Aubrey McCarthy
University of Dublin · Independent · Ireland
“I briefly mention what my colleague Senator Andrews mentioned about the accommodation recognition payment, ARP, and its proposed reduction for those who are hosting Ukrainians in Ireland.”
“I have travelled to Ukraine and seen first-hand the resilience and dignity of the people. Many of the people I hosted are from Mariupol and have nothing to go back to. They are not just people receiving support but people who have become part of the community here. We should never forget why they came here in the first place.”
“Just as I was coming in this morning, standing on the lawn at the Merrion side of Leinster House it is hard to ignore the ragwort that is growing on the grass. Under the Noxious Weeds Act 1936, ragwort is a noxious weed.”
“I extend the welcome to Emma and Adam. I first met them through our homeless services at the Lighthouse Homeless Café. They came to access services. Adam is a bright lad. He is studying away. He is a fanatic when it comes to basketball and I hope that one day, he will play for Ireland, if not in the NBA in the US.”
“As someone who has spent over two decades in Tiglin, trying to get people from homelessness, addiction and domestic abuse back into employment and education, I can say that the Mr Price model works very well.”
“I hope we ensure that people such as Adam are given every chance to fulfil their dreams. I wish Emma and Adam every success. I thank Emma for volunteering at the Lighthouse with my manager, Mr. Rob Byrne. It is something special. I welcome the Belgian Ambassador to the House. He is a wonderful representative of his country.”
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“I thank the Acting Chairperson for the opportunity to raise this important and urgent matter, and the Minister of State for being here. The national planning framework, NPF, is a cornerstone of Ireland's efforts to plan for sustainable growth, address regional imbalances and, critically, respond to the housing crisis, which is gripping our nation and which I have mentioned here on many occasions. The most recent data from the Central Statistics Office has shown that Ireland's population has increased by a remarkable 8%, resulting in over 5.1 million people now living here. This is an extraordinary demographic shift but it also brings extraordinary challenges regarding housing and infrastructure. The figures speak for themselves. New homes need to be built quickly if we are to meet the needs of this growing population.”
“We need a full debate on the alarming trends mentioned in so many of the articles yesterday. We need to hear what steps the Government is taking to deal with these. I have been involved in our housing system for many years and I believe it is at breaking point and we cannot stand idly by.”
“An article by the Oireachtas Library and Research Service on tackling homelessness shows that, except for the period of Covid, the number of people living in emergency accommodation has risen substantially year on year since 2015. These figures are not just numbers; they are homes for families, they mean increased pressure on renters and they mean prolonged hardship. We see this every day at the Lighthouse Cafe. The industry has said time and again that planning bottlenecks, expiring permissions and rental regulation uncertainty are blocking development. We need to discuss solutions such as extending existing permissions, reviewing the rent pressure legislation and ensuring the national planning framework facilitates and does not hinder development. I urge the Minister for housing to come before the House urgently.”
“I want to address the issue of housing and the homeless crisis. I ask the Deputy Leader to call on the Minister for housing to come before the House and debate the ongoing housing crisis. Yesterday we saw a number of articles on CSO figures that paint a deeply concerning picture which demands immediate attention. We see that planning permissions for apartments plummeted by 39%, with a drop of more than 55% in the Dublin area alone. This means the number of new homes approved has fallen by more than 21%. This has reversed the positive completions mentioned for the previous year. The Government missed its targets last year and it looks like they will be missed again this year by 6,000. If approvals in the planning process dictate construction in the years ahead, it looks like we are heading for an even bigger crisis.”
“As Senator McDowell highlighted, the crisis is not new. It was raised in 2017 and the then Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, promised that no child would have to wait more than four years. Those promises did not prove to be true, even though they were meant without malice. We need to make sure we have a scoliosis Bill that produces results on the ground so that children such as Senator Clonan's son Eoghan do not have to wait and are not looking to us as Members of the Oireachtas to rule on whether they should have treatment. I support the Bill and ask the Members of this House to do what we are meant to do, bring in legislation, support this Bill and pass it without delay.”
