Eileen Lynch
Agricultural Panel · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I thank the Minister for being here this evening. This is an important motion. It is vital to discuss rural Ireland and its continued and ongoing development. It deserves policies that recognise its value and invest in its future. I am from north-west Cork, which is quite rural.”
“They are community hubs as well and it is vital that the Government supports them because we are seeing so many closures in villages which now do not have places for people to meet. Many of them provide a community service and the scheme needs to be looked at in budget 2027.”
“I welcome the progress made under the rural safety plan, including the roll-out of local community safety partnerships. It is an area we need to focus on where we have seen increases in rural burglaries. We need to look at how we could make people feel safer in their own homes.”
“They are being addressed through a whole-of-government approach, rather than with piecemeal measures, and that is vital. In north-west Cork, we have seen the benefits of this investment. The completion of the Macroom bypass has transformed travel on the N22. It has improved safety and made Macroom town a much better place to be.”
“It has improved Local Link services, supported regional enterprise and invested in community facilities across the country. I commend the Minister on the work he is doing on community facilities as well as previous Fine Gael Ministers in that Department, including former Deputies Heather Humphreys and Michael Ring.”
“It is great that the building has been brought back into use and the services it now provides will be invaluable to Gaeltacht Mhúscraí. My colleagues who have spoken have raised the matter of agriculture. This is very much at the heart of rural Ireland.”
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“I thank the Minister for being here with us today to discuss the nitrates derogation, a vital issue for Irish agriculture, rural communities and our shared responsibility to protect water quality. I congratulate him on the job of work done by him and his officials in securing a further three years' derogation. This was no small feat as we are the only remaining member state to have retained a derogation. It was also a show of confidence from the EU Commission in Irish agriculture. I was delighted, as part of a cross-party delegation, to meet Commissioner Roswall when she came to Ireland last November to gain a better understanding of our need for derogation. This position was supported by all parties and none who were present at that meeting, with the exception of the Social Democrats.”
“The deal helps safeguard European competitiveness and reinforces our role as a driver of rules-based global trade. I believe that this agreement will help create a more resilient and prosperous future, and it will indeed create the world's largest free trade area.”
“This includes reduced tariffs on products such as Irish whiskey and wines. Most importantly, this agreement does not come at the expense of food standards and sensitive sectors such as beef and poultry are excluded, which is to be welcomed. The deal also improves conditions for trade in service and investment supporting Ireland's strong export sectors, such as professional services, fintech and ICT. By facilitating increased trade and investment flows the agreement will support jobs across Irish and European economies and offer new opportunities for workers in high value industries. In a rapidly shifting global economy, it is vital that the EU diversifies its trading relationships and deepens economic ties with key global partners while protecting national industry, which is what this deal serves to do.”
“I welcome yesterday's announcement of a landmark free trade agreement between the European Union and the Republic of India, which is one of the most significant trade milestones in decades. It paves the way for dramatically expanded economic co-operation between the EU and India. This is a combined market of more than 2 billion consumers and nearly 25% of global GDP. This is a major win for the European Union, for Ireland and for businesses and workers across our economies. The deal delivers real opportunities for Irish exporters, investors and workers. Over 93% of tariffs will be abolished on goods, which could double EU exports to India. Irish and EU industries, including the agrifood, spirits, machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive and technology sectors, will gain preferential access to India's rapidly expanding market.”
“It is a call for a balanced science-based approach that recognises the role of controlled burning in protecting sheep, supporting biodiversity and reducing the risk of uncontrolled wildfires later in the year. I call on the Minister for agriculture and the Minister of State with responsibility for the NPWS to work with farmers, fire services and environmental experts to ensure that properly regulated, controlled burning is permitted, rather than effectively banned, which is what we see happening. If we want to keep active farming communities in our uplands we have to give them the tools to manage the land responsibly, as they know how.”
