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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“Tá sí beo nuair a labhraímid í, nuair a mhúinimid dár bpáistí í, agus nuair a úsáidimid í sna siopaí, sna scoileanna agus ar na sráideanna – timpeall na háite. Ní leor í a chosaint; caithfimid í a húsáid. Mar a deir an seanfhocal “beatha teanga í a labhairt”. Mar sin, bíodh misneach againn ár dteanga a labhairt, is cuma cén leibhéal atá againn. Uaireanta, bíonn achrann agus leisce ag baint le bheith ag labhairt Gaeilge mar ceapann daoine go bhfuil gá dóibh Gaeilge fhoirfe a bheith acu. Ach ní hé sin an cás in aon chor. Bheadh sé níos fearr dá mbeadh muinín ag daoine cúpla focal a úsáid go laethúil. Is ár dteanga í agus tá sé an-tábhachtach go mbeadh daoine in ann í a labhairt, cibé má tá sé líofa nó le pidsean-Ghaeilge.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit agus gabhaim buíochas leis as ucht a bheith anseo linn inniu do Sheachtain - nó coicís - na Gaeilge. Táimid bailithe inniu chun labhairt faoi rud atá fíorthábhachtach dúinn mar mhuintir na hÉireann, is é sin ár dteanga dhúchais, an Ghaeilge, agus í a chur chun cinn. Is cuid dár bhféiniúlacht í an Ghaeilge. Is í an nasc idir sinne agus ár sinsear, teanga a mhair tríd na cianta agus a lán dúshláin. Nuair a labhraímid í, tugaimid beocht dár stair agus dár gcultúr. Ní hamháin gur oidhreacht í an Ghaeilge ach is deis í freisin. Osclaíonn sí doirse do phobal bríomhar, do shaothar liteartha iontacha agus do dheiseanna oibre i saol an aistriúcháin, na meáin agus saol an oideachais. Tá suim ag níos mó daoine ar fud an domhain sa Ghaeilge ná mar a bhí riamh. Ach is fúinne atá sé í a chaomhnú agus a chur chun cinn.”
“This is not helped by the delays that are then faced in the court system. The complex nature of the legislation is damaging older people's rights. Without widespread education and training and, potentially, the simplification of the Act, there is a risk that the rights of the vulnerable individuals that it is trying to protect will not be upheld. The Act is a step in the right direction, but these challenges must be addressed to ensure it serves those who need it most.”
“This view is reflected by colleagues in the legal profession. The paperwork involved can create delays and confusion, which makes it much harder for people to access the support they need in a timely manner. A second issue relates to resource constraints in regard to implementation. The Decision Support Service, which overseas the implementation of this Act, has faced significant backlogs and funding challenges. Many people in need of this decision-making support have struggled to get timely assessments or assistance. Without adequate resources the system risks failing those it was initially designed to protect. As I indicated, awareness and training are such a problem with his Act. Healthcare professionals, legal experts and individuals affected by it are still not fully aware of how it works and what is the best way to implement it.”
“A key factor in this change appears to be the significant increase in the number of people aged over 60 and in particular in the over-85 age group, which will more than triple between 2018 and 2050. There are a lot of people living with diseases which will impact their mental capacity. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act is incredibly complex. It essentially gives decision-making power to a nominated relative or independent decision maker by order of a court when a person is no longer competent. While the system is designed to be flexible, in reality it is not. It is completely overwhelming for individuals and families, and even for professionals who are trying to navigate the process. I say this as a solicitor who has dealt with it and who finds it incredibly complex.”
“While this legislation was a significant step forward in protecting the rights of individuals with impaired capacity, it definitely has not been without its difficulties. While enduring power of attorney is still valid should a person lose their mental capacity, such an agreement now needs to be registered. The danger of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act arises where an elderly person loses mental capacity and does not have a power of attorney in place. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act then kicks in. The legislation is currently affecting many older people. When we look at dementia alone, Ireland exceeds the broader European trend, with the number of people with dementia expected to almost double by 2050.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the Chamber and congratulate him on his appointment. I am delighted that we are having this very important discussion. I fully support the motion. Like many of my colleagues, I also strongly believe that community-based living and healthcare are the way forward to allow older people to live for longer in their communities. As has been noted, we have an ageing population and people are living longer. We must look at new solutions, such as making private retirement villages with on-site healthcare provision, the norm. I want to raise the challenges posed by the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022, which was enacted in 2023, given the difficulties it provides for many elderly people and their families.”
