7. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on the economy, trade and competitiveness will next meet. [29775/26]

Sentiment score: 0.00

It is 18 years since CIÉ pensioners received an increase in their pensions. There was agreement between CIÉ and the unions in May of last year. A year later the Government has still not signed off on this increase. When I asked the Taoiseach about this in February, he said that the sign-off was imminent. We are now in May, and it has still has not been signed off. When will the CIÉ pensioners get the increase for which they have been waiting for 18 years? It is absolutely necessary that we look at the fact that Irish people are paying 40% more for electricity. We need to find the solution to this. It is not okay. Recently, a number of us met the House of Commons business and trade committee. A particular issue that I brought up, which I raised with the Taoiseach previously, is cross-Border taxation, particularly for those who are remote working or who cannot remote work, or companies which cannot facilitate cross-Border remote working. It requires a bilateral agreement with the British Government. It should be on the agenda of Government. I also said we should actually deal with the biggest issue, which is the Border, but the Taoiseach has a bit of work to do on that himself.

Sentiment score: 0.16

39. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on EU and international affairs will next meet. [32864/26]

Sentiment score: 0.00

Ireland is the largest exporter of alumina, the key component of aluminium, to Russia. We are exporting almost 1 million tonnes of it a year. This is being used by Russia to make the drones and missiles that are being used to kill Ukrainian men, women and children. Ukrainian civilians are being murdered with weapons and missiles made using materials supplied by Ireland. Why is Ireland supplying this key war component to Russia? Was the Taoiseach aware that the Irish State has lobbied for these exports to be shielded from sanctions? What action will he take about this matter?

Sentiment score: -0.30