Thomas Byrne
Meath East · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“We are very proud of the work they do in what are often very dangerous circumstances. Let us be 100% clear: our troops will only ever do peacekeeping, peace enforcement or conflict prevention in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and, of course, as with every action of this Government, in accordance with the Constitution.”
“To be clear on what our troops will be doing, they will be doing peacekeeping, peace enforcement and conflict prevention. That is what the law says; not what the Deputy imagines it to be. We are bound by our Constitution and international law. The legislation changes nothing in that regard.”
“We are bound by international law. We are bound by international law since our Constitution came into force and we continue to be bound by international law and always will be, no matter what happens to this legislation. International law governs what we do as a Government.”
“I propose to take Questions Nos. 125, 140, 157 and 185 together. I am taking this question on behalf of the Minister. A commitment to reform what is known as the triple lock was set out in the programme for Government.”
“-----in accordance with UN principles and, of course, in accordance with our own Constitution, which commits us to peace and friendly relations among nations. The triple lock is a statutory mechanism.”
“Switzerland, the classical neutral country that is not even a member of the European Union and will never join the European Union, it is so neutral and independent, accepts UN, EU and OSCE mandates. I understand the situation is similar in Austria, which is another neutral country. By the way, it is also similar in Germany.”
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“A key output of this task force will be to develop an energy affordability action plan that will identify a comprehensive range of solutions, including demand-side solutions for households to allow them to adjust their energy demand and avail of low cost renewable energy. Task force members are currently finalising the preparation of an interim report, which will set out measures for consideration as part of the budget process next month. I understand that the Minister, Darragh O’Brien, has engaged with all energy suppliers to gain an understanding of support measures they may introduce for households this winter. A number of meetings have also been scheduled for the coming weeks for the Minister to discuss these matters directly with energy supply companies.”
“That was an increase in funding and meant more money was available to make buildings warmer, healthier, more comfortable and less expensive to heat, and that is having an impact around the country. In June of this year, a cross-Government national energy affordability task force, chaired by the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, was established to identify, assess and implement measures that would enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply for economic stability. Further measures to support Irish consumers, including targeted schemes, will be considered as part of the work programme of the national energy affordability task force.”
“The PSO levy is a key enabler of investment needed to meet our targets for renewable generation, carbon emission reductions and lower costs. It represents a modest element of customer bills and will reduce in the coming tariff year by 40% to €24 in the year. In addition, the Government is making it easier for people to improve their energy efficiency and produce their own energy through a range of grants to install solar PV on homes, businesses and farms. Yes, we would like for all of this to be rolled out more quickly but it is rolling out and lots of people are benefiting from this. The previous budget included record funding of €469 million from the carbon tax for residential and community energy upgrades.”
“It is important that anybody who is struggling with bills is strongly encouraged to engage with his or her supplier. Under the energy engage code, suppliers will not disconnect customers who engage with them. The Government is working at speed to roll out more renewable energy infrastructure. This is already helping to bring down the cost of electricity and is the long-term solution to high energy bills. The programme for Government reaffirms Ireland’s ambitious renewable targets to meet the requirement of 80% of electricity demand supplied by renewables by 2030. The PSO levy is a crucial policy instrument to achieving these targets by funding Ireland’s renewable electricity support schemes, REFIT and RESS.”
“The Government recently approved an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity by a further six months to October 2025 at an estimated cost of €85 million. Historically, a VAT rate of 13% has been applied to gas and electricity, but this has been reduced to 9% since 2022, and it does cost taxation money to maintain that. The regulator recently published enhanced customer protection measures for the upcoming winter period. A key measure includes a disconnection moratorium. This will remain in place from 1 November 2025 to the end of March 2026 for vulnerable customers, while the moratorium for priority services registered customers will remain in place all year. The winter disconnection moratorium for all other domestic customers will be in place from 8 December until 16 January.”
“The Government is aware that energy customers in Ireland still pay significantly more on their energy bills than they did in 2020. The Government has taken action to ensure households are supported to meet these costs. It has introduced measures over recent years to help households and businesses deal with the rising cost of energy, including electricity credits to all households through four electricity costs emergency benefit schemes at a cost of €3.3 billion. This is in addition to one-off payments to support certain social protection payment recipients. The Government is committed to addressing high energy costs experienced by consumers. The programme for Government acknowledges this and commits to bringing forward measures to help maintain the costs.”
