Dara Calleary
Mayo · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Agriculture is the backbone. We have all been in the Mansion House today, or everyone has said they were anyway. Energy security is key and crucial. Everybody wants energy security but nobody wants wind energy. We have to strike a balance and get a real discussion, but food security is most important.”
“While we have gaps there, we are addressing them. The Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, has announced the minor injury units, which will take the pressure off major hospitals and ensure services are available.”
“Recent figures from the CSO show that there is a 5.8% increase in the number of people living in rural areas between 2016 and 2022. In areas classified as highly rural and remote, the increase was 6.4%.”
“Enterprise Ireland is investing in Irish-owned, Irish-founded companies. Similarly, 59% of IDA investments were located outside the Dublin region. We will continue to work, looking at the progress we can make through the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and, as Senator O'Loughlin said, through supporting our local enterprise offices.”
“That is something we do daily and they are used where is necessary. The plan will be supported by ambitious, clear, practical and measurable actions. I have spoken to some of the funding programmes available within my Department.”
“Táim tar éis cuairt a thabhairt ar gach ceantar Gaeltachta chun plé fairsing a dhéanamh leis na pobail sin chun a fháil amach uathu féin cén cineál tacaíochta ar féidir a chur ar fáil dóibh chun cabhrú leo. Táim chun leanúint ar aghaidh leis an obair sin sa bhuiséad le teacht agus na buiséid eile.”
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“The Supreme Court decision gives rise to the necessity for the Bill before the House today. The Bill will have an important impact on many hundreds of people directly affected by the death of a loved one. It should also bring comfort to thousands of families and couples who may some day find themselves in an appalling situation whereby a loved one dies and they seek access to a contributory based survivor’s pension from my Department. As we all know, death, and the associated grief, does not distinguish on any grounds and the loss of a loved one affects us all equally. The Supreme Court judgment recognised that to provide the payment to surviving cohabitants, a legislative amendment would be required.”
“Deputy Alan Kelly stood with Mr. O'Meara every step of the way. I met Mr. O'Meara last week and was very taken by his very quiet determination and courage, and a certain unease about being in the middle of this. He was determined to see this case all the way through to the Supreme Court. I was impressed by the pride that he has in his achievement, which is something he and his children can share because, due to their actions, this important change will benefit many and be a testimony to Michelle’s memory. The Supreme Court found that section 124 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 was incompatible with the Constitution in that it excluded a cohabitant, like Mr. O’Meara, from the payment because he was not a widower or a surviving civil partner.”
“I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." As the House will be aware, in January 2024, the Supreme Court overturned my Department’s decision not to pay the widower’s contributory pension to Mr. Johnny O’Meara. At the outset of the debate, I wish to acknowledge the loss Mr. O'Meara and his family have suffered. Mr. O'Meara's long-term partner and the mother of their children, Michelle, died in January 2021. No payment from the State will make up for that loss. I want to acknowledge the determination, commitment and courage that Mr. O'Meara and his family have shown in seeking to bring about a change in the law.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta. Beimid ag plé an Bhille sin níos déanaí anocht. Tá súim agam scrúdú a dhéanamh ar na hathbhreithnithe atá ag an údarás ag an bpointe seo faoi chúrsaí tithíochta. Níl sé soiléir agus ní bheidh sé éasca, ach beidh seans againn é a phlé oíche anocht.”
“I will not give any specific commitment until I engage on the proposal. Nationally, the local enhancement programme has a €7 million budget for 2025. Applications for that closed on 7 March and will be dealt with quickly. I look forward to meeting representatives of the Irish Men's Sheds Association and to engaging with them. I know I speak for the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, as well in sharing our commitment to supporting them. I express my absolute appreciation of the work they do, not only in my role as Minister for Rural and Community Development but also as Minister for Social Protection. The work they do is fantastic. It is a model that has bounced back after the pandemic as a result of considerable hard work. I support the work they do and the contribution they make across the island.”
“Representatives of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association advised my officials that they were not in a position to submit a proposal for distribution of grants to men’s sheds at that time. They have reached out since, however, and we are trying to arrange a meeting in the coming weeks to receive a funding proposal from the Irish Men’s Sheds Association, which I will then consider. I am very aware of the importance of each individual shed to its members, and of the contribution the shed makes to its members' lives and their communities. I will discuss this proposal with officials in my Department when I receive it.”
