Conor Murphy
Industrial and Commercial Panel · Sinn Féin · Ireland
“Given the complex legal issues the appeals would involve, such as the interaction of legal residency, habitual residency and social housing support, it would have been better to have one single, independent appeals office located within the Housing Agency, similar to how social welfare operates.”
“I move amendment No. 16: In page 16, after line 39, to insert the following: “(i) the household or members of the household were refused access to emergency homeless accommodation provided under Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988”. I will speak to amendment Nos. 16 and 17.”
“I move amendment No. 19: In page 17, to delete lines 12 to 16 and substitute the following: “(6) A social housing appeal shall be made to an independent appeals office located within the Housing Agency within 28 days of the notification by the housing authority to the household concerned of the making of a determination in respect of the…”
“In relation to this Bill, the amendment seeks that the habitual residence conditions do not act as a barrier to those who have perhaps not worked here or have been resident here but have worked away for all of their lives and do not have a history of paying into the State or have a history of employment here but are Irish residents but pe…”
“I move amendment No. 2: In page 6, between lines 4 and 5, to insert the following: “(5) Within twelve months of the commencement of this Bill the Minister for Housing shall lay before the Houses of the Oireachtas a report on the implications of Part 2 of the Bill for returning Irish migrants, and in particular those Irish citizens returni…”
“The intentions behind this Bill may well have been good but the delivery of it has left a lot to be desired. One of the issues that came up during dialogue has nothing to do with migrants but concerns people from Ireland who have been working away abroad all of their lives and with to come home to retire.”
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“All of that leaves us in a disappointing position that we do not have a real opportunity to have substantial input and engage with others with regard to the proposition of this document. I turn to the Labour Party amendment. We will not support it, but we will not vote against it either. However, if we had been given the opportunity, we wanted to insert issues about the proposal on commercial liquified natural gas to ensure any proposition in this area is State led, is for emergency use only, does not increase gas demand, is temporary and functions in a manner consistent with the climate change Acts. While we understand the concerns outlined by previous speakers, we would have other ways to approach the same issue. We will abstain on that amendment.”
“I also welcome that the planning framework contains some of the spirit of the ESRI report, but it is lacking in detail. What ultimately matters in these documents, given the NPF's legal status, is the detail. The policy objectives 56 to 63 set out general statements on economic co-operation such as the Dublin-Belfast rail corridor, the north-west city region, co-operation on health, transport and infrastructure, the canals network and tourism. These are all steps in the right direction, but it is the lack of detail and firm commitments to a detailed plan that is most disappointing, as is the inability to have further consultation input that my party colleague referenced.”
“Reports like that make an invaluable contribution and provide objective evidence to inform policy for systemic collaboration across the island. They have outlined the clear advantage of substantially upscaling North-South collaboration in existing strategic areas such as education, health and environmental policy, and in extending the remit of co-operation to include new strategic areas such as skills provision, foreign direct investment, labour market access and energy security. We have welcomed the Taoiseach's commitment to resourcing the next phase of research and to explore joining the FDI offering across the island as well as combining the capacity of the North with FDI in the South. The global economic turbulence we are now experiencing highlights that that must be a priority.”
“It is particularly disappointing that the issue of all-Ireland co-operation is only included in what appears to be summary form in chapter eight, Working with Our Neighbours, rather than integrated into every chapter in the plan. As my colleague referenced, this week the ESRI has launched its latest research report, which is the culmination of 15 previous research reports on a wide range of policy areas providing in-depth analysis on key areas such as health, education and the economy. One of its key findings was that cross-Border co-operation has the potential to improve skills development, employment opportunities, healthcare provision, efficiency of energy supply and help develop approaches to mitigate the effects of climate change.”
“It is a missed opportunity, and perhaps a whole array of missed opportunities, around planning, managing population growth, balanced regional development, development of all-Ireland transport and energy infrastructure, unlocking the economic potential of the north west and the Dublin-Newry-Belfast economic corridor. I would be interested to hear the Minister of State's response as to what level of engagement took place between Ministers and officials from here with ministers and officials who represent the Northern Executive and Assembly across the range of departments. I suspect it was limited and I think, as a consequence, the document is deficient.”
