Anne Rabbitte
Nominated by the Taoiseach · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“On Ireland's most popular pornography website, almost two thirds of the video titles indicate content of concern, including sexual violence, extreme misogyny and material that mimics child sexual abuse. This is not on the fringes of the Internet; this is mainstream, free and one click away from every child in this country.”
“I also acknowledge the role of Deputy Cathal Crowe in the Lower House and that of Senator Rónán Mullen whose Bill, which was before Seanad Éireann last week, spoke to this very issue. It is something we should all get behind and support to ensure we have the law to protect our young people. I also wish to bring up Skyclarys.”
“I am wearing sandals today. Good afternoon to everybody. I warmly welcome the Minister for justice's bringing his memo to Cabinet where he seeks to criminalise extreme violent pornography. For too long, this has been a glaring gap in our criminal law.”
“He said that we should not deny his son the chance to hold onto his voice, even if it is just to be able to ask for a glass of water. That is the parent of a child with Friedreich's ataxia, who has already lost a child to Friedreich's ataxia. We have 200 such patients in this country.”
“Where we have rural depopulation - and there are great reports coming from the GAA - the one thing we want to do is ensure a sense of community. That sense of community circles around a few things. It can be the church, school, post office or the pub.”
“The Senator also said, as did Senator Murphy O'Mahony, that if we can be anything in this world, we should be kind, and that is one thing Martin Naughton was, and it is one thing we should always remember. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. We think of him today. Senator McCormack raised the issue of active travel.”
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“He said that we should not deny his son the chance to hold onto his voice, even if it is just to be able to ask for a glass of water. That is the parent of a child with Friedreich's ataxia, who has already lost a child to Friedreich's ataxia. We have 200 such patients in this country. It is incumbent on the HSE management drugs company to meet as soon as today's meeting is over to give us a positive decision for all the families seeking support.”
“I also acknowledge the role of Deputy Cathal Crowe in the Lower House and that of Senator Rónán Mullen whose Bill, which was before Seanad Éireann last week, spoke to this very issue. It is something we should all get behind and support to ensure we have the law to protect our young people. I also wish to bring up Skyclarys. In approximately 20 minutes' time, the HSE will meet to undertake its drugs review. Skyclarys is on the agenda for that review. I appeal to the HSE for a positive result in this regard. I am also appealing to the HSE management board, which is due to meet in the coming days. Regardless of the outcome today, I ask it to give a strong recommendation of approval. We need that recommendation. We must look at the humane side of this. I only need to refer to Craig Coady when he talks about his son.”
“On Ireland's most popular pornography website, almost two thirds of the video titles indicate content of concern, including sexual violence, extreme misogyny and material that mimics child sexual abuse. This is not on the fringes of the Internet; this is mainstream, free and one click away from every child in this country. It is distorting health and sexual development and fuelling misogynistic attitudes that, far too often, end in real-world violence against women and girls. I pay particular tribute to two people today, namely, Mick Moran from the Irish Internet Hotline and Fiona Jennings from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, ISPCC. They have been strong advocates since I was on the Front Bench in 2019. I also worked with the Leader in this regard when he was a member of the education committee.”
“I am wearing sandals today. Good afternoon to everybody. I warmly welcome the Minister for justice's bringing his memo to Cabinet where he seeks to criminalise extreme violent pornography. For too long, this has been a glaring gap in our criminal law. The High Court has confirmed that possessing extreme pornography material is not an offence in this jurisdiction. This is simply not acceptable in 2026. The evidence before us is stark. Research from the Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy, SERP, Institute shows that the vast majority of our 15- and 16-year-olds have been exposed to violent pornography, most before they have even left primary school.”
“I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.3) Regulations 2026, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 2nd July, 2026, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 79(2)(b), which, not later than 15th July, 2026, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 84, and Standing Order 86(2) shall accordingly apply.”
“I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.2) Regulations 2026, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 2nd July, 2026, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 79(2)(b), which, not later than 15th July, 2026, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 84, and Standing Order 86(2) shall accordingly apply.”
“I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 2nd July, 2026, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 79(2)(b), which, not later than 15th July, 2026, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 84, and Standing Order 86(2) shall accordingly apply.”