“In November 2022 and December 2023, funding of €800,000 and €1 million, respectively, was announced to support men’s sheds throughout the country with running costs, such as electricity and insurance bills, as Deputy Healy mentioned. This funding supported the sustainability of men’s sheds with their increased running costs, particularly as many had a challenge to re-establish sheds in the wake of the pandemic. The individual grants were distributed to the men’s sheds via the Irish Men’s Sheds Association. A total of 378 sheds received funding under the 2023 allocation, with grant funding of up to €3,000 awarded. Late last year my officials reached out to the Irish Men’s Sheds Association with regard to funding needs.”
“The local enhancement programme referred to by the Deputy provides small grants to community groups to enhance their facilities. In general, support under the LEP is available to, for example, parish halls, community centres, local development associations and men’s sheds. Under the LEP community enhancement programme, men's sheds have been entitled to apply for funding as well as having a proportion of the funding ring-fenced for them in some years. Since 2018, more than €2.3 million in funding was allocated to approximately 1,370 men's sheds under the community enhancement programme of the local enhancement programme. In addition, my Department has also provided funding to men's sheds through its representative body, the Irish Men's Sheds Association.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this matter in respect of funding for men’s sheds. I acknowledge the fantastic work they do in County Tipperary and throughout the island. The emergence of men’s sheds has been a highly positive development for communities - not just men - across Ireland. The sheds provide an invaluable service, helping to tackle social isolation and providing a space for people to come together, socialise and build friendships. They also many provide many valuable services and crafts in the community. The current programme for Government contains a commitment to “support local groups like Men’s Sheds, Women’s Sheds and Active Retirement communities” and to “Continue to fund Men’s and Women’s Sheds”.”
“Tá súil agam go mbeidh i bhfad níos mó díospóireachtaí againn i nGaeilge faoin nGaeilge agus faoi ábhair eile, agus ní hamháin an díospóireacht bhliantúil le haghaidh Seachtain na Gaeilge.”
“Tá an Rialtas seo, mé féin agus m'fhoireann tiomanta geallúintí an Rialtais i leith forbairt agus buanú na Gaeilge a chur i bhfeidhm, i gcomhar leis na Teachtaí uile agus leis an bpobal, agus tá muid ag súil le leanúint leis an obair le linn na blianta atá amach romhainn. Tá súil agam go mbeidh deis ag Teachtaí a gcuid Gaeilge a úsáid le linn na seachtaine seo. Tá sé iontach go bhfuil - tá mé ag ceapadh - níos mó Gaeilgeoirí sa Dáil seo ná mar a bhí lena lán blianta anuas. Tá sé tábhachtach go labhraímid an teanga sa Dáil agus sa Seanad. Tá sé tábhachtach freisin go leanfaimid ar aghaidh agus an gcoiste Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta a athbhunú. Go mbaine na Teachtaí sult as úsáid na Gaeilge.”
“Aithníonn an Rialtas an fiúntas a bhaineann leis na scéimeanna agus na feachtais éagsúla seo, an dea-thionchar atá acu i measc an phobail, agus an chaoi a gcuireann siad an Ghaeilge chun cinn ar bhealach atá éadrom, spreagúil agus cumasach. Ar ais san ardchathair arís, ag Ard-Fheis Chonradh na Gaeilge cúpla seachtain ó shin bhí áthas orm an athfhorbairt mhór atá á dhéanamh ar 6 Sráid Fhearchair a fhógairt. Ar ndóigh, is ionad stairiúil é an foirgneamh seo a bheidh mar mhol lárnach don Ghaeilge agus do chultúr na Gaeilge i lár na cathrach anseo i mBaile Átha Cliath. Tá allúntas €3.1 milliún ceadaithe ag Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí chun tús a chur leis an obair i mbliana ionas go mbeimid réidh le tairiscintí a lorg don mhórfhorbairt faoi 2026.”
“Chun imeachtaí na seachtaine seo, Seachtain na Gaeilge, a chlúdach, cuireann mo Roinn maoiniú ar fáil don chiste spreagtha, ciste atá ag tacú le himeachtaí pobail ar fud na tíre le linn na seachtaine agus go háirithe thar dheireadh seachtaine Lá Fhéile Pádraig. Anseo inár bpríomhchathair, tá Baile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge i mbun oibre chun dlús a chur le húsáid na teanga i measc an lucht gnó. Le seachtain anuas, d'fhógair mé ós cionn €4 milliún don togra Gaeilge365 chun an teanga a nascadh le seirbhísí na n-údarás áitiúla i mBaile Átha Cliath. Bhí oíche iontach againn aréir i Halla na Cathrach i lár Bhaile Átha Cliath chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar obair Gaeilge365.”
