Eoghan Kenny
Cork North-Central · Labour Party · Ireland
“The barriers facing families today may be different but the principle has not changed. The Labour Party believes opportunity should be determined by talent, effort and ambition, not by the balance in a parent's bank account. Technology has transformed education for the better and it is now an essential part of modern schooling.”
“Parents across Ireland are sitting at kitchen tables trying to work out how they are going to pay for another school year. For far too many families, the excitement of a child returning to school has been replaced by financial anxiety. Increasingly, parents are being forced into debt simply to educate their children.”
“Having been a teacher in two schools, I recognise that these tablets and these laptops that are provided to schools break and that maintenance for them is coming out of capitation grants that cannot be fulfilled by the schools because they are using capitation grants elsewhere.”
“I raise the issue of the lack of a plan for a new public sector pay deal and the lack of engagement on this matter. SIPTU, Fórsa, Unite and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, INMO, are now to ballot their members for industrial action, up to and including strike action.”
“We need to stop pretending otherwise and introduce enforceable protections for families. As schools become more dependent on technology than ever before, the Government has cut the ICT grant by almost €15 million. That grant stands at just €35 million with no dedicated funding for repairs or maintenance.”
“It is a guidance letter once again, a guidance circular that was produced by the Minister at the time in 2017 that gave absolutely no consequences to the school for having branded school uniforms. In my opening speech I, as well as my colleagues, welcomed the free books scheme.”
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“The Minister of State said that the same package that was agreed with secretaries will be offered to caretakers. That package is a load of rubbish. I would not even offer it to the caretakers. It is a matter of disrespect. I would not offer it to them. I know, and the Minister of State knows that I know, about this issue first hand. I live at home with my grandmother, who has been a secretary for nearly 30 years. She is the longest serving staff member at St. Patrick's Boys' National School in Mallow. She will not be entitled to a pension. That is the difficulty. She is 70 years old and does not feel like she can retire because of that income. It is the same for a lot of secretaries and caretakers across the country. The matter has been to the Labour Court and the WRC.”
“I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, for securing a school bus for Rahan National School. That is essential, and I thank him for his work. We have worked extremely closely on that school bus.”
“We do not want these people in a position where they feel, ultimately, that they are not wanted or respected. The Minister referred to the reform of the pension scheme. That has completely failed. People are leaving these services, including An Garda Síochána, fire services, the Prison Service and the Defence Forces. It does not take anyone to see it. If you look at it from the outside in, they are leaving.”
“Mr. Karl Dalton, the Prison Officers Association general secretary, said, “If the last government believes that extending the retirement age alone addressed the concerns of Prison Officers, Gardai [sic], Firefighters and members of the Defence Forces, this survey [which was carried out] shows just how little they understand these services and the people who work in them.” I know the Minister does not want this to be his legacy within the Department of expenditure, but he and the rest of the Government have a decision to make. We have a retention and recruitment crisis. These are the men and women on the ground. If there is any storm across the country, or any crisis, we are all safe at home, but these people are on the front line. They are out there representing this country. That is the bottom line here.”
“On the face of it, that is a complete and utter "No". Do Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, and the Government for many years now, not realise that the men and women in our Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, fire services and Prison Service go above and beyond? What we have right now in all of our public service, but particularly in our uniformed services, is a retention and recruitment crisis. All of those groups I mentioned - gardaí, firefighters, Defence Forces personnel and Prison Service staff - have stated that, because of this pension scheme, more and more people are leaving early. If you are told at the age of 55 that you have to get a new job, why would you not do so now? You would because you do not know what condition you will be in at 55. That is no disrespect to anybody but it is a fact.”
“I am taking this question on behalf of my colleague, Deputy Duncan Smith. This is something he and the Labour Party as a whole have championed for many years. Will the Government commit to the reinstatement of the supplementary pension facility for uniformed services to ensure that retention and recruitment can increase?”
“The question is fundamentally clear. Will the Department of education have this programme established by October next year? Right now, to me, it seems that it will not. The Government cannot even answer as to who will carry out these educational assessments. That is the question I am asking. Will it be teachers? Will it be SENOs? Who will it be?”
“The question was simple. Who will carry out these educational assessments? Will it be teachers? Will it be SENOs? Who will it be? John Boyle from the INTO said this morning that teachers were not consulted, briefed or even informed in advance of these proposals. It is grossly unfair that Government Departments are using vulnerable children as political footballs after failing to provide them with timely assessments and therapeutic supports. The question is fairly simple. Who will carry out these educational assessments that were announced yesterday? I never said that I was against what was announced yesterday.”