“We need to change our policies to provide greater support for our carers and I am glad that the phasing out of the carer's allowance means test during the course of this Government is included in the programme for Government. I also believe that this is an area where we can adopt best practice sharing across the European Union where you see many excellent pilot projects and I would encourage the Minister to consider this topic for discussion as part of Ireland's upcoming EU Presidency in light of the European care strategy that was proposed by the Commission in 2022. We need to ensure that every woman in Ireland receives the care and dignity she deserves and we need to commit to a healthcare system where women are heard, where their health is prioritised and where no woman is left behind.”
“We need to ensure a wraparound service that supports women at every stage of the life-cycle and in each choice that they make. Finally, it would be remiss to speak about women's health and not mention the number of women across the country providing care in the home - caring for children and adults with additional needs, their ageing relatives and partners. While 300,000 people across the country identify as unpaid carers, 61% of these carers are women. While caring is traditionally seen as more of a women's role, this mindset is embedded as a part of the fabric of our society. In reality, each and every one of us has been cared for at some point in our lives and however brief, we will likely have to care for somebody at some time. This is a hallmark of our society and it should be a hallmark of our aim to build a more equal society.”
“We need greater investment in female-focused medical research as, historically, women have been under-represented in clinical trials and our existing knowledge of women's health conditions is incomplete - it is actually woeful. I welcome the proposed further radical listening exercises which are to take place under the women's health action plan and I would appreciate it if the Minister could provide some further clarification on this. I also believe that we can do more to support women when it comes to reproductive healthcare. I note that is an issue that has been mentioned today by many of my colleagues. I hope to see further roll-out of State-funded IVF treatment for those with difficulty conceiving, but also egg freezing.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the Minister to the House. We are speaking today on an issue that affects every family and every community. The Government has made significant strides in improving healthcare for women in Ireland but many women still struggle to access the care that they need when they need it. I know from experience in my area of Cork North-West that too many women, particularly in rural areas, face barriers when accessing essential services. There are several areas where we can improve. First, we need to create a culture of listening and research when it comes to women's health. For too long, women's pain and symptoms have been dismissed or normalised - the gender pain gap. We need to change this.”
“The Minister noted within his response the level of services provided by Youthreach. It is a truly fantastic service and we are lucky to have it in the town, but the standard of the current building is disappointing. The Minister stated that he had been down there, but I will of course extend an invite to him to come down and see it again. It is poor that students and staff are in these conditions and the matter cannot seem to be expedited.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. I appreciate the detail in it and his obvious commitment to this. Nonetheless, it is incredibly disappointing that very little progress seems to have been made on this. Initially, there was meant to be a new centre in 2023, then in 2024. Being brutally honest, we are at the start of the month of March now, so from reading that, it is highly unlikely we will have progress for September 2025. I would be obliged if the Minister could provide any further clarity as to where we actually are in terms of due diligence. In regard to sanctioning a lease, I am aware that there is a property in the town that is being considered, but the personnel in Youthreach and I were under the impression that the consideration was much further along than appears to be the case.”
“Many progress to further education and training, apprenticeships or employment. It is vital that a new building be secured as soon as possible.”
“A further 20% have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ASD. We are failing these vulnerable young people by providing them with an inadequate building in which to learn. At present, the centre is at full capacity, which is 20 students. While there is a great demand for more spaces it is not possible with the condition of the building. The team there had been advised that a new building would be ready by September last but this did not come happen. They are still awaiting confirmation on whether the proposed new building has been acquired and will be open and ready for its purpose in 2025. The team of students and staff in Youthreach Macroom carry out outstanding work and boast an exceptionally high success and progression rate. Students leave there with a major Quality and Qualifications Ireland, QQI, award in employment skills.”
“Without a doubt, the building is in breach of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act. Youthreach provides an invaluable service to young people in Macroom and the surrounding areas. It is a great testament to the wonderful staff that they continue to provide such high standards of education in these dire conditions. As well as those from Macroom town, students come from all over the mid-Cork region, with some even coming from as far away as Kenmare in County Kerry. By the Department's own admission, Youthreach works with the most vulnerable students. During lockdown, no others in the education sector were requested to work face to face apart from Youthreach students and staff. In Macroom, Youthreach 25% of students come from international protection accommodation services, IPAS, centres and 20% from the Traveller community.”
“I thank the Minister for taking this matter, which relates to the need for an update on the status of a new building for Macroom Youthreach further education and training centre. Macroom is my hometown in County Cork. For more than 20 years, the Youthreach building in Macroom has not been fit for purpose. There is little to no insulation. The only form of heating comes from a heater hanging from the ceiling and plug-in electrical heaters. The roof is not fire-proofed. There is mould throughout the building. There are exposed electrical wires throughout the building and a single bathroom for students and teachers. There have even been problems with rodents. These are just some of the issues with the building. There have also been water leaks, as well as flooding due to recent heavy rain.”
“I call on the Minister to come to the House to address this matter and guarantee that an adequate facility will be provided to match the standard and level of education being provided to the students by Youthreach.”