“Senator Boyhan raised a number or issues in relation to the running order for today. However, he also stated that he will be supporting today's proceedings. Senator Boyle spoke about Irish Water. The Senator and Senator Blaney come from Donegal, which is surrounded by beautiful seas. Senator Boyle is dead right to raise this issue. Anybody with access to a lake, a river or the sea should be vigilant. The issue relating to ring buoys is quite specific. In Galway, we lost a lot of ring buoys. We do need to have them. They are essential as a first means of intervention. Anybody who notices them missing, even a person out walking, should report it instantly. I fully concur with the Senator on that.”
“If we were to have a Commencement debate with the Minister, the Senator could perhaps get a more direct response than I am able to provide today and would not be obliged to wait for the Minister to come before the House for a debate on education. A ratio of 1:40 is not what the INTO speaks about or what is in our programme for Government. I encourage the Senator to table a Commencement matter. Senator Conway spoke about water safety. I covered that comprehensively already. The Senator also spoke about training for first aid. There is merit in that. There was a time when we did a lot of that in our education system. I believe that a lot of it is done as part of transition year programmes, but swimming also has to happen in national schools. There is no doubt about that.”
“Senator O'Reilly spoke in relation to abortion and the 10,600 abortions which took place in 2025. She spoke as well on the recent vote that took place in the Dáil on the three-day waiting period, as well as the role of motherhood and the roles of mothers. Her viewpoint is there is an intertwined language concerning mums who lose their babies due to miscarriage, as opposed to the choice of an abortion. She does not view it as being equal. I hope I am reflecting the Senator's viewpoint correctly. Senator McCarthy spoke about St. Corban's National School. I recommend that the Senator put down a Commencement matter on that. We have a week left before the Seanad rises.”
“It is hard to believe that one e-scooter a commentator spoke about was going at 70 km/h. What chance do we have if we are buying e-scooters for kids and not regulating them? It is hard to believe 50% of the beds below on Temple Street are made up from the result of either a scrambler or e-scooter accident. These are not minor accidents. This is not a broken finger or elbow. They cause really life-altering conditions when a person comes off one of these scooters and has an accident. I also think of the poor, unfortunate person who is driving a car or is on another bike and who has that collision. They have to live with that accident as well. There is a comprehensive need for a debate when it comes to road safety. There is a deeper conversation around e-scooters and legislation, guidance and the filing and purchasing of them.”
“When she compared it with Tuam, I knew exactly what she meant. No concrete is going to go on Tuam. It is going to be a memorial site and we will know our history. Painful as it might be, it is fitting. My father used to always say, "You never touch the dead”, and in these instances, sometimes that is what we need to think of. I am not taking either side in relation to the local authority’s decision but I would welcome commentary from our leaders on that. At the same time, it is a very sensitive subject and issue for Senator Harmon and for a lot of people who have family who went through Bessborough or are living in that area. Senator Joe Conway spoke about e-scooters and Deputy Shane Moynihan. What would have been the Joe Duffy show that has been taken over by Kieran Cuddihy, spoke a lot about e-scooters as well this week.”
“Older people do not want to be going into the GP in October, November, January, or February, when the flu season is at its worst, but that is perhaps when their need is at its most. There are two relevant Departments here. The Minister for Health will certainly do her bit and I have no doubt but that the Minister for housing will do his. There has to be that recognition. We must tell the Departments this is how we are doing it going forward. A person will have a passport for 12 months or whatever time until change. We should certainly recommend that. As a nation that is getting older, we have to find more efficient ways of doing this. This cuts through some of that red tape that badly needs to be cut. As Senator Harmon spoke, I absolutely could feel from her the upset that she is feeling about the granting of planning permission.”
“The Senator mentioned the names of the people involved; they are recorded. I concur in thanking them for the work they do. I look forward to the various assemblies taking place under the European Presidency in September and October. If the Senator can organise that, some of us with a keen interest in equine matters could attend it. It would be absolutely fantastic because it is a really good part of our heritage and culture and for the various generations. I thank Senator Blaney for that. Senator Nelson Murray proposed an older person passport. That is common sense when we think about it. GPs would be delighted. The local authority would be more efficient and most importantly, the older person would be at the centre of the proposal.”
“Senator Blaney talked about the upcoming championships and Horse Sport Ireland. I wish all of the participants all the best in the various levels of equine sport. The championships are taking place in Germany. I compliment the fact that it is an all-Ireland body and Horse Sport Ireland works with equestrian sport North and South. It is hard to believe the organisation is on its first leg of the road to the Los Angeles summer games. We know the proud culture we have when it comes to equine affairs and the breeding and training of animals. We also know the investment that families have had. Senator Brady is aware of equine sports, as his young children participate a lot in them. The commitment that families instill in their children from an early age, through dressage for example, and the skill it takes is admirable.”
