Full transcript of my contribution: I thank the Minister for sharing time. She mentioned the two issues, namely, the non-fatal regulation and the specific offence of stalking. I raised these matters during Questions on Promised Legislation this morning. I am glad that the Minister remains committed to driving forward in respect of both of them….

Patrick Costello TD: The public is looking to all of us in this House to show leadership on the issue of gender-based violence. One of our roles as legislators is to ensure that the laws we have provide effective protection. The Minister for Justice has spoken in the past of making strangulation a stand-alone offence….

“Men must change their behaviour to end the culture of violence against women in Ireland” – Green Party Justice Spokesperson As the nation comes together in vigil to mourn Ashling Murphy who was viciously murdered this week, Green Party Justice Spokesperson Patrick Costello TD has called for the men of Ireland to take the lead…

Full transcript: Deputy Costello: Like others, I wish to extend the Christmas cheer, thank the staff and my fellow Deputies and wish everyone a joyful and restful Christmas. Vaccine efficacy wanes over time and the national immunisation advisory committee, NIAC, and the European Medicines Agency, EMA, say the Johnson & Johnson vaccine needs to be…

Full transcript: I raise the issue of accessibility of testing services. While this is obviously a nationwide issue, I will give just one example from my constituency. Until recently, the HSE had a community testing centre at the old health centre on Emmet Road in Inchicore. That is now closed and people in the area…

Full transcript: Deputy Costello – I would like to start by indulging in some parochialism by congratulating St. Patrick’s Athletic on their win at the weekend in the FAI League Cup. An Leas-Cheann Comhairle – I ask the Deputy to focus on promised legislation. Deputy Costello – I am getting there. What we saw at…

Full transcript: It is timely that we gather today to discuss this issue, yesterday having been UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. It is important we recognise the sumud — the steadfastness — of the Palestinian people in the face of ongoing, grinding occupation. In our debate on the cross-party motion on…

Full transcript: Deputy Costello – I was recently contacted by the daughter of an 89-year-old constituent with advanced Alzheimer’s who has recently lost any home care support they had. I am not the first Deputy to raise the issue of home care support and, more importantly, the lack of home care support. While there has…

Full transcript: I will pick up a theme that several Deputies addressed, namely, missed opportunity. In discussing the Marine Survey Office we need to bear in mind that Ireland has been in the spotlight because of our fisheries for reasons that are not good. There have been long-running investigations and exposures of slavery, forced labour,…