Catherine Ardagh
Dublin South-Central · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Many Members here today know the real and lasting impact cancer has on individuals and families. It is something that touches almost every household in this country. It does not discriminate. The Bill is about fairness, dignity and giving cancer survivors the freedom to truly move on with their lives.”
“This is particularly in the case of child sexual abuse material investigations. An Garda Síochána regularly engages with its counterparts in other EU states and with international organisations, such as Interpol and Europol, in the fight against what are absolutely heinous crimes, as I think we can all agree.”
“A lot of investigations into child sexual abuse material may be referred from international partners, and it is imperative that gardaí have all the tools they require at their disposal to co-operate internationally in this field.”
“I take this opportunity to thank everyone here and acknowledge the constructive spirit in which Members have engaged with this Bill since 2022. There is a shared recognition across the Houses that this legislation will make a meaningful difference in people's lives, as described by Senator Nelson Murray.”
“The Government has now gone further than the voluntary code that is currently in place, reducing the relevant period from seven years to five years and increasing the sum-assured threshold from €500,000 to €650,000 to reflect the current housing market to support survivors to buy homes.”
“I thank Deputy Carthy for his support for this legislation. I also note the other issues he raised in relation to wider criminal justice and Garda issues. However, I will go back to discussing Deputy Kelly's amendment, tabled by Deputy Sheehan.”
The complete record
Every one of 423 lines we hold for Catherine Ardagh, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 9 of 9.
“Deputy Joe Neville - To discuss the lack of special education needs places in secondary schools in areas of growing population like Kildare North. Deputy Mattie McGrath - To discuss the rejection of schools in south Tipperary that have sought to open a special class but have not received sanction. Deputy Ken O'Flynn - To discuss the reopening of an accident and emergency facility at Mallow General Hospital. Deputy Darren O'Rourke - To discuss the removal of SNA support for children at St. Patrick's National School, Stamullen, and changes to SNA allocations generally. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin - To discuss transport improvements that are needed for Wicklow and Wexford, and to discuss the N11-M11 bus priority interim scheme.”
“Deputy Marie Sherlock - To discuss the exclusion of mainstream classes in Holy Child preschool on Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the introduction of a youth culture card. Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss the ban on the use of mid-urethral mesh slings in treatment for urinary incontinence in women. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí - To discuss the need for BusConnects routes to adequately support north Dublin commuters travelling to destinations south of the Liffey. Deputy Louis O'Hara - To discuss the need to ensure adequate SNA support for schools such as Lisheenkyle National School in County Galway. Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the provision of primary care services for Fingal West. Deputy Pat Buckley - To discuss recent changes to the tenant in situ scheme.”
“I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Paul Lawless - To discuss the wastewater treatment plant in Newport, County Mayo. Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss the shortfall in home care provision in Kerry. Deputy Gary Gannon - To discuss accommodation options for young people leaving care in Dublin Central Deputy Dessie Ellis - To discuss funding for An Saol Foundation CLG's plan to relocate to a new campus in Ballymun. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To seek an update on the Before 5 funding application. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman - To discuss the provision of modular accommodation for Danu Community Special School.”
“Has the Government considered streamlining the application process? Do all local authorities have the necessary resources to ensure quick turnaround once the circular is issued? If demand exceeds the current budget, will further funding be made available by the Department?”
“I thank the Minister. The extra funding is extremely welcome. The demand for the scheme continues to grow. We all have people literally looking to get into our constituency offices to try to find out when the scheme will be recommencing. Can the Minister confirm if the new allocation will fully meet the need that exists or will a further increase be required? Are there measures in place to speed up the process relating to purchases, especially as some tenants have been left waiting months. The bureaucracy relating to trying to get approved for these schemes has been very difficult to deal with in the past. Obviously, different local authorities have different methods of conveying the properties. Some do not use electronic fund transfers and some are only using cheques.”
“The tenant in situ scheme has been hugely successful for many constituents in Dublin South Central. Nationally, it has prevented 20,000 people from losing their homes. Colleagues from across the House have all had people coming to our clinics who are waiting for this scheme to be properly recommenced. In light of the announcement of additional funding, which is very welcome, how many extra homes will be secured through the scheme by Dublin City Council specifically, particularly given the huge demand that exists in the city of Dublin?”
