Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 May 2024

Vol. 1054 No. 4

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Hildegarde Naughton)

I move:

Tuesday's business shall be:

- Statements on Housing for All (not to exceed 2 hrs 27 mins)

Tuesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Housing, selected by Sinn Féin.

Wednesday's business shall be:

- Report and Final Stages of the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill 2024 (to commence no earlier than 2.49 p.m. and if not previously concluded, to adjourn either at 5.30 p.m. or after 2 hrs 41 mins, whichever is the later

Wednesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Dentistry Services, selected by the Social Democrats.

Thursday's business shall be

- Statements on Business Support Package (not to exceed 2 hrs 27 mins)

Thursday evening business shall be the Motion re Report entitled "Mental Health Supports in Schools and Tertiary Education”.

Proposed Arrangements for this week’s business:

In relation to Tuesday’s business, it is proposed that:

1. the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent:

(i) the Dáil may sit later than 10.32 p.m.;

(ii) the time allotted to Government business shall be extended in accordance with the arrangements for the Statements on Housing for All; and

(iii) private members’ business may be taken later than 6.12 p.m. and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on Housing for All, with consequential effect on the commencement times for Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Finance, and topical issues; and

2. the Statements on Housing for All shall not exceed 2 hours and 27 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply thereto:

(i) the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements agreed by Order of the Dáil of 30th July, 2020, for 2 hours and 15 minutes, and the Resolution of the Dáil of 20th September, 2023, providing for two minutes for non-aligned members;

(ii) following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and

(iii) members may share.

In relation to Wednesday's business, it is proposed that:

1 (i) pursuant to Standing Order 94(3), the Dáil shall waive its instruction that not more than two Select Committees shall meet to consider a Bill on any given day in the case of the proposed meetings of the Select Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and the Select Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands, to consider the following three Bills, respectively: the Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024; the Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Bill 2024; and the Charities (Amendment) Bill 2023; and

(ii) the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent:

(I) if the time at which the Dáil suspends pursuant to Standing Order 25(1) is earlier than 1.49 p.m., the House shall stand suspended until 2.49 p.m.; and

(II) the weekly division time may be taken earlier than 8.45 p.m., and shall in any event be taken either on the adjournment of the proceedings on Report and Final Stages of the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill 2024, or where those proceedings conclude within the available time, on the conclusion thereof, with consequential effect on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; and

2. the proceedings on the Report and Final Stages of the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill 2024 shall, if not previously concluded, be interrupted and stand adjourned either at 5.30 p.m. or after 2 hours and 41 minutes, whichever is the later, and shall not be resumed on Wednesday.

In relation to Thursday's business, it is proposed that:

1. the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent:

(i) topical issues may be taken earlier than 7.24 p.m. and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on Business Support Package; and

(ii) Thursday evening business, i.e., the Motion re Report entitled “Mental Health Supports in Schools and Tertiary Education”, may be taken earlier than 8.12 p.m. and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of topical issues, with consequential effect on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; and

2. the Statements on Business Support Package shall not exceed 2 hours and 27 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply thereto:

(i) the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements agreed by Order of the Dáil of 30th July, 2020, for 2 hours and 15 minutes, and the Resolution of the Dáil of 20th September, 2023, providing for two minutes for non-aligned members;

(ii) following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and

(iii) members may share time.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is that agreed?

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett

No.

Deputy Gary Gannon

No, it is not.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett

The International Criminal Court has sought arrest warrants for the Israeli Prime Minister and defence minister for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the crime of deliberately starving the people of Gaza, blocking aid to them and wilfully killing ordinary people. This comes on top of the indictment for plausible genocide handed down by the International Court of Justice. I find it quite shocking, to be quite honest, that the Israeli ambassador was asked to attend a Famine memorial event when the Israeli regime she represents is wilfully inflicting a famine on the people of Gaza. Is it not time to expel the Israeli ambassador for her involvement in, advocacy of and justification for the war crimes, the crimes against humanity and genocide in respect of which Israel is in the dock before both of the international legal institutions that are supposed to uphold international law?

Deputy Ivana Bacik

Reports indicate that Ireland, along with other EU member states, may recognise the state of Palestine as early as tomorrow.

I welcome that, particularly as we see the horrendous death toll in Gaza rising and International Criminal Court arrest warrants being sought in respect of Netanyahu and Israeli and Hamas leaders. We must see an end to Israel's genocidal action in Gaza and the release of the hostages.

