Mary Butler
Waterford · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Major improvements are happening across services: enhanced access to proactive and preventive healthcare to support a better quality of life; the embedding and upscaling of women's health initiatives put in place through the implementation of the previous women's health action plans, including, as the Senator knows, free contraception, sp…”
“In relation to any proposal, a proposal for a new location requires a detailed business case, a premises, support from the regional HSE management, and the necessary funding to resource the staffing of the service. That is where I come into it and what I will be trying to do.”
“We are currently working closely with it to support the expansion of Jigsaw services to Waterford and the south east, as well as to County Clare. The location of Waterford was picked because we have no services in the south east at all. It is great that we will have the hub and spoke model the Senator spoke about.”
“That is where I do not agree with the Senator. I believe €180 million of funding ring-fenced for women's health, when we have come from a low base, is absolutely unbelievable.”
“The plan will build on our knowledge of women's health through research and innovation and will spotlight important areas such as endometriosis and cardiovascular health. Recently, the Minister announced €2 million in funding for women's health research.”
“This plan will continue to focus on how we can improve access to specialist endometriosis care and treatment. As the Senator knows, we have established two super-regional specialist centres, one in Tallaght University Hospital and another in Cork, alongside the development of five regional endometriosis hubs.”
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“We have increased funding for the suicide prevention community and voluntary organisations, including Pieta, and there is €1 million in funding to start the implementation of the next suicide reduction strategy. The mental health budget for 2026 will be almost €1.6 billion. Mental health funding has now increased by over 50% since I took up my role in 2020. I have also secured with the Minister an unprecedented 300 additional new staff for mental health services next year, representing over 9% of the total growth in health service staffing in 2026. We still have a way to go but significant progress has been made. A significant initiative is the provision of over 15,000 free counselling sessions for men every year, backed up by €2 million in dedicated annual funding.”
“There is over €15 million in new funding for crisis support and suicide reduction measures, which include specialist nursing teams in all model 4 hospital emergency departments out of hours to support people in crisis and three new crisis resolution services, including drop-in Solace crisis cafés as community alternatives to emergency departments in areas with model 3 hospitals. We know already from the five Solace cafés we have opened that presentations by men and women in distress to the emergency departments have reduced by 18% as a result of having those cafés as people's first point of call. We will also have additional suicide crisis assessment nurses, SCANs, to support people in crisis who present to GPs in their communities.”
“It acknowledges that men experience health differently and that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. It addresses gender-specific risk factors, promotes early detection and seeks to dismantle the barriers that prevent men from seeking help. Legislatively, we are progressing the Mental Health Bill, which will modernise our mental health laws, strengthen rights-based care and ensure that services are delivered with dignity and respect. In budget 2026, we have made mental health a priority, with a major focus placed on crisis support and suicide prevention.”
“The Government has made mental health a priority. Our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, sets out the roadmap for a modern, recovery-oriented mental health service. Its second implementation plan, which I launched earlier this year, focuses on improving access, reducing waiting times and embedding mental health supports in primary care and community settings. Alongside this, Connecting for Life, our national suicide prevention strategy, continues to guide our efforts to reduce suicide and self-harm. It recognises that men are a priority group and calls for targeted interventions to reach those most at risk. We have also introduced the National Men's Health Action Plan 2024–28, which is the first plan of its kind in Europe.”
“Cultural norms, fear of judgment and the perception that asking for help is a sign of weakness all play a role. While women make up two thirds of those who use counselling services, men remain under-represented. Yet, when men do engage, they benefit greatly. Research shows that men who access therapy often report significant improvements in well-being and resilience. This reluctance to seek help contributes to higher rates of suicide, substance misuse and untreated depression among men. It impacts families, workplaces and the wider economy. It is time to change that narrative and these outcomes. In the previous Government, and continuing in this Government, the Minister for Health announced a revolution in women’s health services. I believe we need to have a similar revolution in men’s mental health services.”
