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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“However, should they require sick benefit, illness benefit and time off work, they cannot receive the second social welfare payment. I understand the double jeopardy rule insofar as people cannot claim two payments, but this is based off their own stamps. Essentially, the current situation is preventing people who are paying PRSI from accessing their own stamps, should they need to. Surely, the whole point of the system is that people can access it should they need illness benefit and time off work. We are making things incredibly difficult for these people. It is unfair, and it is a matter that is not raised enough. It is an anomaly in the system. It is not the claiming of double stamps. Widow’s pension comes from the stamps of one’s deceased spouse whereas illness benefit comes from one’s own stamps that one has been contributing to.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the Chamber. My Commencement matter is about a review of the widow’s pension and the payment of same. There is a massive anomaly in the system when it comes to the payment of the widow’s pension insofar as if someone is in receipt of the widow’s pension, that person cannot receive any sick pay or illness benefit should she need to go on sick leave from work. It is incredibly discriminatory and unfair. It needs to be addressed. Unfortunately, when it comes to bereavement, it does not discriminate in terms of age. Many younger people who lose their spouses or partners continue working and raising a family. They are in receipt of widow’s pension, which is based off the stamps of their deceased spouses.”
“Let us do so, not for points scored in an Irish debate, but for the very real people in Gaza, Israel and across the region who live every day with the consequences of a conflict they did not choose.”
“We cannot be arrogant enough to think we can empathise with the trauma innocent Palestinians are going through every day. We can only sympathise. Some 56,000 men, women and children have been killed. There is an obligation on all of us to do what we can. To those who wield the suffering of Gaza as a political sword, this is not a contest for who can shout the loudest but a test of who can lead with compassion and truth. Let us use our platform here not to outbid each other in our outrage but to champion diplomacy, humanitarian support and constructive engagement. Let us support international efforts to bring about an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, humanitarian access and, ultimately, a political resolution.”
“It runs through complex, painful and sustained international diplomacy, the kind that requires more than condemnation. It requires courage, compromise and consistency. Fine Gael has long supported a two-state solution based on international law whereby Israel and Palestine can live side by side in peace. We have consistently called out the occupation and the expansion of settlements. We have also defended the right of Israel to exist and to protect its citizens from terror. These are not contradictory positions; they are the foundations of any real peace. History, especially our history, teaches us that conflict is never simple and peace is never easy. It must be built, it cannot be imposed. It requires voices that do not seek applause but seek answers.”
“We have sent peacekeepers, diplomats and humanitarians into some of the world's most dangerous conflict zones, not to posture but to protect. That tradition carries a moral weight and a diplomatic responsibility. What we increasingly see today, in this Chamber and beyond, is a rush to the megaphone rather than actual resolution. We see slogans in place of substance and anger in place of engagement. There is a difference between passionate advocacy and populist grandstanding. When the issue is as grave as the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, we owe it to Palestinians and Israelis, and to ourselves, to do better. We cannot be disingenuous on this. We need to work as a team across all parties and none. Let us be clear, the path to justice for the Palestinian people does not run through our social media feeds.”
“It is disappointing that so many of our European counterparts are not taking the same position. The European Union as a collective needs to act now because there is no excuse. I rise today not just to express sympathy, important though that is, but to address how this debate is unfolding in our national discourse. I am concerned that the tragedy of Gaza is increasingly being used in Irish politics as a blunt instrument to signal virtue, to provoke and to divide rather than to heal, to inform or to help. It is being politicised in a populist fashion that is doing little to advance peace and even less to honour our own values of integrity, diplomacy and justice. Ireland has long had a proud tradition of supporting peace processes, from East Timor to South Africa to the Middle East.”
“I wish to first acknowledge the Tánaiste's statement on this matter. I thank him for being in the Seanad this morning and for his continuing commitment to peace. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, here today. Gaza, unfortunately, is now synonymous with suffering, displacement, human tragedy and genocide. Let me begin by reaffirming a belief shared across this Chamber, which is the right of all people, Palestinian and Israeli, to live in peace, dignity and security. Let there be no ambiguity here. The scenes we have witnessed in recent months are heartbreaking, with families torn apart, children killed and homes reduced to rubble. Ireland is not indifferent to the suffering of civilians no matter who they are or where they come from. In regard to Gaza and the rights of civilians we have been a leader in Europe.”