“These ticks spread disease such as louping ill, causing massive losses for sheep farmers and real animal welfare concerns. The inability to carry out controlled burns is leading to higher tick burdens, poorer grazing quality and increased veterinary costs for farmers in the Comeraghs. It is not sustainable for hill sheep farming, which is already under pressure. A case was raised with me by my colleague, Councillor Liam Brazil, of an application to the NPWS from a Waterford farmer in August 2025 for controlled burning permission. He has yet to receive a reply from the NPWS, or even an acknowledgement of the application. It is absolutely disgraceful that an application made in August has yet to be even acknowledged, not to mind receive an answer. Farmers are not seeking reckless burning.”
“I wish to be associated with the messages of sympathy to the Fianna Fáil Party and the family of Brian Crowley on his recent passing. As a fellow county man, he gave a fantastic life of service to Fianna Fáil here in this House and as a Member of the European Parliament. I want to raise serious concerns about current restrictions on controlled burning in upland areas, particularly in the Comeragh Mountains, County Waterford, and the consequences these restrictions are having on animal health, farm viability and land management. Controlled burning, when carried out responsibly and at the correct time of year, is a well-established land management practice. It plays a vital role in preventing the build-up of rank heather, which creates ideal conditions for ticks.”
“I am taking from that reply that there is no stakeholder consultation in the offing at the moment either. I note that there has been no vote on this on the REACH committees up to date, but that is not to say that there will not be in the future.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his reply. However, it seems to have failed to answer the questions that I raised about the potential impact that this vote passing would have here, but also as to whether there is an Irish position. I take the Minister of State's point that this proposal regarding lead ammunition is interdepartmental and affects many different Departments. Maybe it is just not within the Minister of State's authority but lies more with the NPWS. Perhaps the Minister of State could clarify that point. Do we not have a decision or is it currently being formulated? The Minister of State commended the work the NPWS has been doing on this, so I assume that we are heading towards a position if one is not there. It is disappointing that there does not appear to be a position and there has not been consultation.”
“So far, it seems that a debate has not been held. There has been lack of any public consultation or structural engagement with stakeholders in this regard. I would appreciate an update if one is available. While it has been reported that Ireland is supporting a possible compromise, which would not ban the use of lead ammunition but would ban its importation into the EU, this would effectively be banning lead ammunition in any event because most of it comes from outside the Union. I am seeking clarity. There is an EU REACH committee meeting next month. If this question comes up at that meeting, what will be the Irish position? We need a commitment to protect the capacity of licensed shotgun and rifle owners to continue to use their weapons efficiently and, most important, safely.”
“At European level, in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the primary focus on rearming in many countries at present, there are concerns that the munitions industry will not have the capacity or incentive to upscale the manufacturing of steel ammunition for rifles and other firearms. If the proposed restriction on lead ammunition goes ahead, it will impact tens of thousands of Irish farmers, hunters and other licensed firearms users, many of whom are based in rural areas. This proposal does not have to proceed. It is interesting that practically all of the eastern European states are against it. Quite a few other large states, including Italy and Germany, are also against the proposal and have many concerns about it. I am seeking an answer on the lack of clarity regarding the position Ireland is taking.”
“There is no proof house or infrastructure in place in Ireland for firearms owners to check the capability and safety of their firearms. In order to get a gun proofed and deemed suitable for steel shot, it must be exported out of Ireland. This would give rise to a cost of €600 and €700 between import costs, couriers and insurance. Despite previous requests, the State has yet to supply this key infrastructure for users and dealers. It is very important that it be provided. The European Chemicals Agency has been asked to carry out a health and safety assessment on the impact of such a restriction in each country, with the same being asked of the Health and Safety Authority and the Department of enterprise in Ireland. So far, requests in this regard have not been dealt with.”