“I welcome the opportunity to address the House today on the vital issue of men’s health, and in particular, men’s mental health. This is not just a health issue; it is a societal issue, a family issue and a personal issue. It affects every community in Ireland. When we speak about men’s health, we are speaking about fathers, sons, brothers, grandsons, partners and friends. We are speaking about the people who build our homes, teach our children, run our businesses and serve in our Defence Forces. Yet, too often, men’s health, especially men’s mental health, remains a taboo. In Ireland today, approximately 80% of all suicides are among men. That is not just a number; it represents lives cut short, families devastated and communities left grieving. We know men are less likely to seek help for mental health difficulties.”
“I give him a commitment on the floor the Dáil that I will speak to the Minister today about the issues he has raised. It is a difficult time for many women - people need to go through pregnancy to understand that. People need to be reassured that they will get the best care for them and their babies and I know that is what the staff are trying to do. I acknowledge the issues the Deputy has raised here today.”
“When they do, the health service must do all it can to establish what happened and support these women, their babies and their families to the greatest extent possible, and try to prevent it from happening again. I hear what the Deputy said about capacity issues at University Hospital Galway. I also hear what he said that asking women, who might be from a deprived area and whose financial situation might not be good, to make an additional journey for the safety of them and their babies, which is understood, can put them at a financial risk. I will certainly raise that with the Minister. There has been focused investment in the quality and safety pillar of the national maternity strategy but I know the Deputy is speaking specifically about Portiuncula today.”
“I again thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I acknowledge and appreciate his knowledge of the situation on his doorstep. In some cases they may be patients he has worked with previously. I accept his passion about that. He is absolutely right. We have to prioritise patient safety not only at Portiuncula but across all maternity units in Ireland. The Minister and the Department of Health are continuing to work closely with the external management team, the HSE clinical leaders and families to ensure that the necessary improvements are delivered and sustained. Pregnancy in Ireland is predominantly a safe experience with good outcomes. Ireland compares well with similar countries on international safety metrics. While most women experience straightforward pregnancy and delivery, sometimes things go wrong.”
“The HSE has communicated this to the women and families booked at Portiuncula, while GPs have also been advised and may refer women to Portiuncula University Hospital for assessment of the appropriate pathway of care. These changes mean that women in rural communities who previously attended Portiuncula may now need to travel to Galway, or another unit of their choice for their maternity care. This may result in additional travel demands for expectant mothers and their families. The HSE west and north-west, through the work of the implementation team, is considering additional supports to assist women affected to ensure a seamless transfer of care for women identified as having a higher risk pregnancy.”
“He is quite right in saying this is all about governance and accountability. This is not a blame game. This is to support the staff who are supporting women and girls every day of the week to deliver their babies safely. The implementation team will also oversee the transfer of care for women with higher risk pregnancies from Portiuncula to University Hospital Galway or the hospital of their choice. This is not a new approach. It is in line with the well-established pathways in place for the transfer of care of complex or higher risk pregnancies within the regional maternity network. This approach is being broadened to include women with a wider range of clinical factors known to contribute to higher risk pregnancies.”
“The safety and quality of our maternity services are priorities. The steps that are being taken to support the unit are to ensure the safety of all women attending maternity services across the region. The HSE has advised that the work to implement recommendations arising from the reviews is in progress through the Portiuncula external management team and the regional women’s and children’s managed clinical and academic network. An implementation team has been established to ensure the recommendations arising from all reviews are followed and to progress any changes required over the coming months. There are currently 52 recommendations, arising from the seven reviews completed to date. I take on board what the Deputy said about the 2018 Walker report. Some of them may be implemented but not sustained.”