In his statement to the International Court of Justice in February, the Attorney General stated that countries must prevent trade that maintains Israel's annexation of Palestine. That welcome statement is at odds with what the Government claims is the Taoiseach's advice on the Restriction of Imports (States in violation of obligations under the Genocide Convention and Occupied Territories) Bill 2024. I am asking for statements or debate with the Tánaiste that would include a question-and-answer session in order that we might settle once and for all if the blockage on progression of this important Bill is legal or if it is merely political. We believe there is no legal obstacle to making further progress on the occupied territories Bill.

Deputy Gary Gannon

I would like to understand if it took the Taoiseach by surprise when the International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan announced charges against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant? The first point around which they are building a case is the use of starvation of civilians as a weapon war. I really want to understand the Government's position. Like many others at the weekend, I almost fell back in astonishment when I looked at the news and saw in the Israeli ambassador, Dana Erlich, at the Famine commemoration in County Louth. This was an insult not only to the occasion but also to the 1 million Irish people who died and those who were forcefully exiled from our nation. The population has still not recovered from the latter. What happened at the weekend was an absolute abomination and I would like to know that happened. The Russian ambassador, correctly, was not there, but all the other ambassadors were. That was a political decision. Perhaps the Taoiseach will explain the basis for that decision. I understand we are about to recognise the state of Palestine, which is welcome, but surely we must go further. The time for doing so has long since passed.

The Taoiseach wrote a letter to Ursula von der Leyen highlighting issues with the EU-Israel trade agreement but he has yet to receive a response. Is he embarrassed that his candidates are out there saying that they will vote for her for the EU Commission? We have gone beyond the point of playing politics here; we need leadership.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

I wish to raise with the Taoiseach and the Chief Whip the lack of business being transacted this week. Where has the debate on the EU migration pact gone? Everyone knows that the European elections and local elections are due to take place. The pact was due back from committee in the first week of May and was supposed to have been disposed of by the House by 9 May, as we were told. It has just gone missing. We raised this matter at a Business Committee meeting last week. We have problems all over the country. There was a public meeting last night at the Pike in Rathcabbin to discuss St. Kieran's Nursing Home which had been given over for Ukrainians and is now being turned into an International Protection Accommodation Services centre. It is the same with the Heywood Road site in Clonmel, and what happened in Newtownmountkennedy and Doneraile in Cork. You name it. There has been trouble and violence in some of these places. I abhor violence from any source. We do not want that, but a vacuum has been created. This was voted through the EU and now the European Union Parliament members and candidates want it hidden until after the election. The Government also wants it hidden as well. Then we will be back and it will be pushed through. People are not fools. They are well copped on to the Government. Where is the EU migration pact? When will it back here for debate? How much time will we have to debate it? Will it be voted on segment by segment as opposed to all in one block?

Deputy Thomas Pringle

Like many other Deputies and many members of the public, I was shocked to see the Israeli ambassador at the Famine commemoration at the weekend. This was a political decision on the part of the Government. Having the Israeli ambassador commemorating the Famine as Israel is busy committing genocide in the occupied territories was pure hypocrisy. We need to have a debate on this matter. We may be about to recognise the state of Palestine tomorrow but we need to go a lot further than that. We need to call out Israel on what it is doing and we need to have a debate in the House to make sure that happens.

Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne

Three weeks ago, a number of Deputies and I pointed to the need for statements on the situation at University Hospital Limerick, UHL, and the significant overcrowding that happens there on a daily basis. The Taoiseach mentioned at the time that he was going to raise the matter with the Business Committee. I am not represented at the Business Committee, but so far I have not noticed any statements being made on the situation at the hospital. Two weeks ago, I referred to the recruitment embargo and the fact that it is impacting the radiography department in nuclear medicine, ultrasound and so on. Students are due to graduate, but they need to get the job offers now because the HR process in UHL takes about two months. These students are researching job offers in other countries. This matter has reached a tipping point. Statements are necessary.

The Taoiseach

I will begin with Deputy Wynne's question. We are very happy and eager to have statements in this House in respect of UHL.

When I last responded on this issue, I suggested the opportune time may be when the Frank Clarke report is received by the Minister this month, but I am in the hands of the Business Committee on this. The Government is happy to allow time. I just believe it would be useful to have the output of the report but it is a matter for the Business Committee to consider, perhaps.

Deputy Mattie McGrath should note the Government will bring forward the EU migration pact for debate and a vote at a time of our choosing. That is what we will decide to do. I am pleased to know the Deputy is eager. We are very much looking forward to debating him on the pact because-----

Deputy Mattie McGrath

After the election.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should let the Taoiseach answer.