“On the greyhound industry, Senator Andrews talked about the greyhounds and care homes and the industry not having what it signed up to, that is, a minimum of four care homes. He talked about adequacy in relation to what they provide for the greyhounds and of the industry's value being overestimated. I have no notes or anything else on it but it is a worthwhile debate. We saw last night there was a vote on hare coursing in the Dáil. At all times, when it comes to animal welfare, whether in relation to horse racing or other aspects, it is important that we have debates. We should respect both sides of the debate to have those conversations. If we do not have a conversation, we do not have awareness and we do not have an intervention. I thoroughly support the Senator on that.”
“They are finding it very hard to get up that ladder of elevation for support and intervention. They are the first line of defence when there is a fire that runs on oil or the hay-shed that could take off, God forbid, at this time of year. We are dependent on them having the best equipment so they can do their job. When we look at some of our fire stations, women cannot be recruited as retained fire officers because there are no changing facilities for them. It is time we have a proper root and branch review of where our retained fire officers and fire services can work from. In Ballinasloe, we could not recruit a woman because the fire station there does not have changing facilities, and it is the same in Portumna. Those are only two places either side of where I live.”
“I was wondering where Senator Scahill was going when he talked about Dublin Airport coming from Roscommon but I see exactly where he landed on that in respect of the €2.3 million that was put into regional airports and what has happened at Ireland West. His point that the skills of our retained firefighters - because there are very few professional firefighters in the entire country and we predominantly work with retained firemen - are equally as important and need to be upgraded on a regular basis is valid. Why would we not call for them to have access to what is the new intervention at Ireland West Airport? This would ensure that their skills are upgraded at all times. The Senator talked about investment, and he was right to talk about our fire stations such as Ballinasloe and Castlerea.”
“Senator Stephenson has left but like Senator McCormack and all of us, also spoke on the amount of violence against women that has taken place since the start of the year, since the loss of Ashling Murphy but also in this particular week. We can all feel it. She asked whether we are going forward or backwards. It is very hard to feel as though we are making progress on this particular matter. I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for the welcome announcement that we will have an Oireachtas committee to address this. The Senator also spoke about Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya who has been held for 559 days as a medical prisoner of war. The Senator has asked the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to intervene and bring assistance. We will liaise and bring her words to the Minister.”
“I come from Galway - some Members might not have realised that - and we have marginal land in a lot of it. To put solar farms on good, arable land is absolutely disgraceful. We need to look at the alternative. The alternative needs to be - as the Senator put forward, and I would heartily support whatever debate or legislation we need to bring forward - to look to the UK. The UK is using grade 2 land. I thank the OPLA for helping me to draft legislation in this regard because we cannot compromise good, arable land for the sake of solar farms that will have 15 years of a lifespan. Food security needs to be our number one priority at all times. We need to be food secure. That would be a good discussion with whichever Minister wants to take responsibility and come here to talk to us. We certainly would welcome it.”
“It is unfortunate, and I would not like to think that contagion would take place in relation to that. Senator Flaherty remembered Ms Lillis, as did Senator Brady. I did not know the lady, but they both spoke so fondly of her and about the huge contribution she made. I think of her and her family who are grieving her loss. We hope the fond memories they carry will give them the strength to go forward. Senator Brady complimented the shows in his area. Longford show took place last week and Ballinamuck fair day takes place this Sunday. We wish them all the best down in Drumlish. I want to compliment the Senator on his contribution in relation to the roof-top solar farms. It is time that we had a check of ourselves in this country as to how we are using arable land. We cannot be using good, arable land for solar farms.”
“Where we have rural depopulation - and there are great reports coming from the GAA - the one thing we want to do is ensure a sense of community. That sense of community circles around a few things. It can be the church, school, post office or the pub. That is what we have in rural Ireland and if we remove one of those centres, it leaves the young people, as well as the families coming into those communities, wondering how we can support our young people, particularly when there are so many distractions when it comes to online safety, and when we think about how young people need other diversions. The sports capital fund has been one of our best resources. The Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, has travelled the country, as has the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, to ensure that the best opportunities are taken for our sports capital.”