“In relation to data centres, while already contracted data centres will be accommodated in the near term, the Government has committed to developing a plan-led approach for future large energy users to accelerate energy generation, connectivity and planning processes. This will align with our decarbonisation objectives, supporting Ireland’s knowledge-led economy and providing certainty for the sector. Ireland has attracted the best data centre and tech companies in the world. This is a really important relationship, and the Government continues to work with the sector towards a secure and decarbonised energy future. The Government supports the work of the CRU in developing an updated large energy users, LEUs, connection policy, which will consider the impact of future LEU connections on the capacity of our energy and grid infrastructure.”
“PR6 will deliver the programme for Government priority to ensure that the necessary investment is made in our grid. The CRU as the independent economic regulator of EirGrid and ESB Networks is responsible for PR6. The CRU public consultation on PR6 has recently closed and now the CRU will independently consider submissions received before publishing a final decision. The Government fully supports the full implementation of the associated programme of works. To support the investment, the Government is investing €3.5 billion in equity in EirGrid and ESB Networks - State companies - to ensure that the PR6 infrastructure programme can be delivered. This will reduce borrowing costs for the system operator companies and help keep consumer costs down.”
“The CRU carried out a review of the pricing and hedging strategies of energy suppliers in 2023. Following this review the regulator published a report outlining that it saw no evidence of failure in the retail market, but it would continue to monitor this. Network tariffs, which are a significant component of a customer's bill, are used to finance the maintenance and expansion of our grid. These are necessary tasks to ensure our journey to net zero and that we can actually generate and distribute electricity produced on this island. This will have long run benefits for electricity users throughout Ireland. Delivering investment in our grid, including the full price review 6, PR6, programme, offers one of the fastest means by which to impact upon overall electricity costs to consumers.”
“The electricity and gas retail markets operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial and liberalised. That is not the same as saying it is privatised. Competition has been brought into the market. However, the idea that the family silver was sold off - in the words of Deputy Mac Lochlainn - is not accurate. Competition is not the same thing as privatisation. Price setting by electricity suppliers, including standing charges, is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Each company has its own approach to pricing decisions over time. Within a competitive environment, providers also have costs they always have. The CRU ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011 and in the gas market in 2014.”
“Tugann sé deis dom é seo a phlé anocht. In the past year, there has been a certain level of stability with regard to energy prices, but a number of suppliers have announced price increases in the coming weeks. Domestic energy prices and cost-of-living pressures are matters of serious concern. The Government is acutely aware - we are all TDs in our constituencies - of the challenges for households in meeting these costs and we want to support those most at risk. I would like to take the opportunity to reaffirm to the House that the Government has made a number of important commitments in respect of addressing the continued high cost of energy. The programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses and commits to bringing forward taxation measures to help contain energy costs.”
“I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes that: — the Government is acutely aware of the recent energy price increases and the impact it has on households and businesses; — the Government acknowledges the latest data for June shows that 13 per cent of households are in arrears on their electricity bills and 25 per cent on their gas bills, and supporting these households must remain a priority; — the previous Government introduced a suite of measures over recent years to help households and businesses deal with the rising cost of energy at a time of very high inflation, including €1,500 in electricity credits to all households through four Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Schemes, at a cost of €3.3 billion, this is in addition to one-off payments to support certain social protection payment recipients; — the Government provides support for households through schemes, including the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package (HBP) and Additional Needs Payment; — Irish electricity and gas prices have historically been higher than other European Union (EU) countries due to long standing drivers, such as geographical isolation, dispersed population, fossil fuel dependency and small market scale; — the electricity and gas markets in Ireland are commercial, liberalised, and competitive, and competitive energy markets result in greater choice for consumers and businesses, in terms of suppliers, products and prices, price setting by electricity suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned; and — the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a report on retail energy markets in September 2023 in relation to competition and supplier pricing in the energy market, based on a review of supplier prices and wholesale market costs, the CRU considers that retail prices broadly continue to reflect underlying cost drivers, such as wholesale gas and electricity prices, but with a lag period due to supplier hedging strategies; and affirms that: — the Government has approved an extension of the 9 per cent Value Added Tax rate currently applied to gas and electricity to end in October 2025 at an estimated cost of €85 million with the net benefit to households from 1st May to 31st October being approximately €26.60 with respect to electricity and €20.28 