“Molaim do na Teachtaí go léir a gcuid bhfoirne ina n-oifigí sna Dáilcheantair agus san Oireachtas a spreagadh le húsáid a bhaint as a gcuid Gaeilge agus clárú leis an ngréasán, agus le leas a bhaint as na tacaíochtaí agus na deiseanna atá an Stát ag cur ar fáil do na Comhaltaí ar fad anseo i dTeach Laighin. Aithníonn mo Roinn an gá atá le cabhrú leis na daoine ar fad atá ag teacht chun na tíre seo ar chúis amháin nó eile. Tá sé tábhachtach dóibh go mbeadh sé ar a gcumas a bheith páirteach sa tsochaí anseo. Chuige sin, tá maoiniú suntasach curtha ar fáil ag mo Roinn le cúpla bliain don fheachtas Céad Míle Fáilte, feachtas fiúntach agus fíorthábhachtach a thugann deis do nua-Éireannaigh a bhféiniúlacht Éireannach a láidriú.”
“Tacófar leis an bplean náisiúnta seo le dhá phlean gníomhaíochta trí bliana, leis an chéad cheann le tréimhse 2025 go 2027 a chlúdach. Tá sé beartaithe an chéad phlean gníomhaíochta sin a chur faoi bhráid an Rialtais lena cheadú sna míonna amach romhainn. Chun tacú leis seo go léir, tá buiséad €1.5 milliún ar fáil in 2025 do thionscnaimh seirbhíse poiblí a chuirfidh go mór leis na hiarrachtaí an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn i soláthar seirbhísí poiblí. Sheol mo chomhghleacaí, an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Thomas Byrne, gréasán Gaeilge na hearnála poiblí anuraidh. Infheisteofar os cionn €1 milliún sa tionscadal seo sna trí bliana amach romhainn le tacaíocht ó mo Roinn chun tacú leo siúd atá ag iarraidh a gcuid scileanna teanga a fhorbairt.”
“Ag croílár obair mo Roinne, tá cur i bhfeidhm Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021 agus an bogadh i dtreo seirbhís phoiblí dhátheangach. Céim shuntasach chun cinn sa mhéid seo a bhí i bhfoilsiú an chéad phlean náisiúnta um sheirbhísí poiblí Gaeilge i mí Dheireadh Fómhair anuraidh. Tá sé i gceist go bhfeidhmeoidh an plean náisiúnta seo, atá bunaithe ar chúig mhórthéama straitéiseacha, mar threochlár do chomhlachtaí poiblí maidir le líon agus caighdeán na seirbhísí poiblí Gaeilge a chuirtear ar fáil a mhéadú agus a fheabhsú go córasach. Tabharfaidh sé conair chun cur le líon na mball foirne le hinniúlacht Ghaeilge chun soláthar na seirbhísí sin a éascú freisin, de réir sprioc earcaíochta an Achta, is é sin go mbeidh ar a laghad 20% den fhoireann a earcófar chuig comhlachtaí poiblí inniúil i nGaeilge faoin 31 Nollaig 2030.”
“Anuraidh, foilsíodh an straitéis d'ealaíona teangabhunaithe na Gaeilge 2024-27, straitéis atá fíorthábhachtach leis na healaíona teangabhunaithe a chur chun cinn agus a neartú i measc an phobail i gcoitinne agus freisin mar bhealach chun iad a chur san áireamh sa chóras oideachais agus sa chóras luathbhlianta. Cuirfidh an straitéis seo bonn níos láidre faoi na healaíona teangabhunaithe nuair a bheidh na moltaí atá inti curtha i bhfeidhm. Tá infheistíocht mhór á déanamh againn freisin in Oireachtas na Gaeilge chun ealaíona teangabhunaithe na Gaeilge a fhorbairt, a neartú agus a chur chun cinn. Ag croílár obair mo Roinne, tá cur i bhfeidhm Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021-----”
“Tá dlúthchaidreamh ag mo Roinn leis an Roinn Oideachais agus comhoibriú leanúnach idir an dá Roinn maidir leis an nGaeilge sa chóras oideachais. Beidh mé ag obair an-dian ar an ábhar seo. Mairimid inniu sa ré dhigiteach, ré dhúshlánach do phobail teanga ar nós phobal na Gaeilge. Ní mór do phobal na Gaeilge a fheidhmiú sa ré nua seo. I mí na Nollag 2022, d'fhoilsigh an Rialtas plean digiteach don Ghaeilge. Ta sé mar aidhm ag an bplean leas a bhaint as acmhainní teicneolaíochta agus digiteacha chun tacú le húsáid na Gaeilge ar ardáin dhigiteacha éagsúla, lena n-áirítear suíomhanna gréasáin, na meáin shóisialta, áiseanna oideachais, áiseanna do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas agus uirlisí digiteacha eile.”
