Barry Heneghan
Dublin Bay North · Independent · Ireland
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an bPáirtí an Lucht Oibre. This highlights what many families are experiencing right now. Many people have been in contact with me. Even today, I met parents who were under enormous pressure because of the cost of uniforms, books, transport and school activities.”
“I refer to the hundreds of vacant spaces over shops in Dublin, the capital city in which I grew up. I welcome the above-the-shop grant but could we re-examine it in terms of microcompanies or SMEs availing of that grant? It can be difficult for them to avail of the above-the-shop grant.”
“They deserve to know how that supplier was selected, whether public procurement guidance has been followed and why students cannot use an equivalent device that they may already own. Technology undoubtedly has an important role in education. I do not dispute that fact. I came through education while the technology was developing.”
“Anois sa choiste fuinnimh táimid ag caint faoi plug-in solar. In 2024 there was a consultation done by the Department in which Bord Gáis Energy said that plug-in solar systems should be mounted on roofs where possible and hardwired into a dedicated circuit.”
“That contradiction leaves parents and students whom I represent caught in a middle ground. On one hand, the Department is saying they are not mandatory and, on the other, schools are telling parents that they must purchase one. I understand that the Minister of State was in north Dublin.”
“My granny drank raw milk and she lived to 98. We need to look into alternative ways to have locally sourced food. In that regard, I will point to what is happening at EU level and how it ties into this.”
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“It was built on decades of US investment, tax contributions and deep integration into the global trading system which, until now, we believed to be stable. I heard Deputy Paul Lawless mention this issue earlier and I support his view that we need to remove that dependence. If we can remove our dependence and destabilise this relationship, it would be good for stabilising our economy. This is just a storm on the horizon. Tomorrow, I will be speaking more in depth on the long-term economic picture but today we are talking about tariffs. In five years' time we are going to be talking about EU climate fines and how we are going to fail to meet our emissions targets. I urge us to look down through the barrel at what the situation will be five or ten years from now. We must diversify our economy and future-proof our strategy.”
“I strongly condemn the decision by President Trump to impose 20% tariffs on EU exports, especially those that affect Ireland. Let us be clear here: this is not a negotiating tactic but an act of economic aggression by President Trump against our long-standing relationship. Let us call it what it is; it is reckless and short-sighted and will be deeply harmful to Irish jobs and businesses and the broader European economy. These tariffs will strike at the heart of our global economic model. This can already be seen in the stock market. Ireland is heavily reliant on trade with the United States and the continued presence of US multinationals operating in our country. We all know the budget surplus did not appear out of thin air.”
“Le tús a chur, tá mé chun rud éigint a chur amach faoi Ghaelcholáiste Reachrann. It is still waiting for an update. The Department was saying that the design team is looking at it and it is a priority for the Department. I am in a group chat with 450 concerned parents. All we are asking for is a written update on the current status of the permanent school and an urgent update on what is holding it back. I would also like the Taoiseach to look at the KRC school campaign in Clontarf, Raheny and Killester, where 1,231 parents representing almost 2,500 children were interviewed. From it, 73% are looking for a coeducational secondary school and 60% are looking for a non-religious school in north Dublin. Is it a priority for the Government to deliver that in north Dublin?”
“If we are not going to do that and have the courage to walk up we are not going to solve this. Can we look into Kilmore Celtic and all the community centres and sports clubs in north Dublin and give them the facilities they need?”
“This is not about censorship; this is about protection and giving parents an alternative. If we want people to be prevented from going into crime, we need to give them alternatives. I would love to talk about a particular incident in Dublin Bay North where we need to have the options for children to have something else to do. That is what it is. They do not have anything else to do. Kilmore Celtic football club lacks basic amenities. There is no water, no electricity, children have to get changed in the bushes and go across the road to use other people's toilets. We are not giving the children an alternative to getting involved in crime or standing on street corners. Please therefore, can we go up the river? Give more investment to youth clubs and sports clubs in north Dublin.”