The Taoiseach

I thank the Chair. We are very much looking forward to debating it because of the position held by those Deputies who believe we can go it alone in a global migration crisis. It is a legitimate position for them to hold; it is just wrong. I look forward to debating it with the Deputies and explaining to them why we believe operating at EU level makes sense.

When it comes to migration, accommodation is important. So, too, is the Government considering the levers at its disposal to move from an emergency response to a sustainable one. We took several decisions last week on this that were sensible, and we will take several more in the coming weeks.

Several colleagues, namely, Deputies Boyd Barrett, Bacik, Gannon and Pringle, raised issues pertaining to Israel and the Middle East. Ireland has decided to maintain diplomatic links with Israel. We maintain diplomatic links with countries even if we abhor their actions. I abhor the actions of the Netanyahu government regarding what is happening in the Middle East. I conveyed that very strongly to the President of Israel in a firm but respectful conversation last week. I conveyed it again on behalf of the people of Ireland in the presence of the Israeli ambassador at our Famine commemoration this week. What is happening now in Gaza is unbearable and what could happen in Rafah is unconscionable and needs to stop. The Irish position has been consistent on that. The Government does intend to recognise the state of Palestine this month. We obviously hope to do so with some other countries. I am respectful of the different roles we have but the question of when it is best to schedule a debate will be in the hands of this House. It will be very important. To deal with Deputy Bacik’s comments on this, it is very important we set time aside in a way that this House views as appropriate.

With regard to the trade agreement, the Irish position is clear, but I am also very clear that it involves an EU competency, and it is not a consensus at European level. Deputy Gannon can laugh at me if he wishes, but-----

Deputy Gary Gannon

I am laughing because the Taoiseach is going to vote for Ursula von der Leyen

The Taoiseach

I would appreciate the Deputy not laughing at me because I raise this on behalf of the people of Ireland very regularly, including at every single engagement I have with the President of the Commission and EU leaders at the European Council and in every possible forum. Our position is that the human rights clauses in the trade agreement are not in it just to expand the text and should mean something. I am frustrated with the European position, which is a position for member states to take. I continue to work with other member states, including Spain, to try to grow support on this.

An Ceann Comhairle

Are the arrangements agreed to?

Deputy Mattie McGrath

Not agreed.

Question put: "That the proposed arrangements for this week's business be agreed to."

The Dáil divided: Tá, 65; Níl, 54; Staon, 0.

Tá

• Brophy, Colm.
• Browne, James.
• Bruton, Richard.
• Burke, Colm.
• Burke, Peter.
• Butler, Mary.
• Cahill, Jackie.
• Calleary, Dara.
• Collins, Niall.
• Costello, Patrick.
• Coveney, Simon.
• Creed, Michael.
• Crowe, Cathal.
• Devlin, Cormac.
• Dillon, Alan.
• Donnelly, Stephen.
• Duffy, Francis Noel.
• Durkan, Bernard J.
• English, Damien.
• Farrell, Alan.
• Feighan, Frankie.
• Flanagan, Charles.
• Fleming, Sean.
• Foley, Norma.
• Griffin, Brendan.
• Harris, Simon.
• Haughey, Seán.
• Heydon, Martin.
• Higgins, Emer.
• Humphreys, Heather.
• Kehoe, Paul.
• Lahart, John.
• Lawless, James.
• Madigan, Josepha.
• Martin, Catherine.
• Martin, Micheál.
• Matthews, Steven.
• McAuliffe, Paul.
• McConalogue, Charlie.
• McEntee, Helen.
• McGrath, Michael.
• McGuinness, John.
• Moynihan, Aindrias.
• Murnane O'Connor, Jennifer.
• Naughton, Hildegarde.
• Noonan, Malcolm.
• O'Brien, Darragh.
• O'Brien, Joe.
• O'Connor, James.
• O'Donnell, Kieran.
• O'Donovan, Patrick.
• O'Dowd, Fergus.
• O'Gorman, Roderic.
• O'Sullivan, Christopher.
• O'Sullivan, Pádraig.
• Ó Cathasaigh, Marc.
• Phelan, John Paul.
• Rabbitte, Anne.
• Richmond, Neale.
• Ryan, Eamon.
• Smith, Brendan.
• Smyth, Niamh.
• Stanton, David.
• Troy, Robert.
• Varadkar, Leo.