“These perinatal mental health supports are very important especially for first-time mothers, mothers who might be who might be nervous, mothers who might have mental health conditions and women who just might have anxiety. It is really important for them to be aware that those supports are there. In January 2025, a highly experienced external management team was put in place to oversee and manage maternity services in Portiuncula. The team reports directly to the HSE west and north-west regional management and is responsible for managing and supporting all aspects of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services at Portiuncula. This team will continue to oversee the work and services provided at the hospital. The maternity unit at Portiuncula is being fully supported in this regard.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the delivery of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital. There are 12 external reviews related to maternity care at Portiuncula. Seven of these reviews have now been completed. I understand the very natural worry that developments in Portiuncula may be causing for many women and families who attend or who had planned to attend for Portiuncula maternity hospital. I also acknowledge and offer support to those women who may have had devastating outcomes as a result of their care. I am very proud of having rolled out perinatal mental health support across all 19 maternity hospitals over the last six years.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann, pursuant to Standing Order 33, and with effect from 22nd October, 2025, approves the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee of Selection, copies of which were laid before Dáil Éireann on 17th October, 2025, and discharges members from Committees and appoints a member to Committees accordingly.”
“The regional executive officer, REO, in the Limerick area is fully supportive of it as well. I visited it recently and spoke to the superintendent as well. We will be rolling it out. The Minister for justice has said that he wants to see it being mainstreamed across the country.”
“I thank the Deputy for speaking about the CAST project. We often hear about game-changers on the floor of this Dáil but this project is a game-changer. For the many who do not know about it, it involves incidents to which the Garda is alerted and the persons involved might have enduring mental health conditions, for example, they might be psychotic. What it means is that the consultant psychiatrist or the advanced nurse practitioner with mental health training travels in the vehicle with the gardaí, and when it is safe to do so, the mental health intervention is made. We have every intention of continuing this pilot. I saw a preliminary report earlier this year. The results were outstanding. The Garda and the Ministers for Health and justice are very supportive of it.”
“I have heard the views of the various Opposition Whips in relation to barristers. Tomorrow morning, as everybody is aware, there is a Private Members' motion on the Office of the President. I am sure there is ample time there if somebody wants to raise an issue. On the question to the Minister in regard to Standing Order 35(3) that has just been raised, at the moment the gardaí are involved. There is a criminal investigation and I have no doubt the Minister will come into the House when it is the right time to do so.”
“the Statements on Fisheries shall not exceed 3 hours and 32 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (a) the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (b) 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 (c) members may share time. Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 35 25 15 15 5 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 15 15 5 12 15 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 5 12 15 5 8”
“the Statements on Men's Health shall not exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (a) the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (b) 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 (c) members may share time; and Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 25 15 10 10 3 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 10 10 3 9 10 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 3 9 10 3 5 3.”
“on Tuesday 4th November, 2025; and (3) in relation to the Parliamentary Questions pursuant to Standing Order 47(1) which would have been taken on Thursday 23rd October, the following arrangements shall apply: (a) the Questions to the Minister for Finance shall be taken on a future date to be ordered by the House; (b) the Questions to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation shall be taken on Wednesday, 5th November, 2025; and (c) the allocation of priority Questions to either Minister shall not be affected by these moves, nor shall the rota of Ministers or rota for priority Questions be affected; 2.”
“Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 20 20 20 12 4 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 20 12 4 20 12 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 4 20 12 4 20 In relation to Wednesday's business and the arrangements for the week’s business, it is proposed that: 1. (1) the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent: (a) there shall be no suspension of sitting pursuant to Standing Order 25(1) and Government business shall commence at the time when the SOS would normally be taken; and (b) the Dáil shall adjourn on conclusion of the Statements on Fisheries; (2) the Dáil on its rising shall adjourn until 2 p.m.”
“the proceedings on the Second Stage of the Finance Bill 2025 shall be brought to a conclusion after 3 hours and 34 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply: (a) the arrangements for the first speaking round shall be in accordance with those contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (b) on the conclusion of the first speaking round or where speeches conclude before the 3 hours and 24 minutes have elapsed and no other member is offering, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes, whereupon proceedings shall be brought to a conclusion; and (c) members may share time.”
