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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“Equally important is the requirement to examine whether individuals in detention are being treated humanely and in accordance with both national law and the European Convention on Human Rights. Ireland has long prided itself with upholding human dignity and this amendment simply ensures that our practices match our principles. Transparency about detention conditions should be a democratic obligation. We should be examining the impact of our healthcare on international protection applicants so that it protects them. I was recently contacted by Safety Net, which provides medical supports at our Lighthouse café. It raised a number of issues. It conducted a review and found that there were serious issues regarding the medical provision for international protection applicants. By supporting this amendment, what we do is strengthen this Bill.”
“When we legislate in this House, we carry a moral responsibility for those people. A statutory requirement for a ministerial report ensures that we do not simply pass laws and then walk away from them. Instead, we commit to evaluating whether those laws are actually working in real time. The amendment also rightly insists that the report analyses whether immigrants are receiving appropriate legal counselling. Access to legal advice is not a luxury in the international protection process; it should be a fundamental safeguard. Without it, applicants cannot meaningfully engage with the system. They cannot assert their rights or navigate complex legal procedures. Ensuring that legal supports are functioning effectively is essential to the integrity of the entire framework.”
“I thank the Minister for being here. I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of that amendment, which proposes that within 12 months of the passing of this Act, the Minister will produce a comprehensive report on the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. It is a measured, reasonable and necessary addition to the legislation before us. Looking at the amendment, the core of it seeks accountability from the Minister and recognises that the International Protection Bill will have significant consequences for some of the most vulnerable people who arrive on our shores. As the Minister knows, I am involved with the Lighthouse café on Pearse Street and we see a lot of international protection applicants, IPAs, arriving there - people who are fleeing conflict, persecution and unimaginable hardship.”
“We need to stop talking about this matter in House and start dealing with the real pressure points, such as everyday living expenses, fuel costs, which the Government are addressing at the moment, and the hidden costs that are crushing families every day. Will the Leader bring the relevant Ministers before the House for a straight, honest conversation about the lived reality out there? We are seeing the demographic of those who are appearing at our homeless cafe changing from people who are working but cannot afford rental and food. Right now, for the ordinary person, it feels like a lot of people are being left behind. That is something we cannot ignore in this House.”
“If we listen to "Liveline" and similar programmes, we will discover that many people are complaining. They are tired of watching every euro. They are tired of working hard and feeling like they are falling behind. The economy seems to be strong on paper. When we look at the statistics, we can see that ours is one of the wealthiest countries in Europe. However, the ordinary guy is still struggling. It is ordinary individuals who are beginning to quietly lose hope. They are not complaining, but it seems they are accepting that this is as good as it gets. As a new Senator, I am of the view that this is not the Ireland we should be building. People should be allowed to afford a life of dignity whereby they can plan ahead, plan for kids and give them a sense of security. Something seems to be fundamentally off.”
“In recent weeks, we have been hearing a lot about the cost-of-living crisis and how it is affecting people. It seems that people in Ireland are not actually living any more, they are barely managing. That is the aspect we need to address. We are in a situation where ordinary people - decent hard-working individuals - are doing their best but are being squeezed in every way. The cost of fuel and insurance are both up. We discussed yesterday the fact that the cost of education is also up. The cost of the weekly shop is up. The small things that used to give people a bit of relief, such as going out for a meal, etc., are now prohibitively expensive. Having a normal night out is now out of bounds. People have been quietly cutting off doing all of those things. They simply cannot afford to live. It seems that people are tired.”
“I thank the Minister of State. I understand then that a sole trader will be covered, but if the sole trader is an employer, then he or she would not be covered. I appreciate the Minister of State hearing my concerns as he has outlined. We will keep matters under review. I do not wish to press the amendment. I will withdraw it.”
“One group or set of workers who have been affected by some of the issues in this Bill we are trying to address with this are journalists and that sort of employee sector. In situations where a publication goes bankrupt, for example, or let us say it is dissolved, some journalists have found it very difficult to get a redundancy payment. That is an example of a group of employees who have been hard hit by Ireland's current insolvency laws and it is something a report could look at. Overall, I really do welcome the Bill but that was my reasoning behind that amendment.”