with respect to gas; — a range of social welfare measures are available to assist households with energy costs; — the first winter Fuel Allowance payment of €33 per week starts this week and will continue for 28 weeks, totalling €924 each year, this payment supports over 410,000 households with their energy costs; — the HBP supports over 540,000 households with their gas and electricity bills and is paid at a rate of €35 per month, 12 months of the year; — the Additional Needs Payment scheme is available in cases where a person genuinely cannot meet this cost from their own resources and provides a discretionary exceptional needs payment to help meet essential costs, such as a fuel bill; — following a review of the effectiveness of consumer protection measures over the past winter, the CRU announced some key consumer protection measures will stay in place, including a moratorium on disconnection for vulnerable customers from 1st November, 2025, until 31st March, 2026; and — the Government has established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce (the Taskforce) to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability; — the Taskforce: — will ensure that energy affordability is incorporated into the review of CRU and the regulatory framework; — is chaired by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and its membership includes, representatives of various Government Departments and crucial energy sector stakeholders, the work will include, the preparation and implementation of an energy affordability action plan, which will include recommendations for structural reforms to benefit consumers in the medium- and long-term; — their work will include, a full review of cost drivers within the energy sector, and consideration of how the EU Action Plan for Affordable Energy: Unlocking the true value of our Energy Union to secure affordable, efficient and clean energy for all Europeans and associated guidance can be implemented in an Irish context; and — their first item of work is the development of an interim plan, including measures for consideration to support customers in Winter 2025/26, in order to inform Budget 2026 discussions; — the wider package of energy efficiency supports, available from Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills, and this year, a record annual capital budget of more than €550 million has been allocated for these schemes, including the Solar Photovoltaic Scheme, meaning more funding than ever is available to make buildings warmer, healthier, more comfortable and less expensive to heat; — a record €280 million has been allocated to the Warmer Homes Scheme to provide fully funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty, representing an 11-fold increase over the spend on the scheme in 2020 and underlines the Government's commitment to supporting households with their energy costs; — the Government is committed to continuing with the planned carbon tax increases, aligning with recommendations from the Climate Change Advisory Council and scientific experts, and to continue to use the additional revenues to fund social welfare measures, agri-environmental schemes and retrofitting; — the National Development Plan will provide for the provision of up to €3.5 billion in additional equity for Electricity Supply Board Networks and EirGrid to support an unprecedented investment in electricity grid infrastructure over 2026 – 2030, this equity will enable the companies to raise finance for the planned investment of up to €18.08 billion; — this investment will support the delivery of the electricity grid for 2026 – 2030 in line with the CRU Price Review Six (PR6) draft determination published in July, and represents a step change in investment in our electricity grid infrastructure; — while it is regrettable that Electricity Network tariffs will increase to support this investment under PR6, the investments in vital infrastructure are necessary to transform our electricity system to support a growing population, new housing and expanding businesses; — the Programme for Government reaffirms Ireland's ambitious targets of 9 gigawatts (GW) of onshore wind capacity, 8 GW of solar capacity and at least 5 GW of offshore wind capacity connected to the grid in order to meet the requirement of 80 per cent of electricity demand supplied by renewables; — the Public Services Obligation (PSO) levy funds Ireland's renewable electricity support schemes, the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff and the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, and is a key enabler of investment needed to meet national targets for renewable generation and carbon emissions reduction; — the PSO levy has a reduction of about 40 per cent on 2024/25 to €2 a month or circa €24 in the year; — the Programme for Government sets out a clear policy direction that balances energy, housing, climate and economic development, recognising that increased and unprecedented investment in our electricity grid and generation capacity is essential to meet future demand, not just for data centres but for housing, electric vehicles, heat pumps and a growing population; — the best long-term approach for Ireland to insulate consumers from volatility on international wholesale energy markets is to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy, cutting our dependence on fossil fuels and generating power from our own renewable sources ensuring a cleaner, cheaper energy future; and — the Government will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders through the pre-budget process and in advance of forming measures for inclusion in Budget 2026." Gabhaim buíochas leis na Teachtaí i bPáirtí Shinn Féin ós rud é gur thug siad an díospóireacht seo os comhair na Dála.”
“In terms of our major priorities, we have to work with other member states and that includes the parliaments. I foresee a big role not just for MEPs but also Members of the Dáil on all sides. By and large, the priorities will be supported across the House. On misinformation and disinformation, I recently had very good engagement with the Hybrid CofE in Finland and encourage the foreign affairs committee to engage with its representatives on best practice in this area.”