“If they are not getting it at home, they need to get it through the youth diversion programme, youth clubs and sports clubs. Social media are warping developing minds and with adolescents, tá sé i mbéal an phobail faoi láthair. It is addictive, damaging and corrosive, especially for kids of that age when their identity is being formed. We are social beings and we are always looking to fit in. I am 26 and I saw it creep in when I was 13 or 14 but it has only become worse. These multinationals have designed this to be as addictive as possible. We all see it ourselves. I can barely walk down the street without whipping out my phone. We need to be bold enough to act. The Australian Government is leading the way on banning social media for under-16s. We should look into alternatives.”
“Recently I asked the Minister for Justice about the number of young people referred to the Garda youth diversion programme. In 2022, there were 8,434. However, in 2023 that number dropped by 7%. That is fewer children being prevented from falling into the river and engaging with the Garda, giving them the alternative to crime. We need to support the Garda and give it more resources for encouraging community engagement. What I have been seeing and hearing from the meetings I have been having is that young people are being pulled into violence at a younger age than ever. They are organising fights on Snapchat, WhatsApp, TiKTok, sharing videos online of bullying. These are 13- and 14-year-old children crying out for structure that they are not getting.”
“When we talk about crime and antisocial behaviour among young people, we often focus on the consequences but we need to ask what is causing it in the first place. It reminds me of a story I heard at an event by Peter McVerry. It is a story I come back to which goes, if you see people floating down a river, you jump in and rescue them. Then you see another person floating down, and you jump in and rescue them. Then you see another and eventually you ask yourself, "Where are they coming from and how are they falling into the river?" You walk up the stream and find the source of the problem. That is what we need to do with our youth. We need to stop pulling people out of the river and go up the stream to fix the reason they are falling in and getting involved in crime.”
“Its recent housing market monitor said that 75,000 homes can be completed in 2025 and 2026 but this is well below the targets the report says are needed. This is the key issue this House will be defined by when we go knocking on doors in five years' time. We need to have a Covid-level response. Tick every single box, try things and be bold. I really urge the Minister and my colleagues in government to do that because we need to get that done. I really appreciate the Minister listening, and I urge him to read to the motion.”
“The Minister has a huge task ahead of him and I wish him the best of luck in his role. I urge everyone from all sides of this House to work together as we see in the committees. We are here for one reason, which is to work for the Irish people. As a newly elected TD, it is ridiculous what have seen in here for the last few months. There is something clearly wrong with regulations where developers can pay adjoining residents considerable sums to not make objections. A recent article by the Irish Independent said that planning for 20,000 homes will expire in the next two years. I urge the Government to look at this. The permissions are set to expire over the coming two years even though the demand for homes is dramatically exceeding supply. This is according to a new report from the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland.”
“I also thank the Minister of State for coming to the cross-party meeting on autism. When I raised this matter with him, he looked at it straight away. All the TDs in Dublin Bay North have raised this matter because they have been fighting for it since before I was elected. There is a prefab pandemic in Dublin Bay North, as those involved with running Gaelchólaiste Reachrann have noted. People have seen how it is never a temporary solution. I welcome what Deputy O’Callaghan said. The amount of work that would have to be done to make the existing prefabs suitable as accommodation for a special school would come at a great cost to the Department. I also welcome what Deputy Mitchell said. The Minister of State can visit the school and see what needs to be done. If he does so, it will change his mind.”
“It is great to see a united party effort on this issue. We all attended the information evening in Belmayne. It is very clear we need another special school in Dublin Bay North. The issue is the option for phase 2 of the Belmayne Educate Together school has been offered by the school. It is clearly a better solution than putting these kids into prefabs. On the night we were all there, we heard parents who have children who will be attending the special school as well as children in Belmayne Educate Together urging the Department to use the phase 2 building that is already built and warmer and safer for these children who have additional needs. I urge the Department to please go with what the people of the area and all the elected TDs are asking.”