“It is a sad reflection on society that the first thing I saw on my paper's headline this morning was the news from the National Women's Council that more women have died by femicide so far this year than in the whole of 2025. It is staggering. I am glad to announce, and I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for sharing it with me, that when we return in September we will have an Oireachtas committee to discuss and address domestic violence as a stand-alone item. I welcome that news but there is still so much to be done in that area. Senator Joe Flaherty raised the issue of sports capital grants and the instruction of the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois to schools that he is responsible for to not participate in the community element of the scheme. That is unfortunate.”
“The Senator also said, as did Senator Murphy O'Mahony, that if we can be anything in this world, we should be kind, and that is one thing Martin Naughton was, and it is one thing we should always remember. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. We think of him today. Senator McCormack raised the issue of active travel. She is not present to hear my response but it would be fitting for a Commencement matter to be raised on that because it is a specific issue in Graiguecullen that she wishes to discuss. She asked specific questions that are for Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority to answer. She should puts down a Commencement matter with the Minister to get answers to those important questions. She also mentioned the tragic loss of Ms Constantin, who is one of many victims of violence against women this week.”
“He then went on to talk about an honest, decent, hard-working gentleman, the late Martin Naughton from Dundalk. He set up his Glen Dimplex factory in Dunleer and provided so much employment and opportunity. He was a leader in innovation through many years. As he made his money, he continued to share opportunities for young learners, innovators, educators and researchers. He did not keep it to the engineering side of the house. He allowed Carmel to spread a little bit of it as well in the fields of arts and culture. I know a little bit about the Naughton family. My late husband came from Dunleer and my late father-in-law worked in Glen Dimplex. The Naughtons, as the Senator said, are good, honest and decent people. Martin left a great example in how to support young people coming forward in research and innovation.”
“We are all conscious that we have good weather but we also sometimes, as the Senator said, lose the run of ourselves and maybe forget our safety checks. Senator Martin Conway spoke about including on the curriculum a course on how respond in an emergency. Whether that is a course delivered by Water Safety Ireland or learning first aid, it is so important. I also thank Senator Murphy O'Mahony for her contribution on Skyclarys. Next Tuesday is decision day and hopefully a positive decision will be made for the 200 patients waiting for positive news on that drug. Senator McDowell spoke about the guillotine and individual items. We have the guillotine every day, but on those days, we would perhaps like to have more time to have more opportunities to speak on items.”
“I thank Senators for their sizeable contributions and attendance here this morning. It is greatly appreciated. Senator Margaret Murphy O'Mahony spoke about sport and the values of sport. When we think about sport, not all of it is professional. There are a lot of amateur sports, particularly our national games. Nobody sets out to lose a game and everybody goes to participate. At the same time, we should be mindful that they are community men and women who are putting on their county or parish colours to represent their parishes, counties and in some cases their country. Social media is no made for anybody to be taking short jibes at people whatsoever. I completely agree with the Senator. She also went on to speak about water safety, as did a lot of other Senators.”
“9 a , Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 – Second Stage, to be taken at 4 p.m, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, and all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate. On conclusion of business, the House shall adjourn to 12.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 14 July 2026.”
“8 a , Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2026 – Second Stage, to be taken at 11.30 a.m. and to conclude at 12.45 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, and all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No. 9, Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 – Committee Stage, to be taken at 1 p.m. and to adjourn at 4 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No.”
“5, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.5) Regulations 2026 – referral to joint committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 4, without debate; No. 6, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.6) Regulations 2026 – referral to joint committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 5, without debate; No. 7, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.7) Regulations 2026 – referral to joint committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 6, without debate; No. 8, motion regarding Planning and Development (Licensing of Outdoor Events) Regulations 2026 – referral to joint committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 7, without debate; No.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026 – referral to joint committee, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.2) Regulations 2026 – referral to joint committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.3) Regulations 2026 – referral to joint committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 2, without debate; No. 4, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.4) Regulations 2026 – referral to joint committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 3, without debate; No.”
“It is a hard thing to believe that we still do not have the tech or telecommunications companies responsible for monitoring and controlling. It cannot fall to parents to continue to protect. It is going to come to legislators to introduce the regulations and laws to ensure protection.”