“Asking for a report would be worthwhile because it would monitor the progress of the Bill and how well the recommendations are being implemented. I recognise that this Bill provides protection to sole traders, but I have also expressed concern about those with alternative company arrangements. For example, my amendment refers to sole traders who have private limited companies, but whether the tests outlined in the Bill will work in relation to every type of company arrangement is something I have queried. I also have some concerns about the current salary ceiling of €600 per week, which appears to be somewhat outdated, especially in the context of employees on higher pay. Broader reform may be required and a report that I have suggested would help with this.”
“I move amendment No. 1: In page 4, between lines 14 and 15, to insert the following: “Report considering recommendations made by the interdepartmental working group 4. Within 12 months of the commencement of this Act, the Minister shall produce a report detailing how the remaining recommendations from the Interdepartmental Working Group’s examination of the Glegola judgement can be implemented. The report shall include specific details regarding how sole traders and individual business owners can be protected.” I thank the Minister of State his officials for being here today. What I am asking for in this amendment is a report on the interdepartmental recommendations. I believe that while the Bill overall is good and I appreciate the Minister of State's efforts in this regard, I also feel there is a way of improving it.”
“I ask the Leader to bring this issue to the attention of the Minister and ask what is the plan to expand the detox capacity, increase the availability of rehab beds and ensure that there is supported housing, with joined-up thinking, for people in recovery. Right now there is demand but the system is not meeting the people where they are at and it is becoming something that we need to urgently fix. Every person on that waiting list is a life that is in the balance yet they are simply being asked to join a queue and wait.”
“Recovery does not start in rehab but with access, and that is access to detox beds, rehab placement and all of the supported housing initiatives afterwards. Far too often people do the hard work, complete the programme and try to rebuild but chaos ensues when they are sent straight back to the very place where they got ill and they end up relapsing. It is not a failure by the individual but a failure by the rehabilitation system. We need to close the loop where detox ends up with rehab with no gap in between. If people do not find the proper pathway, from detox to rehab to supported housing, then we are not solving addiction but, rather, simply managing it. From what I have seen, we will pay for that in the long run and in the cost of human lives.”
“I want to raise the issue of growing pressure on addiction treatment centres across Ireland because what I am seeing on the ground is very worrying. The men's centre in Tiglin has a waiting list of over 80 men. That is 80 people who have put up their hand to say that they want help. Right now, we do not have a place for them. We also do a lot of interagency work and there are no places for 80 people. The truth is that when a person in addiction puts up his or her hand there is a very narrow window of opportunity to provide help. If we do not meet them at that moment then there is a risk they will be lost to the chaos from which they are trying to escape. I have spoken a lot about recovery in this House.”
“Families are living with fear, financial strain and often in silence. The people who use drugs are not just service users; they are citizens, parents and neighbours, people that the Deputy Leader and I know, and they deserve a real voice in this strategy. I am asking that the draft strategy be revisited urgently, that we align it with the recommendations of the citizens' assembly in which I took part and that drug policy be treated for what it is, which is a core socioeconomic issue, with oversight at Cabinet level. We cannot afford to get this wrong. I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and the Deputy Leader.”
“What worries me most is that the voices of the most affected are not being considered in the draft strategy. In effect, they are being pushed out. Communities, families and people using services are sort of being treated as afterthoughts and not partners. As chair of the south western regional drug and alcohol task force, I see that decisions are being made in the drugs strategy to suit the systems we have rather than the people. Local drug and alcohol task forces have been the backbone of the community response to drug addiction over the last number of years, and they are being weakened rather than strengthened. I say this from experience. As the Deputy Leader knows, I have worked on the ground in drug community projects. I see organisations like ours and many others, like CityWide, trying to meet people where they are at.”
“I want to raise serious concerns about the draft national drugs strategy because those working on the ground are saying it is fundamentally flawed. This week, we had three respected community networks, namely, CityWide, Family Addiction Recovery Ireland, FARI, and UISCE, briefing policymakers. Their message is clear. It is that the new draft national drugs strategy is missing the point. It fails to recognise a key point, which is that drug harm is deeply linked to poverty, inequality and disadvantage. If we are ignoring that aspect, then I think we are missing a significant aspect and we are building the drugs strategy on the wrong foundation. Over 11,000 people died between 2004 and 2020 from drug overdoses. These are real death statistics that were preventable.”
“The working group brought up the suggestion of the establishment of an appeals mechanism as part of an Article 2(1)(b) process, which is a good suggestion. In conclusion, I recommend the Bill, and I will certainly back and commend it. In the context of its introduction, the findings of the 2023 working group should be taken into account.”