“I draw the Tánaiste's attention to a case of family reunification in Dublin Bay North in which a Palestinian family is being taken in but further assistance is being sought. I will give him the details on that.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire for that update. It is very important that we keep the public informed of developments. I welcome his indication that he will meet with Senator Black next Tuesday. I thank him and his Department for the aid already supplied. It is very important that when the occupied territories Bill comes back to the House, provisions regarding resources are included, especially the natural resources that are extracted from the occupied territories. I hope that by taking that step in the right direction, we will see an outcome similar to that of the action taken by the Dunnes Stores workers, with Mary Manning's strike leading to Ireland being the first western country to impose a complete ban on South African goods.”
“I raise an issue I raised with the Taoiseach three weeks ago and that was also raised this evening by Deputy Carthy. I am seeking clarification on the occupied territories Bill, the reinstatement of which was included in the programme for Government. In a meeting with the Palestinian ambassador, she asked whether the Bill, when it is reintroduced, will include provisions regarding natural resources. I accept that the Tánaiste does not want to fully disclose that until his meeting with Senator Black but can he add any clarification tonight on the matter?”
“Ireland has been a principled voice for peace, international law and human rights. We should continue to engage with our European partners and stress that the current situation is completely unacceptable. Ireland has always stood up for what is right, even when it is not easy. Let us continue to lead with clarity, compassion and courage. While we are speaking about the Defence Forces, I would like to say that I am very sad to see that the progression of Cadet Matthew Scully, who is due to graduate on Friday, is not moving as quickly as we would hope. It really shows the clear need for communication to be sped up between our Defence Forces because the men and women who have served and continue to serve deserve more respect.”
“Gabhaim míle buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach agus leis an Aire Stáit. I want to reflect on the recent European Council meeting and what it means for Ireland and our role during these challenging times. As I have stated previously, I welcome the Council’s continued support for Ukraine. The suffering caused by the war remains immense. I am grateful to see the compassionate role that we have played in welcoming those who are fleeing from this conflict to our communities. I have seen at first hand the generosity of people in communities across my constituency and across the country. I would also like to highlight the growing concerns across Ireland about the ongoing genocide in Gaza, in particular the breaking of the ceasefire. Israel refuses to allow new aid to enter into Gaza.”
“We must not create barriers to prevent qualified, dedicated individuals from commissioning. I ask the Tánaiste to look at this case and review it.”
“He ranks in the top ten in his class, excelling across the modules and yet, at the last moment, just four weeks before he was due to be commissioned, he was told that he would not be allowed graduate due to a suspected medical condition, one that the Army had known about for a full year. Since then, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces personally signed a derogation letter in support of Cadet Scully highlighting his outstanding ability and fitness to serve. However, the Department of Defence has rejected this, overruling the expert judgment of the Army's own leadership. This is not how we are supposed to treat those who dedicate their lives to the Defence Forces. I ask the Tánaiste to look at this case and show that those who serve this country are treated with respect.”
“This is not a debate that should be confined to the halls of Leinster House; it belongs to the Irish people whose understanding of neutrality has evolved with modern global threats, from cyberwarfare to the hybrid attacks on infrastructure. We cannot talk about defence policy without talking about how we treat our Defence Forces personnel. I thank those who have served and who continue to serve Ireland with pride. This brings me to the urgent case of Cadet Matthew Scully. Cadet Scully is set to graduate on 28 March with the 100th cadet class having completed 18 months of intensive training.”
“On 26 February, I asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he considered any changes to the triple-lock mechanism, which currently requires UN Security Council approval alongside Government and Dáil approval for deployment of Irish Defence Forces overseas and whether any of these proposed changes, are solely intended to ensure that future peacekeeping missions are not hindered by a geopolitical deadlock at the UN, whether potential reforms to the triple lock are being considered to enhance operational flexibility while maintaining Ireland's neutrality and adherence to international law. At the same time, we must be clear that a national dialogue on this issue is essential.”