“If they have to go on sick leave, they are not entitled to sick pay. This is discriminatory and incredibly unfair. The widow's pension is based on the contributions of the deceased partner or spouse and the amount recipients receive depends on the number of stamps paid. It is a contributory pension. This issue has been raised previously and the answer given was that people cannot be in receipt of two welfare payments. While I take that point, it is not actually true insofar as people can be in receipt of a disability or jobseeker's payment while at the same time receiving a half carer's payment. I hope consideration will be given to allowing recipients of the widow's pension to receive a half-rate pension while in receipt of another payment, up to a limit of two years or something like that. There must be a solution to this issue.”
“I rise to address an important and prominent issue, which is the issue of the payment of the widow's pension. Unfortunately, a person can become a widow or lose their spouse or cohabiting partner at any age and they then receive this widow's pension based on the stamps of their deceased spouse or partner. An issue affecting many of my constituents and people right across the country, and which has not been adequately addressed, is that people in receipt of the widow's pension cannot receive any other social welfare payment, including sick pay, invalidity benefit or invalidity pension. While those in receipt of the widow's pension are grateful for it, the payment is not enough on which to survive. Most recipients are working, particularly those who were widowed in their younger years.”
“I ask the Minister to outline a timeline for the establishment and implementation of the local democracy task force as promised in the programme for Government. I ask that it be centred on the lived experience of councillors. We have had enough of reviews and consultations. We need to take action.”
“We need to provide greater remuneration and support for councillors and ensure they have meaningful autonomy over key areas from housing and climate resilience to economic development and heritage protection. I noticed during the Seanad campaign a great discrepancy in the powers and functions exercised by councillors from local authority to local authority. Some seem to have much greater input into county development plans and local area plans than others. Some local authorities provide discretionary funds for councillors to allocate and others do not. This is not good enough. We need a national conversation, as was mentioned, about subsidiarity. We need to place more trust in our councillors.”
“It is an alleged part-time role that in reality is full time. Too often, the role of councillors is misunderstood or underestimated. They play an instrumental role in delivering housing through local area plans, supporting local communities, advocating for better roads and water infrastructure and providing a voice for many. The programme for Government committed to establishing a task force on local democracy. It is vital this commitment is now implemented. We need to rebalance the relationship between local and central government. Councillors have a large burden of work yet hold less power and authority than many of their European colleagues. They face online abuse and harassment and security concerns but continue relentlessly to represent their localities to a very high standard.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. It is important that we discuss the local democracy task force today and the important role of local government across the country. The programme for Government recognises that real democracy begins at local level. It was in this spirit that the Seanad's local democracy task force produced its reports. The findings were clear: local government in Ireland is underpowered, under-resourced and in urgent need of reform. Having served as a councillor on Cork County Council from 2019 until February this year, I am acutely aware of the continual erosion of the powers of local representatives since the introduction of the Local Government Reform Act 2014, including the abolition of urban district councils and town councils. I acknowledge and commend the work of our councillors.”
“This led to differences between country development plans and different local authorities and a lack of consultation with communities. I am not against biomethane and I recognise its importance but these guidelines need to be published and published soon so that we are not splitting communities and driving the public against these necessary measures.”
“I thank the Minister of State for such a comprehensive response. I really welcome the confirmation that these planning guidelines are in the ether. I would appreciate hearing if there is any particular timeline. I am very much in favour of biomethane and biogas. It is well established technology in mainland Europe but it is not necessarily something we have investigated here. It has many benefits from energy, climate and agricultural perspectives. If we want to meet out targets and introduce these plants around the country, it is important for us not to split communities and drive the public against these measures. It seems mad that when this national biomethane strategy was published 12 months ago, there was no reference to planning guidelines.”
“These guidelines must also reflect the needs and perspective of rural counties like Cork where there is significant potential for biomethane and biogas but also a need for balance, fairness and proper planning. If we want to unlock the potential of biomethane for our farmers, protect our communities and deliver on our climate commitments, we must give local authorities, developers and residents the clarity and guidance they need to move forward. We need to provide a clear national framework as to where these plants can and cannot be located and we need to get this right. It is vital for rural Ireland and for our shared environmental future.”
“The reality is that our local authorities are doing their best but county development plans vary significantly across the country when it comes to the location of biomethane plants. Cork County Council may take a more cautious or supportive approach than councils elsewhere but without national guidelines, there is a lack of consistency and co-ordination that risks undermining community confidence and industry investment. We cannot have a piecemeal approach. I am, therefore, calling on the Minister to urgently publish comprehensive national guidelines on the location of biomethane plants that consider proximity to homes, road and infrastructure capacity, environmental sustainability and alignment with local development plans.”