“What happens if Ireland's more than 140,000 shotgun and rifle owners can no longer use their licensed firearms because appropriate and safe ammunition is not available? That is a very real prospect. The original proposal from the European Commission envisaged transitioning to an alternative form of ammunition and cited steel shot in this regard. However, it seems that this option would be both dangerous and unsustainable. More than 80% of firearms in Ireland are unlikely to meet the higher standards required to use steel shot, which would make them redundant. There are inherent health and safety concerns relating to ricochets, which would become a major issue when using steel-based ammunition in shotguns and larger rifles near hard surfaces such as stone walls.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being with us this morning to discuss this matter, which relates to the potential impact on Ireland of the EU proposal to restrict lead ammunition. The European Commission has proposed a restriction on lead. The matter is before the EU REACH committee, on which Ireland is represented by officials from the Health and Safety Authority and the Department of enterprise. It is important to note that in December, the Dáil rejected a Bill which sought to ban all forms of fox hunting. Among those opposing the Bill, there was widespread acceptance that farmers and landowners need to have the capacity to protect their livestock and engage in predator and vermin control. This is primarily done through the use of licensed shotguns which, along with rifles, are also used in game hunting and other rural pursuits.”
“I want the Minister for Health to address the implications the introduction of these beef products will have for our health system and for antimicrobial resistance. I want the Minister for agriculture to look at how we raise consumer awareness of this issue.”
“These are very dangerous products to be putting into our system and the food chain. Thousands of farmers are protesting in Strasbourg against the deal. While it has been signed, the deal has yet to be delivered. While we will not have the vote in the European Parliament for a number of months - I encourage all MEPs to vote against the deal - there will be a vote in Strasbourg tomorrow on whether to refer the deal to the Court of Justice of the European Union to see if it is compliant with European policy. Again, I encourage all our MEPs to vote against this tomorrow. It is a bad deal for farmers and for health. There are over 206,000 tonnes of Mercosur beef coming into the EU yearly already, and consumer awareness in this regard is not where it should be. I call on the Ministers for Health and agriculture to address this matter.”
“I wish to speak about the Mercosur deal which, as the House will be aware, was signed last Saturday. I commend our Government on making the right decision two weeks ago when Ireland voted no on the deal. It is a bad deal for our farmers as we are very much aware but what is more important, and has not been raised enough, is the bad deal it is for health. We saw the investigation prior to Christmas by the Irish Farmers' Journal and the Irish Farmers Association that involved people going undercover in Brazil to look at access to the antimicrobials, antibiotics and growth hormones many Brazilian animals are being fed. The latter goes against the EU's One Health strategy and its policy on microbial resistance and is going to put resistance to microbes in this country in danger going forward.”
“As I said, though, they are not everyday occurrences. There is even the use of language in respect of the term, "non-domestic customers". We are being charged a commercial rate for what is not a commercial entity. Regarding all the examples given in terms of non-domestic customers, including schools, sports clubs, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and charities, where do companies and commercial entities fall in? All the non-domestic customer examples given were, generally, not-for-profit entities. I note too that initially when those groups were transferred to Irish Water there were no charges, and then a fixed tariff was set up. Where are we getting these figures from and where is the breakdown coming from? It is actually very difficult to get that information from Irish Water.”
“I thank the Minister of State very much for the reply. I appreciate this matter does not fall under his Department, so I thank him again. I note the contents of the reply, and I know the background to Uisce Éireann and Irish Water and all of that. I understand it and the importance of water as a resource and the need for it to be financed. The reply, however, is incredibly disappointing because, to me, it does not seem to be that there is any wriggle room there at all in terms of reviewing this matter, and that is what I am looking for. It is insane for a group of the size of the one I am talking about to be paying €69,500. This could potentially make a €2 million project fall to the ground. We are not unique in this regard because there are other cases like this all around the country.”
“We need to hold Irish Water accountable here. It makes no sense that a commercial rate fee is being applied to these volunteer-led community organisations. In budget 2026 alone, €1.45 billion was allocated to Irish Water. We need some bit of accountability and transparency when it comes to Irish Water, the way in which it communicates and the reasons behind these fees because it does not make sense to me.”