“In the light of ongoing geopolitical tensions, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the genocide occurring across Palestine, the role of our neutrality has never been more scrutinised. Ireland has long taken pride in its policy of military neutrality, a stance that has allowed us to play a respected role in peacekeeping, diplomacy and humanitarian efforts, and I thank all those who have done this in the past. However, neutrality is not an ideology frozen in time. It must be continuously assessed to ensure it serves the best interests of the Irish people and the wider international community.”
“It is great that the Minister will reach out to local authorities. I do not want to be Dublin Bay-North centred; this is for all local authorities. The main point is that we are already required by law to protect the rights of disabled people by ensuring there is equality, accessibility and non-discrimination. The Government has a pivotal role in providing local authorities with adequate resources to fulfil their obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This requires a significant increase in funding for local government. I called for that yesterday and I am calling for it again. Local government is what we need to be funding because those involved know the people on the ground and the people they are dealing with. I urge the Government to do that.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. I thank him for noting that this is something I did at local level. I would really like to see it carried through. As he stated, an independent framework is provided for in section 63 of the Local Government Act. However, section 26 of the Disability Act 2005 places an obligation on public bodies, including local authorities, to have one accessibility officer. I have spoken to people in Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council. In that context, I want to know what enforcement mechanisms the Minister has to push local authorities to comply with the Disability Act 2005. As many accessibility officers work part time and do not have clear job descriptions, their work on disability inclusion is often treated as an add-on rather than the main focus.”
“Go n-éirí leis an Aire ina phost nua. Will the Minister provide an update on the role of accessibility officers in all councils, but particularly Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council? What oversight is in place to ensure future housing developments meet universal design standards? Are additional measures being considered to improve accessibility in social and affordable housing projects?”
“I am delighted that the derelict sites register is being implemented by Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council, increasing to 237 in 2024 from a previous small number. It is great to see the councils are doing that but we need to give more funding to Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council. I know the housing staff in Dublin City Council personally. They are tireless workers but they are understaffed and underfunded, and we need to give them that chance.”
“It is good to finally be able to speak. What I was trying to say earlier is that I was described as an underling, which is someone who is under someone else's order. I would love for that to be withdrawn from the record of the House. As an Independent TD, I support this Government with cautious optimism, in the hope that it will be able to listen to me. The only people whose orders I am under are the people of Dublin Bay North, who put their trust in me, a 26-year-old Independent. How many marriages and childhoods have been shaped by the relentless stress and uncertainty of not knowing if they will have a home? We need a Covid-level response that is bold, urgent and effective, with no more election cycle thinking. We need a ten to 15-year strategy.”
“Ba mhaith liom rud éigin a chur amach ansin. Tá scoil i mBaile Átha Cliath Thuaidh darbh ainm Gaelcholáiste Reachrann agus níl foirgneamh buan aige. Tá sé uafásach go bhfuil daoine i mBaile Átha Cliath ag iarraidh oideachas a fháil trí Ghaeilge agus níl foirgneamh ag an scoil. Tá siad fós i prefabs. Tá siad ann le haghaidh 22 bliain. Tá sé uafásach. D’fhreastail mé ar an scoil agus tá go leor cairde agam a bhí mar dhaltaí sa scoil seo. Má táimid serious faoin nGaeilge, caithfimid infheistiú sa scoil seo agus foirgneamh a bheith ann do na daltaí agus do na múinteoirí atá ag iarraidh an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn.”
“We need stronger partnerships between the Garda and local organisations to ensure gardaí remain proactive rather than reactive. When Garda models put people first, it prevents the crime before it happens, making Dublin safer. For me, that is especially important for my constituency of Dublin Bay North.”