“The Senator is right, in that there is no one silver bullet for this. There is a collection. Part of the collection is the telecommunications company. The second part is the algorithms. All algorithms should be removed. That would cost tech companies nothing in respect of under-18s but we should be removing the algorithms. It is not just about the pornographic imagery or sites that they are bringing them to. We also see harmful content for young females. I know that is not the purpose of the Bill, but we also have to look out for young ladies. In 2018, I produced a Bill in relation to pornographic content for children online. It is a hard thing to think that we are still talking about regulating in 2026.”
“The algorithms of telephone companies or the various social media platforms are driving young boys to be more inquisitive all the time. Young boys do not set out to be inquisitive. They might start with asking one or two questions or saying that such and such a person said something. Then, all of a sudden, be it through Safari or whatever, they are accessing it through the Internet or they are talking about it. We know that the phones recognise what you speak about. If Senator Ní Chuilinn and I were to have a conversation about ladies' football, I am sure that the first thing that would come up on our Instagram feeds would be ladies' football. The same way, if young boys are having a conversation, it comes up in their algorithms. Algorithms are another thing that need to be addressed as part of the safeguarding mechanisms.”
“Having an account number and asking where the phone was purchased would be a mechanism in itself, as there would be a conversation between the telecommunications provider and the young adult trying to access the phone. That is only one of a number of barriers or amendments I would look to include in the Senator's Bill. In the EU Presidency, it is great that we are starting to have more of these conversations. We need to stop the new norms that are developing. We want our children to be protected and sheltered and to hold onto their innocence for as long as possible. However, with VPNs and where we have gone with Roblox, and given what we hear from Mr. Moran - I keep talking about that man - about what is going on, every parent should familiarise themselves with the Irish Internet Hotline and its stats.”
“While I agree with the use of a credit card or Visa debit card as a mechanism, there is an obligation on the likes of our phone communications companies. They could turn off everything. There is nothing to stop them having their phones set so that you have to request to have them turned on and then verify they are on. We should not be handing over phones with everything left set up to enable access as easily as they are. I agree with all of what Senators said but it is not just the tech companies. The phone companies have a role to play in this, in that the devices are set at ground zero and you would then have to contact your telecommunications company to be able to turn it on. If that were done, it would be a barrier and a safeguarding measure, as the Senator spoke about in relation to protecting the child.”
“Mick Moran from the Irish Internet Hotline, you realise that the web is becoming very dark for our young people. I do not know if many parents listening in here this evening realise that, when they purchase a mobile phone for themselves and hand it over to their sons or daughters as it is about to expire, or if their children are getting their first phones, the parents are handing over all the controls and everything in the phones has been turned on with regard to accessing pornography. If a business phone is left with a parent and a child, the parent or whoever accesses pornography on it, there are implications associated with work. I do not think adults realise how they are putting themselves at risk, not to mind the children they are putting at risk.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here for this. It is a very worthwhile Private Members' Bill, PMB, and a very worthwhile conversation that needs to be had in relation to pornography, the legislation around it, the access to it and the protection of our minors - under-18s - online. Far too often, it has got to the stage where there are new norms developing without any controls, regulations or mechanisms around them. The Internet, for far too long, has been the wild west. I welcome the strident work of Coimisiún na Meán, but when you listen to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, ISPCC, and Ms Fiona Jennings, its head of policy, speak as she has done many a time at many a committee, or if you listen to Mr.”
“I will not go through the different sections of the Bill, which the Minister has already done. I look forward to contributing on Committee Stage next week, as does Senator O'Loughlin. I thank the Minister for her time this afternoon.”
“Costa, reiterating Ireland's position on EU trade with Israel and requesting an urgent discussion on these issues among EU leaders at the next meeting of the European Council on 18 and 19 June. A number of EU member states have enacted or are progressing similar measures relating to goods originating in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium, with Norway indicating its consideration of similar restrictions. The extent of the work the Minister has done since coming to office, working with other EU member states, is absolutely clear. This time last year, there were a handful of countries stating an intention to act; the number is now expanding considerably, which is really welcome. As part of our EU Presidency, it will be very welcome to see this agenda progressed.”
“Ireland welcomed political agreement at the May Foreign Affairs Council on a package of sanctions against violent Israeli settlers and entities, as well as leading Hamas figures, under the EU global human rights sanctions regime. However, further action is required. At both the May Foreign Affairs Council and the May Foreign Affairs Council in its Trade configuration, Ireland requested that the European Commission bring forward proposals for a prohibition on trade with settlements on the basis of the EU common commercial policy. The Government also reiterated Ireland's long-standing position that the EU-Israel Association Agreement should be suspended or, at a minimum, the trade elements should be suspended. On 20 May, the Taoiseach wrote to the President of the European Council, Mr.”