“Ghlac breis is 27,000 foghlaimeoir páirt i gcúrsaí ag coláistí Gaeltachta faoi scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge in 2024. Beidh níos mó ná €6 mhilliún á infheistiú ag mo Roinn go bliantúil san earnáil seo faoi scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge ar leas na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta amach anseo. Sin infheistíocht shuntasach, dar liom. Cuireadh tús leis an scéim DEIS Gaeltachta, sé sin scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta do dhaltaí i scoileanna DEIS, le blianta beaga anuas. I mbliana, ceadaíodh ciste €900,000 chun an scéim a leathnú amach. Tá súil againn go mbeidh os cionn 800 scoláire in aghaidh na bliana as na hiarbhunscoileanna DEIS ar fud na tíre in ann tairbhe a bhaint as tréimhse foghlama sa Ghaeltacht. Creidim gur deis iontach é seo d'óige na tíre. Ritheadh rún sa Dáil inné le hoideachas sa Ghaeilge a chinntiú.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Ó Snodaigh as an díospóireacht aréir. B'fhéidir nár ghlacamar leis an rún ach bhí díospóireacht iontach againn agus tháinig a lán codanna iontacha as. Gan dabht agus muid ag caint ar an bpleanáil teanga, táimid ag caint ar phobal an oileáin trí chéile. Táimid ag comhoibriú ar bhonn uile-oileáin, ag buanú agus ag neartú an phobail tríd an teanga. Ar ndóigh, tá mórán scéimeanna tacaíochta don phobal teanga á gcur ar fáil ag mo Roinn d'ár gcéad ghlúin eile agus lárnach san obair atá ar bun ar an talamh. Luaigh mé scéim na gcúntóir teanga níos luaithe, ach d'fhéadfáinn trácht a dhéanamh freisin ar scéim na gcampaí samhraidh agus, gan dabht, scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge atá ar bun le breis is 50 bliain.”
“Tuigimid uile a thábhachtaí is atá sé an Ghaeilge a bheith á labhairt sa mbaile, le leanaí agus leis an gcéad ghlúin eile. Chomh maith leis sin, tá scéim na gcúntóirí teanga leathnaithe amach go dtí na bailte seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus na líonraí le cúpla bliain anuas, scéim atá fíorthábhachtach mar go gcuireann sé tacaíochtaí breise ar fáil sna scoileanna do leanaí nach bhfuil an Ghaeilge sa bhaile acu, b'fhéidir. Oibríonn na scéimeanna fíorthábhachtacha seo ó lá go lá, ó bhaile go baile agus ó shráidbhaile go sráidbhaile i measc an phobail ag buanú na teanga mar theanga phobail. Sna blianta amach romhainn, táthar ag súil le tús áite a thabhairt don obair chun seirbhísí óige sa Ghaeltacht a fhorbairt agus a leathnú amach ar bhonn lárnach. Ar ndóigh, gan an óige nó an chéad ghlúin eile, ní mhairfidh an teanga mar theanga pobail.”