“Community-led initiatives, such as the Garda youth diversion and outreach programmes, have proved that when people feel heard they engage more positively with law enforcement. I want to bring the Minister of State's attention to Belmayne in Clongriffin where there have recently been multiple incidents of teenage gangs assaulting residents. These teenagers have been named and are underage but the gardaí are not getting them into these youth diversion programmes. They need to be in those programmes. If you can prevent someone at an early age from engaging in crime, you can save their future. We need to go further. We need to increase funding in the Garda, build up more gardaí on the beat and increase visibility on our streets.”
“Go n-éirí leis an Aire Stáit ina phost nua. The presence of community gardaí is not just about enforcing the law, it is about building trust and, in north Dublin, creating the safer neighbourhoods I want to see. It is about fostering real partnerships between gardaí and the people they serve. In recent years, we have seen progress in Dublin and I can stand here proudly and say I am the son of a garda who served for 35 years. I have seen at first hand how gardaí help when they are dedicated to community policing roles, engagement with youth services and an emphasis on prevention rather than reactive policing. When gardaí work closely with residents, schools and businesses, it has been shown through multiple studies that antisocial behaviour drops and a strong sense of safety grows.”
“Céard atá an Rialtas ag déanamh leis an laghdú de 40% ar bhuiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge le 20 bliain anuas, nuair a thugtar boilsciú san áireamh, a chur i gceart agus cothrom na Féinne a thabhairt d'fhorbairt na Gaeilge fud fad na tíre? Sa tréimhse chéanna, d'éirigh buiséad an Chomhairle Ealaíon ó €40 milliún go €140 milliún. Cé mhéad airgead a chuirfidh an Rialtas ar fáil le buiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge a mhaoiniú i gceart?”
“Go n-éirí leis an Aire ina post nua. Ba mhaith liom labhairt faoi rud éigint atá i mbéal an phobail faoi láthair agus is é sin assessments of needs. Chuir mé ceist isteach faoi the steps that the Minister was going to outline for assessment of needs in her new post. The reply I got from the HSE stated that 10.4% of assessments of needs were completed within the timeframe set by the HSE, which is within six months. It is with cautious optimism that I support the programme for Government but this is something by which we will be defined as a Government. It is something that I hope gets addressed in five years. I really will support the Minister the whole way through if she can tackle this issue. There are too many people, go háirithe i mBaile Átha Cliath Thuaidh, nach bhfuil sé seo ann dóibh.”
“It is about ensuring we are going to be securing jobs for the future of Ireland. In short, there is a boom coming. Are we going to grab it and benefit the Irish people, following the programme for Government, and make sure we force multinationals to ensure they create green on-site energy and not allow them to use diesel generators? We have so much potential in this country. As I have already mentioned, for the future generations of Ireland, do not let us throw this away.”
“That really needs to be done particularly well. There are brilliant people in all the universities of engineering who can come in and guide us through this, and I really encourage that to be done. I know AI can be dangerous. I have seen videos of me online saying something I never said. However, the EU AI Act sets an important precedent for regulating the high risk of AI applications and I am delighted to see that. There needs to be data centre governance, as I have said, to demonstrate that big corporations need to do their part and commit to our grid and not just leach off it. We have a choice to lead in our AI future, thereby ensuring our country and everyone here benefits from what is coming and ensuring it works with us rather than against us. This is not about Ireland's place.”
“I am happy to see that in the programme for Government there is an important restriction and it is stated that we want on-site renewable energy. I was not too delighted yesterday when I saw the CRU implement new rules that did not really focus on this. We need to put in these advancements and lean towards developments that create on-site renewable energy and, in the programme for Government on private wires legislation, allow the data centres to create their own energy, supplying other business parks. At the moment, yes, 20% of our electricity is being used by data centres. Great. Are we going to give out about it or are we going to give solutions? We should allow them to build their own solar panels, their own on-site energy, but not allow them to use greenwashing tactics for diesel generators and have it off-grid.”