“During the Presidency Ireland will, in effect, be in charge of the negotiations. We will have to act as an honest broker. It is important that between now and then we get our spoke out, so to speak. That is why met Commissioner Serafin at a very early point and immediately after that meeting I met all of our MEPs, all of whom were invited to be briefed on our position. I am more than happy to do that with the committees on foreign affairs, EU affairs and agriculture. Individual Ministers will also do that. It is also important for Oireachtas committees is to engage with their counterparts in other parliaments. The CAP is the biggest part of the budget in terms of what we receive. It is important that we protect that. The other issues the Deputy mentioned are important.”
“That was a point I made, whether for war-torn situations or for the likes of Gavi. Regarding defence, we see a continued role for the MFF to build on investments under way to enhance our collective defence, in particular infrastructure, research and development and co-ordinated action.”
“It is important to briefly set out the process. The Commission will publish the proposal next Wednesday. Ultimately, it is a matter for the leaders to agree this, in conjunction with the European Parliament. Over the next year and A half, starting on 18 July, governments will discuss the Commission's proposal and, in effect, negotiate it. Next Wednesday's proposal should be seen as the first outing. We will have a ministerial meeting two days later and that is the very start of the process. During our Presidency, Ireland will play a key role in those negotiations. In terms of our external policies, the Minister has outlined the support the EU has given to, for example, Palestine and UNRWA. From Ireland's point of view, we want to make sure that the MFF maintains the EU's leadership in providing development and humanitarian assistance.”
“On financing, I highlighted Ireland’s role as a net contributor and long-term beneficiary, and our view that the EU budget must be fit for the future, take into account horizontal principles and values and respond to Europe’s priorities effectively. Overall, the meeting was an first important step for Ireland in setting our ambitions and will be the first of many engagements I will have with the Commissioner in advance of Ireland’s EU Presidency next year, during which the MFF negotiations will be at a critical juncture.”
“I called for a strong focus on digital, connectivity and infrastructure, which are key enablers to improving productivity, innovation and competitiveness. I also reaffirmed the importance of ensuring a separate and ring-fenced horizon programme, which provides for excellent research, transnational collaboration and innovation. In the context of security and defence, which will play a significant role in the next MFF, I advocated that the Commission take into account the specificities of island and peripheral regions with large maritime areas and subsea infrastructure to protect. I also emphasised the importance of maintaining development and humanitarian assistance in a sustained and long-term manner.”
“On 25 June, I met the EU Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, Piotr Serafin, in Brussels. The meeting was an important opportunity to set out Ireland’s preliminary views on the post-2027 multi-annual financial framework, MFF, in advance of the proposal of the Commission being published next Wednesday. During this meeting, I called on the Commissioner to ensure a robustly funded and separate, strong and ring-fenced Common Agricultural Policy, CAP. As a thriving sector of our economy, I stressed the importance of CAP in sustaining jobs and rural communities and strengthening food security across Europe. In addition, the Commissioner and I discussed the competitiveness fund.”
“There are issues there that are part of the balancing act and which I am not sure anybody would have any difficulty with.”
“They involve denying genocide, basically; denying or trivialising the Nazi genocide, the Holocaust; and public incitement to violence or hatred directed against a group of persons or a member of such a group, defined by reference to race, colour, religion, dissent or national or ethnic origin. The Minister for justice will communicate directly with the Commission but it is already an offence in legislation. We have common law in Ireland and incitement to violence on those grounds is already an offence. What Deputy Lawless discussed is not what was discussed last year. It is simply scaremongering to suggest the EU will somehow threaten our freedom of speech. The reality is the EU is now among the few places in the world where there is freedom of speech.”
“The Gates Foundation is generous in its support and the British Government has also made an extraordinary pledge to Gavi. The Council also addressed the Black Sea region; the worrying situation in Libya, reaffirming the EU’s support for the UN support mission there; and the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for justice to tell the EU Commission "to get stuffed". I do not think he will do that. I know Deputy Lawless got his TikTok video so maybe he will not be interested in finding out the exact position. The EU is asking Ireland to implement a number of offences that I do not think anyone would have any difficulty with.”