“Tá dul chun cinn suntasach déanta ag an bpróiseas ó cuireadh tús leis agus gach ceann den 26 limistéar pleanála teanga chomh maith leis an gcúig líonra Gaeilge agus an naoi mbaile seirbhíse Gaeltachta anois i mbun gnímh, agus toradh a gcuid oibre le brath ar an talamh i measc an phobail. Is trí chomhoibriú le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta agus Foras na Gaeilge atáthar ag baint amach spriocanna an Rialtais maidir leis an obair seo ach tá cistíocht ar fáil do roinnt eagraíochtaí eile, leithéidí: Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, Ealaín na Gaeltachta agus Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta. Cuireann an chistíocht seo ar a gcumas tacaíochtaí praiticiúla breise a chur ar fáil ar leas an phróisis. Tacaíonn Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, mar shampla, le tuismitheoirí atá ag tógáil a leanaí le Gaeilge.”
“Is dúshlán é seo don fhoras agus do na heagraíochtaí pobail a fhaigheann tacaíocht ón bhforas. Is dúshlán é don Rialtas chomh maith agus, dá réir, tá gach iarracht fós ar siúl agus á dhéanamh againn chun teacht ar réiteach. Leanann an obair ar aghaidh agus tá mé ag coinneáil súil ghéar air. Tá cloiste againn go léir mar gheall ar an bpleanáil teanga agus na pleanálaithe teanga atá i mbun na hoibre seo. Deich mbliana ó shin, rinne an Stát infheistíocht dár luach €500,000 sa réimse seo. Inniu, deich mbliana níos déanaí, tá infheistíocht dár luach €6.7 milliún á déanamh ag an Stát sa Ghaeilge agus i bpobal na Gaeltachta trí obair na pleanálaithe teanga. Dar liom, tugann an infheistíocht shuntasach sin le fios tiomantas an Rialtais i leith na teanga.”
“Ag leibhéal náisiúnta agus ar fud an oileáin, tá Foras na Gaeilge ag obair ar bhonn uile-oileáin agus é ag cur na Gaeilge chun cinn. Is áisíneacht de chuid an Fhorais Teanga Thuaidh-Theas é agus obair thábhachtach idir lámha aige ó Thuaidh agus ó Dheas. Tá dlúth chomhoibriú ag mo Roinn lenár bpáirtithe sa Roinn Pobail ó Thuaidh ag cinntiú go n-éireoidh le hobair Fhoras na Gaeilge agus, go deimhin, le hobair an Fhorais Teanga. Leanann dúshláin aon chomhoibriú. Tá dúshláin airgeadais an fhorais tagtha chun solais le déanaí, agus an cheist pléite anseo sa Dáil arís inné agus ag Ard-Fheis Chonradh na Gaeilge cúpla seachtain ó shin. Mar a dúirt mé ag an am sin, bhí cruinniú práinneach agam féin le Foras na Gaeilge chun an cheist a phlé nuair a tháinig sé chun solais.”
“Tréaslaím a chuid oibre leis an údarás. Beidh an Bille um Údarás na Gaeltachta (Leasú), 2024 ar ais sa Dáil go luath tar éis dó an Dara Céim a chríochnú roimh olltoghchán na bliana seo caite. Tá athbhunú toghcháin don údarás luaite sa chlár Rialtais nua agus tá sé i gceist agam leanúint leis an mBille seo a thabhairt trí Thithe an Oireachtais. Ceann de na ceisteanna is práinní laistigh de phobail na gceantar Gaeltachta agus go náisiúnta araon ná soláthar tithíochta. Soláthraítear i mBille an údaráis chomh maith an chumhacht don údarás tailte atá i seilbh na heagraíochta a dhiúscairt chuig comhlacht aitheanta ceadaithe tithíochta nó chuig údarás tithíochta chun tithíocht a sholáthar sa Ghaeltacht. Táimid an-dáiríre faoin ábhar seo. Bhí cúpla smaoineamh iontach sa díospóireacht faoi rún Shinn Féin aréir.”
“Léiríonn an maoiniú suntasach seo tiomantas an Rialtais do chur chun cinn na teanga agus do phobal na Gaeltachta, tobar na teanga. Tá Údarás na Gaeltachta i mbun cúraim sna ceantair Ghaeltachta ar fud na tíre ó bunaíodh é. Lean sé leis an obair a bhí ar siúl ag Gaeltarra Éireann roimhe sin agus freagrachtaí níos leithne aige i bhforbairt eacnamaíochta, shóisialta agus chultúrtha na Gaeltachta. Mar bhunchuspóir de pholasaí an údaráis, tá caomhnú agus láidriú na Gaeilge mar theanga bheo agus í a thabhairt mar oidhreacht don chéad ghlúin eile. Is cúram fíorthábhachtach i bhforbairt aon phobail é an fhostaíocht agus cruthú fostaíochta. Is ábhar sásaimh é gur éirigh leis an údarás beagnach 900 post nua a chruthú sa Ghaeltacht in 2024 agus go raibh beagnach 10,000 post ina gcliantchomhlachtaí ag deireadh na bliana seo caite.”