“I will address what I see as some of the deficiencies in the all-Ireland nature of what should be included, and it is very much part of the national planning framework. From a previous role I am acutely aware of the enormous benefits that can be derived from real, deep and long-lasting all-Ireland co-operation and the effect that co-ordinated economic and social development can have in an area. That makes sense not just for people, communities and businesses on both sides of the Border, but to unlock the potential of the island as a whole. While there are some welcome specific references to cross-Border initiatives and issues, in the round the revised national planning framework is disappointing when it comes to all-Ireland development, particularly given the timeframe involved with it.”
“He was full of patience and understanding for those of us who were new to this place. I deeply appreciated his support in easing our passage into the House and giving us an understanding. I wish him the very best in his retirement.”
“I was in Dublin Castle when he visited and heard his speech, which rightly understood the pain and suffering of those Senator Mullen has referred to, namely, those who were traumatised by their experience of various church institutions, and the recognition that those grievances needed to be addressed in a just and fair way. I sincerely hope the church continues to follow in this way and that whoever succeeds Pope Francis places that same emphasis on the need for reparation and healing. There is still much unfinished business in Ireland in that regard today. He was a vital voice for peace in this world and will be deeply missed for that. On behalf of our group, I offer our sympathies on his passing. I also take this opportunity to offer my best wishes to Martin Groves.”
“A Chathaoirligh, apologies for the misunderstanding earlier. On behalf of our group, I offer my sympathies on the death of Pope Francis, someone who was considered a courageous leader and who spoke on behalf of the marginalised and vulnerable. It is not surprising, given he was a Latin American cleric, that he followed that doctrine which sees the proper role of the church on the side of the most vulnerable and dispossessed rather than the wealthy and powerful. His nightly calls to the parish in Gaza epitomised the empathy and sympathy he had with people, as well as his being completely and vehemently opposed to unjust wars and illegal occupations.”
“There are longer term lessons to be taken from this experience. The economic uncertainties will continue regardless of what emerges from the United States approach. Ireland needs to examine the economic model which leaves us particularly exposed to some of the uncertainties in a growingly uncertain world in the time ahead. I thank the Tánaiste for his remarks and I look forward to hearing the response from his colleague.”
“It is a time to look at the vulnerabilities and the particular exposure that the Irish economic model has in that regard, and to start taking steps to address those vulnerabilities; namely, the concentration of corporation tax receipts among a small number of multinational corporations; the lack of diversification among the FDI base in terms of sector, geography and region; and infrastructural deficits in areas like housing, energy, ports and airports. We need to take the necessary steps to support our indigenous businesses, to increase exports, to grow talent across the island, and to trade across the island and internationally. We will undoubtedly face challenges in these uncertain economic circumstances but at least the conversation will not be about reshoring; it will be about how we develop and support our own businesses.”
“I know from my experience in previous times as finance minister and also as an economy minister, dealing with Brexit matters and the approach of the British Government, which could have disastrous consequences for business on this island, that the close working relationship between Executive ministers, Government Ministers here and the European Union was critical in at least mitigating some of the worst circumstances. The ongoing challenge for us is that last night's approach by the US Government is just the latest in a series of economic shocks that we have seen with the pandemic and the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. These will not end any time soon.”
“I welcome the remarks the Tánaiste made, which were not in the script provided, about the all-island economy and his engagement with my former ministerial colleagues in the Executive. I spent some time yesterday engaging with the economy minister north of the Border, Caoimhe Archibald. The increased complexities of these developments in our post-Brexit arrangements need to be understood. The likelihood of increasing designation of goods at risk and the complex and uncertain reimbursement procedures that might involve are a significant concern to the North and businesses in the North, particularly at a time when the economy has been outperforming Britain recently, with higher growth rates and higher export performance. The all-island economy has been thriving.”
“It is in no one's interest to end up in a trade war that harms everyone and simply fuels inflation. The effects of that will be felt by ordinary working families and households in all parts of the world. The immediate focus the Tánaiste outlined, on ensuring that potential damage is averted and that we protect jobs and the economy, is correct. For our part in Ireland, we need to ensure across the island that businesses are supported, primarily with information initially. The Government trade forum could play a useful role in that. We also have InterTradeIreland, which operates between both Administrations, North and South, to ensure that, in the first instance, our business sectors, which will be concerned about developments, have all the information necessary and then whatever other supports might be needed in the time ahead.”