“As I have already seen first-hand, and as I have just mentioned, the universities and technical universities are training this next generation. I have a degree in this, all my friends have degrees in this and there is not enough in Ireland already. Loads of my friends have emigrated. Let us jump and seize on this potential that we have in our climate. AI-powered automation is expected to increase by up to 20% by 2030, and the global AI market is projected to grow to €1.7 trillion by 2030. Ireland, due to our climate, is ideal for data centres. What are we going to do? My whole life I have seen us throw away our fossil fuels. Are we going to throw away another potential to benefit the Irish people? It is absolutely appalling.”
“We have new courses for AI, data centres and data analysts. What are we going to do when these people qualify? Tell them, "Sorry, data centres are not allowed in Ireland. Go over to the UK or France."? It is ridiculous and no solutions are offered. It is just people giving out for their little audience. What are we going to do? Abandon technology in Ireland and turn our backs on progress? It is ridiculous. Let us be clear - and I know this from my thesis - that data centres and AI are not just tools. They are fundamental for the future of Ireland and for the wider economy as a whole. At the moment, there are 53,000 jobs in Ireland directly or indirectly linked to data centres. That is one in 50 people. What are we going to do when they get further stuff onto the State? It is absolute codswallop. I am sick of it.”
“Guím gach rath ar an Aire Stáit ina post nua. Yesterday, I heard a Member of this House - I will not name anyone who is not here - speak and use his fake outrage for his little clip online about how he is annoyed that big tech will dominate this industry. As a recently qualified mechanical engineer who did my thesis on data centres and the waste heat potential they have, that is absolute codswallop. What does he suppose that we do when the countries around us develop this technology? Are we just going to sit back in the Iron Age and do nothing? In about five years' time, when the next election is on, what is he going to do then? Give out that everyone is emigrating? Of course they are emigrating. There are no jobs here because they are not being allowed to develop. I have just qualified from DCU and I have seen the amount of change.”
“Ba mhaith liom ceist a chur ar an Taoiseach faoi rud éigin a bhí sa Teach an tseachtain seo caite. Will he outline a timeline for when we expect to see the occupied territories Bill brought back into the House with the necessary legal changes? The Bill, when brought back, needs to preserve the original intention. I want this to be done. Will the Taoiseach outline the timeline for the Irish people?”
“There are also the social connections and self-esteem for the players as they put on that jersey and are treated with the same respect as any senior team member of that club. In the words of Leanne Walsh, they love it and play for Shelbourne. That is their team The club has a business plan that is dedicated to supporting children and adults with disabilities which will help their mental health. There are already strong partnerships in place with Child Vision on the Gracepark Road, St. Michael’s House, the CRC and Prosper Fingal. These connections show how sport is a powerful tool for inclusion and mental well-being. I am calling for investment in Tolka Park to make this vision a reality. None of this would be possible without Ann Murray, Finian McGrath and Leanne Walsh from St. Michael's House and I thank them for that.”
“Go n-éirí leis an Aire Stáit. I want to highlight the vital role sports clubs play in supporting mental health in our communities. I have seen at first hand how young men and women of north Dublin can have a sense of camaraderie going to sports matches in Shelbourne FC. Shelbourne FC runs a football for all team, which provides a football service to include individuals with a range of disabilities, including autism, Down's syndrome and multiple intellectual disabilities. There are more than 70 players aged 20 to 50 years who train and play for the club. The focus is on a player’s ability rather than their disability. I have seen the impact it has had on players. It is a lot more than just sport for them.”
“It does not make sense to conduct the test if it is not conducted where it needs to be done. Enhanced pedestrian infrastructure is needed. We need to install zebra crossings, especially near schools, and ensure footpaths are well maintained. With regard to community engagement, I have seen awareness campaigns by DCC and congratulate it, but we need more. Social media is great for this. We need strict enforcement of traffic laws and to increase the presence of traffic wardens and law enforcement during school hours to deter illegal parking and dangerous driving behaviours. By implementing these measures we can create a safer environment for residents of Dublin Bay North, and across Ireland. It is our collective responsibility to ensure our streets are safe, especially for children.”