“This is leading to confusion, frustration and legitimate concern, particularly from communities living near proposed sites, many of which believe they are being left in the dark, particularly when consultation is at best lacking and at worst non-existent. We have already seen this tension emerge in Cork. In some areas, proposed locations have raised serious questions about road access, residential proximity and environmental impact. People are understandably worried about increased heavy traffic on rural roads that were never designed for such loads and about plants being sited far too close to homes. Regarding the proposal I mentioned in Kilvoultra, 200 residents are living within a 2-km radius of the proposed site.”
“It is a renewable, home-grown energy source that helps us to cut greenhouse gas emissions and provides a productive for farm and food waste. Nowhere is this opportunity more relevant that in counties like Cork, with a strong and diverse agricultural sector, where farmers are looking for sustainable ways to future-proof their livelihoods. As well as energy potential, there is potential for the use of the digestate as an organic fertiliser, which would be an alternative to mineral fertiliser use. This is an opportunity for our rural economy, environment and energy security but only if done correctly. Being done correctly has to be the guiding principle. There is no national guidance as to where biomethane plants should be located.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here this morning. I want to speak on an issue of urgency and strategic importance, not just for our national climate goals but for rural communities across the country, particularly in my own county of Cork. In north-west Cork there is currently potential for the development of a biomethane plant in Kilvoultra, a rural community just outside Macroom. There is a clear and pressing need for the Minister for the environment to provide a firm commitment to publish national guidelines on the locations of biomethane plants, as part of the national biomethane strategy. Biomethane has enormous potential to be a cornerstone of Ireland's transition to a low-carbon economy.”
“We cannot say we are supporting rural Ireland when we are denying basic mobility to those who live there. Like my colleagues, I acknowledge the efforts made by the RSA to recruit more testers but the current pace is too slow. We need emergency intervention, including the immediate recruitment and training of additional testers, the opening of more temporary testing centres and greater transparency around scheduling. I also believe we need to consider longer opening hours for test centres, as has been done with national car test, NCT, centres. That is particularly an option at this time of year because the evenings are longer. We must also be mindful of the fact that people also need to learn how to drive in the dark. We need to treat this issue with the urgency it demands.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. I support the comments of my colleagues regarding the unacceptable delays in driving test waiting times, particularly the extended periods which young people, jobseekers and rural residents are enduring just to sit their driving tests. As of the end of April, as the Minister of State will be aware, the waiting time for a test in Mallow and Wilton in Cork was 36 and 35 weeks, respectively. That is almost three times the waiting time in Mallow at the same time last year. This is a serious barrier to employment, education and independence. It is disproportionately affecting those in rural Ireland where public transport is scarce and cars are a necessity. It is disgraceful that we are telling young people they may have to wait six months to start a position that needs a driving licence.”
“However, I want to be clear: illegal or out-of-season hunting, or disturbance of protected species, undermines our conservation goals and cannot be tolerated. While there is a close partnership between the NPWS and An Garda Síochána in this regard, we need to see more done to stamp out illegal hunting through the establishment of a wildlife crime unit. Enforcement must be fair and firm but, equally, it is vital that we include gun clubs and games associations in species monitoring, invasive control and habitat protection because this is partnership in action. While we are undoubtedly facing a biodiversity crisis, there is also possibility and opportunity. If we get this right, Ireland could lead in Europe on farming and conservation working hand in hand.”
“We need more flexibility and regional targeting within ACRES so that farmers in areas like the Lee Valley in Cork and the Mushera mountains are supported to tackle their specific environmental challenges. We need stronger interagency co-ordination between the NPWS, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Teagasc and our local authorities across the country so that landowners can get clear, co-ordinated advice on biodiversity-friendly practices and there is investment in habitat restoration projects like the Gearagh, not through top-down directives but through bottom-up partnerships with those who know the land best. I also acknowledge the role that local hunt, gun and coursing clubs play in conservation of our native wildlife.”