“I will share my time with Senator Chris Andrews. The Tánaiste's presence this morning was welcome and timely given the events overnight. We had the opportunity not only to hear from him directly but also to hear responses from Seanadóirí who are here. I agree with his assessment of tariffs generally and their destructive nature. The United States Government has embarked on an enormous act of self-harm, which is not reciprocal in its approach at all and is very regrettable. I welcome the Tánaiste's remarks about the need for coolness and maturity in the approach to this, and the ability to open negotiations and dialogue to try to resolve these issues. I also in that regard noted the comments of the European Commission President this morning, which seemed to moderate previous language that had been used. That is welcome.”
“I hope the Minister of State and the Government will look at this again and will have conversations with the financial authorities and the FSPO to see what more can be done to protect people in vulnerable situations.”
“It is only when people have been in an arrangement together for some time and it breaks down for whatever reason that these situations arise. While I do not intend to press the amendment, there is an opportunity to look at this again. There is an opportunity for the institutions themselves and for the FSPO when they find there is cause to allow people to review joint arrangements. They have the authority and a role to be able to do this. We are now much more aware of how coercive behaviour and domestic abuse manifest over time. The ability of people to escape from them can be very much tied up in the arrangements in the home, and financial arrangements are a key part of this.”
“This speaks to the point Senator Stephenson was making on joint ownership of an account. I listened carefully to what the Minister of State said in his earlier response which touched on this area. I am not 100% certain that it contains enough protection for people. Quite often the ability to escape from coercive behaviour is very much wrapped up in financial matters relating to the home. While we have said this is a matter for the Garda Síochána to investigate, there is an argument for the involvement of the FSPO and financial services institutions generally to have a much stronger role in protecting people who find themselves in a vulnerable situation where they are locked into this. The Minister of State said there is no option with regard to existing situations but this is where the problem arises.”
“There is a chance and an opportunity to do so once this legislation has had some road testing and, perhaps, complaints have been launched with the FSPO and there are practical demonstrations of how the legislation is performing. While I do not intend to move the amendment, I would hope the Minister of State might be able to give an undertaking that the Government and the Department would come back to the Dáil or the Oireachtas at a further date to outline how the legislation is working and report back in that regard, especially given the experiences under previous circumstances.”
“As the Minister of State will know, there are approximately 80,000 mortgages that are held by vulture funds and it was absolutely necessary to ensure these people were subject to the same protections as others. The amendment I tabled, which I am happy to discuss with the Minister of State in the context of the section, calls on the Minister of the day to bring a report before the House on the extension of the remit of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman to cover all mortgage holders. It is a fairly straightforward request and it was prudent given the fact that previous legislation covering the financial sector had not done what was intended, despite the best efforts of the Oireachtas.”
“Okay. The Bill in its totality relates to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman and that is obviously hugely important. Having gone through its passage in the Dáil, there was a recognition that there had been a loophole in previous legislation whereby people who had their mortgages sold off, quite often without their consent, particularly to vulture funds, had not had the ability to have the protection of the ombudsman in this regard. The amendment that was secured in the Dáil and adopted by the Minister, which I am glad to hear, was aimed to close that loophole in the legislation. I do, therefore, welcome the inclusion of that.”
“Next week, I hope to have the opportunity to be in New York where I will talk to a number of trade unions, and I have no doubt that question will arise. I have no doubt that, when the Taoiseach and other Ministers are travelling around the globe, they will be asked what practical and political inputs the diaspora can have into the future direction of our country. I hope the Ministers who travel will be able to come up with some answers and give some encouragement in response to that question.”