“and shall in any event be taken on conclusion of the weekly division time, with consequential effect on the commencement times for Parliamentary Questions to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and topical issues; 2. the proceedings on the Motion re Fifth Report of the Standing Committee of Selection shall be taken without debate; and 3.”
“the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent: (a) the Dáil may sit later than 10.48 p.m.; (b) in the event that Second Stage of the Finance Bill 2025 concludes before 7 p.m., the sitting shall stand suspended until 7 p.m., and any division claimed on the proceedings on Second Stage of the Finance Bill 2025 shall be taken no earlier than 7 p.m.; (c) the weekly division time shall be taken on Tuesday 21st October, 2025, either on the conclusion of proceedings on Second Stage of the Finance Bill 2025, or at 7 p.m., whichever is the later: Provided that where questions on the Finance Bill 2025 are subject to divisions, the weekly division time shall be taken on the conclusion of all such divisions; and (d) private members' business may be taken later than 6.12 p.m.”
“I move: Tuesday's business shall be: - Motion re Fifth Report of the Committee of Selection (without debate) - Finance Bill 2025 (Second Stage) (to conclude within 3 hours and 34 minutes; any division claimed to be taken no earlier than 7 p.m.) Tuesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Irish Unity, selected by Sinn Féin. Wednesday's business shall be: - Statements on Men's Health (not to exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes) - Statements on Fisheries (not to exceed 3 hours and 32 minutes) Wednesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Office of the President, selected by Independent Technical Group. Proposed Arrangements for this week’s business: In relation to Tuesday’s business, it is proposed that: 1.”
“It is so easy, because it strikes me that I had only left the Chamber after being called "clapped out" when a Deputy stopped me to know whether I could do something for him. If I am clapped out, I do not know how I am going to be able to deliver. It is strange. We have to get on with the work. We have completed only one budget in five. I am encouraged by the opportunity ahead for this Government to deliver.”
“I was walking down the corridor after speaking in the Dáil when I met the Tánaiste on the bridge. The Tánaiste stopped me and he said, "Whatever we can do to help, whatever funding is required, you will have it." I thank the Tánaiste for that. I have never forgotten it. Talk is cheap when we are speaking in this Chamber. Earlier Deputy Conor Sheehan called the Government "clapped out" and "a hollow husk", a phrase we have heard used a lot about the Government. I never come to work clapped out. None of my colleagues ever come to work clapped out. I am not hollow. I am in politics for the right reason to try and do the best I can. The Tánaiste is in politics for the right reason. Every one of my colleagues that I sit with every day of the week come to work to do the best they can.”
“I utterly condemn the abuse, threats, social media rhetoric and vile language the Tánaiste and his family have been subjected to. It has crossed a line. I express my confidence in the Tánaiste because of my lived experience of working with him for the past ten years. We soldiered together for many years on the cath lab for Waterford, which is state-of-the-art and up and running. We are at the final stage where the final staff for 24-7 care are being recruited. I worked closely with the Tánaiste in delivering a technological university for the south-east, which is hugely important for an area that did not have a university. I will remember a really low day I had myself when dealing, in 2022, with the Maskey report on Kerry CAMHS and the harm that was caused to 240 children, with 42 of them significantly harmed.”
“They listened to the concerns and committed to taking action with an inquiry into scoliosis and spina bifida care. The Minister, Deputy Carroll McNeill, has announced her intention to fully integrate Children's Health Ireland into the HSE, which I 100% endorse. It is a necessary step to ensure we strive to deliver the best healthcare for our children. We must act and we must reform. That is the least that Harvey deserves. The Tánaiste has shown us the courage to lead, even in difficult times. I believe the Tánaiste acted in good faith. Simon Harris is determined to ensure this Government delivers the changes in reform that are necessary. He is a politician of action and he is working hard to ensure all members of Government deliver for children and deliver for Harvey's memory.”