“Such a treatment service would make sure that there is proper oversight by the Minister for Health and that children and families will receive the treatment for which they have long been pleading. There have been failures. I know the Covid pandemic brought about such failures, but I also believe the failures have come about through systematic mismanagement and a lack of accountability in the area. Despite the establishment of the spinal surgery management unit in 2024 and a 10% increase in spinal surgeries compared with 2023, waiting lists remain unacceptably high. Different numbers have been mentioned, with 233 people on the waiting list and the shocking figure of 15 children waiting for over a year. In addition, three people have been waiting for more than two years. Senator Keogan spoke about somebody waiting for 14 years.”
“I thank the Minister for being here and congratulate her on her new role. I thank Senator McDowell. I support this Bill. It is crucial legislation, which addresses the most pressing issue regarding what children are suffering. Listening to Senator Clonan and hearing what he has experienced have shocked me. I have heard that there are mild cases. I have also seen that timely intervention across the board is vital, but I hear that timely intervention is certainly not the case. With progressive scoliosis, timely treatment is vital. We are seeing this in my own area of Kildare and because I am a new Senator, people have brought it to my attention. The Bill proposed by Senator McDowell and the rest of the Independent Senators would establish a specialised scoliosis treatment service under the HSE.”
“I also take the opportunity to compliment An Taoiseach, Deputy Martin, on his recent visit to Washington and on meeting with President Trump. We were all on tenterhooks as we wondered how it was going to go, but his leadership and diplomacy in representing Ireland on such a significant occasion is to be applauded. These engagements reaffirm our strong and enduring relationship with the United States, which remains critical for trade, for investment and for our diaspora. I acknowledge and celebrate, as I think we should in this House, the immense contribution of our embassy staff and also Tourism Ireland for what they do on a world stage.”
“I commend the outstanding work of our embassy staff across the world. I know it has been mentioned by many of my colleagues. These dedicated men and women are the face of Ireland abroad. They work tirelessly to promote our culture, our economy and, of course, our global influence. I recently had the honour of meeting the team at the embassy in London when they celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. I was deeply impressed by their professionalism and commitment. They are absolutely instrumental in strengthening our ties with our partners and in supporting Irish businesses and ensuring Ireland Inc. continues to thrive on our world stage. With St. Patrick’s Day just behind us, we have again seen the vital role our embassies play in showcasing Ireland at the highest levels.”
“The issues that I have raised and other Senator have raised align closely with the programme for Government. I urge the Minister of State to prioritise these commitments and take decisive action during this Seanad term. I echo Senator Boyhan’s request that he come back to the Chamber within six months and we address this so together we can ensure that older people in Ireland are supported, respected and empowered to live full meaningful lives.”
“The facility in Naas has its own art and lifestyle centre where we have regular concerts. It has a volunteer-run café with the most amazing home-baked food. It is all designed to foster a sense of belonging, connection and well-being for the elderly residents. McAuley Place was the brainchild of one lady called Margharita Solon who had issues with her own family regarding care. She campaigned for years to make life better for the older generations. That is why McAuley Place shines as an example of what we can do. If the Minister of State has not visited it, I would urge him to do so. It has the full support of the business community in Naas, of which I am one, and also Kildare County Council. It is a model that could be replicated in every county in Ireland.”
“The right housing stock, which should be affordable, accessible and located in key areas and in walking distance of key amenities, is essential and can enable older people to downsize if they wish while maintaining their independence and also their quality of life. I have been working with Wicklow County Council on discussions on liveable communities that cater for all generations and I am excited about that going forward, though I realise there is a mountain to climb and a lot of work lies ahead. In this context, I also commend exceptional initiatives like the McAuley Place initiative in Naas. It is an innovative community which integrates housing and social engagement for older people. It ensures that not only do they have a safe and comfortable home but also access to activities, amenities and opportunity.”