“Following the completion of a new development beside the Belmayne Road, the construction company has abandoned the area and has not given over charge of it. Speed ramps have been removed and a school there is looking for a zebra crossing but because the construction company has not given over charge of the land to Dublin City Council, DCC, who is responsible for this issue is being debated. To address these challenges, I will not just give out but I will propose solutions I hope the Minister of State will listen to. One is increased funding to local councils. DCC has great staff but does not have the funding to target all these areas. We need comprehensive traffic assessments. I mentioned the one in Seapark Drive where traffic calming measures were placed in the wrong area.”
“Residents have reported numerous near misses and despite the residents themselves purchasing their own "Go Slow" signs to help with the threat, the council is doing nothing. I have already asked the council to do another speed test. It sent a response but it is not good enough. When, and if a child is injured, who will be to blame? Similarly, in Killester, children attending the Educate Together schools cross the Howth Road. As I mentioned, during drop-offs cars are continuously not stopping and are reversing out, which is putting people at risk, specifically our children. This is happening time and again in Dublin Bay North and there is a junction at which children are at risk and it is not good enough. I will draw the Minister of State's attention to Belmayne.”
“However, there is not enough funding and places are being left out, putting our children at unacceptable risk. An example of this is in my hometown of Clontarf. Seapark Drive, a residential street, is home to 75 young children. In March 2024 the transport advisory group conducted a speed test here. However, the speed test was conducted at the wrong part of the road - the part where cars actually slow down. The test revealed an 85th percentile speed of 33.2 km. That seems to be at an acceptable limit but it is not. The reality is that the area where children are at risk is not being measured and children will be injured as a result. It does not reflect the reality during the peak hours when the road is being used as a shortcut.”
“I am delighted to speak about pressing road safety concerns that affect safety and well-being, especially in my constituency of Dublin Bay North. The urgent need for enhanced road safety measures, particularly around schools and in residential areas, is quite alarming. In neighbourhoods across the northside, such as Marino, Coolock, Raheny, Clontarf, Artane, Darndale and Belmayne - I have missed a few - we are witnessing an alarming increase in traffic-related hazards. The daily routine of school drop-offs and pick-ups is becoming very difficult due to the infrastructure and insignificant traffic calming measures. Parked cars often create blind spots. This has been raised with me time and again by concerned parents. I am happy to see measures have been taken to put in bollards to stop this.”
“I hope the scheme will ensure equal access to education for Irish citizens, which we are going to need. The scheme is not just about facilitating movement; it is about investing in the future. We have always been outward looking, and this is about embracing opportunity and ensuring our young people can contribute to the global stage. I am fully in support of the motion. Ireland needs to remain connected, competitive and committed to empowering the next generation.”
“The exchange of language, culture and shared history means the Irish community has always played a key role in the UK, and this scheme will ensure that continues. The Irish community is the UK's largest diaspora population and this scheme will ensure young Irish citizens can still freely strengthen that link. The safeguards that are in place will ensure balance and fairness. I reiterate that this is not an open door policy. There will be clear eligibility criteria to ensure a balanced approach to youth mobility. The UK has similar agreements, which I have recently seen, with countries such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand. These have proven a success, and I hope the Minister will look at these successful cases and implement the key steps they have taken.”
“Many of my friends are living in London, and I believe this will address the labour market needs in sectors experiencing shortages. Opting in to these negotiations is not merely about facilitating movement. It is about reaffirming our commitment to the youth of Ireland and providing them with avenues to grow, learn and contribute positively to our society. I am glad we are seizing this opportunity to invest in the future of our nation. Before Brexit, 12,000 Irish students enrolled in UK universities annually, with more than 30,000 Irish moving to the UK. The barriers that arose after Brexit need to be removed. Many young people still find it hard to access opportunities, leading them, as I mentioned, to go to London, Manchester or Liverpool. We have cultural and educational ties with the UK and I support the positives of this scheme.”