“The working group also said that where an employer is a sole trader, the test to verify the employer trading status should have an appropriate modification so that it is not a requirement for the a sole trader to have fully ceased trading. However, the phrase, "sole trader", does not come up once in the Bill. This issue was brought up by the working group. Will sole traders be required to cease trading under this legislation? It is much harder for any entrepreneur in Ireland to come back from a business failure compared to the United States, where it is possible to start off again at 85. I fear that this aspect is going to compound the situation. Some sole traders also trade as part of private, limited private companies because they have liability. I hope this is something that can be addressed on Report Stage.”
“If enacted, the Bill will provide welcome additional protections to employees. While there are no additional debt burdens on employees who are subject to employee applications, some degree of resources will be required to engage with this application. According to the Bill, the Minister may deem an employer insolvent if there is no evidence of continued trading, like in the case of the flower shop example given, and there is satisfaction that amounts are due to the employee. Employees should not be required to provide supporting documentation evidence for this test. This was determined by the working group and the recommendations given in that regard. I think, though, that we will be able to find some way to streamline that.”
“I know this Bill is well intended and is to allow eligible employees a limited time to recover pay-related entitlements from over the previous 40 years. The claims process will cover various employee entitlements, including arrears of wages and sick pay, capped at eight weeks, outstanding holiday pay, also capped at eight weeks, unpaid statutory minimum notice moneys, certain arrears of pension contributions and various statutory awards made by the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, and the Labour Court. This legislation is definitely going in the right direction and is most welcome. There are some issues, though, that I want to highlight. The current statutory ceiling is classified as €600 per week that will be recoverable by an employee. That seems a little bit outdated.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here. When we were here last year and there was the big debacle about Fastway and the protests outside, my heart went out to the employees caught in the middle of all that. Even running a business myself, I was thinking of whether there was any mandatory insurance or similar requirement that could be placed on the employer to ensure an employee can never be caught in that situation again. I know the Supreme Court found in 2018 that Article 2(1)(b) of Directive 2008/94/EC was not properly transposed into Irish law. That had created a situation whereby employees of employers who ceased trading without formally winding up could not access the Social Insurance Fund to obtain reimbursement.”
“I welcome the opportunity to show what wonderful services exist, including the likes of Safetynet, and more important, to ensure such services will continue to receive the support and be able to expand. When healthcare reaches those on the margins of society, it treats more than illness; it restores dignity and hope and increases the chance of recovery. This reflects exactly the type of society we need to build.”
“We recognise that the service users we are dealing with are living in very unstable conditions or, as I mentioned, chaotic circumstances. Reducing barriers to medical care is what is making the difference. It makes healthcare accessible to those most in need. Last year alone, Safetynet delivered 6,000 patient consultations and medical interventions to homeless adults and children. These are some of the most marginalised people in Ireland. I see the impact every day through Tiglin. We see chronic illnesses finely managed and people being connected back into the healthcare system who would otherwise be on the margins. It is preventative healthcare at its very best.”
“With us every day in the café on Pearse Street, we are seeing people struggling with addiction and people whose health has deteriorated because they simply cannot access mainstream services. For many of them, even walking into a GP looking for help, with the paperwork and all of that, is just not straightforward. Barriers to do with trust, language, in some cases, and simply the chaos of homelessness make that impossible, but Safetynet removes all those barriers. It brings doctors and nurses too. I know that with Tiglin, they pull up in a mobile ambulance outside with the doctors, nurses and medical support. It goes directly to the most vulnerable people where they feel safe. They are treated with dignity and compassion and without judgment. I want to make sure that we can adapt these services to people living on the margins.”
“I will take a few moments to talk about an extraordinary service based in Amiens Street, Dublin - Safetynet Primary Care. It also has a homeless outreach team. The whole thing is led by a small team; Kristy, Nicola, Larry and Sinéad. Through its partnership with the likes of Tiglin and Simon, we are seeing something very powerful in action every night of the week, which is healthcare going to the most vulnerable in our society. The collaboration means that medical care, if it is combined with practical social support, including music, chiropody, bingo and everything altogether, ensures people who are experiencing homelessness can access joined-up services in just one location.”