“The Government's position, and that of the EU, is clear that settlements are illegal under international law and they undermine the realisation of the two-state solution. While Ireland is moving ahead at national level, the Government remains clear that collective action at EU level is the strongest and most effective route. Ireland is actively pursuing that collective approach at the EU. We have called for the suspension of the trade element of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and, together with other member states, we are pressing for the Commission to put forward a proposal for an EU-level ban on trade with Israeli settlements, for decision at the Foreign Affairs Council next week, which the Minister has said she will attend.”
“Our position, and that of the EU, is clear. Settlements are illegal under international law and they undermine the realisation of the two-state solution. We are now progressing the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill and will seek to enact it by the summer recess. Ireland has continually advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. We have consistently sought to progress implementation of the two-state solution. It is clear from the actions of the Israeli Government both in Gaza and the West Bank that it has no intention of reaching a peaceful resolution to conflict or ending the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory. That is why we are progressing this Bill.”
“Under our leadership, Ireland has been one of the most prominent voices in the world in the condemnation of violence in the Middle East, support for relief efforts and advocacy for a two-state solution. It would be wrong of me not to acknowledge the role that Senator Black has played in this also. We led the way by recognising the State of Palestine in May 2024. The late Brian Lenihan Snr. was the first foreign minister in Europe to recognise the Palestinian right to a homeland. We firmly believe that there can be no peace in the Middle East until the Israeli and Palestinian people align in enjoying the same rights of self-determination, statehood, peace, security and dignity. Before the 2024 general election, my party leader signalled that he would legislate on the occupied Palestinian territories.”
“I thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber this afternoon. I am speaking on behalf of Senator O'Loughlin, who is at a meeting of the foreign affairs committee. One does not need to be a member of that committee to have empathy and compassion on this issue. I really appreciate that, while the Minister's statement was very detailed, it included her sharing her experience of having travelled to the region and seeing for herself what we see on our televisions every night. It is absolutely heartbreaking. I thank her, as well as the entire Cabinet, including the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, for the work she and her officials did in bringing this Bill before us. Many believed this debate would not happen. Fianna Fáil welcomes and supports the Bill.”
“I welcome visitors from the Lighthouse Project to the Gallery. I also welcome the Ballymun and Finglas youth groups. Everyone is very welcome. They are visitors of our esteemed Senator Aubrey McCarthy. It is good to see them and Councillor Gayle Ralph.”
“Every day we are waiting, families can see their loved ones, their most precious, deteriorate. They do not know what the next day brings. While it might not be perfect, we know that this drug has a 55% success rate and can hold the condition where it is at. It can prevent that child, who currently has the ability to walk, from progressing to a wheelchair. It means that the person who is in college can continue to live an independent life. I know that people met the Taoiseach and that there was a commitment to have a decision at the end of June or the first week of July. I am calling for those dates to be held to and for the HSE to be put under pressure to deliver on this drug. A success rate of 55% is a hell of a lot better than no success.”
“I wish the very best of luck and good wishes to Senator Ahearn in his role as Leader of the Seanad. Today, I remember the heavenly birthday of Rory Coady, the son of Craig Coady, who has been a campaigner on Friedreich's ataxia. He, along with 200 other families, are campaigning for a drug approval. They have now been waiting over 840 days for that drug to come through the assessment criteria. The drug company has submitted all of the most up-to-date information required by the HSE. The Minister for Health has done phenomenal work in engaging in the launch of the review into the drug reimbursement scheme, as well as the review of the whole process. We are total laggards when it comes to how long it takes for a drug to be approved. It should be 180 days, but these families have waited 840 days so far. Time is muscle.”
“Before the Senator's response, I welcome the Meath opportunities for training, MOT, group from Navan, County Meath, and Ashbourne Women's Shed to the Public Gallery. I understand that they are guests of Deputy O'Rourke. They are welcome and I hope they have a lovely day.”
“The Bill has an important European dimension. Its enactment will support Ireland's participation in key EU justice and security co-operation measures, strengthening information sharing, collaboration with our European partners and addressing common security challenges. Overall, this is a targeted and proportionate Bill that updates our legislation, enhances public safety and ensures that Ireland continues to play a full role in international efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism. I look forward to the progression of the Bill.”