“The conclusions also identified serious and organised crime, terrorism, radicalisation and violent extremism as major threats to the Union’s internal security. We condemn all types of hybrid activity against the EU. Turning to external relations issues, the Council welcomed the outcome of the UN Ocean Conference and looked forward to the fourth international conference on financing for development. EU leaders also welcomed the outcomes of the high-level pledging summit for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which I referred to earlier and which the Taoiseach attended on 25 June, the evening before the Council meeting. Deputy Lahart will be interested to hear Ireland has announced it will pledge a further €22 million to Gavi over the next five years, which is an increase on the previous five-year tranche.”
“Ireland will continue to work closely with the countries of the western Balkans and support the reform efforts they are making on their European paths, as well as advancing the gradual integration between the EU and the region in the enlargement process, in a reversible and merit-based manner. The June European Council conclusions included a first-ever reference to enhancing our preparedness for crises and we welcome that. Ireland is very supportive of the overall all-hazards, whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach to preparedness that the EU is taking. While it is a new approach to most member states, including Ireland, we see the utmost value in ensuring critical capacities and capabilities are in place for the full spectrum of crises we may face.”
“At the summit, the EU and the Government of Moldova signed a joint declaration outlining our mutual commitment to Moldova’s European future and to the principles that will guide our future co-operation. European leaders agreed that the summit and the joint declaration send a further strong signal to the Moldovan population of the EU’s steadfast support for their country's European future, especially as it faces continued threats from Russia, including hybrid threats aimed at interfering in its parliamentary elections, which are to be held in the autumn. The Council also discussed developments in the western Balkans. The President of the Council, António Costa, provided a debrief to European leaders on his recent visit to that region.”
“The Council encouraged an intensification of work with third countries to develop comprehensive partnerships, the implementation of EU legislation such as the migration pact, and efforts to prevent and counter irregular migration and the instrumentalisation of migrants. Leaders took note of ongoing discussions on recent legislative proposals related to returns, the establishment of a list of safe countries of origin at EU level and the application of the safe third country concept. Earlier the Taoiseach outlined that global economic developments, including trade, were discussed by leaders as part of the EU and the world agenda item. The Council further discussed the EU’s preparations for upcoming summits with third countries and relations with partners, including the first EU-Moldova summit, which took place on 4 July in Chișinãu.”
“The work of the Gates Foundation is very important. I know the Taoiseach recently addressed the summit in Brussels and spoke to Bill Gates. We are aligned with the work that needs to be done around the world to ensure people have better lives and outcomes. We have had a range of statements and questions and there were some other items on the European Council agenda, including Moldova, the western Balkans and EU internal security and preparedness. Migration was discussed and President von der Leyen updated the Council on the work being advanced by the Commission, including its engagements with countries of origin and transit.”
“Indeed, in terms of support to poorer countries with overseas development aid, Ireland is on an upward trajectory when other countries are on a downward trajectory.”
“On the simplification agenda, there is an agenda on reporting requirements that we support. What is happening at European Commission level is that every part of the Commission is coming forward with simplification proposals that have to get discussed in the European Parliament and at the Council of Ministers. The idea is to cut red tape, not to reduce our human rights compliance or environmental credentials but to protect jobs in Europe. What motivates me every day of the week is protecting jobs. We cannot have a strong voice around the world unless we have a strong economy. We will be supporting the simplification agenda, but we will be supporting the environmental and social agenda as well.”
“I think we all know the answer to that, but it is good to talk to people and engage with them. The problem is not on the Irish side. The Irish side has been really clear from Government level to the Dáil, but we need to talk to our counterparts across the EU at every level. I have done that at ministerial level. I think everybody could, to find out what the reasons are.”
“I turn to the difficulties with treaties. It is easy for one person to make a decision. It is easy for one person to say "Yes" or "No". We are in a democracy, and there are 174 of us here who make decisions. That is a bit more difficult. It is very difficult to make decisions when there are 27 people representing 27 countries around the table. It was 12 when we joined. Overall, those 27 have made really good decisions, not on every occasion, but overall, they have, and Ireland has benefited disproportionately from the decisions they have taken. On the issue of Israel, as I said to the committee, I strongly urge that Members talk to MPs, Senators or whoever in countries like Germany, Austria or Hungary and ask them why they have these particular positions.”
