3. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the European Council on 20 and 21 March. [15145/25]
Sentiment score: 0.00
On Ukraine, I condemn outright Russia's increasingly heavy and brutal bombardment of civilian infrastructure. We have seen more civilian casualties in Kharkiv and Kyiv in recent days. It is appalling to see that and I join with Deputy Malcolm Byrne in looking for an update on a timeline for possible accession. Ireland has been at the forefront of supporting Ukraine's proposed accession to the EU. I raised earlier the plight of the crew of the Madleen and asked the Taoiseach to take steps at EU level to address the concern that many of us feel at reports that Israel is to be in attendance on 23 June at an EU southern neighbourhood ministerial meeting. I understand that there is considerable disquiet in many member states, including Ireland, at the prospect that the Israeli foreign minister might even participate in this meeting, the purpose of which we are told is to deepen EU co-operation with Israel and other southern partners, including Palestine, Egypt and Jordan. I would like an update on that. I know the Taoiseach did not have time to address that point when I raised it earlier with him.
Sentiment score: -0.01
8. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Disability will next meet. [16741/25]
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I welcome the proposals we have seen, which I believe went to the Cabinet today, to create nearly 500 new third level places in key health and social professions, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and more. As I said, this is welcome because we all recognise the enormous shortfall in services. The concern remains that it will take years for these new places to generate more qualified people. As my colleague, Deputy Sherlock, documented last week, children are currently waiting far too long to see a therapist. The number of children waiting more than a year to see a psychologist had risen to almost 11,000 at the end of last year, from just under 4,000 four years ago, while the number on speech and language therapy waiting lists has soared by 200%. There is a crisis in services and concerns regarding how long it takes CORU to recognise and register graduates with qualifications from abroad. What can be done now to bridge this current urgent gap in services to ensure there will be enough therapists to see children who are on these waiting lists, languishing and awaiting crucial services?
Sentiment score: 0.16
It was about recognition of qualifications by CORU.
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27. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the shared island initiative. [26916/25]
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The Taoiseach has outlined some of the work of the shared island initiative. Dealing with legacy is an important part of the work being done. The British Labour Government has committed to changes but no agreement has been reached yet, and there are a number of areas where families have been seeking answers and where the Government here has a role to play. I ask in particular about the issue of Denis Donaldson. His family have been seeking answers and the case has of course been highlighted recently. He was murdered in 2006 in Donegal. His inquest has been adjourned 27 times over 19 years. The Minister for justice recently pointed out there is a Garda investigation under way, but his family are seeking an inquiry. I understand they have written to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for justice. What is the position of the Government on this matter and does it have any plans to meet the family? I think the family’s solicitor has pointed out they do not qualify as victims under the legacy Act so they are in a very particular position. What is the Taoiseach’s position on their request to meet him?
Sentiment score: 0.15