“Irish citizens in that town, which is a ten-minute drive from County Louth, cannot vote for our President and the Irish diaspora abroad cannot vote for their President. We need to establish the structures not only for allowing people a democratic input into the election of President, but also for an input into the dialogue that is beginning and needs to continue on what the future of this country looks like, including the constitutional change that is inevitable. There is a role and a desire for those who are living abroad to make a contribution to that. They do so politically in the countries in which they reside. They do so economically by promoting us abroad, establishing networks and investing back in this country as well. We need to afford them an opportunity to be part of that conversation.”
“Apart obviously from the connections with Ireland, including family connections, they are making a very significant contribution to our opportunities politically and economically abroad. The constitutional convention in 2013 promised them voting rights in Irish presidential elections, but that has not been delivered. It does not seem to have been a priority for the previous Government or, indeed, this one. I would hope it becomes a priority very soon. This is not a unique thing for Irish emigrants; it is a practice that is adopted by many European countries, for instance, France and Italy. In my neighbouring town of Newry, one Sunday morning I noticed a queue of people outside the Latvian consulate's office. When I asked what they were doing, I was told they were queuing up to vote in a presidential election.”
“Today, the global Irish community plays a pivotal role in promoting our interests internationally. They have made a huge impact politically and economically in their adopted countries, particularly in the United States, and they want to continue to support economic prosperity and political change in Ireland. I had the opportunity in previous roles I had of meeting people who have formed advisory councils to support economic development work in various countries, and using their own time, their own capabilities, their own connectivity and networks to promote the interests of Ireland abroad. The question that many people in the diaspora put to us when we are visiting is what they get in return.”
“The issue of driver licences seems a little bit mundane but is actually quite an important matter for people who may be returning back and have learned to drive in other countries. The key issue in all of this, and the elephant in the room, is the housing crisis. If it is not fixed and young people do not have an opportunity to have families and be able to afford to raise families here, that will always be a factor in driving people away from their own country. The second category is one in which I have my own experience, as I am sure has the Minister of State and many of the other Seanadóirí here, of engaging over time with those millions of citizens worldwide who have new adopted homelands and who over many generations have been hugely influential in shaping this country's cultural, economic and political landscape.”
“The question is how we can reach out to them. The Minister of State outlined some of the portals available and some of the work that has been undertaken on that. We need to get to a situation where immigration is a choice and where the route home is always open to those who leave these shores. The Minister of State has responsibility for the diaspora, which I very much welcome. I look forward to engaging with him in the time ahead. There have been suggestions of a one-stop shop. The Minister of State talked about the work done on PPS numbers. Those considering coming back need to be assisted with recognition of qualifications, advice on access to health and education, including higher education, and access to benefits. In his opening statement, the Minister of State mentioned recognition of educational qualifications and skills.”
“I apologise to an Aire Stáit for missing his opening statement. I managed to have a quick speed-read through it to capture most of what was said. I very much welcome the debate and I very much welcome the Minister of State's presence. From engaging with him in previous positions, I know the energy he will bring to this. In one sense, it is timely to have a debate close to St. Patrick's Day because it is a time when there is an opportunity for engagement, but the issue of immigration and our diaspora should be an all-year-round issue for the Government. I note some of the commitments in the Minister of State's opening statement. From my perspective, there are two broad categories, the first being those who have had to leave for economic reasons, housing being a key factor, and who would come back if the circumstances were right.”
“That collaboration gave rise to this discussion in respect of the brands. I very much hope we can get an update on the status of that work. As I stated, I very much welcome that intervention through the shared island fund to promote tourism across the island.”
“The pandemic actually led to a significant influx of visitors from south of the Border, many of them for the first time, all of whom were very welcome. In light of the introduction of the electronic travel authorisation form by the British Government, very much against the wishes of people in the North and, in particular, people in the tourism industry, the amalgamation of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and the Hidden Heartlands brands would be a very welcome development. I ask the Leader to request that the Department and the Minister responsible would, at least, share a briefing with us on the status of that work. It was undertaken under the previous mandate. We also initiated an approach whereby both departments, North and South, and the three tourism agencies on the island were joined together in a shared piece of work.”