“I do not know the answer about the one in Bogotá, but we were to be heavily involved in the one France and Saudi Arabia were organising in the UN. In fact, the Taoiseach was asked to chair one of the working groups. What Ireland has done in support of the two-state solution goes back to Brian Lenihan as Minister. We think of all the great Irish foreign Ministers. Even in the conclusions this week, the non-proliferation treaty is mentioned with regard to Iran. That was Frank Aiken. Two former foreign Ministers who sat here were heavily influential on global politics even to this day, in terms of the two-state solution and the non-proliferation treaty. I am proud that is the heritage of my party. I do not know. I will get an answer for the Deputy on the Bogotá conference, but we were to be involved in the important UN conference.”
“There are not many places in the country that have the capacity to hold such an event. I have no doubt that whatever decisions are taken, there will be some events in Kerry, and I certainly hope there will be some in Tipperary and Meath.”
“There was no application for derogations. The EU's restrictive measures allow for the refusal of access. The vessel changed its registration from Russia to the Cook Islands in June 2024. The Department has reminded harbourmasters this week of their responsibilities under the EU restrictive measures. Apparently, this vessel has gone to Clogherhead. It has not received any permission to enter Clogherhead port. We think it left Irish waters this morning and we are looking for a report from Louth County Council. That is simply the information I have, and I cannot speak specifically about that vessel. However, there have been other occasions when we have seen hybrid measures by Russia involving this type of activity, designed to confuse and cause chaos, but usually designed to confuse, upset the local system and annoy people.”
“Recently we also signed onto what is called a non-paper supporting qualified majority voting at the intermediate steps in the accession process, not at the start or at the end, which is always subject to unanimity and the veto. At the intermediate steps we have supported removing unanimity because some countries, particularly Hungary, are using that to block progress. On the Shtandart , the Department of Transport became aware of this on Sunday night. The ship would be required to submit a pre-arrival notice. This did not happen. There are restrictions on vessels of this type under EU restrictive measures. The operators would be well aware of this. It may be that they are looking to get a formal response from the authorities. I do not know. The ship has moved. There are derogations from the sanctions.”
“Ukraine is a top priority. I told ambassador Gerasko that was the case. I had an article published in the Irish Examiner this week reflecting on my visit there. I certainly encourage Members of the Oireachtas to visit Ukraine if it is safe to do so. It is never 100% safe, but it should be organised at an Oireachtas level. On my impression of the situation in Ukraine, what really struck home to me was the lack of sleep people are having. We are not trying to compare different situations. Each situation is different, but the situation in Ukraine is a top priority. We are to the fore in supporting Ukraine at various levels.”
“We should strive very hard for follow-up action at the EU level following the publication of the EU-Israel trade association agreement report, a report we called for and pushed for. Our shared goal has to be the end of this and to have two states living in peace and stability. We can never lose sight of that.”
“The Taoiseach has highlighted US legislation that is present in many states that could penalise a company perceived to be engaging in a boycott. The Bill is the right thing to do but there is a need for honesty about its impact. The Taoiseach said that last week. With regard to sanctions on Russia, from day one, we were very clear that we did not want to impose sanctions on Russia that would end up doing more harm to us than to it. We have to take a consistent approach. This country is very dependent on trade. All of us, including Social Democrat TDs, represent constituencies in which there are jobs that are dependent on our trading relationship with basically every country in the world.”
“I will be clear. We have called for follow-up action on the association agreement report. I will attend the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on the issue next week and I will be taking a very strong position that is consistent with what we have done before. The report is brief but it tells you enough about what Israel has done, which is exactly what the Deputy has said. The Government has taken a leadership role in approving the general scheme of the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory Bill. Other countries have come to us directly to seek information on it. We have to be clear on its impact. The Government remains open to including services, subject to legal advice, but, as the Taoiseach said last week, we should be concerned about how the Bill could be misunderstood in the United States.”
“The view is that Ireland and Spain are at one end of the spectrum in the European Union. That is because of our diplomacy and our practical support for the people of Gaza. I believe I heard the Deputy looking for sanctions against Israel outside of the occupied territories Bill. Perhaps I did not pick her up correctly on that but I feel she did. Did she ask for sanctions against Israel rather than just the occupied territories? If she did not, it is fine.”
“It is a report from Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. She was mandated to produce this report. It was not a secret report done by the Commission. The member states of the European Union voted for this to happen. We led on making it happen and having this report published. It was published a few weeks ago. The Council conclusions talk about follow-up to this report. Again, we led on this report. We could all do more. As I said the last time, the Opposition should criticise Government and look for us to do more. However, I could quote a minister from one particular country who is in the middle ground on this issue. He said that he is not like Ireland and Spain. That is the view.”