“They are part of a growing number of long-term homeless in our society. Just last night the Lighthouse organised a tradfest for the St. Patrick’s celebrations and we had jigs, reels and lovely music. It was organised by Councillor Clodagh Ní Mhuirí and our manager Allen Bobinac. It was a wonderful occasion and I was deeply grateful to the musicians and volunteers but it is sad to see so many older people coming along to events like these. Even though they are uplifting events, it is essential they remind us of the need for lasting solutions for accommodation, etc., and care allowances. We urgently need to develop more age-friendly housing and liveable communities.”
“Without their unwavering dedication our health and social care systems would unravel and collapse under the pressure, so we owe more than just words of gratitude; we owe concrete support and that is what this motion is about. That is why respite care and financial assistance are essential. The introduction of a non-means tested carer’s allowance would be a huge transformative step in recognising the carers’ invaluable work. I draw the Minister of State’s attention to a heartbreaking issue I come across daily through my work at Tiglin at the Lighthouse, namely, elderly homelessness. Often when housing and homelessness are being discussed we do not focus on the older cohort. Many of those we see queuing for food at our Lighthouse café on Pearse Street are older individuals.”
“I extend my gratitude to the Minister of State for joining us for this crucial motion on care, support and enhanced provision of services for older people, which I am totally supportive of. Our ageing population presents challenges and opportunities, as has been outlined by many Members. It is a privilege to contribute to this important discussion. I highlight the extraordinary contribution, which has been mentioned, made by family carers and professional caregivers across our country. Every single day thousands of carers provide selfless, compassionate support to older individuals. This must not, and does not, go unnoticed. They do so at a significant cost, sacrificing their well-being, financial security and, often, career opportunities.”
“Have we assessed the risks to our industries, our workers and our economic stability? The Government must take immediate action to mitigate potential damage and engage at the highest diplomatic levels, supporting the affected sectors and ensuring Irish business can adapt to the changing global conditions. We cannot afford to be passive on this. We must now act to protect our economic interests and the livelihoods of thousands of Irish people.”
“I note it has already been mentioned by Senator Ahearn, but I wish to address the very real concerns facing Irish businesses with the news overnight regarding US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on EU goods. If these tariffs are enacted, it would have severe consequences for Irish exports, Irish jobs and our economy as a whole. The United States is one of our most important trading partners, with Irish companies exporting billions in pharmaceuticals, agrifood products and technology to the US. A sudden hike in tariffs would not only make our goods more expensive in the American market but it would also lead to job losses at home. The EU has already signalled it is ready to respond, but this could potentially escalate a trade war that Ireland, as a small, open economy, cannot afford. Are we prepared for this?”
“Home ownership feels like an impossible dream for many and it seems we are missing out on a generation of home owners. If we are serious about solving the housing crisis, we must be prepared to take the stronger, more urgent measures the Minister of State outlined.”
“I thank the Minister of State. I am excited to hear about some of the interventions he outlined. In 2016, before I was a Member of the House, I spoke to the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness about how, by coming together with a task force, we can make an absolute difference. The figure then was 6,200 people in emergency accommodation. The then Minister said that we hoped to eradicate homelessness by 2020. Unfortunately, the number has nearly tripled since then. I know the Government has taken significant steps through the Housing for All initiatives but the reality is clear, as the Minister of State outlined, that demand continues to outstrip supply. Rents remain unaffordable for many. Even people who go for cost rental or affordable housing do not have enough and do not qualify.”
“We need to remove the bureaucratic barriers that delay the housing projects, increase investment in modular and rapid build housing, and strengthen protection for renters. The establishment of a housing task force would ensure accountability, but it would also ensure co-ordinated action rather than fragmented efforts. We must act now. We must act with urgency and ambition. I believe the Minister of State has the political will to do that. I urge him to take bold and decisive action. The people of Ireland deserve nothing less. The people in the queue outside the Lighthouse Cafe in Pearse Street deserve nothing less.”