“Tourism Ireland organises a wonderful marketing exercise right across the world for the island of Ireland as a consequence of the Good Friday Agreement. I had the pleasure of being with its representatives at events in New York, Chicago and Toronto last year. Tourism Ireland would have a much more cohesive marketing strategy if the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's Ancient East and the Hidden Heartlands brands were to be shared. A piece of work in that respect was undertaken last year by the department I represented at the time, along with that headed by the then Minister, Catherine Martin. Those brands are owned by Fáilte Ireland, rather than by Tourism Ireland, and it is responsible for their promotion. This is particularly important for the tourism industry north of the Border, which has been a huge success since the Good Friday Agreement.”
“I welcome yesterday’s announcement on the shared island fund for cross-Border tourism initiatives. There are a number of initiatives. One of them is in Carlingford Lough, which is close to where I live, and there is a terrific project in Cuilcagh which goes across the mountains between Fermanagh and Cavan. That follows on from previous shared island funding allocated to the Wild Atlantic Way linking up with the Causeway Coastal Route on the north coast, right across to the beautiful island of Rathlin, in which Senator Black and I have a shared interest. That type of cross-Border initiative is very welcome. However, what is more important is the ability to bring the brands. The Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route project is very significant in the context of bringing the brands together on the island.”
“It is a matter of regret we are in a situation where rather than wait until we get some judicial advice in relation to this matter, we press on with forcing this through both Houses of the Oireachtas.”
“The benefit of people playing a role in government is reduced and is considered as part of a negotiation - a negotiation in this instance brokered by Deputy Lowry - but a negotiation nonetheless about awarding positions to try to get support for a Government rather than as the Minister outlined in his defence of it something which increases the efficiency of Government. From our perspective, this is more about the spoils of a negotiation rather than the effectiveness of Government. There is an opportunity under Article 26 of the Constitution for the President to look at this and to ask the Council of State to discuss the constitutionality of it, but for our part, as far as today goes, we will oppose the legislation and will vote against it.”
“The number of Ministers of State and of super junior Ministers is a new concept. He outlined the issues in relation to complexity of policy and cross-cutting issues in relation to Government. There is no doubt there has been increasing complexity in terms of how Governments do their business. For instance, when we take the removal of trade from its natural home in the Department of enterprise and put it into the Department run by the Tánaiste, which is clearly something Fine Gael or the Tánaiste required as an addition to his brief, we wonder where the complexities and lack of joined up Government is created. The Minister chartered the progression of legislation in relation to the increases but this does not put a stop to that. This does not mean that at the formation of the next Government, there will not be another increase.”
“The Government has not got off to a very auspicious start - from the initial attempt to place Government-supporting TDs on the Opposition benches and giving them speaking time, although thankfully, it has retreated from that position, to the decision to take a week off during the time that the country was being ravaged by, and is still suffering the after effects of, Storm Éowyn. We are now in a position where this proposition is being forced through the Dáil and Seanad at a rapid pace with all Stages being taken in one day. That does not add to a sense of the Government doing things correctly, by the book and getting on with its business in the interest of the country. The Minister outlined the progression over the years in relation to this and clearly that has grown and grown.”
“Article 28 of the Constitution stipulates that "the Government shall meet and act as a collective authority, and shall be collectively responsible for the Departments of State." That collective responsibility has always been understood as being that Government decisions are taken by membership of the Government. That is one of the issues I challenge here. The second is the issue of confidentiality, which was obviously subject to an amendment to the Constitution in 1997 to explicitly enshrine the confidentiality of Cabinet discussions. That makes it clear that Cabinet discussions should not be witnessed by anyone who is not a member of the Government. This proposition potentially falls foul of all of that.”
“Clearly, the issue before us today that the Minister has introduced is about increasing the number of junior Ministers, and of super junior Ministers who attend but do not speak at Cabinet meetings. As the Minister will know, one of the regrets is that there are a number of cases before the High Court at the moment in relation to this. One seeks a judicial review and one seeks an injunction. Legislation is being shunted through both Houses of the Oireachtas without any benefit of judicial guidance on this matter, which is something that is clearly required.”
“I would very much welcome the opportunity to have the Minister responsible come to the House to discuss how we use InterTradeIreland and other bodies responsible for the promotion of business on the island, particularly given the greater uncertainty we have globally regarding economics and where issues might go regarding tariffs and other matters of uncertainty. There is a real opportunity to strengthen business on the island to create more trade throughout the island and ensure we grow a very strong economy. I would very much welcome the opportunity to debate this at a future date when it is possible.”