“Dublin City Council plans to outsource the management of this development. Can the Minister confirm if that decision will affect the affordability of tenancy protections for cost-rental tenants? Additionally, if the €132.5 million loan is not approved quickly, what alternative measures can be taken to ensure that the project moves forward without further setbacks?”
“That is all very welcome but construction is yet to start. It looks like it will not be starting until late this year, with a completion date in 2028. As the Minister explained, this is a fantastic project of 578 mixed-tenure units plus 52 social housing units by Circle Voluntary Housing Association. It will be a fantastic development, but is there anything that the Minister can do to expedite the funding for the project or to provide direct financial support to the council in order that there will not be any further delays with the funding?”
“St. Michael's Estate in Inchicore was meant to be a flagship cost-rental development, but progress, as we know, has been slow. Planning permission was granted in July 2023. Dublin City Council is seeking a loan of €132.5 million to fund the cost-rental units. Given that work on the site was due to start this month - main construction is not now expected until November - can the Minister clarify what exactly is causing the delays and whether loan approval is holding up the project?”
“There is already an Educate Together primary school locally but no follow-on secondary school. Will the Government commit to providing a coeducational, non-denominational secondary school for Dublin 8 to reflect the community and ensure all families have real choice?”
“I raise the urgent need for a coeducational, non-denominational secondary school in Dublin 8. Dublin 8 is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, with a young, diverse population. In fact, 62% of residents of Dublin 8 are not Catholic, yet almost all of the secondary schools in the area are Catholic and single sex. The Catholic Church has played an invaluable role in providing education in Dublin 8 for generations, particularly at times when no other options were available, and that contribution should always be recognised and respected. However, it is important we respect the wishes of parents today and many parents want a coeducational, non-denominational option for their children. At present, parents seeking an equality-based education are forced to leave the area despite clear population growth and a need for places.”
“The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is deteriorating rapidly. Rwanda-linked M23 rebels are advancing in the eastern regions around Lake Kivu, escalating violence and displacing thousands of people. The UN Security Council has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for Rwanda to withdraw its forces. Will the Taoiseach clarify Ireland's position on this conflict? Are we aligned with the UN's stance on Rwanda's involvement? Has the Government raised this issue at EU or multilateral level?”
“I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Given the significant developments outlined in the Saint James's Hospital Strategic Programme 2021–2025, including the establishment of a world-class academic health science campus and the integration of the Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, could the Taoiseach clarify whether the Cabinet subcommittee has prioritised these initiatives? Additionally, what specific plans are in place to support the timing and effective redevelopment of St. James Hospital, given that St. James's is Ireland's largest acute public teaching hospital treating hundreds of thousands of patients annually across multiple specialties? Capacity pressures are evident in overcrowded emergency departments with bed shortages and waiting lists which require expanded infrastructure urgently.”
“We received similar support in the Seanad during the last term. Let us do the right thing and ensure that a cancer diagnosis does not follow someone for the rest of their life. Let us stand with those who have already been through enough.”
“That is a step in the right direction but voluntary guidelines are not enough. This protection needs to be enshrined by law. That is why I am bringing forward the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025. The Bill will legally require financial institutions to disregard a person's cancer history when assessing applications for financial products, provided they have been in remission for more than five years. It will ensure cancer survivors are no longer penalised, bringing Ireland in line with best practices across Europe. The Bill is supported by the Irish Cancer Society and other advocacy groups that see at first hand the barriers cancer survivors face long after their treatment ends. They have been calling for this change for years and today we have an opportunity to make it happen. I ask my colleagues across the House to support this Bill.”
“This is not just a financial issue; it is about fairness, dignity and recognising that cancer survivors should be able to move on with their lives without having the past held against them. During my time in the Seanad, I was chair of the cross-party group on cancer care, working with colleagues from across the House to advocate for better support for cancer patients and survivors. At a European Parliament level, the right to be forgotten is already being recognised. The European Parliament has called for all EU citizens to have the right to have their past cancer diagnoses disregarded when applying for financial products. Here in Ireland, Insurance Ireland has introduced a voluntary code that asks insurers to ignore cancer diagnoses if a treatment ended more than seven years ago, or five years for those diagnosed as children.”