“It is difficult but under control. It was with great surprise and shock, though, that this group was hit with a bill from Irish Water for €69,500 for a connection fee. That is money the group simply does not have. It is very disappointing to see that the way this fee is calculated is that there is a fixed and commercial rate and it is based on the diameter of the pipe being used. It has nothing to do with the actual or projected usage or the length of pipe required. It is simply to do with the diameter of the pipe. For a group of this size to be facing a charge of €69,500 seems absolutely ludicrous. To add insult to injury, the group received this letter of offer in September. The initial letter of offer, received in August, was for €259,000, because it was being proposed at that point that a larger pipe was needed.”
“In particular, I am speaking today on behalf of Rylane Community Park Association, which is a community group in my own parish of Aghabullogue in Cork North-West. It is a group I have worked very closely with for the past six years. Rylane is a village of 600 people. We set up a group in 2016 to build a hub for the community. So far, we have delivered an astroturf facility, a playground and a soccer pitch. We were fortunate last year that we were allocated €1.6 million under the community centre investment fund. Since 2016, this group has been awarded over €2.2 million in grants and since that time as well it has raised €420,000 in fundraising. As I said, that is from a village of 600 people. We are currently building our community hub. As I said, we got €1.6 million for it. We have to raise a further 10%, which is €200,000.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being with us here today. It is much appreciated. The issue I am raising relates to the Irish Water connection fee, particularly where it concerns community groups and voluntary organisations. I am seeking that the connection fee they currently have to pay would be reviewed and waived. The situation at the moment, which I appreciate is not necessarily a common, everyday situation, is that if a community organisation seeks a connection to Irish Water, it is charged a commercial rate. There is no waiver or reduction taking account of the fact that they are not-for-profit and volunteer-led organisations. This may not be something that happens on a very regular basis, but when it does happen, it has detrimental effects on these groups.”
“It is disappointing to get actual confirmation, as I see it, that there is no obligation regarding these work placements. There is the WAM programme, which is provided via AHEAD, and many local authorities participate in this and it has been very successful in some areas, but this issue is definitely something we need to look into. My constituent has been on this mar dhea list for 18 months and it is disappointing to see there is no actual scheme or accountability. I note the point that all employment lies with the chief executive of each council but this is something we need to look into.”
“I thank the Minister of State for taking this matter and I appreciate it does not fall under his remit. I find the reply to be quite disappointing. I know the statistics that all of the local authorities met the 3% target in 2023 in terms of employing people with disabilities and eight met the target of 6%. As of 2024, the target is meant to be 6% across the board. The figures are disappointing in terms of what we are doing to resolve this. My understanding from what the Minister of State has said is that there is no requirement for any local authority with regard to these disability work placements. I note that perhaps I should have raised it as a disability issue, but as it was a local authority matter, I felt that was the appropriate Department with which to raise it.”
“We need to know if targets have been met and, if not, what steps are being taken to ensure progress. Compliance cannot be aspiration; it has to be achieved. These are targets that we set out and we need to ensure that we are compliant with them. It is about creating workplaces that are genuinely inclusive and ensuring that our public services live up to the values they promote. People with disabilities bring perspective and expertise that strengthen our institutions and when we fail to include them, we weaken our public service. We need to ensure that every local authority plays its part and that the goals we set out in the comprehensive strategy translate into genuine opportunities.”
“To my mind, to her mind and to the minds of members of her family, she has been fobbed off continually for that period of time. I believe that if we are serious about improving disability inclusion in the public service, adequate funding must be provided, not just to create placements, but to provide appropriate supports, accessible workplaces, mentoring and training. This is why the details of funding allocations are essential and why I am asking the Minister to look at them. Finally, I want to address compliance with the comprehensive strategy for people with disabilities, which set a clear and measurable target that 6% of public service roles should be held by persons with disabilities. As the strategy period concluded last year, we need a full and transparent account of where each local authority stands.”