“Le linn na seachtaine nó na coicíse seo, déanaimis gach iarracht aon chomhrá a bhíonn againn a thosú as Gaeilge. Caithfimid é sin a leanúint gach seachtain eile den bhliain. Tá réimse leathan freagrachtaí ar mo Roinn maidir leis an nGaeilge, ní hamháin sna ceantair Ghaeltachta ach ar fud na tíre agus ar fud an domhain. Bhain an Rialtas deiridh mórán amach maidir le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge, agus tá an Rialtas seo tiomanta na spriocanna maidir leis an Ghaeltacht agus an Ghaeilge atá sa chlár Rialtais a bhaint amach. Tá méadú suntasach tagtha ar bhuiséad na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta le cúpla bliain anuas. Mar thoradh ar ardú €6 mhilliún i mbliana, tá an chistíocht is airde fós - €106 mhilliún san iomlán - ar fáil ag mo Roinn don bhliain seo.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCoiste Gnó as an deis seo cúrsaí Gaeilge a phlé. Mar Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus mar Aire na Gaeltachta, fáiltím roimh an deis labhairt inniu anseo i nDáil Éireann. Mar atá ráite agam in áiteanna eile, is onóir mhór dom é a bheith anseo mar Aire na Gaeltachta agus Gaeilge. Mar a dúirt mé i ngach díospóireacht a bhí againn sa Dáil le haghaidh 18 bliain anois, níl an Ghaeilge do Sheachtain na Gaeilge amháin. Tá sí ann gach lá. Ba cheart, mé féin san áireamh, go mbainfear i bhfad níos mó úsáide as an nGaeilge atá againn sa Teach gach lá. Is teanga bheo í an Ghaeilge ach chun an bheocht sin a choimeád, ní mór dúinne, mar ionadaithe poiblí, í a labhairt go rialta agus a bheith inár n-eiseamláir dár bpobail.”
“I join the Acting Chairperson in welcoming the guests from CBS Charleville. I again thank Senator Scahill. I will bring the pre-2021 models to the attention of my officials. The most important thing is that we are looking at all the lessons we have had to learn from Storm Éowyn, particularly in light of the long period the people were without power and the impact that had on, for example, personal alarms. We continue to engage with telecoms companies regarding ongoing problems with broadband connectivity. That is still a major issue for many areas.”
“Beyond the need for connectivity, as I have said, it is vital that the devices will still operate during a localised or widespread power event. It is my understanding that the two current suppliers provide between 24 and 48 hours of battery life on devices that have been installed since September 2021, which would allow for a full 30 minutes of call duration even when the device is without electricity. However, in the context of the events during Storm Éowyn and our resilience plans, this is something I will examine to see what alternatives may be available. I assure the Senator that officials in my Department are working with Pobal to ensure that the seniors alert scheme continues to provide participants with that most valuable commodity of all, peace of mind.”
“As the Senator said, over 140,000 participants have used the scheme, which is administered by Pobal under the aegis of my Department, and that included 18,000 new applications in 2024. I assure the Senator that the scheme has been using multinetwork SIM since September 2021, when the current iteration of the scheme was launched. There are currently two companies contracted to the scheme, both of which meet the minimum standards required for GSM - the global system for mobile communications - or a digital connection. While SIM charges are not covered by the scheme, all other elements are covered, such as the personal alarm device, the installation of the device and the monitoring for the first year. The SIM charges ensure that the participant will always have credit to enable them to contact the monitoring centre.”
“I thank Senator Scahill for raising this issue. There is no doubt that Storm Éowyn brought huge disconnect and upset to many families across our region. It is important that we learn the lessons, particularly regarding connectivity. I and the Minister, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, have met the telecommunications companies and asked them to present us with resilience plans. This will also address the concerns the Senator has raised around the seniors alert scheme. As the Senator said, the seniors alert scheme provides a monitored alarm service to those who meet the qualifying criteria, that is, those over the age of 65 who live alone or spend a significant time each day alone.”