“Through ACRES, farmers receive payments for planting pollinator-friendly margins, preserving hedgerows, protecting water courses and supporting breeding habitats for endangered birds like the curlew and the lapwing. These are practical, measurable actions, and farmers are responding positively to them. In Cork, the biodiversity regeneration in a dairying environment, BRIDE, project has led the way, offering results-based payments for tangible, visible improvements. Fine Gael has long championed results-based agri-environmental schemes, and it is time to expand models like BRIDE across more high nature value areas. There is, of course, as I mentioned, room to improve, but there is always room to improve.”
“It is home to otters, kingfishers and many unique wetland habitats. However, decades of drainage, forestry and hydroelectric development have damaged what was previously a vast wilderness. There is now a massive opportunity to restore and protect what remains. That means working closely with local farmers and landowners, not against them. We have seen through the Gearagh management plan the start of a collaborate vision – one that includes low-impact farming, ecotourism potential and environment enhancement. These are the kinds of localised, community-rooted conservation models that we should be supporting. At a national level, as has been mentioned, the CAP strategic plan is already funding biodiversity actions that work.”
“I would like to be associated with the remarks of sympathy to the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, on the loss of his sister. It is very timely we are having this discussion today for biodiversity week as we face so many challenges in terms of biodiversity. We need a practical, future focused approach, one that respects our rural communities and values the role of farmers as stewards of the land. I say this with urgency because the evidence is now overwhelming. Ireland's biodiversity is under serious pressure. Nowhere is this more evident and nowhere is both the challenge and opportunity demonstrated more than in The Gearagh, just outside Macroom in my constituency of Cork North-West. This ancient riverine woodland, a rare alluvial forest formed by the River Lee, is of European ecological significance.”
“The roads are not up to scratch for the HGVs and other vehicles that will be attending this property. It is something that needs to be addressed. At the moment, planning guidelines in this regard vary from local authority to local authority. This quite simply is not good enough. While biomethane production does produce many opportunities for us, it is important that facilities are strategically and properly placed. For that reason, I am calling on the Minister for climate, environment and communications to come to the Seanad to discuss the matter of planning in respect of biomethane facilities.”
“I rise to speak on biomethane facilities and their development throughout the country. It is an issue that has become incredibly prominent and problematic in recent months. I appreciate that the national biomethane strategy was published last year. It contains 25 key strategic actions to address the challenges and opportunities of anaerobic digestion and biomethane production. However, these guidelines completely fail to address the issue of the planning and location of these biomethane facilities. It is becoming more and more prominent across the country. In Kilboultragh, which is an area just outside of my home town of Macroom in Cork North-West, there is a proposal to convert a former piggery to a biomethane facility. Residents of the area believe that this is completely inappropriate. It will be located within 2 km of 200 residents.”
“As we celebrate this milestone for community alert, we must recognise the tireless efforts of Muintir na Tíre, the commitment of local volunteers and the invaluable partnership with An Garda Síochána. Their dedication has helped create a legacy of trust, security and community resilience that will endure for many generations to come. Community alert has never been more important in local communities. As we see another increase in rural crime, we see again the impact that community alert can have in making localities safer. I extend a heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed to community alert over the past 40 years and I look forward to its continued success in the future.”
“From its early focus on rural crime prevention to the introduction of text alert systems and modern digital communication, it has embraced innovation while staying true to its core mission. Today, with thousands of local groups, community alert continues to serve as a model of best practice in community-led crime prevention and support. One of the most commendable aspects of community alert is its emphasis on supporting older and more vulnerable members of society. Through programmes such as the senior alert scheme and initiatives aimed at reducing isolation, community alert has made a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of people. The dedication of volunteers working alongside An Garda Síochána and local authorities has ensured that people feel safer, more connected and more supported in their daily lives.”
“I would like the House to acknowledge and pay tribute to the work done by community alert groups as they celebrate their 40th anniversary. Community alert was founded by Muintir na Tíre in 1985 following a spike in rural crime, break-ins and illegal activity. For the past 40 years, community alert has not only protected communities but has also shown the importance of communities working together. It has evolved into a vital support network that helps to prevent crime, promotes social inclusion and strengthens community spirit. It is important that we acknowledge the immense contribution by community alert groups and Muintir na Tíre in ensuring the safety and well-being of people across the country. Throughout its 40-year history, community alert has continuously adapted to meet the changing needs of society.”