“I realise that this is a quagmire for the Minister with regard to the Mental Health Bill and confidentiality. One thing that came to light was the fact that there were family members who were actually informed. It was just that the co-parent who had responsibility for the children was not informed. As that is where it all fell down, there is an area that needs to be addressed. The Minister is right. My intent is to try to make a difference for the likes of Andrew McGinley's family and families in the future. That is my intent and so that is why I will press the amendment.”
“Trying to reform the law in this area is difficult and it would require a separate Bill on its own to account for all the different issues involved. What is being asked for here, however, is a simple report that could help the Oireachtas to pass future legislation that might one day help to save someone’s life. I do not think anyone in the Chamber wants anyone to go through what Andrew McGinley went through. All I am asking for in this amendment is a report that, someday, might play a role in helping to reform the laws in relation to medical confidentiality.”
“This amendment is asking for a report on evaluating the practices of breaking medical confidentiality when a person’s life, or children’s lives, are under threat. It was inspired by what happened Mr. Andrew McGinley’s family. Many in this House know the story about his children, Conor, Darragh and Carla. They were tragically taken from him in circumstances that shook the nation and, I believe, could have been prevented. Andrew has shown extraordinary courage. He was in Leinster House last week. He has channelled his grief into advocacy in this nature. He is seeking answers and reforms so that no other family experiences exactly what he has endured. Medical confidentiality is a complex issue with which the Minister must deal in this Bill.”
“The amendment that I am proposing is that, very simply: Within two years of the commencement of this Act, the Minister shall publish a report examining the laws on medical confidentiality regarding access to mental health records. Mental Health data in this context means doctor’s notes, psychologist notes, psychiatrists notes or information disclosed verbally. The report shall be published so regulations may be set to protect people who may be at risk or under threat. The report shall be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. The reason behind this amendment is that I spoke regarding a particular case last week about a co-parent who was not informed of his partner’s issues even though they were disclosed to a professional. Unfortunately, that co-parent lost his three children.”
“I move amendment No. 3: In page 9, after line 34, to insert the following: “Report on mental health data 7. Within two years of the commencement of this Act, the Minister shall publish a report examining the laws on medical confidentiality regarding access to mental health records. Mental Health data in this context means doctor’s notes, psychologist notes, psychiatrists notes or information disclosed verbally. The report shall be published so regulations may be set to protect people who may be at risk or under threat. The report shall be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.” I thank the Minister for being here.”
“We need to stop waiting and implement it. If we are serious about prevention, we need a joined-up Government response and thinking to put young people first. This is something we cannot ignore. Will the Leader bring the Minister for Health before the House to outline what immediate steps will be taken to close these gaps and protect our young people?”
“They see them all as alcohol and research has shown this. In effect, we are allowing backdoor advertising directly into the minds of our children. Research has shown that youth drinking in Ireland has increased by 12% over the past decade, with 78% of 15- to 24-year-olds consuming alcohol on a regular basis. As somebody who experienced alcoholism in my family, and from working with Tiglin and seeing addiction, I have real lived experience. This is this beginning of a journey that too often ends in crisis for families with the lives of young children going off track. I know we have the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 but it is not being fully implemented and there are gaps for zero alcohol products. This is a key issue. Long-standing recommendations dating back to 2012 call for a ban on alcohol sponsorship.”
“I want to bring the attention of the House to a report published by Alcohol Action Ireland. It is findings are very disappointing. During recent high-profile rugby matches in Ireland and abroad, alcohol branding appeared at a rate of one reference every eight seconds. Imagine that every eight seconds young people watching their team play something we promote as healthy, positive and community driven are exposed to alcohol marketing. As chair of the south-west regional drugs and alcohol task force and Tiglin, I have seen the damage that alcohol can do in communities. Imagine these heavily alcohol-branded events are being broadcast during watershed hours and are getting around the rules. When young people are watching it is concerning because they cannot distinguish between zero alcohol products and full alcohol products.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann: - reaffirms its support for Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of the Russian Federation’s illegal invasion and calls on the Government to do as much as possible to maximise Ireland’s role in renewing international efforts to secure a just and lasting peace based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
“I thank colleagues from across the House for supporting this motion, which is a call for Ireland to continue playing a constructive role in securing a peace that is just, durable and grounded in respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity. When we remember Pierre Zakrzewski, the first person with a connection to Ireland to be tragically killed in Ukraine while working for Fox News, we realise that despite the hardship and loss, the spirit of Ukraine has not been broken. The ambassador, Larysa was on "Morning Ireland" this morning and she spoke about her parents having to climb up to the 31st floor, without any lifts, without water and without electricity. That is hardship but I believe that peace will come and when it does, the courageous people and those nations who refused to look away will be pleased to see such a peace.”