“However, to ensure equity and consistency nationwide, we need clarity on what exactly is required of each local authority and what oversight is in place to monitor the delivery. I raise this question on behalf of a constituent of mine in Cork North-West who has been assured for the last 18 months by the disability officer of Cork County Council that she is on a placement list, but no position was has been made available. She has been fobbed off time and again and it is not good enough. This has been going on for quite a long time. She was told that she was on a list for a placement, but now, after 18 months, she has been told she should just apply for the open employment opportunities that are coming up with the local authority.”
“For too long, people with disabilities have faced barriers, not only in accessing employment but in being given the chance to demonstrate their skills and to contribute fully to society. Work placement programmes, particularly those delivered at local level, are some of the most effective ways of breaking down barriers. Across our local authorities, there is an enormous opportunity to show leadership by providing proper structured placements on programmes that support people with disabilities to gain experience, build their confidence and secure long-term employment. Many councils are already doing excellent work in partnership with community organisations and disability services such as AHEAD.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being with us this morning and for taking my Commencement matter. I am asking the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clearly set out the current requirements for local authorities to provide work placement opportunities for individuals with disabilities, to detail funding that has been allocated to support this and to confirm whether all local authorities have complied with the targets set out in the comprehensive strategy for people with disabilities 2015-2024. I believe this is a conversation about fairness, equal opportunity and the kind of public service that we want to build. It should be one that reflects the diversity and the lived experience of the community it serves.”
“I call on the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to come in here to address this matter because it is absurd that Irish Water is charging these fees to volunteer-led community organisations.”
“Irish Water's connection fees are too expensive in general but when it comes to a volunteer-led community organisation, the idea that this group, which has fundraised hundreds of thousands since 2016 has bought and developed its property, successfully applied for funding and still has a small shortfall in terms of the delivery of its community hub, will be charged €69,500 by Irish Water, a quote that is not based on usage but is instead based on the diameter of the piping. It does not take actual usage into consideration at all. In a community hub like that, the taps are not going to be running every day and the dressing rooms will not be used every day.”
“On Saturday last, the Minister, Deputy Calleary, was present to turn the sod on a community hub development. This development has received €1.6 million under the community centre investment fund. Over the past 18 months we have seen the delivery of a grass soccer pitch, an AstroTurf pitch and a playground. What I want to speak about today is the connection fee they are being charged by Irish Water for the development of their community hub. This is a volunteer-led community organisation. The quote they received from Irish Water is €69,500 for a water and wastewater connection fee. It seems absurd and ridiculous that a volunteer-led, community organisation that is not for profit is being charged the same commercial rate as any other commercial business.”
“I would like to be associated with the comments of my colleague on the visit of President Zelenskyy earlier this afternoon. It was an honour and privilege to be there. Many of his words stuck with me, but in particular that Europe cannot turn its back on its values. The values behind the European Union are generally unity and solidarity. It is important that we are unified with our Ukrainian friends and our Ukrainian brothers and sisters because they are fighting a war for us on the eastern front of the European Union. It is important that we never forget that and that we are very mindful of it. I mention a local community group in my area – Rylane Community Park Association. It is a fantastic group that I have been involved with myself.”
“They strengthen our capacity to respond to emerging security threats, to manage migration responsibly, to uphold the rule of law and to engage effectively with our international partners. These opt-ins affect the safety of our communities, the fairness of our legal system, the integrity of our borders and, most importantly, the confidence of our citizens in how we manage change and their confidence in the European Union itself. For these reasons I strongly commend the motions to the House.”
