All right.

As we know, housing production is the number one priority for the Government as is reflected in the programme for Government. Ireland's housing need is real and we need to consider all methods of construction to deliver the targets we set out in the programme for Government. We have to increase housing supply, improve sustainability and boost construction productivity. A recent report by the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, published last autumn, which was welcomed by the Government and the industry, was…

One unfortunate phenomenon in recent years has been the conflation in people's minds of prefabricated housing and modular housing. High-quality modular housing is a permanent housing solution. Prefabricated models like the prefabs provided for Ukrainian refugees were expensive and had a poor BER rating of C. These modern modular housing units are permanent solutions and are extremely energy efficient. By setting up a supply and manufacturing line, it is possible to manufacture houses every day of the week for 12 mo…

Some children come into contact with the law as a consequence of doing what comes naturally to them: pushing boundaries, acting without thought of consequence and establishing themselves in the mistaken judgment that they are impressing their peers. They may also be victims of criminal exploitation. However, research shows that where children are apprehended and convicted in the criminal justice system, lives are blighted in terms of educational and employment opportunities. In fact, a 35-year international meta-an…

Could the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Butler, indicate when the Mental Health Bill 2024 will proceed to Committee Stage for examination? It is critical that we get the legislation right. While strong safeguards are essential, we must also ensure timely and appropriate access to treatment for people who are seriously ill and cannot make that decision for themselves. Thankfully, involuntary admission is in a minority of cases and for a short period, but it is critical that those people have …

I am well aware that the Taoiseach visited the Roscommon-Galway constituency in the aftermath of the storm and witnessed first hand the devastation that was caused. I think he was taken aback by the level of devastation caused by Storm Éowyn. It is clear that up to 80% of the power outages were caused by forestry falls. We really have to learn the lesson about the establishment of tree corridors and proper forestry husbandry. Even in the aftermath of that, in many places in my constituency there are still trees cau…

Taoiseach-----

I welcome the establishment of the national security council. It will give co-ordination, weight and urgency to our security requirements with increased risks because of the unstable international environment and the risk of hybrid cyberattacks and hybrid warfare. It is not as if we have not been attacked. The HSE was attacked a number of years ago. There are lots of private institutions and companies that are under-reported, so we are essentially at war with someone. We do not always know who those actors are but …

This motion is about protecting democracy and securing the institution of the office of the Ceann Comhairle. The Opposition has been attempting to undermine the authority of this House and erode trust in its institutions. Members opposite have chosen the Ceann Comhairle as the sacrificial lamb after their attempt to subvert the Government and its ability to conduct its business failed. Let us be clear. The Ceann Comhairle has carried out her duties with fairness, consistency and full respect for the Standing Orders…

As we reflect on the outcomes of the recent European Council meeting, it is vital we in this House consider and respond to the key priorities raised, including Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, migration and the European Union's next multi-annual financial framework. Each of these issues is significant. I made a statement on security last week, emphasising Ireland's need as a mature, militarily neutral but politically aligned State to invest in its security and defence. Today I will focus on the theme…

The issue of national security has never been more pressing. International trade and security are deeply connected. Without a strong security policy, our political and economic stability are at risk. For far too long Ireland has relied on the security frameworks of our European, UK and transatlantic partners, as well as our remote geographical location. This has bred complacency, often clouded by confusion over the status of our neutrality. However, the global landscape has shifted. Russian aggression in Ukraine, e…

Rubbish.

Of course, you are.

I do not want to repeat what Deputy Ó Cearúil has said but the meeting of 3 February is part of a series of meetings that are extremely important for Ireland with regard to planning our security and defence. It is a changed world. We have an unstable Europe and an aggressive Russia. Unfortunately, we have evidence since 3 February that perhaps the US is not going to be a reliable security partner in the future. There are concerns that the future of Europe is being discussed over the heads of European partners in th…

Auschwitz is a reminder of an extreme racism that allows the categorisation of whole populations of people, who become dehumanised and are then exterminated. I have not been to Auschwitz but my family have been there and they said it is a very sombre event. We need to remember not just the Jewish 6 million who were killed but also the gypsies, the disabled and many other categories of people who were exterminated by the Nazis. It is extremely important that Ireland has announced its endorsement of the global guidel…

Today, on International Women's Day, we celebrate progress, acknowledge ongoing inequalities and renew our commitment to a world free from gender bias, discrimination and violence. As a TD and GP, I see at first hand how gender inequality affects women in the workplace, at home and in healthcare. While Ireland has made significant strides in advancing women's rights, many barriers to full equality remain. Gender-based violence continues to be a national crisis. The CSO's 2022 survey revealed that 52% of women have …

I would like to remember the late rural crime activist and Roscommon independent councillor, Tony Waldron of Ballintubber, as I make these comments. The safety and security of our rural communities must be a top priority. Across Roscommon-Galway, we are seeing a rise in serious criminal activity. There must be a response that matches the scale of the challenge. People in villages like Oran, Glinsk, Ballygar and Knockcroghery are living in fear of mobile crime groups. They deserve to feel safe in their homes and to …

Tomorrow is fine. I thank the Ceann Comhairle.

I formally congratulate the Leas-Cheann Comhairle on his election.

What are the Minister's plans to provide better support to carers who are providing full-time care and attention to more than one person?