“The President spoke not only about the military and humanitarian challenges facing Ukraine but also about the importance of international solidarity, democracy and the rule of law. The presence of the President really deepened the relationship between our two peoples. I want to propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 58(1) on the Order Paper be taken before No. 1, without debate. The motion in question, which was tabled by me and supported by my colleagues in this House, states: That Seanad Éireann ... reaffirms its support for Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of the Russian Federation’s illegal invasion and calls on the Government to do as much as possible to maximise Ireland’s role in renewing international efforts to secure a just and lasting peace based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
“We have many of my friends from Tiglin as well and other war veterans from Ukraine who have fought in battle there. When we see such resilience, we realise their presence here honours this House. This is not just a theoretical war. It is very real and many of them have lost homes and loved ones and are living in precarious circumstances. They are very welcome here. Ireland welcomes them and stands with them. Four years on and the resilience of the Ukrainian has absolutely amazed me. It is extraordinary. Their courage in defending their sovereignty, their democracy and their right to live freely has inspired all of us. This House shows unwavering support at this critical time. Last year we welcomed the Ukrainian President and First Lady to this House.”
“I congratulate my friend Kairi Künka, the Estonian ambassador, on national Estonia day. I would also like to mark another significant occasion today which is, as the Cathaoirleach mentioned, the fourth anniversary of the Russian illegal and brutal invasion of Ukraine. It was an act of aggression that has caused immense suffering, displacement, hurt and loss of life and it continues to affect the stability of Europe. I want to extend a huge welcome to Larysa Gerasko, the Ukrainian ambassador, to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. She has done an amazing job in Ireland representing her people. I also welcome visitors to the Public Gallery, many of whom are friends of mine. We have Max Reva who achieved the highest points in his leaving certificate and is now in Trinity College.”
“That is why I brought the amendment. It was in good faith. It was not to score political points and it was not to slow down the Minister making progress in this area, but to ensure that we learn from what we do and we are held accountable. If the enacted Bill is successful, the review I propose would show that. If it needs adjustment, then the review would give evidence to look back and say where we need to tweak it a bit. If the Bill has unintended consequences then the Minister would know early enough in two years. I urge the Minister to reconsider. He has looked at the amendment. I think it would strengthen the Bill. I want to add to the solution. I want to provide solutions. I do not want to just come against it for the sake of it. I do feel that my amendment was fair.”
“He comes in to us because we provide a barber and a doctor. We also provide live musical bingo, something to just take people's mind off the very fact that they are experiencing homelessness. The demographics have changed. People like him, who once had a stable tenancy and a stable life now find themselves in a difficult position, without a place to call home. I meet them every night of the week. I would love if the Minister could come down there with me one evening. When you look into the eyes of the people who come in you realise that these guys have lost a lot, and then you start to think about housing policy. This is not an abstract debate. There is human cost here. You see that in the queue outside The Lighthouse. Every decision we make here and every unintended consequence of legislation needs to be properly reviewed.”
“I used to volunteer every Sunday. I realised that there are a lot of people in trouble with addiction and mental health who are homeless and who need supported housing. I have expressed that in here before. I bought a bus and converted it to a restaurant. I used to go out every night under Clerys clock, Monday to Thursday. I met the most amazing people. Now that service, which used to feed about 60, is feeding up to 500 a day, and we have it at The Lighthouse on Pearse Street. We meet people who basically have slipped through the crack of the system. What I noticed in the last while is that the demographics have changed. Now we have people who are working. Last week I had a guy in who is actually working in the construction industry and, unfortunately, he cannot afford the rent so he is living in Sandymount in a tent.”
“What my amendment did was to ask for a pause two years from now, just to honestly look back and see whether the Bill has improved the situation for tenants, stabilised the market or encouraged supply, because I know that is what the Minister wants, or if it has inadvertently pushed more landlords to exit the market. We must also find out whether it has helped to reduce the homeless numbers. That is the measurable effect that I was looking for. They are not political questions, they are practical ones. The Minister knows that I am not only a Senator but I have spent the last 20 years working with people who have experienced homelessness. When I was younger I started to volunteer in the Cedar House Homeless Hostel just off O'Connell Street. They did fantastic work there. It was run by the Salvation Army and now it is Crosscare.”