“I have taken the Senator's position on information on board. We have an extensive presence at farming events, including the national ploughing championship, to provide that information on a one-to-one basis. As with all our office members, my office is more than happy to assist with any specific queries that the Senator may have.”
“Provision also exists for people to have their partnership recognised retrospectively on provision of appropriate evidence that a commercial partnership existed for the period in question. When a partnership is recognised retrospectively, both partners incur liability to pay self-employed PRSI for the years in question. The legislative provisions concerning family employment and social insurance coverage achieve the necessary balance between operating a formal, uniform system and the need to take account of informal and varied practicalities that are inherent in family farms and other family-operated enterprises. However, I take the Senator's point on spreading this information. I will work with the Department to get it this information out there.”
“Regarding women working on family farms, there are legislative provisions in place that allow for social insurance contributions to be paid, recognising that family members regularly support one another in businesses or other enterprises, including family farming. These include farm partnerships and family businesses incorporated as limited companies. In the case of farm partnership, where two or more family members, which includes spouses or civil partners, operate a business, including farming, as a partnership and share the profits, each business partner is insurable as a self-employed contributor provided that each partner earns €5,000 or more in a contribution year.”
“This is done by attributing the equivalent of a paid contribution to long-term carers of incapacitated dependants to cover gaps in contribution records. For those who do not qualify for a contributory State pension or only qualify for a reduced contributory pension based on their social insurance records, the non-contributory pension is available. The non-contributory pension is a means-tested social assistance payment for people aged 66 years or over who habitually reside in the State. As with all other social assistance schemes, payments are based on an income need. The combination of both the contributory and non-contributory pensions means that no person without a viable income need is disadvantaged within the State pension system.”
“This is done through PRSI credits and pension caring schemes, which depend on the method upon which a pension is calculated. The homemaker scheme applies under the yearly average calculation method and home caring periods are used under the total contributions approach. Both the homemaker scheme and home caring periods allow up to a maximum of 20 years spent caring for children under 12 or other dependent relatives to be included in the relative calculation. Since January 2024, long-term carer's contributions can be awarded to a person who has cared for an incapacitated person for a period of 20 years or 1,040 weeks or more. These contributions can be used in the calculation of the individual's State pension contributory entitlement.”
“I thank the House for facilitating my presence here and I thank Senator Collins for raising this issue. As she will be aware, the contributory State pension is funded from the Social Insurance Fund through contributions paid by workers and employers. To qualify for this payment, a person must have 520 contributions, which is the equivalent of ten years of paid contributions. The rate of payment reflects the number of social insurance contributions paid over a working life. The State pension contributory system gives significant recognition and support to those whose work history includes extended periods outside of paid employment, often to care or to raise families, frequently in full-time caring roles, many of whom are the women the Senator has just spoken about.”
“The commencement of section 6 will also complete the commencement of all the sections of the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 as regards the registration and reregistration of births. Together with the Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Act 2024, its commencement and operationalisation will provide for a modern and efficient civil registration service. I give a guarantee that I will keep an eye on this and I know that the Senator will be watching it as well.”
“I will continue to keep the Senator updated on the issue. However, I reassure her that the number of birth registrations that do not contain a father's name is still very low. It is our view as a Government that, where possible, all children should have the right to know the details of both their parents. In that context, I remind the Senator that a new section will allow for circumstances whereby the mother can provide a statutory declaration to the registrar if she is unable to provide the name of the father. This provides a welcome safeguard to the mother and provides a mechanism whereby the registrar, or a superintendent registrar, has oversight of the implementation of this provision.”
“It is the understanding of the Department that the issues surrounding the implementation of section 6 are resolved. My officials in the GRO are engaging with the HSE and superintendent registrars to seek to arrange for the delivery of the required training at the earliest opportunity. Commencement of section 6 will happen as soon as this training is completed. I anticipate that will take place before the end of quarter 2 of this year. I will continue to keep Senator Keogan updated and to engage with her on this issue. I thank her for drawing my attention to it.”
“This technical error was corrected in the recently enacted Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Act 2024. This Act was signed by the Uachtarán in July 2024. This will now facilitate the commencement of section 6, to which the Senator referred. The Senator will appreciate that, given the passage of time since training relating to this provision was originally delivered, as well as the outbreak of the pandemic and the turnover in HSE registration staff, further engagement with the HSE was required to ensure operational readiness prior to commencing the legislation. However, associated with an industrial relations issue within the HSE, staff in the registration service were not co-operating with the roll-out of the training required for the implementation of section 6.”