“Specifically, will the Government set up a task force dedicated to overseeing the housing crisis, where all the relevant stakeholders such as Government Departments, local authorities, advocacy groups and housing experts could come together to deliver real, actionable solutions with clear timelines? I also want to know what the solutions are to accelerate the construction of social and affordable housing. Can we expedite the use of vacant and derelict properties to provide immediate relief in high-demand areas? Also, what additional supports are being introduced to prevent families and individuals from falling into homelessness in the first place? We must ambitious in our approach. The Minister of State knows that.”
“I have seen it myself through my involvement with homeless services and through establishing an approved housing body called Tiglin. I have seen how even one person can disrupt the whole planning process for a number of years, and prevent construction for so many. On the other hand, I have seen an individual coming to the Lighthouse Cafe, a rough sleeper, looking for help and getting support with housing, getting educational opportunities and then, last year, buying their own forever-home. I know solutions are there and that they can be achieved. I am asking the Minister of State to outline the immediate and long-term plans to address this crisis.”
“We must simplify planning laws and fast track developments that focus on social and affordable housing. Crucially, approved housing bodies need to be approached and made part of the strategy because they have the expertise, funding models and the community focus to deliver long-term housing solutions. The Government must expand the role of AHBs, allowing fast-track access to financial support and reduce the red tape to allow them to build and to build to scale. They should be central to the Government strategy that prioritises permanent, affordable homes over short-term emergency accommodation, as we have seen. The latest figures show that more than 15,200 people are now living in emergency accommodation and over 4,600 of those are children. They are not numbers, they are individuals, they are lives.”
“I thank the Minister of State and I congratulate him on his new role. I wish to address an urgent and pressing challenge facing us in Ireland today, which is the housing crisis and the unacceptable level of homelessness. The word "crisis" is often used in the media to address our housing issues, yet the responses we are showing do not resemble or reflect what a crisis it is. What we did when it came to Covid, or when the war in Ukraine broke out, was that we had joined up thinking and they were approached as crises. In order to solve this crisis we must take decisive and bold action. We need to streamline our housing system. Bureaucratic delays and excessive planning restrictions and slow approval processes are stalling much-needed construction.”
“If we are serious about promoting public transport and ensuring ease of access to our key transport hubs, we must look at reinstating or providing an alternative to that Greystones service. I am limited on time, but these are some of the issues that need immediate attention. I urge the Government to take action on these matters, to make public transport more accessible, efficient and sustainable.”
“There is another issue in my area with the park and ride facilities at Sallins station. Investment in the form of an increase or expansion in the parking capacity to encourage more people to avail of park and ride facilities would help alleviate traffic congestion and help with our climate change targets. An investment, certainly in the Sallins area, would be an immediate benefit to commuters. Another concern I want to raise today is the impending loss of the Aircoach service to Greystones, which ends on 2 March. This has been a crucial link to Dublin Airport for many Greystones residents. The bible of Greystones is the Greystones Guide and it published yesterday that this will leave many passengers stranded as it was a link for travellers, tourists and business people and now there is no direct reliable means of getting to the airport.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming in for this debate. I acknowledge that we have seen significant improvements in public transport and we want to focus on doing more. As we look to the future, there are several gaps in the public transport system in areas I am familiar with. One of the key areas I will highlight - Senator O'Loughlin will be familiar with it as it is also her area - is the Newbridge area, where the Leap card service does not apply. It is a growing town with a large commuting population, yet residents have been unable to avail of the financial and practical benefits of the Leap card system. Extending the service to Newbridge makes sense as it would ease the financial burden on commuters, encourage greater use of public transport and reduce congestion on the N7, which is a graveyard at certain times.”