Níl

• Andrews, Chris.
• Bacik, Ivana.
• Barry, Mick.
• Berry, Cathal.
• Boyd Barrett, Richard.
• Brady, John.
• Browne, Martin.
• Buckley, Pat.
• Cairns, Holly.
• Canney, Seán.
• Carthy, Matt.
• Collins, Joan.
• Connolly, Catherine.
• Conway-Walsh, Rose.
• Cronin, Réada.
• Crowe, Seán.
• Cullinane, David.
• Daly, Pa.
• Donnelly, Paul.
• Ellis, Dessie.
• Fitzpatrick, Peter.
• Funchion, Kathleen.
• Gannon, Gary.
• Guirke, Johnny.
• Healy-Rae, Michael.
• Howlin, Brendan.
• Kenny, Gino.
• Kenny, Martin.
• Kerrane, Claire.
• Mac Lochlainn, Pádraig.
• McDonald, Mary Lou.
• McGrath, Mattie.
• Mitchell, Denise.
• Munster, Imelda.
• Murphy, Catherine.
• Murphy, Paul.
• Mythen, Johnny.
• Nash, Ged.
• O'Callaghan, Cian.
• O'Donoghue, Richard.
• O'Reilly, Louise.
• O'Rourke, Darren.
• Ó Broin, Eoin.
• Ó Murchú, Ruairí.
• Ó Snodaigh, Aengus.
• Pringle, Thomas.
• Ryan, Patricia.
• Shortall, Róisín.
• Smith, Duncan.
• Stanley, Brian.
• Tóibín, Peadar.
• Ward, Mark.
• Whitmore, Jennifer.
• Wynne, Violet-Anne.

Staon

Tellers: Tá, Deputies Hildegarde Naughton and Cormac Devlin; Níl, Deputies Mattie McGrath and Michael Healy-Rae.

Question declared carried.

Deputy Mary Lou McDonald

I raised with the Taoiseach last week the case of 13-year-old Liam Dennehy Quinn because it is an emergency. As the Taoiseach knows, Liam has been waiting for more than six months for an urgently needed spinal surgery. He has been in hospital now for more than six weeks. He cannot leave because the severity of his scoliosis puts him at risk of choking episodes at any time. His family was told in November that he needed urgent intervention.

Pamela and Liam wrote to both the Taoiseach and I at the weekend stating that Liam needs a scan immediately to review his deteriorating condition. He has been waiting so long that he will now likely need two surgeries to correct his spine. He needs that surgery this week, not at the end of the month. He needs it this week. What steps has the Taoiseach taken to guarantee that Liam will get the scan, the orthopaedic care and the surgery that he needs urgently?

The Taoiseach

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. The first thing is that I did say in this House last week that Liam had a consultation in April. That was information given to me by the Department of Health. I want to clarify that for his mum. My understanding is that there was a review of Liam's case as per his complex care pathway in early April following his attendance with his consultant in late March. I do want to clarify that information which was wrongly given to me last week. My understanding is that Liam and his mother, Pam, met with his consultant in mid-April. I have been actively asking after Liam and the very difficult situation for him and his mum at a very stressful time. My understanding is that preparation for his surgery continues and that the surgery is due next week. Obviously, these are clinical decisions in terms of the scheduling of the surgery, but I am informed that preparation for his surgery is ongoing and it is due next week.

Deputy Ged Nash

The Taoiseach was in Drogheda last Friday and, among others, he met with the Love Drogheda Business Improvement District, BID, scheme group. It represents more than 1,500 ratepayers in the town. The group provided the Taoiseach with new and robust economic research data that show the full impact on the local economy and local jobs of the loss of the D Hotel in Drogheda to the tourism sector. The evidence is now in black and white and it is quite stark and concerning. There will be a direct annual loss or impact on Drogheda of €6.16 million and an indirect impact of €15.8 million. This is stark, as I said, and this analysis is being shared with the three local TDs. Last week, the Taoiseach said that he would organise for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Peter Burke, to meet the group in June to discuss the report. It is a report that needs to be taken very seriously. We need investment now to counter the loss of jobs and business to Drogheda as a result of the loss of the D Hotel and to address dereliction and regenerate the town.

An Ceann Comhairle

I thank the Deputy. The time is up.

Deputy Ged Nash

When will the Taoiseach agree to meet the team from the Love Drogheda BID scheme?