“Teachers cannot and should not be expected to take on duties that belong to psychologists, clinicians or multidisciplinary teams. This shift undermines the integrity of the entire assessment process and places schools in an impossible position. It also risks leaving families unsupported and pupils at genuine risk of not receiving the appropriate provision that they are entitled to. The proposal seems to be driven not by what is best for children, but by the inability of the health and disability sector to manage the assessment of need backlog. Who will carry out these educational assessments? How will the Department of education manage and resource this responsibility? Crucially, and I want an answer to this question, has the process of establishing this new special educational assessment begun within the Department of education?”
“I also ask whether the Minister, Deputy Naughton, was aware of these changes yesterday, or was it a surprise to her? It was duly noted that there was no representative from the Department of education at this announcement yesterday. Teachers themselves will say that they are not the ones who should be in the position of determining an appropriate place for a child with additional needs. In reality, this leaves parents in a worse-off position. They will now be chasing two parallel pathways, one to get the therapies they need, and one to get the diagnosis and school place they need. Does the Taoiseach believe that this makes sense? Yesterday, 85% of the teachers surveyed reported moderate to high work-related burnout. Is the Government now placing this burden on them?”
“The Minister, Deputy Foley, reiterated yesterday that people will no longer need an assessment of need to get a place in a special school or class, instead saying it is up to education to decide on how these places will be assigned. She outlined that some sort of special educational assessment will be established to get a school place for a child, saying it was her hope that the Department of education would have the new system in place for the September 2027 academic year. Who will carry out this new special educational assessment? Will it be teachers or SENOs? There is no point in the Government suggesting that more psychologists, clinicians or multidisciplinary teams will be required, because the Government has made that money available to hire for these roles, but the roles are not being filled.”
“Yesterday, we saw the announcement from the Minister, Deputy Norma Foley, that the Government will replace the existing assessment of need process with a new system. However, I have deep concerns about the proposal announced to replace the requirement for a formal diagnosis when determining access to a special class or special school. As a former teacher, I cannot overstate the seriousness of this development. This proposal has profound implications for schools, teachers and the children and families who rely on appropriate, timely and specialist assessment. Replacing diagnostic criteria with an educational assessment places an unreasonable and unsafe burden on schools. To me, it seems that we will streamline the process of receiving therapies, but leave a massive void in how special classes and places will be assigned.”
“I understand the reasoning behind the amendment and how the Minister cannot support it, but we need a clear understanding that this Parliament must support all young people who wish to seek a future by means of pursing apprenticeships.”
“We cannot allow it just to be an historic amount of money that is being given. In the context of each budget, every year the Department must look at how apprenticeships can be promoted even more. Third level education and apprenticeships must be on the same level. That is a fact. We must not stigmatise apprenticeship. We must make that very clear to people. The way we will have to do this is make it clear to people who want to pursue apprenticeships that they will be paid well. That is the bottom line. What we do not want is big employers and companies that are making billions in profits taking on apprentices and paying them a pittance. What we want to see is a good day's pay for a good day's work. Anyone taking up any of the 78 apprenticeships currently in place wants that also. We need a clear focus on apprenticeships.”
“I thank colleagues for their contributions on the amendment. As the Minister stated, everyone is in agreement. We need apprentices. My constituency colleague Deputy Gould is right, however, in that we actually cannot get apprentices. There are people who have contacted my office and said that something broke at home, that it has been two weeks and that they cannot get somebody out to fix it. They need a joiner, for example, but they cannot seem to get one. The evidence is there that there have been systemic issues either in the Department or in government for many years whereby people did not appreciate the role of apprenticeships. I hope a change is happening in that regard. I welcome the fact that there has been a historic allocation for apprenticeships in budget 2026, but we need to continue to progress that.”
“That was always the norm in this country but now we are seeing a different spectrum where people from all areas are going into an apprenticeship because they are figuring out the role they want to do. There has to be a significant culture change and, slowly but surely, we are moving towards it. That change has to involve accepting that apprenticeships are on the same level as third level degrees. I know the Minister will say it is but I must say again it has to be a priority for the Government. There are so many young people out there. As the Minister said, there are 78 apprenticeship courses. It has to be an absolute essential for this Government.”
