When the Cabinet committee on health next meets, I ask that it discuss the situation regarding the national child development centre at Kildare town, which stands partially constructed but abandoned following a decision by the Department of Justice to withhold funding committed under the immigrant investor programme, IIP, system. This is run by Sensational Kids, an organisation that functions at four locations across the country, and can provide essential assessments and therapies for children.

The peace-loving international community has been transfixed in recent years by the sheer horror of what we have seen happening in Palestine and in Ukraine. However, there are many other places in the world where all is also not well. Has our Cabinet committee on EU and international affairs and, indeed, our Department of foreign affairs in consultation with our European partners, been looking at the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan, for example, under the tyranny of the Taliban regime? Have we looked at wh…

Tréaslaím leis an Aire as a ceapachán mar Aire Oideachais. Tá mé cinnte go leanfaidh sí ar aghaidh leis an tsárobair a bhí ar siúl ag an Teachta Norma Foley roimpi. Education features very prominently in the programme for Government. We thank the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and Deputy Lowry for ensuring that has happened. Pages 67 and 68 reference forward planning and the provision of accommodation. Does the Minister share my concern that her Department's forward planning unit is not working as effectively as it might?…

Do not forget about Athy.

Ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas ag ghabháil leis an Cheann Comhairle as ucht an ábhair tábhachtaigh seo a roghnú. Tréaslaím ar an gcéad dul síos leis an mbeirt Aire Stáit, mo chairde Jerry Buttimer agus Neale Richmond, atá i láthair. Tá mé cinnte go ndéanfaidh siad sár-jab sna poist atá acu agus leis na dualgais atá acu le comhlíonadh. Tréaslaím chomh maith leis an Teachta nua ó Chill Dara Thuaidh, mo comhghleacaí, Aodhán Ó Fearghaíl. The Curragh is an almost 5,000 acre plain located between Newbridge, Kildare and Kilc…

I acknowledge the fact that, having raised this on questions on promised legislation last week, the Tánaiste subsequently spoke to me and indicated that it was a priority for him. However, I have to stress that the wheels of democracy and of our systems move very slowly. I also put it to the Minister of State that the Department of Defence has been remiss in dealing with An Garda Síochána. As far as I am concerned, An Garda Síochána has been active in trying to deal with the situation that has existed. There is a H…

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCeann Comhairle. Táim buioch di as mé a roghnú chun ceist a chur. She might indulge me for a few seconds as I take the opportunity to express my personal sympathies on the death of His Highness Prince Karim, the Aga Khan, who was a major investor in this country over many decades. He was the owner of many stud farms, he invested heavily in the bloodstock sector and generated much employment. He was a true altruist and peace promoter, and one of the most significant philanthropists I ever h…

Politics is never boring, anyway. It is a very long time since I have had the opportunity to address the House from up here. I spent many years on these backbenches. The place looks a lot different when viewed from here than from the Chair below, where I sat for a while. A Chléirigh na Dála agus mo chomhghleacaithe, is breá liom an deis seo a fháil cúpla focal a rá roimh an toghchán tábhachtach atá ag teacht. Gabhaim buíochas leis an mbeirt a d’oibrigh liom sa Dara Dáil is Tríocha agus sa Tríú Dáil is Tríocha mar L…

Please.

Can we let the Tánaiste finish?

There is no need for anyone to shout. Can we just take it nice and easy, please?

Please, on the last day of the sitting of this Dáil, do not make me suspend it because of this carry-on. That goes for the Government side as well. Let us have quiet.

There is no point of order.

There is no point of order. Resume your seat.

We are certainly not doing anything for our standing in the public eye with this sort of carry-on. Please can we maintain some sort of decorum? I know you are all worked up and excited about undertaking the campaign but save it for the doorsteps and let us behave ourselves here, please.

There is no point of order on Leaders' Questions.

There is no point of order for anybody on Leaders' Questions. No point of order. We are going next to Deputy Cairns.

Order, please. Let the Tánaiste speak.

Order, please. Will you let the Tánaiste respond?

Deputy, will you stop interrupting, please?