The Taoiseach

I thank Deputy Nash for raising this important matter. I am very eager to meet with that group. I am very happy to do so and I intend to do it in the month of June. Shona McManus introduced its members to me last week and the Deputy has rightly raised this issue on several occasions as well. I thank him for doing that. I am very eager that we invest more in Drogheda. We have a good track record, I think, of working together on a number of issues, including expanding Drogheda Institute of Further Education and the new apprenticeship centre in Drogheda as well. I thought the members of the group were very constructive, pragmatic and clued-in and I look forward to meeting them in June.

Deputy Holly Cairns

Public dental services have been completely abandoned by successive health Ministers. Every child in this country should have three free check-ups during primary school, but waiting lists have got so long that some children are not being seen until they are in transition year.

The number of dentists with a public contract has plummeted from 1,450 in 2012 to only about 600 today. On top of this, the sector is barely regulated. Dentists are not required to keep up competence to practise, there is no regulation of their conduct and there are no inspections of their clinics by the Dental Council. RTÉ reported that 37 dentists were working in Ireland despite being sanctioned abroad, one of whom has a sexual assault conviction. How has this been allowed to happen?

When will we finally see the legislation needed to regulate the sector and assure safety for patients? What is the Government doing to ensure that all primary school children receive their three free check-ups? Will the Government support the Social Democrats motion on this issue, to be taken tomorrow?

The Taoiseach

I thank Deputy Cairns for raising this issue and for her Private Members' motion, which the Government will support tomorrow. I thank her for putting the motion down.

I will have to come back to the Deputy with an answer from the Minister for Health regarding the legislation. I will get that for her directly. We are trying to grow the dental workforce and invest more in dentistry services. As of yesterday there are 3,661 dentists on the Dental Council register. That is an increase of 189 since March 2023. It is the highest number ever. We are obviously trying-----

Deputy Holly Cairns

I am asking about public dentistry.

The Taoiseach

I know you are but the direct answer is that we have to grow the number of dentists in our country in the first instance. We are investing specifically more in regard to waiting lists in the public service, including a further €3.5 million this year. I will perhaps write to the Deputy. We will have an opportunity to outline our position on the motion tomorrow.

Deputy Paul Murphy

I heard the Taoiseach during Leaders' Questions trying to distract from the reality that, if the leaks are accurate, the Housing Commission's report is absolutely damning for the Government. The Taoiseach seems to accept the fact that it calls for a radical reset of housing policy. It would not be calling for that if housing policy was basically correct. It reveals we have "one of the highest levels of public expenditure for housing, yet one of the poorest outcomes". Why is that? It is because Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael prefer to funnel billions of euro to private developers and corporate landlords as opposed to using money directly through a State construction company to build housing. The Taoiseach spoke earlier defending the idea of developer-led planning because they are the ones who build housing.

The Taoiseach

The Deputy is wrong there.

Deputy Paul Murphy

That is precisely the problem; the Taoiseach thinks housing can only be delivered primarily on the basis of profit.

I have a few quick questions.

An Ceann Comhairle

Only one question, Deputy, please.

Deputy Paul Murphy

Has the Taoiseach any idea why or on what basis this report was leaked? If it had not been leaked, would he still have published it this week or would he have waited until after the upcoming elections? Will he accept the basic conclusions, for example-----

An Ceann Comhairle

I thank the Deputy.

Deputy Paul Murphy

-----that we should be aiming for a target of 20% of our national housing stock to be social and cost rental?

The Taoiseach

I do not believe that the only way to deliver houses is through the private market but I do believe that it is part of the way. I believe we need a mix. I believe we need private developers and builders, we need social and affordable housing and we need cost rental. I believe we need a whole variety.

As regards when the report was due to be published, the Minister received it on 8 May. My understanding was the Minister was working up a response to the 83 recommendations and was due to bring a memorandum to Government and then publish the report. That would generally be the way. Now there is partial information in the public domain. The Deputy does not know the recommendations. This House has not seen the recommendations. I have not had an opportunity to read the 400 pages of the report, but I will be doing so now. It makes sense to publish the report this week so that we can have an informed debate.

Deputy Seán Canney

I want to raise an issue that I know was close to the Taoiseach’s heart when he was Minister for higher education. It relates to the proposal to locate two additional veterinary colleges in the country. A process has been gone through and three locations have been shortlisted. The colleges are waiting anxiously for the announcement as to which ones will be running these courses because they want to put things in place and manage them. As well as that, there are many students throughout the country who are thinking about doing veterinary medicine. I am thinking of them and their parents. Heretofore, those students would have had to travel to Europe to undertake their study. I am anxious that this proposal be fast-tracked.

I acknowledge all the work the Taoiseach did on this while in the ministerial role. When might we see the announcement that this will happen? It is important for rural Ireland as well as for the veterinary sector.