“The Lithuanians will be over tomorrow and I am sure they will meet the Deputy's parliamentary group. They will tell the Deputy exactly the same. They do not want war. They want peace but they are determined to protect themselves. That is all they are looking to do. We certainly support their right to protect themselves, as any democracy does. Deputy Gibney is very genuine in her point of view but she has said that Ireland, as a country, has refused to lead. However, she went on to quote the report on the EU-Israel association agreement. We led the campaign for that report. It was our diplomacy over a long period to get more countries on board that led to it. Despite what Deputy Bennett said, this is not a leaked report from the Commission.”
“We are working very closely with the Commission. The Council has taken its own decision and that is the position we have taken on the matter. I do not accept what the Deputy has said, which is that we are funding arms manufacturers and research on how best to kill people. That is not happening. There is a country called Russia. Deputy Seán Crowe criticised us and told us not to use Russia as a bogeyman. I know Sinn Féin Members recently went to Malta to sign a memorandum of understanding on neutrality but, if they had gone to Finland, they would have heard the far left, the far right and everyone in between say that Russia is not a bogeyman but a serious threat to that country and that it must protect itself. We meet interlocutors in Finland and Lithuania.”
“I will get the exact position on that but my understanding is that our position has been to facilitate what member states want to do.”
“I will get the Deputy an exact answer on that. As I understand it, we are not part of that. The decision was taken by the Council, of which we are part, and our position is generally to facilitate what other member states want to do. As the Taoiseach has said, we are very clear that defence is a national competency. There is no EU army. If Deputy McDonald said what she said today in a presidential debate, people simply would not take her seriously. It was over the top and outrageous. She spoke about the sons and daughters of Irish parents being sent to European wars. I have never heard that before in the Dáil, although we heard it in some of the referendum campaigns. In fact, we were promised it in 2008 and 2002. Nothing could be further from the truth.”
“We know that the US side has announced an extension but we should be under no illusions; the trading position of the EU, and therefore of Ireland, is highly vulnerable. We are in constant contact with the Commission. I am sure the Commission is well able to handle criticism from Members of the Irish Parliament. We are talking to these people every day about the trading position of this country, which is really important for jobs and economic growth. I can think of many industries in the Deputy's constituency, in my own and in everybody else's that will be impacted by the agreements I hope will be reached and the decisions that may be made by one side or the other. We are working as hard as possible to make sure the Irish economy is protected to the greatest extent possible. That work is ongoing as we speak.”
“It might be easier if I just quickly answer Deputy Ó Laoghaire's question because it is likely there will be several questions. On tariffs, there were discussions about tariffs and this particular debate on the margins of the European Council meeting. Discussions between the EU and the US are ongoing. As the Taoiseach already said, President von der Leyen spoke to him on Monday. Commissioner Šefčovič, who is lead for the EU, is in constant contact with the Government and with the Tánaiste. I also meet with him in Brussels. Those discussions are at a very advanced stage. I was not updated this morning because I was dealing with other matters but these discussions are ongoing.”
“There is always a bit of confusion about this slot. A range of questions have already been asked and I am more than happy to answer them now. However, the ruling from the Chair is that the questions should be fresh in coming forward. I am in the Chair's hands on this.”
“This will include additional resources for forward planning, the development of a capital programme of investment for State-owned early learning and childcare facilities, co-ordination with the school building programme, supports for services within schools and developing planning guidelines to ensure that early learning and childcare buildings are provided at the point of use. The Government is committed to delivering on this vision over the term of office.”
“I dtosach báire, aontaím leis an Teachta go bhfuil tábhacht faoi leith ag baint leis an nGaeilge agus leis na naíonraí trí mheán na Gaeilge. D’fhreastail mé ar naíonra in 1980 agus tá mé fós anseo ag labhairt Gaeilge. Tá suirbhé foilsithe ag an Roinn, the annual early years sector profile. I gcomhthéacs Chontae Phort Láirge, taispeánann an suirbhé go bhfuil líon na bpáistí ar an rolla tar éis méadú agus go bhfuil laghdú tagtha ar líon na ndaoine ar na liostaí feithimh. Beidh 1,500 áit nua an bhliain seo chugainn faoin building blocks extension scheme, lena n-airítear seirbhísí i gContae Phort Láirge. The programme for Government outlines a wider ambition to deliver an affordable, high-quality, accessible early childhood education and care system with State-led facilities adding capacity.”