“Government-funded generators for these hubs would ensure people in rural areas are not left isolated and vulnerable. In other countries satellite systems such as Starlink provide emergency communications. This point has been mentioned. It is time for Ireland to explore such alternatives to guarantee communities remain connected. Storm Éowyn tested us but it showed communities sticking together, and there is strength in that. We need to work better to build a more adaptable Ireland, one that does not just react to storms, but is ready for them.”
“One of my concerns is the impact, already mentioned by my colleague, of power outages on small and medium-size businesses with credit card machines, etc. They had no backup or generator, so they suffered significant losses due to the prolonged outages. We must explore better ways to make them more resilient to storms. It could mean providing secure alternative power sources. Our neighbours in Europe brought over generators and so on as contingency plans but we need to take proactive measures so businesses can withstand such storms effectively. Another matter that has been mentioned is the urgent need for community response infrastructure, or community hubs as such. These are safe places that could be equipped with emergency power and essential water supplies. This needs to be seriously considered by the Minister of State.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here. It is concerning when I hear my colleagues talking about people only being reconnected today and yesterday even though the storm occurred on 21 January. That is concerning, but great thanks must go out to the emergency workers in the ESB, Irish Water and local councils who have been on the ground since the storm hit. Their work embodies the spirit of public service. However, in the wake of Storm Éowyn, we must ask whether we could have done more. I believe we could. Could we have responded faster and been better prepared? While we cannot control the weather, though the forecasting was bang-on, we can control how we plan for the next extreme event that will come across our radar.”
“We must continue this work until Ireland is a place where everyone can walk their streets and live their lives without fear.”
“That is why initiatives, such as one I recently launched, the Drug Related Intimidation and Violence Engagement, Drive, initiative, are essential. I welcome the Minister for Justice's initiative to encourage more people to join An Garda Síochána. We all have a role to play in supporting law enforcement. However, we must also address the broader issues. Why are people hesitant to join the Garda? As one Senator asked, is it about staffing? Is it about pay? Is it about morale, resources or safety on the job itself? These are critical questions that need answers if we are to build a stronger, more resilient police force. We cannot afford to be reactive regarding community safety; we must be proactive. We need stronger legislative action on violent crime, better support for victims, and a renewed focus on community policing.”
“I want to share a personal story about an organisation I am involved with that underscores the reality of these challenge. The Lighthouse on Pearse Street is a homeless restaurant where we serve up to 500 people a day. We recently faced a terrifying ordeal ourselves. One evening, due to a credible threat to fire bomb the building, we were told we had to move people from the front of the building to the back of the building. The people who were there had to move to the back of the building to ensure their safety. This is not the kind of society that any of us want to live in. Vulnerable people who come in to us are seeking a warm meal, safety and shelter. They should not be in fear of their lives. This is a stark reminder that community safety extends beyond law enforcement. It is about protecting those who have nowhere else to turn.”
“These acts of violence have left communities shaken and raised urgent questions about how we can better protect people in public spaces. Crime is not only happening on our streets, but it is also happening online. Today's newspapers showed the situation of Róisín Gillen from Donegal, who innocently answered a text from what was she thought was Energia, but was a scam text and her savings were cleared out. Every day, more and more people are falling victim to scam text messages and fraudulent emails. These digital crimes exploit the trust of our citizens, particularly the elderly and the most vulnerable. Many people are simply not used to this new wave of cyber criminals and we have to act swiftly to educate and protect them. The Government, in collaboration with tech companies, must do more to stop these scams at their source.”
“I thank the Minister of State, and the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, for being here and I wish them both well in their new roles. I also extend my gratitude to the Leader of the House for organising this important discussion, which allows us the opportunity to engage on a matter that affects every citizen in Ireland. It is fair to say that the issue of safety in Ireland is changing. Listening to other Senators, our growing population has brought new challenges and, unfortunately, we have seen a serious and worrying rise in crime. Over the past two weeks alone we have seen two deeply concerning knife attacks in the Dublin city centre area. I am also reminded of the incident on Pearse Street with the American tourist, and all of the arson attacks I mentioned in my home town of Naas, one in particular, Rathasker Stud.”