The Taoiseach

It is vital that this happens. We have an excellent veterinary school in UCD but we only have one in the country. We have a particular acuity in terms of access to veterinary services and to veterinarians, often in rural and regional Ireland. As the Deputy rightly says, three projects have been identified, including one in Mountbellew, one in Limerick and one in Kildalton. The Minister for agriculture and the Minister for further and higher education are working together on this. I will get the Deputy a specific timeframe but I am very eager to see a conclusion brought to this issue.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

The level of open drug taking, antisocial behaviour and drug dealing on the main streets of our towns is worrying. It shows that law and order is losing the battle against drugs in many cases. I raised this matter with the Tánaiste during Leaders' Questions last week, specifically in the context of Clonmel town. He acknowledged we need a renewed focus. Open drug dealing in broad daylight on the main streets of our towns and villages is evidence that we do not have sufficient Garda resources in our towns.

One of the other difficulties is the sheer lack of support for those who have tried to break away from addiction, have gone through rehab and come out the other side. Young people - men and women - have come to my office saying they tried to do this but when they were put into homeless hostels the whole situation spiralled out of control again. They are doing their best to get away from the curse. They went through rehab but are falling into these traps again. The matter requires a renewed focus. We urgently need increased Garda numbers but also increased supports for those who have gone through rehabilitation and want to break free from the curse.

The Taoiseach

I agree with the need to continue to support and grow Garda numbers and the need to invest more in rehab services. We are doing both, but there is also a third piece. We need to call out the fact that it has become socially acceptable in far too many communities and social groups to snort a line of coke while having a drink at the weekend. The people doing that, who do not have an addiction, are helping to fund and fuel misery in other people’s communities. It should not be acceptable.

Deputy Joan Collins

Last month the country's leading cancer specialist published an open letter to the Government on the state of cancer care in Ireland. It said dedicated funding for Ireland’s national cancer strategy has been delivered in only two of the past seven budgets. It said Ireland’s cancer outcomes are at risk of going backwards. Yesterday it was reported that there is another layer of inequality on top of a backward step. Professor Michaela Higgins, president of the Irish Society of Medical Oncology, stated with regard to this weekend’s reporting of the two-tier system for cancer treatment in this country, “It means we know we are prescribing medication for our patients that are proven to be less effective and to provide them with a poorer chance of survival”. New drugs are not available to public patients until the HSE completes an extensive reimbursement approval process. Private insurance companies will reimburse drugs approved by the European Medicines Agency, EMA.

I do not believe a person’s chances of surviving cancer or any other medical condition should be dependent on whether he or she can afford private healthcare. Will the Government explain to public patients what it is going to do to bring about effective private and public cancer treatments and address the poor chance of survival?

The Taoiseach

I will be happy to engage with Professor Higgins directly. I will reach out to her to do just that. This country has made a huge amount of progress when it comes to cancer outcomes. I would not like anybody listening in, public or private, to think that is not the case. The public health service has had remarkable progress in relation to cancer outcomes, cancer survival rates and access to cancer drugs. Indeed, as recently as last week we saw a new drug come on stream that I hope will have very positive impacts. I will engage with Professor Higgins because I want to hear what she has to say.

Deputy Francis Noel Duffy

In the 12 months up to April 2024, commencement notices for 52,500 homes have been actioned. This is a significant and welcome increase on previous years. Commencement notices typically represent homes built. If the Taoiseach can confirm that figure, I would like to congratulate the Government and the Minister for exceeding the Housing for All targets by 57% in the 2024 outcome projections.

The Taoiseach

I thank Deputy Duffy. Those figures seem right to me. We are obviously seeing a significant increase in supply and in commencements and also a significant increase in planning permissions. Some of the decisions we have taken as a Government, including waiving the development levies and the Uisce Éireann connection costs, have reduced the cost of building. We are seeing the impact from that while also continuing to put in place schemes that others would abolish, in order to help people to save a deposit and buy their first home.

Deputy Louise O'Reilly

After 13 years of Fine Gael in government homeownership has collapsed, with 40% of people under 34 left living with their parents.

Despite promising 50,000 affordable homes for under €250,000, in my constituency of Dublin Fingal, the Fianna Fáil Minister with responsibility for housing is delivering so-called affordable homes that will cost more than €550,000 over the lifetime of the mortgage. This is not affordable for anyone on a normal wage. It is barely affordable for people on a massive wage.