“Passenger name record data has become a vital tool in combating serious crime and terrorism. It allows authorities to identify high-risk travel patterns while applying strict data protection safeguards. South Korea is a major economic and travel partner of the EU. Establishing a PNR agreement ensures that data exchanges between EU member states and Korea occur within a structured framework that protects privacy while enabling effective law enforcement co-operation. By opting in, Ireland ensures that our national authorities remain fully engaged in shaping that agreement from the outset, rather than at a later date accepting terms which have been set by others. It is both a proactive and responsible course of action. The motions before the House today reflect Ireland's ongoing commitment to a Europe that is secure, just and fair.”
“It also reinforces the rule of law, an area where Ireland has consistently been a strong voice in the Union. By opting in, we affirm that justice co-operation is not optional. It is core to the functioning of the European project and to the protection of Irish citizens both at home and abroad. We have seen in recent years disrespect towards the rule of law in certain countries and by certain governments, but it is vital that it remains a core principle of the Union and the way in which it functions. I am delighted to highlight how strong Ireland has been in regard to respect for the rule of law. On a separate note, not linked to Protocol 21, we are asked to approve Ireland's opt-in to a Council decision opening negotiations with the Republic of Korea for a passenger name record, PNR, agreement.”
“This opt-in reflects Ireland's ongoing commitment to responsibility sharing and to uphold our obligations in this regard. The third motion proposes Ireland's participation in the justice programme, again from 2028 to 2034. This programme strengthens judicial co-operation across the Union. It supports training for judges and legal practitioners, improves access to justice for citizens and promotes mutual recognition of judicial decisions. It is important for a small country such as Ireland to have access to these networks and resources. Crime, commercial disputes, family law cases and digital evidence increasingly cross national boundaries. Participation in the justice programme ensures that our legal system remains aligned with best European practice and that our citizens benefit from clear, fair and efficient cross-border processes.”
“By opting into AMIF for the next programme cycle, Ireland can draw on EU resources to improve our asylum system, support reception facilities, assist integration efforts and ensure that vulnerable migrants receive the supports they require. It is important to note that this fund helps member states to return individuals who do not qualify for protection in a manner consistent with international law and European values. It balances firmness with compassion, ensures both fairness to genuine applicants and integrity of the system as a whole. Co-ordination across Europe is essential in this area. Migration pressures do not recognise borders and our responses cannot be purely national. We need to respond as a Union as this is an issue for most, if not all, EU countries.”
“Rather, it is Ireland choosing to work with its partners in a way that makes citizens safer and strengthens our institutions. The second motion concerns the asylum migration and integration fund, known as AMIF. This fund supports member states in managing migration in a humane, orderly and respectful manner. This is very topical at the moment, not just here but right across the Union. We have to acknowledge that Ireland is a country built on migration, both outwards and inwards. We know what it is to seek opportunity elsewhere. We also know the responsibilities that come with welcoming people who arrive in our country today.”
“It provides targeted investment in combating terrorism and radicalisation, tackling organised crime, improving cybersecurity and enhancing co-operation between law enforcement agencies. In recent years, Ireland has faced increased challenges in areas such as cyberthreats, trafficking networks and cross-border criminal activity. Participation in this fund will ensure An Garda Síochána and other agencies can access modern technologies, training and intelligence-sharing networks that no single country could effectively develop alone. It will also facilitate the exchange of information between competent authorities and EU bodies throughout the European Union. I believe that opting into this regulation is not in any way to surrender sovereignty.”
“I welcome the Minister and thank him for being with us today. It is vital that we were discussing the proposed approval of these three European Commission proposals to which our Protocol 21 opt-in applies. As the Minister already noted, these proposals are a vital part of the MFF budgetary package on which negotiations are ongoing and will be for the foreseeable future. These motions will form part of Ireland's engagement with key EU justice and security programmes for the period 2028 to 2034. They relate to four distinct but interconnected areas. I ask the House to support Ireland's opt-in to the regulation establishing the internal security fund for 2028 to 2034 with a value of €6.8 billion. This fund is central to strengthening security across the European Union.”