“Larysa Gerasko, to speak at the peace rally this past weekend and I saw once again the strength of the Ukrainian people both here and abroad. I realised that their fight is not over and that our responsibility to stand with them remains. That is why I urge the Leader of the House to organise a debate. We must affirm and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Ukraine. We must assess Ireland's ongoing role and ensure that we are doing everything possible politically, economically and diplomatically to support their fight for freedom. The war continues and the need remains. Ireland must stand firm.”
“Patrick's Day in 2022, I received a phone call from the then CEO of the Red Cross, Liam O'Dwyer. He was ringing to ask if I could take in a family or two, three or four. By the end of St. Patrick's Day, the buses had arrived with 117 people, mothers and children who had fled from their country with only one bag. I remember one particular child. He was 13 years of age and had cerebral palsy. His father carried him from the taxi. His name was Rodion Kudryk. He is now part of our community in Greystones. With the kindness of the Irish people and the safety we have provided, he is now a pillar. He has a new electric wheelchair and is certainly part of our Greystones community. I was asked by the Ukrainian ambassador, H.E.”
“I rise today to echo what my colleague, Senator Fiona O’Loughlin said, in calling on the Leader of the House to organise a debate on Ukraine as we mark three years since Russia’s brutal and illegal invasion - three years of war, suffering and absolute displacement of the Ukrainian people, but also extraordinary resilience from the Ukrainian people. From the start - I will echo what Fiona said – Ireland has stood with Ukraine. Our Government has provided humanitarian aid and supported EU sanctions. We have welcomed more than 110,000 Ukrainian refugees to our shores. The generosity of the Irish people has been remarkable. However, we must ensure our support does not end there. I will never forget when this crisis became a reality for me. When I was at the Tiglin centre in Greystones for the parade on St.”
“The good side of this is that on the evening of the IFA meeting, there was a huge turnout and Maurice Burns and his family have received overwhelming support. However, rural Ireland must not be overlooked and I call on this House to ensure adequate resources are allocated to prevent such crimes and to protect people living in the countryside.”
“The sense of fear is palpable. It is clear that the people of rural Ireland and in the Kildare area are frustrated and it seems increasingly vulnerable. I ask Senators to remember that the breeding and racing industry in Ireland contributed €2.5 billion in 2022 and employed over 30,000 people. The Rathasker Stud is owned by Maurice Burns and his daughter Madeline who play a significant role in the sector but it also affects the community and the wider industry. The attack raises the concern as to whether An Garda Síochána has the resources to police areas where juvenile offenders need to be dealt with. That is a question for the Minister. I urge the Minister for Justice to address this pressing issue.”
“I rise to highlight a grave incident that happened in County Kildare on 7 February. There was an arson attack in the Rathasker Stud in Naas, which burned down two large hay barns, 600 bales of hay and a horse box causing over €150,000 worth of damage. However, the attack also put 18 valuable thoroughbred mares in foal in danger but they were rescued by workers and neighbours who moved them to safety. It was not just an attack on property or on a local business but an attack on rural livelihoods in the neighbourhood. It is not the first arson attack in Kildare. Two farms have been targeted recently. The Killashee Hotel was targeted and also a housing development. I attended a meeting this week in the Keadeen Hotel organised by the IFA with the owners of Rathasker Stud. Tensions were running very high and people were very upset and angry.”
“The likes of the Trinity Access Programme is trailblazing and an absolutely wonderful initiative. Once again, I express my gratitude for this opportunity and I look forward to the important work that lies ahead that the House will do. I know that with great power comes a lot of paperwork, so I know we are going to be busy.”