“I thank the Minister of State for that comprehensive response. I noted everything he said, but it still did not provide an answer as to when the stakeholder forum would actually be delivered. This has been promised since 2019. We are seeing changes in the legislation and rules regarding firearms, yet there is no consultation with those who are actively involved in this. It feels kind of remiss to note the firearms consultative panel, given that it has not met since 2019. I take the Minister of State’s reply on board but I am seeking that the stakeholder forum be established within the next 12 months. It has been promised for the past six years. All these groups are seeking is that it be established and that proper engagement happen.”
“Rural firearms users should have a seat at the table and, in this case, the first job is to bring back the table and allow discussions to happen.”
“The firearms users group, which is a coalition comprising groups such as the National Association of Regional Game Councils, the Irish Deer Commission and farm organisations, including the IFA, ICMSA, ICSA and the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association, have come together to develop proposals, for example, a membership structure and terms of references for a new permanent stakeholders forum for licensed firearms holders. These proposals have been submitted to the Department of Justice, including to the new Minister. The groups are still awaiting a response. I ask the Minister of State to commit today to meeting the firearms users group and the NARGC to discuss the proposals and to further commit to establishing a new stakeholder forum for licensed firearms holders.”
“However, this panel has not met since 2019, covering the lifetime of the previous Government, which is disappointing for those involved in this industry. Twelve months ago, rural stakeholder groups were told by the Department that the need for more regular and structured engagement between policymakers and firearms users would be explored. A year later, there has still been zero progress on this. However, there has been progress by the rural stakeholder group.”
“Just as licensed firearms use is important to the economic, social and cultural life of rural Ireland, licensed firearms users are important stakeholders who should have a voice when it comes to debates and discussions on firearms regulation in Ireland. Many of the rural groups representing licensed firearm users have expressed concerns about inconsistencies in the interpretation and implementation of firearms legislation. One would imagine these groups would be in a position to bring these concerns to the table and have discussions with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána but the problem is there is no table. This forum does not exist. There was previously a firearms consultative panel comprised of various firearms interest groups which the Department consulted with on various matters relating to firearms.”
“I raise the establishment of a new stakeholder forum for licensed firearms holders. Licensed firearms, namely, shotguns and rifles, have an important place in rural Ireland. Farmers and hunters use licensed firearms to control vermin and tackle predators, protect crops, livestock and poultry and protect habitats and biodiversity, including in cases of overpopulation of deer. In addition, game hunting is an important cultural and recreational pursuit in rural Ireland, evidenced by the enduring presence of more than 1,000 gun clubs in communities and parishes around Ireland, boasting approximately 25,000 members nationwide.”
“Our participation in Horizon Europe and increased international collaboration means the lack of modern infrastructure puts our researchers at a disadvantage before a project begins. I strongly believe we must consult institutional leaders to set up the funding and we should have a dedicated stream for institutions outside Dublin, recognising the extraordinary research potential across our regions, particularly in Cork. My apologies, Chair, and I thank the Minister.”
“However, many of its laboratories rely on analytical equipment that is more than 15 years old. Similarly, the Munster Technological University's Nimbus Research Centre, which is a national leader in smart technologies, is facing certain constraints due to ageing equipment. These are not just local losses but national missed prospects. Investment in equipment renewal is a strategic investment in our future. A modern equipment base is essential to support our growing innovation economy, attract and retain global talent and ensure our graduates are industry-ready. Without it, I believe we risk falling behind in vital areas like renewable energy, AI, biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. We currently have a significant opportunity in Ireland.”
“I thank the Minister for being here to discuss this vital motion, which I fully support. I wish to focus on the call on the Government to prioritise and fund a national equipment renewal programme across Ireland's further and higher education institutions. As a nation we have long prided ourselves on being a knowledge economy and placing innovation, research and education at the heart of national development. This cannot continue to be the case if our students and researchers are working with equipment that is outdated and sometimes unfit for purpose. In my alma mater, University College Cork, exceptional work is being carried out in the Environmental Research Institute. The institute is leading critical research on climate change adaptation and biodiversity loss.”
“We also need to look at funding research and evaluation to measure the long-term economic, social and health impacts of service dogs in disability support, particularly in reducing reliance on formal care services, improving community participation and enhancing well-being. It could also be important and valuable to launch a public awareness campaign to address barriers faced by service dog users in public spaces and workplaces and on transport, ensuring that legal protections are both known and respected. These are very practical suggestions, in line with our obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which we have ratified. This is a blind spot we must address, and investing in service dogs is not just about compassion. It is about rights and efficiency and it is also about fairness.”