“We cannot keep passing Bills without building mechanisms to assess their impact. That is why my amendments matter. Last week I was before the housing committee and the Department was present. We have changed the population threshold in towns, for example, for short-term letting from 10,000 to 20,000. Towns with 10,000 were exempt but now towns of 20,000 are. When I asked the Department how many houses would be released in towns with 10,000, I was told approximately 12,000. Then I asked how many houses would be released into the long-term rental market now that the threshold has been increased to 20,000 and I was told in or around 12,000. I am worried about the assessments. What is the mathematics behind it if it does not make a difference? Has it been well-thought out? The same goes for this Bill.”
“The rent for his one-bedroom apartment in Spencer Dock – I am not talking about Mayfair in London – was €3,800 per month. It is not achievable. Landlords are also leaving the market faster than new ones are entering. Tenants are competing. The Minister has seen on social media long queues of people looking at houses to rent. Families are being priced out of communities. I accept the Minister is trying to fix all of this, and it is a difficult fix. There was evidence yesterday that young people are staying at home longer. When I was growing up we left home at 17 or 18. Now people are living at home in their 30s. Young people are delaying milestones. They are delaying education, children, etc., because they cannot secure stable housing. Of course the Minister knows all that. We cannot keep legislating in the dark.”
“There are thousands more people whom we call the hidden homeless, that is, people who couch-surf or stay with family and move into spare rooms, who never appear in the monthly statistics. They are not counted, but they are living with the same insecurity as anybody that is a statistic who has been mentioned, and they are living with the same fear and exhaustion. Alongside that, we have a rental market that all of us agree is dysfunctional. As Senator Andrews said, the rents are at an historic high and supply is at an historic low. My main business is transport. Recently I was moving an economist who was living in Spencer Dock back to Brussels because, although he was on a six-figure salary, the rent over here was far too expensive.”
“Yesterday, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, said we need a reset and a fix. That is why I think a few things need to be done in order for this to be a fix. We have already been here before. We introduced layer upon layer of legislation in the rental sector and it has not worked. Some of it has been necessary and was overdue and it has been well intentioned but a lot of it was poorly evaluated. What we have not done in any meaningful or systematic way is to look back and then ask if it worked, if it helped and if it made things better or worse. If we look at the number of people in emergency accommodation – 17,000 people – we can see we are going in the right direction. The homeless figure is shocking in itself but it does not capture the full reality.”
“I am disappointed that the amendments are not being accepted. I felt that the one I proposed was simple. I thought it was an essential addition to the Bill that within two years of the commencement of the Act, the Minister would publish a report examining the impact on the rental market, and that the report would then be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. I did not think it was a radical request. The Minister knows that I do not want to be obstructive but I just thought it was good governance. When we pass legislation that affects hundreds of thousands of tenants and landlords and when we intervene in a market that is already under enormous strain we have a responsibility to ensure that our actions have the intended effect. That is basically what I want to do there. We have been here before.”
“We need clear clinical responsibility and proper resourcing. We need a system that meets the likes of the young man who showed up in Limerick where they are at and that does not turn them around so they are sent around in circles. I ask the Leader to bring the matter to the Minister and to request a focused debate on dual diagnoses. We need to address this gap and until we do, those people will be left in desperation.”
“He went to the hospital looking for help and was, unfortunately, told that because he was under the influence of a substance, the staff could not help him. The problem is that if that person then appears for help at a drug clinic, he or she is told it is a mental health issue. There is an issue here. People are falling through the gaps. No door should be the wrong door when you are seeking help but for people with dual diagnoses, that is exactly what is happening. This is a glaring gap in services. Work has been done in the Department to try to fill the gap, but these things are happening every single day. We are seeing it more and more. I have had those experiences this week. We need integrated pathways where addiction and mental health services work together and not separately.”
“I raise an issue that comes directly from my experience of working over the years with people at Tiglin who have suffered from addiction and mental health issues. Every day, we meed individuals who are struggling not only with substance use but also with real and serious mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation, deep depression and trauma. They are not separate but intertwined problems. Yet, we see that again and again when these individuals turn up at hospitals, clinics, accident and emergency departments, etc., they are told they cannot be treated because they are under the influence of drugs. An issue arose last week when a young man in Limerick presented to a hospital. He was suicidal and in trouble.”