“I stand here this afternoon to acknowledge Harvey Morrison Sherratt and the absolute tragedy of his death. Harvey’s short life was marked by courage and resilience in the face of spina bifida and scoliosis and I acknowledge that he suffered delays in accessing the care he so desperately needed. To his parents, Gillian and Stephen, your advocacy and strength throughout all this time has brought the attention of the nation to the failings in our children’s health services. Your grief must be heard but I also want to say as somebody who has been in the Department of Health for the past six years, who has worked with many clinicians, nurses, doctors, carers, health and social care workers, no person in healthcare goes to work to do harm. They go to work to help and to heal. The Tánaiste and the Minister for Health met with Harvey's parents.”
“It is proposed notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, or in yesterday’s Order of Business that - (i) a Motion of Confidence in the Tánaiste shall be taken now, which shall be brought to a conclusion after 2 hours and 25 minutes, with the same speaking order and breakdown of time as contained in the table that applies to the resumed Budget debate this evening, followed by a 10-minute response by a Minister or Minister of State, and all members may share time; (ii) the SOS shall be taken on the conclusion of the motion of confidence, and the order of business shall resume after the SOS with the Statements on Tillage; and (iii) no deadlines shall be applied this week for any oral Parliamentary Questions pursuant to Standing Order 47(1) that would have been taken on Thursday 23rd October, 2025.”
“I move: That the proposal that Dáil Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on 7th October, 2025, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 103(5), which, not later than 15th October, 2025, shall send a message to the Dáil in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 110, and Standing Order 109(2) shall accordingly apply.”
“In relation to what was raised regarding the Minister for justice, again we are in contact with the Minister. As I am not in a position to accept any of the proposals under Standing Order 35(3), the Order of Business stands for this week.”
“I thank all the Deputies for their proposals. We had a lengthy meeting of the Business Committee last Thursday. As everybody understands, we have three pieces of important legislation to deal with this week. We spent a lot of time wondering where we could eke out more time in relation to fisheries, for example. I understand the amendments that have been put forward under Standing Order 35(3) by both Deputy McDonald and Deputy Gannon in relation to Gaza. We have just had Leaders' Questions, and I am surprised that nobody raised Gaza-----”
“in relation to the proceedings on the Second Stage of the National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025, the following arrangements shall apply: ( a ) subject to subparagraph (ii), the proceedings shall, if not previously concluded, be interrupted and stand adjourned after 3 hours and 24 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (i) the arrangements for the first speaking round shall be in accordance with those contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (ii) where speeches conclude before the 3 hours and 24 minutes have elapsed and no other member is offering, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and (iii) members may share time; and ( b ) the proceedings shall not be resumed on Thursday.”
“the proceedings on the Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025 shall be taken without debate and any division demanded thereon shall be taken immediately. 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 extent that topical issues may be taken earlier than 7.24 p.m. and shall in any event be taken on the adjournment of proceedings on the National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025, or where those proceedings conclude within the available time, on the conclusion thereof, with consequential effect on the commencement time for Second Stage of the Education (Amendment) Bill 2024 and on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; and 2.”
“the proceedings on Committee and remaining Stages of the Housing Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill 2025 shall commence no earlier than 7 p.m. and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 3 hours by one question which shall be put from the Chair, and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage; 5. the proceedings on the Motion for the Further Revised Estimate for Public Services 2025 [Vote 34] shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; and 6.”
“5, resumed] shall be conducted in 135-minute speaking rounds, in accordance with the table immediately below (to be read across, not down) and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: ( a ) the speaking slots from the last speaking round taken on Thursday, 9th October, 2025, shall be continued from the point at which they were adjourned; ( b ) members may share time; and ( c ) when there are no further members offering, the debate shall be adjourned, and in any event, the debate shall be adjourned either at 7 p.m., or after two hours and 15 minutes, whichever is the later; Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 25 15 10 10 3 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 10 10 3 9 10 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 3 9 10 3 5 4.”
“the Statements on Tillage shall not exceed 3 hours and 32 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: ( a ) the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); ( b ) 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 ( c ) members may share time; Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 35 25 15 15 5 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 15 15 5 12 15 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 5 12 15 5 8 3. the Budget Debate [Financial Resolution No.”