“It was surprising that the first all-Ireland trade mission involving IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland and the Departments North and South was 26 years on from the Good Friday Agreement. It was a very successful visit and there was a real appetite to have more. The growth in the all-Ireland economy has been organic. It has been growing year on year. The volume of trade North to South and South to North has been growing exponentially in recent years. There is a real opportunity for setting aside all of the politics in the approach to all-Ireland matters. Business is well ahead of the political game regarding the opportunities there are for it.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity I had to speak yesterday when I outlined number of areas of importance to me. After this discussion we will get into today's business, which is the legislative proposal that was shunted through the Dáil yesterday. With regard to my particular interest, I would welcome at some stage a debate on all-Ireland economic matters which the Minister for enterprise would attend. I notice that responsibility for trade is being moved to the Tánaiste's Department, somewhat surprisingly. Last year I had the opportunity as Northern Ireland's Minister for the Economy, to lead the first all-Ireland trade mission to Singapore. The general election interrupted the presence of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment at the time.”
“Again, that presents a very significant opportunity to bring some sense and calmness to international issues, including the daily issue of Palestine, in particular Gaza, and the inflicting of huge atrocities on citizens there. That is something this House must turn its attention to in the time ahead. I once again congratulate the Chair very much on his appointment. I look forward to working with him in the time ahead in the group that I will lead in the Seanad. I look forward to working constructively with all other Seanadóirí to try to achieve all that we can for the people of Ireland throughout all its Thirty-two Counties.”
“It would have been a significant opportunity had the issue of allowing voting rights been grasped by the previous administration, especially for citizens who live north of the Border and for citizens more widely. It is to be hoped that we can, over the course of this mandate, press the Government to deliver on a commitment that it made and that the constitutional investigation into these issues recommended. This is a very uncertain time internationally. We all have a concern about what is shaping up under the new Administration in America. It is vital for security of jobs to make sure that we chart a very steady course on that. Ireland has the opportunity of the Presidency of the European Union in the time ahead.”
“I believe the defining issue in the coming years will be the constitutional question. There is a great opportunity for this House to play a role in that and begin the necessary discussions and preparations, in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement principles, which will value respect, inclusivity and dialogue with people who consider themselves British, Irish or neither across this island and try to build a better future for all the people who live on this island. That is the way forward. I see an opportunity for all of us to begin that work. The Cathaoirleach referenced the good relationships he has with the speaker of the assembly and others. That work will be vital in the time ahead. We need to get down to the preparation work. Of course, an opportunity is coming up in the autumn in voting for a President.”
“We will pursue a very progressive agenda and, of course, in this House we intend to work very collaboratively and constructively with all to try to ensure we hold the Government to account on very critical issues around housing, health and other matters and to ensure that some of the promises that have been undertaken and not yet delivered, particularly in terms of the number of houses but also on other issues, are delivered over the course of this mandate and that we move away from the current focus, which seems to be on expanding the Cabinet and creating super junior Ministers, to the real issues of the day. Of course, my colleague, Deputy Pa Daly, currently has a case before the courts with regard to that matter. I expect the courts will give us clarity and that we will continue in this House to hold the Government to account.”
“I intend to continue that work as part of my role as a Seanadóir and as part of a 45-member-strong Oireachtas team of Sinn Féin representatives. I am very pleased that I have been asked to be the leader of our Seanad team in that regard.”
“I offer a hearty comhghairdeas to Senator Daly on his election as Chair of the Seanad. I also congratulate all other Seanad Members on their election or appointment to this House. I look forward very much to working with everyone in this House in the time ahead. It is a great honour for me to be elected to this institution having served for quite a long time on the northern side of the Border. I am a citizen of County Armagh. I have a very particular experience of life and the difficulties in Border communities and the difficulties partition presents to them, and the opportunities that exist in terms of all-island collaboration on matters like health, transport, agriculture, agrifoods and the all-Ireland economy, which was a particular focus of mine when I served as Minister for the Economy in the northern Executive.”