“I presented before the Oireachtas joint committee in 2016 when we were told that homelessness would be eradicated by 2020. Since then we have gone the wrong way but I believe it is something we can work on together. I will support mental health initiatives that provide accessible and effective care for those struggling not only with addiction but also with psychological distress. As I have learned through my work at Tiglin, it is imperative that mental health services are combined with housing and employment programmes in an holistic approach and a continuum of care. Education is very important to me and I am committed to expanding access to higher education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. No one should be denied education due to financial circumstances.”
“My good friend Sabina Higgins was here earlier, which reminded me that when the current President, Michael D. Higgins, was in these Houses, he quoted the Nobel Laureate, Amartya Sen, and said that there should be a floor through which nobody should be allowed to fall, whether that is in relation to housing, health or education. He went on to say that the "test of your citizenship is your ability to participate in society without shame". To that end, I will advocate for a comprehensive national housing strategy that addresses both emergency accommodation but also long-term social housing. As has been mentioned many times, housing should not be seen as a privilege and we should all work together to eliminate homelessness.”
“I pledge to be a strong voice for those who often go unheard, especially those who are experiencing homelessness and addiction and people who struggle on the margins of society, like the hundreds of people we help daily at our Lighthouse café on Pearse Street who are seeking not just food but hope, dignity and support in very challenging times. Having listened to Senators today, I know that our work in this Chamber is not just about policies but is most definitely about people. It is about ensuring every individual has the opportunity to live with the dignity, security and hope we have talked about. I am committed to working collaboratively with each Senator to build a fairer and more compassionate Ireland, one where no one is left behind. I will always remember the quote that "The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion".”
“A special word of thanks must also go to the staff and all of the volunteers at Tiglin. There are too many to name here but I know we have the Bobinac twins in the Gallery and Keith Flynn. All of these people helped me to put together what I learned was my campaign and it got me over the line. As Senators Ruane and Clonan said, it is a tremendous honour to be elected by the graduates of Trinity College, Dublin. Two years ago I was awarded the Trinity Alumnus of the Year and I was absolutely amazed. The trust in me being put forward as a Senator for Trinity is not something I take lightly.”
“I suspect they would be very surprised to see me here, not as a visitor but as an elected representative in this esteemed House. A special word of thanks must go to my dear friend Phil Thompson, who is my partner in crime at Tiglin. Without Phil and his tireless efforts, Tiglin would not be the transformative organisation that it is today. His unwavering commitment to helping individuals navigate the challenges of homelessness, rehabilitation and addiction is nothing short of extraordinary. Phil is in the Public Gallery today. I also thank the former judge, Ms Gillian Hussey, who was the inspiration behind me putting the Tiglin centres together. Her wisdom, guidance and wicked sense of humour were certainly a source of inspiration for me. She used to tell everybody that she met me on Tinder and she is 89 years of age.”
“He left an indelible mark, and while his shoes are certainly big ones to fill, I will strive to uphold the same spirit of service he embodied. I wish him a well-earned and fulfilling retirement. I am also profoundly grateful for the support of all of the people who brought me here today. I owe a huge thank you to the man above, my family, friends and all of those who believed in me. Their encouragement and faith in my ability to make a difference have been hugely important to me and the driving force behind my journey. I would also like to remember my parents, Denis and Geraldine McCarthy, who my colleague Senator O'Loughlin would have known well. I came from a very dysfunctional and challenging home but their love and guidance shaped the person I am today.”
“I offer my own congratulations to the Cathaoirleach. I listened to Senator Bradley speaking about getting used to the Seanad but for me, this is my first day at school. I thank everybody, especially Martin Groves and his team, for making it so easy. It is an absolute privilege to stand here among Senators and I look forward to working with each one of them. I believe we can serve the people of Ireland with dedication and purpose. Before I proceed I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the contribution of the former Senator David Norris whose seat I have, perhaps, taken. For more than 35 years he represented the same constituency that elected me, which is Trinity College Dublin, and did so with distinction in this House.”