“Youthreach provides an invaluable service to young people in Macroom and the surrounding areas. It is a great testament to the wonderful staff that they continue to provide such high standards of education in these dire conditions. As well as coming from the town, students come from as far as Kanturk in north Cork, Balingeary to the west of Macroom, Lissarda to the east of Macroom and Kenmare in County Kerry. A quarter come from IPAS centres, with 20% members of the Traveller community and another 20% with an ASD diagnosis. We are failing these young people by providing them with an inadequate building in which to learn. The team there had been advised that a new building would be ready by September 2024. This did not come to fruition. They still wait for confirmation on whether this proposed new building has been acquired.”
“I raise an issue in my home town of Macroom in County Cork. I seek an update on the status of a new building for the Youthreach Further Education and Training Centre in the town. I ask the House to invite the Minister for further and higher education to the Chamber to discuss this. I have raised this as a Commencement matter but I understand a high volume of matters have been submitted and this has not been selected. I will raise it again but I mention it today because of the urgency of the situation. For more than 20 years the Youthreach building in Macroom has not been fit for purpose. It has little to no insulation, the roof is not fire-proofed, there is mould throughout the building and there are problems with rodents. These are only some of the many issues I could highlight.”
“By supporting this initiative, we are investing in our future leaders and entrepreneurs. We are ensuring that the next generation has the same opportunities that previous generations enjoyed. I strongly believe that opening negotiations on the implementation of this scheme are a step in the right direction, and it is important that we support it.”
“A structured youth mobility scheme such as the one under discussion would allow young people to study in world-class institutions, access new job markets and develop skills that will benefit their own economies in the long term. At a time when global challenges demand international co-operation, this initiative would to help foster understanding and shared progress between the UK and the EU. Opting into these negotiations reinforces Ireland's position as a bridge between the EU and the UK. It shows our commitment to keeping strong connections despite political shifts and ensures young people remain at the heart of our relationship with Britain and the EU. This is about shaping a future in which young people can thrive in a more connected and dynamic Europe.”
“This proposed scheme provides an innovative way to deal with the mobility barriers which currently exist for young people in the UK and the rest of Europe, respectively. This proposal has conditions, as the Minister has outlined, in that it applies to people between the ages and 18 to 30 and allows them to work, live or go to college in their destination country for up to three years. It also allows grounds for refusal of entry. I understand the proposal would not replicate the freedom-of-movement principle that existed before Brexit, and that it would also be on a without-prejudice basis in respect of our common travel area. As a country with a unique relationship with both the UK and the EU, Ireland has a responsibility, and an opportunity, to ensure young people do not lose access to the benefits of mobility and exchange.”
“I congratulate the Leas-Chathaoirleach on her appointment. It is well deserved and I look forward to working with her in the term ahead. I also welcome the Minister to the Chamber. I wish to fully support this motion seeking to open negotiations for an EU-UK agreement on a youth experience scheme. While Brexit has done untold damage to the future of young people across the UK, this proposed scheme is a crucial opportunity to strengthen the ties between young people in Europe and the UK, creating new pathways for cultural exchange, education and employment. While we in Ireland have fortunately benefitted from the common travel area with the UK, in a post-Brexit world, the same cannot be said for the rest of the EU.”
“These service users, as they are getting older, are receiving day services as opposed to a full-time residential service, which is again a saving to the Exchequer. The people involved with these families and service users are often neglected. We do often see them protesting. I feel it is very important that we reinstate this transport facility for over-18 service users. Not providing the service to them is placing a great barrier in the way of them accessing services.”
“Under the school-leaver rehabilitative training exit programme, no funding is provided for transport for adults to receive these day services. Transport is available for access to these services on a discretionary basis in exceptional cases, but there is no definition of this term anywhere within the governing guidelines for the school-leaver rehabilitative training programme. I appreciate that this may be something we should be discussing with the Minister for Health as well, but having previously raised the issue through the HSE forum, I was advised it was a transport issue. In my county of Cork, €3.6 million goes into these day services for adults with disabilities every year. There are 242 service users across 25 providers. The carers facilitating transport for these adult service users are saving us millions of euro every year.”
“I start by congratulating the Cathaoirleach on his election to his position. I also congratulate my party colleague Senator Seán Kyne on his election as Leader of the Seanad. It is an honour for me to be here as an elected Senator. I have been involved in politics for many years now at a party level and a local level. Contesting the Seanad election and meeting the wonderful councillors we have all around the country was quite the experience. I am really delighted to be here. I thank all those who supported me, particularly my family and friends, who have stood by me through all of this. I ask that we seek a debate with the Minister for Transport on the provision of transport services for those receiving adult disability day services.”