“Under-recognition in policy frameworks is also a big issue in this area. Service dogs are not consistently recognised across disability policy documents and funding models, and it leaves a critical support unaccounted for. I am seeking the establishment of a dedicated service dog support fund designed to cofund the training, placement and support of accredited service dogs in partnership with not-for-profit providers. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Autism report, which was published in June 2023, noted: the State must also invest in organisations providing autism assistance dogs, such as Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI). [...] It is clear that State funding is needed to increase the capacity of organisations such as AADI to provide assistance dogs to autistic people. We have yet to see this recommendation actioned.”
“I appreciate that funding may not be available directly from the Minister of State's Department but, similarly to what my colleague said previously, maybe we could look at cross-departmental funding. Maybe it is something that could be funded under a CLÁR measure. These are things that should be explored. There is a knock-on effect from the lack of funding. There are issues with limited supply and long waiting lists. Service dog providers are unable to meet the growing demand and waiting lists are often two to three years long, during which time individuals are left without the support. In 2023 - these are just figures related to My Canine Companion, never mind the other two organisations - it was able to provide 100 families with dogs but this was out of 1,750 applicants. There is a need there.”
“My Canine Companion has many school service dogs across the country. It currently has 91 active service dogs but has received 360 expressions of interest and just cannot meet that demand. In light of this, there are many critical issues we need to address. First and foremost is the lack of funding. Service dog training and placement costs range from €15,000 to €38,000, depending on which of the three groups we are dealing with. While Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind does receive some State funding, as I have mentioned, My Canine Companion receives zero, as does Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland. They are completely self-funded through fundraising and donations. This is both unsustainable and inequitable.”
“It is based in Blackpool, Cork, and provides 50% of Ireland's autism assistance dogs. This service is provided free of charge and it does not receive any Government funding. I want to be very clear on this because service dogs are not a luxury. They are assistive supports and are as essential as a mobility aid or communication device, yet we have no dedicated statutory funding scheme for them. This is potentially a failure that undermines our commitment to equality, independence and inclusion. As a disability advocate who works closely with families, I have seen the life-changing impacts these highly trained animals can have. I have also seen the difference they can make in schools. Millstreet Community School is a school in my area of Cork North-West that has benefited greatly from having a school service dog.”
“I thank the Munster Agricultural Society in Cork for that opportunity. It runs Cork Summer Show and is a household name. It introduced me to Niall and Cliona at its recent charity ball, which was in aid of My Canine Companion. It has also selected the organisation as its charity partner this year, so massive kudos is due to it for doing that. At that event, we were addressed by two speakers, Caroline Hyde and Nicole Duggan, both of whom have children who benefited from service dogs. It was really poignant to hear of the positive change these dogs have made not only to their children with autism but to their family as a whole. My Canine Companion provides accredited service dogs to people with disabilities, predominantly autism, as well as a range of therapy dog services and autism awareness programmes.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach. Gabhaim buíochas léi as a bheith anseo inniu agus guím gach rath uirthi lena post nua. The area of disability is one that affects almost all families in some form or other. Therefore, it is incredibly important that we are discussing it today. I wish to speak on an issue of growing importance in the area of disability services, the role of service dogs in supporting people with disabilities across the State. Currently, three organisations in Ireland provide assistance dogs, namely, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland and My Canine Companion. While I was familiar with My Canine Companion, it was only recently that I had the opportunity to meet with the founders, Cliona O'Rourke and Niall Ruddy.”
“Ba mhaith liom ceist a bhaineann le Gaeltacht Mhúscraí i mo cheantar féin i gCorcaigh Thiar Thuaidh a bhaineann le tithíocht a ardú. Is ceist thromchúiseach sa réimse seo í an easpa tithíochta a bheith ar fáil. Creidim go bhfuil an mhoill ar fhoilsiú na ndréacht-threoirlínte pleanála don Ghaeltacht ag cur bac ollmhór ar fhorbairt tithíocht sna ceantair Ghaeltachta. Tá na treoirlínte seo ar bun ó 2022 agus tá sé ríthábhachtach go bhfoilseofar iad mar ábhar práinne chun go bhfanfadh ár gceantair Ghaeltachta bríomhar, chun a chinntiú nach laghdóidh líon na scoileanna, chun gur féidir le foirne áitiúla leanúint ar aghaidh ag dul chun cinn, agus chun go ndéanfaimid ár ndícheall ár gceantair Ghaeltachta a chosaint.”