The Government's housing plan is not working. We need a new vision, new ambition and new policies. Does the Taoiseach seriously consider that €550,000 can be classed as an affordable home? That is what people in my constituency are being expected to pay and they are being told by the Taoiseach, the Minister and the Government that it is affordable.

The Taoiseach

We have many affordable housing schemes-----

Deputy Louise O'Reilly

It is just the one I asked about, a Cheann Comhairle. Does the Taoiseach think €550,000 is affordable?

The Taoiseach

Five hundred and fifty thousand euro is not affordable for many people.

Deputy Louise O'Reilly

I thank the Taoiseach.

The Taoiseach

Excuse me, the Deputy is looking-----

Deputy Louise O'Reilly

It is on the website. The Government called it an affordable home.

An Ceann Comhairle

Please, Deputy.

The Taoiseach

The Deputy might please have a bit of decorum. She can either ask the question or answer the question; she cannot do both.

Deputy Louise O'Reilly

I got the answer.

The Taoiseach

No, you did not get the answer.

Deputy Louise O'Reilly

I did.

The Taoiseach

You cut me off and-----

Deputy Louise O'Reilly

You said it was not affordable. That was the answer I was looking for.

An Ceann Comhairle

Please, let the Taoiseach answer.

The Taoiseach

You cut me off again.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy, please.

Deputy Louise O'Reilly

It is rare enough that we get an answer, and I got one.

The Taoiseach

You cut me off.

Deputy Louise O'Reilly

Five hundred and fifty thousand euro is not affordable and the Taoiseach has confirmed it.

Deputy Bernard J. Durkan

A two-way conversation has rapidly developed.

The Taoiseach

I said it is not affordable for many people at those prices. That is why the Government is providing a variety of different affordable housing schemes. We are also providing many supports for first-time buyers in the Deputy's constituency, which Sinn Féin oppose and would get rid of if it was in Government. I do not know why the Deputy is shaking her head and saying "No". Sinn Féin would get rid of the first-home scheme. That is what it said-----

Deputy Louise O'Reilly

The Government is pushing up prices.

The Taoiseach

It would get rid of the help-to-buy scheme. Those are two measures that are helping the Deputy's constituents in Dublin Fingal-----

Deputy Louise O'Reilly

Affordability is important.

The Taoiseach

-----to buy a home for which she is not in favour.

Deputy Louise O'Reilly

Affordability is important.

Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh

Social Justice Ireland today published a damning analysis on the permanent effects of the last couple of budgets on inequality. It reinforces what Sinn Féin has been saying for months now, if not years. The longer this Government is in power, the worse things get. We have the evidence that things are getting worse for those who are crippled by the cost-of-living crisis. The gap between the high earners and middle- and low-income earners just gets bigger under the policies of this Government. An analysis from Social Justice Ireland today stated that this year's budget will notably widen divisions in Irish society. One of the stand-out features of budget 2024 was the failure to recognise the cost of disability. Does the Taoiseach accept that too many parents of children with disabilities are forced to pay privately to access the very basic disability services they desperately need? Does he accept that too many families of workers are struggling just to make ends meet? Finally, does he accept that the Government has failed to tackle inequality and protect workers and families against the cost-of-living crisis?

The Taoiseach

Objectively, the previous budget was progressive. That is the finding of the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, and the finding of the documentation that is published on budget day. It was a progressive budget, and the measures taken were progressive.

The Deputy raised a fair point with regard to children with disabilities. There was a consensus in this House that we should help parents who are trying to go private to access those services. The Government today approved proposals around assessments of needs whereby the HSE will now use approximately €12 million - I believe up to €11.9 million - to fund assessments of needs using private capacity for children who are waiting for far too long.

Deputy Robert Troy

I will bring the Taoiseach back to his previous role as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. He will be aware that Government promised to bring in legislation to facilitate and support technological universities to be able to borrow so they could provide their own student accommodation. Places like the Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone, which the Taoiseach visited many times and was very supportive of during his time in the Department, have land ready to be developed to provide student accommodation, which will ensure that students have good-quality affordable accommodation while attending college but also help alleviate the pressure in a general sense in terms of housing in Athlone and the broader midlands area. Can the Taoiseach come back to me, if not today then another time, with a definitive timeframe as to when technological universities can realistically expect to have the permission to go ahead and borrow and start construction? It is a critical thing for them, and it will also help in terms of the housing crisis.