“I first introduced this Bill in 2022 in the Seanad, where we had a really important discussion about the ongoing challenges faced by cancer survivors. While our healthcare system has made great progress with survival rates increasing year on year, our financial system has not kept pace. Every year, approximately 44,000 people in Ireland are diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to advances in treatment and early detection, 60% of them will survive beyond five years. These people have already fought one of the hardest battles imaginable, yet many find themselves being refused financial products or being charged excessive premiums simply because they once had cancer. That is neither right nor fair.”
“I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Central Bank Act 1942 and prohibit financial service providers from discriminating against survivors of cancer from accessing financial services and to provide for related matters. I wish to share my time with an Teachta Erin McGreehan, le do thoil. The Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025, also known as the right to be forgotten Bill, is a really important and long overdue piece of legislation that will make a real difference to the lives of cancer survivors in Ireland. Right now, people who have beaten cancer and have been in remission for years are still being penalised when they apply for financial products such as insurance. This Bill aims to change that.”
“Perhaps the greatest demonstration of Deputy Martin's approach to holding high office was seen as he worked tirelessly to secure a share of new vaccines, which were the key to restoring social and economic life. In Europe and globally he lobbied other leaders and businesses for Ireland. Every day, he pushed within his Government to develop an unprecedented programme that could rapidly distribute the vaccines. Once he succeeded in this, he then took his place in the queue along with his fellow citizens. It is with full certainty that he has the character, the ability and the determination we need that I have the honour to second the motion.”
“He took office right at the height of the worst pandemic in modern times, with our hospitals full of patients with a virus we did not know how to prevent or treat and with hundreds of thousands of people unemployed. He was head of a very uncertain Government which many commentators predicted would find it almost impossible to function. Due in large part to his leadership, it was a focused and effective period of government. Members of that Government have confirmed that he operated a policy of working with all the Ministers on promoting action and policies irrespective of who would claim the credit. I have heard many stories from Ministers, senior and junior, that his door was always open to them and that he would help them overcome obstacles wherever they appeared.”
“Having secured the most votes and the most seats in our free democratic election, he did not sit back and expect to be handed the Taoiseach's office. No, he showed respect for the mandates of other democratic representatives and led our party in detailed negotiations. He succeeded in securing a majority for a new Government based on an ambitious programme for moving our country forward. Surely the first qualification to serve as Taoiseach is to show the ability to work with people and build co-operation across political lines. During Micheál Martin's time as Taoiseach, from June 2020, he served our country well at an historically difficult moment.”
“Over the years, he has paid many visits to my constituency of Dublin South-Central. Away from the cameras he spent many hours talking at ease with communities about the issues facing them. He has always taken the time not just to listen but, importantly, to engage, understand and seek ways to help. People see the sincerity and the commitment. As colleagues will confirm, Deputy Martin is the same wherever he goes and whomever he is meeting. This, above all, is what lies at the core of his connection with the Irish people and played a key role in Fianna Fáil's success in November's election. He has, above all, demonstrated that he will lead the new Government with determination and will strengthen our country's position in Europe and the world.”
“Is mór an onóir dom agus tá an-áthas orm an Teachta Micheál Martin a ainmniú mar Thaoiseach inniu. Tá an t-ádh linn mar thír go bhfuil ceannaire socair, stuama agus trócaireach againn. Tá na tréithe seo riachtanach i ról an Taoisigh. Deputy Micheál Martin has served the Irish people with honour and commitment during his distinguished career. He has overcome many challenges and shown himself to be one of the most important, influential and successful democratic representatives of these times. He has shown an unwavering belief in the value of working constructively, respecting others and seeking to solve problems, not to exploit them. He has shown a command of diverse public issues and the ability to respond to new concerns. He has shown that he has broad and deep support among the Irish people.”