predecessor did in indicating the support of the Department for that initiative. With the development of the m…

We will look after the Minister.

This is a very important debate because, as the Minister of State will be aware, the more people we can divert from criminal activity, the better. Apart from being good for the individual themselves, this leads to a significant saving for the State. I agree with colleagues about the importance of community gardaí. Within the communities in which we live, we all know of those gardaí who have been effective in engaging with young people and youth organisations. There has to be an increased emphasis placed on gardaí g…

I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to create specific offences for the misuse of an individual’s name, photograph, voice or likeness and to provide for related matters. I propose to share time with Deputy Ó Cearúil. The Protection of Voice and Image Bill sets out to make it an offence to publish, distribute or otherwise make public any manipulated or unauthorised use of a person's identity for the purposes of advertising, political messaging, fundraising, influencing public opinion an…

I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."

I welcome the establishment of both the Cabinet security committee and the national security council and the Taoiseach's strong commitment and that in the programme for Government to take seriously the defence and security of the State, something that is very important to this Oireachtas, particularly in light of modern global geopolitical challenges. This is not just about boots on the ground anymore but about cyber threats the State will face and hybrid warfare. I hope the Taoiseach will give us assurances that h…

Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirleach Gníomhach. I thank the Minister of State for taking this very important debate. I was delighted to see him appointed as Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs. He has carried out the role well in the past. He is holding the role at a very important juncture in Europe's history, but also when we are preparing for Ireland's EU Presidency and when we host the European Political Community in the latter half of 2026. In response to Deputy Gannon's remark about he…

I welcome this legislation. It is quite useful that we look at old laws and where necessary that we repeal them. I commend the Law Reform Commission and indeed the officials in the Department who worked on this. One of the proclamations being repealed is an 1831 proclamation around the stealing of sheep belonging to the Sinnott family of Parkannesley, Ballygarret, County Wexford. The Sinnott family continues to farm in that area. They are quite happy to allow an amnesty if information comes forward in these circums…