“Section 6 of the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 referred to by Senator Keogan introduces new provisions relating to the registration of the father where the parents are not married to one another. This section sets out that the mother, if she attends alone, is required to name the father of the child, with exceptions applying. Registration of the father would then be dependent on the man acknowledging paternity of the child. Commencement of these provisions was subject to preparatory work and training of the registrars by the HSE and the General Register Office. That training was delivered in early 2020. However, prior to commencement of the provisions in 2020 a technical error was discovered in the relevant amending legislation.”
“I thank the Senator for her good wishes and also for bringing this issue to my attention. I know that she raised it previously with the former Minister, Heather Humphreys. For the benefit of other Senators, the background to this is that the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 principally amends and extends the Civil Registration Act 2004. The Act was signed into law on 4 December 2014. The Act contains 36 sections that are, in the main, all subject to commencement orders. Seanadóirí will be aware that the sections referring to the law relating to marriages contained under Part 6 of the Civil Registration Act 2004 were commenced in 2015 and these sections primarily referred to marriages of convenience cases. Other sections were commenced in 2016 and 2020.”
“In 2024 my Department provided €2 million in capital funding to local authorities to expand and improve the conditions of their dog pounds and dog warden facilities, in addition to €2 million that was provided in 2023. We will be providing an additional €2 million for 2025, which recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure resources on the ground to enforce the legislation that we have. Going back to the Senator's original remarks, the responsibility should lie with every dog owner. I very much believe that when you take on a dog it is a matter of fantastic responsibility.”
“I acknowledge that the Senator has a long track record of working in this space. As he will be aware, we have set out that we are going to provide for an enhanced approach to dog control issues. As I said, all legislation and policy relating to the control of dogs, dog welfare and dog breeding establishments will rest with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. We are currently in discussions with the Department to transfer those functions. However, I will continue to take the area of dog control seriously. My Department will launch a national awareness campaign in the coming weeks to remind dog owners of their responsibilities. We have to remember the dog owner has serious responsibilities in every setting, particularly rural settings at the moment as we are in lambing season.”
“Where the court determines the dog is dangerous and is not kept under proper control, the court may, in addition to any other penalty it may impose, order that the dog be kept under proper control. It is a matter for the court to determine who is liable for costs in such cases. That puts the emphasis back on the owner. As for the Senator's remarks regarding the appeals process online, this will be a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. We are transferring this function to the Department but until that happens we will work on the appeals process. I will take the Senator's comments on board as we design that.”
“Under the Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations 2024, a dog warden may seize and detain an XL bully-type dog which is not the subject of a certificate of exemption, and destroy, or cause to be destroyed, in a humane manner, such XL bully-type dogs. I can confirm that I intend to introduce further regulations that will provide for an appeals mechanism and process in circumstances where a dog owner may disagree with the determination of a dog warden that a dog not in possession of a certificate of exemption meets the physical conformation standard that defines an XL bully-type dog. It should be noted that, under the existing provisions of the Control of Dogs Act, a dog warden can make a complaint to the District Court that a dog is dangerous and not kept under proper control.”
“lf an application for a certificate of exemption, which must have been applied for before 1 February 2025, is refused for any reason, the owner would be notified in writing by their local authority. Such owners may re-apply to their local authority within ten working days if they are subsequently able to address the reason the application was refused, for example, if documentation was missing from the original application. lf further applications are refused, and a certificate of exemption is not applied for, or was not in place before 1 February 2025, owners may be required to surrender their dog to the local authority dog warden.”
“I thank the Senator for his good wishes and return them to him on his election to this House. The Control of Dogs (XL Bully) Regulations 2024, SI 491 of 2024, which provided for the banning of XL bully-type dogs, came into force in two stages, beginning on 1 October 2024 last, with a full ownership ban coming into force on 1 February this year. The ban was brought in over two stages to give XL bully-type dog owners who wished to keep their dog time to obtain a certificate of exemption. There was a four-month period between 1 October 2024 and 1 February 2025 where these owners were able to apply for that certificate. Owners should have used the published physical conformation standard to determine if their dog was an XL bully-type dog. It is the owner's responsibility to determine if their dog is covered by the ban.”