Martin Heydon, TD

Since the appointment of a senior Minister for children - an historic event in Irish political history - on 9 March 2011, we have spent a great deal of time and effort and employed considerable resources on children's rights, adoption and child protection issues across the Departments of Children and Youth Affairs, Health and Justice and Equality. We have spent a considerable amount of time debating such legislation. I echo the sentiments of a number of colleagues on both sides in complimenting the Government in that regard.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell has assured residents that AIB is hopeful that its 24 hour ATM facility in Rush will be retained.

I congratulate the Minister on the work she has done so far to prepare for the referendum. I am delighted that there is cross- party support for the proposal. I look forward to canvassing for a "Yes" vote in the referendum on 10 November next.

I join other speakers in welcoming the introduction of the constitutional amendment. I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, and her ministerial colleagues on the time, effort and dedication that went into the preparation of the proposal which is before us today

Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell has assured residents that AIB is hopeful that its 24 hour ATM facility in Rush will be retained.

I congratulate the Minister on the work she has done so far to prepare for the referendum. I am delighted that there is cross- party support for the proposal. I look forward to canvassing for a "Yes" vote in the referendum on 10 November next.

I join other speakers in welcoming the introduction of the constitutional amendment. I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, and her ministerial colleagues on the time, effort and dedication that went into the preparation of the proposal which is before us today

Laois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, of the payment of the two vital funding schemes, the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (DAS) and the Agri-Environmental Options Scheme (AEOS).

Shakespeare wrote: "Defer no time, delays have dangerous consequences." Over past years, we have let down the children of Ireland and have allowed children's lives be ruined and destroyed.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South Olivia Mitchell TD has today welcomed the announcement of a long-overdue upgrade of the junction at Overend Way/Balally Luas Station.