The Taoiseach

I fully agree with Deputy Troy. I thank him for his support for the technological universities. It has made a real positive impact in Athlone and in the midlands. Just before I left the Department, we had gone out for proposals from the technological universities on what they could do on student accommodation. Those proposals are now back, and they are being assessed. I expect 2024 to be the year in which we can give the green light to our technological universities to commence student accommodation. The only caveat I would add is that we have an open mind on how best to do it. The borrowing framework is one way. If there are other quicker ways of delivering the accommodation, we should look at those too. I will get the Deputy an update from the Minister, however.

Deputy Bernard J. Durkan

In recent times, we have all become accustomed to dealing with higher volumes of queries about antisocial behaviour. They take on a very serious element in the present time when we are now dealing with people who are being forced out of their homes under threats of violence and sexual activity and abuse. People have had to sell their homes and, after their savings have been decimated, go back on the housing list or appeal to get on the housing list. This has come at a time when much has been said about vetting and the vetting of immigrants in particular. Some of the people who are causing these problems need to be vetted in a more serious fashion because they are now forcing law-abiding citizens out of the homes they bought and for which they had a mortgage and had to leave because of this type of activity.

The Taoiseach

Antisocial behaviour in any scenario should not be tolerated. There are obviously clear tenancy agreements that people sign with the local authorities as well. There are antisocial behaviour officers in place. Whoever is carrying out antisocial behaviour in any scenario should obviously not be tolerated. From a Government point of view, we are reviewing the antisocial behaviour supports and measures that are available to An Garda Síochána. We are working to increase the Garda presence in County Kildare as well.

Deputy Jennifer Whitmore

I want to raise the issue of the neurological rehabilitation centre that is planned for Bray. This was first promised in 2018. In July of 2023, a team of 13 specialists were identified. The recruitment process was to start for them and then it all came to a stall because of the recruitment freeze. If a derogation is applied to that centre, those jobs and positions can be filled. I previously raised this with the Tánaiste in March to see whether we could get a derogation on that. The Minister for Health was to refer back to me, but I did not hear anything from him. Will the Taoiseach now take up this mantle and make sure those positions are filled? It is a very important centre for Bray and, indeed, for the entire community healthcare organisation, CHO, area.

The Taoiseach

I thank Deputy Whitmore very much for raising this important issue for Bray and, as she quite rightly said, the wider catchment area it serves. Neurological rehabilitation services are vital, and we need more of them. We need them in communities. It is an important part of the National Rehabilitation Hospital, NRH, jigsaw as well. I will certainly speak with the Minister for Health and come back directly to the Deputy.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae

Every year, we have the same issue when it comes to passports and the backlog in the Passport Office as we head into the holiday season. Myself, Martina, Fiona, Jackie and the people in my office are very thankful to the staff of the dedicated TD line who deal with our queries. However, being limited to 20 queries per week is only a drop in the ocean because I could well call more than 20 times per day. The entire process needs to be reviewed. When an application is received into the Passport Office, all the documentation is verified. At this stage in the process, however, why is it not highlighted that there is an error rather than waiting until the estimated date? In my office last week, I had three online applications with an estimated date of 30 April. They issued only last Friday on 17 May despite being highlighted on 1 May.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I thank the Deputy.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae

None of the three had any alerts on them, but they still went almost three weeks over the date.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Go raibh maith agat.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae

I am making it quite clear. I am not criticising the people in the Passport Office. They are dedicated and committed.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

We are way over time.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae

I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs and his staff.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Deputy, we are way over time.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae

It is just a fair observation that something has gone wrong.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Taoiseach to respond.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae

Could we please get it right? It is costing families thousands of euro-----

Deputy Mick Barry

Respect the Chair.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae

-----and the loss of their holidays

The Taoiseach

I thank Deputy Healy-Rae for raising this issue. I echo his kind words for the staff in the Passport Office. They work extremely hard, and it is a very busy time of the year. The suggestions and observations the Deputy made are definitely worthy of consideration. I will pass them on to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Deputy Patrick Costello

Robert Emmet Community Development Project, CDP, in Dublin 8 is facing a rent increase of 300%. The CDP provides supports to the Oliver Bond Street community and the wider Liberties in ways that no other service simply does.

Will the State step in and increase the funding on offer in order to help it to meet this rent or even provide the State-owned building that has been promised for some time? It is a service that is providing excellent community development work on the ground which no one else is providing. The Government needs to step in and support it in the face of this 300% rent increase.

The Taoiseach

I thank Deputy Costello for raising this important issue for his community and that organisation. I will certainly ask the relevant Ministers to see how the Government and other agencies might be in a position to support them.