“5, resumed] concludes before 7 p.m., the sitting shall stand suspended until 7 p.m., when the order of business shall resume with the Housing Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill 2025; ( c ) any motions to be taken without debate shall be taken on the conclusion of proceedings on the Housing Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill 2025; and ( d ) the weekly division time shall be taken on the conclusion of proceedings on any motions without debate, and the Dáil shall adjourn on the conclusion of the weekly division time; 2.”
“Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 20 20 20 12 4 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 20 12 4 20 12 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 4 20 12 4 20 In relation to Wednesday'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: ( a ) the time allotted for Government Business shall be extended in accordance with the arrangements for that business and the Dáil may sit later than 9.30 p.m.; ( b ) in the event that the Budget Debate [Financial Resolution No.”
“the proceedings on the Second Stage of the Housing Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill 2025 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 3 hours and 34 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply thereto: ( a ) the arrangements for the first speaking round shall be in accordance with those contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); ( b ) on the conclusion of the first speaking round or where speeches conclude before the 3 hours and 24 minutes have elapsed and no other member is offering, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes, whereupon proceedings shall be brought to a conclusion; Provided that any division claimed on the Second Stage proceedings shall be taken immediately prior to Committee Stage on Wednesday; and ( c ) members may share time.”
“the proceedings on the Motion re Referral to Joint Committee of Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025 shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; 3.”
“the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent: ( a ) the Dáil may sit later than 10.48 p.m.; ( b ) the time allotted for Government Business shall be extended in accordance with the arrangements for that business, with consequential effect on the commencement time for private members' business, which may be taken later than 6.12 p.m.; and ( c ) private members’ time shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Second Stage of the Housing Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill 2025, with consequential effect on the commencement times for the items following in the ordinary routine of business, namely, Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and topical issues; 2.”
“Thursday's business shall be the Second Stage of the National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025 (if not previously concluded, to adjourn after 3 hours and 24 minutes). Thursday evening business shall be the Education (Amendment) Bill 2024, sponsored by Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú. Proposed Arrangements for this week’s business: In relation to Tuesday’s business, it is proposed that: 1.”
“or after 2 hours 15 mins, whichever is the later) - Housing Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Committee and remaining Stages) (to commence no earlier than 7 p.m. and to conclude within 3 hours) - Further Revised Estimate for Public Services 2025 [Vote 34] (back from Committee) (without debate; any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025 (back from Committee) (without debate; any division claimed to be taken immediately) Wednesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Reform of the Defective Concrete Redress Scheme, selected by Independent and Parties Technical Group.”
“I move: Tuesday's business shall be: - Motion re Referral to Joint Committee of Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025 (without debate; any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Housing Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Second Stage) (to conclude within 3 hours 34 mins; any division claimed to be taken immediately prior to Committee Stage on Wednesday) Tuesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Cost of Disability, selected by Sinn Féin. Wednesday's business shall be: - Statements on Tillage (not to exceed 3 hours 32 mins) - Budget Debate [Financial Resolution No. 5, resumed] (rolling sequence of 135-minute speaking rounds, to adjourn either at 7 p.m.”
“On World Mental Health Day, which is tomorrow, it is important that we all talk about our mental health. I ask any men out there to look at yourmentalhealth.ie/men . I ask Members to ensure their office staff know about the site. They can signpost people to those supports, which are needed.”
“It is for the farmer who has just come in from milking the cows if he is in trouble. MyMind is providing 5,000 hours of counselling between now and Christmas in 20 different languages to support those who come in on permits and might not speak English or Irish. I have worked with Exchange House Ireland. Supports are now available online for young Travellers. I have worked with the one organisation for retired veterans to provide counselling supports. These 15,000 counselling supports are there. We have worked with the Irish College of GPs. Some 1,200 GPs were on a call three or four weeks ago. They now know that they can support people. There is no waiting list for those counselling supports. There is dedicated money for those, additional to what is there.”