Could we actually see the Bill as quickly as possible?

Usually, I do not trust myself when I am doing a search online but I have not been able to see the wording of the Bill, so I ask that we ensure copies go out from that point of view.

I checked it with somebody else because I would never generally trust myself in my ability to search for documentation. Could I get the updated number of those on the waiting list for assessment of need at this point in time and over the six months? I accept the Minister of State is saying that people are not losing that statutory right so there is a need to deliver on that. I understand she will explain it more next week, but how will this streamlining process work in relation to AON? When will we see the offering…

It is fair to say that we all welcome any moves in relation to anything that streamlines or simplifies, particularly when we talk about road traffic, whether it is from a point of view of retention of information and sharing information in relation to collisions or anything that can lead to something that is safer. We have all seen the absolute slaughter on our roads in recent times. Unfortunately, we have had too many tragic circumstances that are in the public domain that we all unfortunately have to comment on. …

I had the privilege of being in Dundalk District Court this morning to hear incredibly warm and deserved tributes to the late solicitor and senior counsel, James MacGuill, who died unexpectedly on 6 September. James, as many will know, was a titan of the legal profession, not just in Louth or the State but across Europe. In many ways, he was passionate about the rule of law but he also rewrote the rules himself at times with cases he brought to the highest courts in the State and Europe, which meant that legislatio…

The irony is not lost on solicitors and the public that this was the first piece of legislation to come before the Dáil in the new term. This Bill places on statutory footing the existing right of people in custody to consult a solicitor before and during interview and provides for electronic recording of interviews by gardaí where, previously, everything that was said in a Garda interview had to be handwritten. The Minister now faces, because of this strike, solicitors not attending at Garda stations any more. The…

I think Aaron Rowe summed up Irish history quite well and I commend him for the stance he has taken: But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.... I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonisation, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland. He spoke about that as he stood on the side of right in relation to Gaza and the rights of the Palestinian people. That is the history we have and it has been followed by a proud history of mil…

In relation to grants for assistive technology for students, are there plans to increase the funding for the scheme or to update or change its criteria? The Minister is aware of what brought this to my attention. It is a ten-year-old boy from north County Louth with dyslexia. Following assessment, it was found he would benefit from a computer and assistive technology but who is not eligible for the grant. I have discussed this with the Minister. We need to find a solution and to look at the overall criteria. There …

We will all be very interested to see what the new circular is. The Minister of State said it will be announced in September. A needs-based system is what we need. I would like to think the young boy I talked about would be able to avail of this. I will use him as an example. The correct assessments were carried out. The Wechsler abbreviated scale of intelligence stated that his verbal comprehension was very low, perceptual reasoning was low average and full-scale IQ was very low. The Wechsler individual assessment…

We just need to make sure that the circular is fit for purpose and that the young primary school child to whom I refer will be given the supports he requires. I will just finish reading from the communication to which I referred earlier. It states: [His] attainments and cognitive profile do not confer eligibility for an application for an Assistive Technology grant. However, he would benefit from availing of a laptop or device in school or indeed at home. [He] should be encouraged to develop his typing skills as th…

Will it be in operation from September?

Has there been any progress in relation to the investigations into the death of Private Seán Rooney? He is still missed in Dundalk and Donegal by family, friends and comrades. I know the Minister's legal representative in Lebanon has engaged with the military tribunal. My question is also about Mr. Michael Delaney's post-incident inquiry, whether all the due diligence has been done on that, whether we can see its publication, and if it can be provided to the family.

I welcome that. I have spoken previously to the Minister about the necessity of providing Mr. Delaney's report on the incident to Natasha and the wider family. Whatever part of it can be published should be because it is all about learnings to ensure the safety of our peacekeepers when they operate abroad, while also providing necessary information to the family and others as regards the tragic death of Seán Rooney. We all understand that Lebanon is going through a nightmare. The madness of the American regime and …

We need to ensure that the engagement with Lebanon is ongoing. Are we happy with the interaction with the UN? There had been some issues relating to the coroner's court. Everyone needs to do everything that can be done to ensure truth and justice for the family of Private Seán Rooney. Does the Minister have any idea of the timeline for the family to see Mr. Delaney's report? I am working on the basis that it will be provided to a number of stakeholders beyond them but will not be published. I take this opportunity …

What is the timeline?

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for all the flexibility she allows in this Chamber, and hopefully that will continue as we speak. I welcome an awful lot of what Deputy Devlin said. I have often come in here and welcomed the work of the shared island unit, whether we were talking about the Narrow Water bridge or research on educational attainment and differentiation. That is all worthwhile. Every time I come in and have an interaction here, it is generally with Deputy Devlin's leader, the Taoiseach, Deputy Micheál Marti…

It is not about external researchers; it is about getting this State to do it.

For me, it will always be about delivering the Republic.

Once again, I thank the Ceann Comhairle for her great flexibility and decency.

It has been quite a good week for Pedro Sánchez and Spain. Regarding his interactions with the Spanish Prime Minister and others, the Taoiseach mentioned discussions on the EU-Israel Association Agreement. I think we can all agree that the European Union has been disgraceful in facilitating this beneficial deal for Israel at a time when it is engaged in increased illegal settlements, ensuring there is no possibility of a two-state solution. That is before dealing with the genocidal mania over the last number of yea…