“As I said, when we see the statistics from Crohn's & Colitis Ireland, there are so many people suffering from Crohn's or colitis or another form of IBD who are afraid to take time off work and are saving their medication because they cannot afford to buy more. It is not fair to say a person can go for medical card. They can, but these people are working and contributing, and while they may be working today and be in perfectly good health, they could absolutely be incapacitated tomorrow, which could lead to them taking time off work. That difference has to be recognised.”
“To my mind, there is no legislative barrier to improving, increasing or reviewing the long-term illness scheme. It seems the provision actually allows for further inclusion by use of the word “may”. It is simply political will that has prevented this. I note the other measures outlined in the Minister of State’s response in terms of things that are available but, as I outlined in my initial statement, IBD is a disease that can flare up. A patient might be absolutely perfect today and incapacitated tomorrow. He or she may be unable to work for a week. While he or she may be working, potentially earning more than the means-test allowance for the medical card, that does not mean he or she can continue to work.”
“I welcome the group from Dromahane National School today. I am delighted to have them here. I thank Minister of State for his reply. I acknowledge and completely accept this is not within his Department's remit, so I again thank him for taking this Commencement matter today. He referred to section 59(3) of the Health Act, regarding long-term illness, but what that provision actually states - again, while the Act has been amended, it still refers to the health board - is that the "health board may make arrangements for the supply without charge of drugs, medicine or medical surgical appliances to persons suffering from a prescribed disease or disability of a permanent or long-term nature.” That provision does not specify conditions as to the inclusion of other illnesses. It says they may be included.”
“I ask the Minister of State to acknowledge that this exclusion is a policy decision, commit to a formal review of the long-term illness scheme to look at including IBD in it, to include IBD in the chronic disease management programme and to look at reforming the medical and GP-visit card system so that it reflects that disease burden and clinical need are a factor, not just a person's income.”
“People living with IBD are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for equal treatment. The reality is that, because their illness is not one of the 16 conditions listed in the long-term illness legislation from 1970, which has not been amended since, they are expected to pay out of pocket, while others, rightly, receive support. That is not equity. It is not fair. It is outdated. I acknowledge there are other supports, but this is not a standard disease where people are unable to work all the time. We need to acknowledge the crucial difference between it and some of the long-term illnesses which are already acknowledged in legislation.”
“A total of 86% say they have worked through illness because they could not afford to take time off. These people are contributing to our economy and paying taxes while managing serious illness, often in silence and without support. Yet, when they need the State to step in, they are left behind. The means-tested system for medical and GP-visit cards is simply not fit for purpose for those suffering with IBD. This is a condition that can flare and recede. Someone may appear well on paper one week but be hospitalised the next. The current assessment methods do not reflect the unpredictable and cynical nature of this illness. People with IBD have contributed to society. They have worked while unwell. They have switched to cheaper, generic medication to save the State money, but when they get sick the support is not available.”
“A total of 60% of people have experienced financial hardship in the past year due these costs, 47% have avoided seeking medical care and 26% have delayed taking medication to make it last longer, all because of cost. It is incredible to read these statistics that show, in a country as developed as ours, people are avoiding seeking medical care because they cannot afford it. The burden goes beyond treatment costs. It can affect employment. A total of 82% of working people with IBD report financial hardship due to missed work or lost wages. A total of 58% have had to take five or more days off work each year because of their condition. A total of 67% say their IBD has limited their career or promotion opportunities, and many are forced to attend work when unwell.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being with us today. I raise this Commencement matter to ask why inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, which includes Crohn's and colitis, which are the two most common forms of IBD, remains excluded from the long-term illness scheme, despite being a lifelong, incurable, medically managed condition that affects more than 40,000 people in Ireland. According to Crohn's and Colitis Ireland's 2025 report, Uncovering the Hidden Costs of Crohn's and Colitis, the financial and personal toll of living with IBD is staggering. The average person spends €3,252 per year out of pocket on IBD-related care, including medication, dietary needs, travel and consultation.”