“I thank the Minister for his engagement on this. Going slightly off the amendment for a moment, he touched on an important aspect of apprenticeships more broadly. As I said and he referenced, there is still a slight mantra in Ireland that an apprentice is second best to a child or young person who goes on to UCC, UCD, Trinity or somewhere like that. There is still that perception out there. As a former teacher, I find that difficult to accept. I call on every teacher across the country to take on my fundamental belief that encouragement must be given to students to go into apprenticeships. We will always need plumbers, carpenters and hairdressers. The essential thing is that we prioritise those. It is often the case that those who seek an apprenticeship are from a socioeconomically disadvantaged area.”
“I spent a lot of time as a teacher encouraging students to do an apprenticeship because third level education and college life are not for everybody. People across the country appreciate that, as do most people in this Chamber. The point we try to get across is that when we try to encourage apprenticeships, we must also encourage employers to take on new apprentices. That is what this amendment speaks to. From the conversations the Minister and I have had, I understand EU legislation has to be looked at in relation to how we would implement this amendment. I would appreciate if the Minister's Department would work with me on this. It is essential and it speaks to the core values of the young people we represent, or say we represent, across the country.”
“I appreciate the conversations we have had on this and I understand legislation from Europe is involved in how we would implement such an amendment, but it is important the Department of further and higher education realise that amendments like this being tabled show it is clearly and utterly necessary to recognise the role of apprenticeships in every facet of building that goes on in this country. It is not just building; a significant amount of people want to do mechanics or hairdressing. There are loads of apprenticeship courses that can be offered now but it is about promoting them. It is not so long since I was in school and I always felt there was a slight stigma about the role of apprenticeships. I do not know where that comes from.”
“It is fantastic to see. However, they face constant barriers when it comes to apprenticeships. One of those main barriers, of course, is the financial aspect to being an apprentice and the significant issue apprentices face in terms of their income. The point of the amendment in its entirety is that if companies across this country wish to build public buildings, a part and a condition of that would be that they have to give young people the opportunity for an apprenticeship or training courses. From an outsider's perspective, what it would look like is quite simple and straightforward.”
“I move amendment No. 2: In page 3, between lines 18 and 19, to insert the following: “(2C) A payment for a purpose specified in subsection (1) in respect of works referred to in subsection (2B)(b) shall, where practicable, be made subject to the condition that tenders for the procurement of those works shall include as a condition that apprenticeships or training opportunities, of such nature and number as are specified by An tSeirbhís, are provided by the contractor during the period of execution of those works.”.”. The Minister will be well aware of why I am placing this amendment before the Dáil. It is essential that priority is given to young people across this country who wish to seek an apprenticeship. I think of the many young people I taught and the number of them who wished to seek a career as an apprentice.”
“The Labour Party will never apologise for standing up for the most marginalised in our society. I urge our colleagues across this House to support the motion.”
“The difference between our party and theirs is that we are not afraid to stand up to support marginalised trans people. They are, because bigotry outweighs genuine concerns. I do not have to put on a political caricature to pretend I understand the issues that people across this country face. Some do. In fact, the shared issues across healthcare are apparent in the motion before us. Trans people are facing severe delays and regional inequalities just like many cisgender people across the country trying to access healthcare. Trans healthcare in Ireland is not up to standard and it is vital that these issues are raised in this House. This House is representative of the people of Ireland, and trans people in Ireland are just as entitled to have their public services and the lack thereof raised in this Parliament.”
“It has been suggested that this motion is not called for and that other, more important issues should be raised. To that, I tell Deputies to look around them. This is a big Chamber with over 170 Deputies. The spectrum of issues we all raise is massive. I have spent my time in this Dáil raising various issues that affect this country. I would never suggest that one of these issues is more important than another because any one of those issues is the biggest issue someone in this country is facing today. It was referenced that our party has somehow turned its back on the people we represent. What a stupid comment. Every single one of my colleagues sitting around me and our councillors in local authorities know exactly the issues facing people across this country. Trans healthcare is an issue.”
“This year, we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Gender Recognition Act. It is a progressive beacon to Europe and the rest of the world. It shows that we can be progressive, inclusive and ahead of the curve. I must call out the nonsense we hear when we raise trans issues, particularly from Deputies in certain quarters of this House, on the Independent Ireland benches.”
“Even people who were receiving gender-affirming healthcare in other countries and then move to Ireland must go through the initial process before accessing the same services here. The reliance on private healthcare either via the national gender service or as an alternative to it creates class disparities and puts further financial pressure on trans people. I also want to speak to the broader issue of transphobia and transphobic abuse in Ireland and further afield. I do not understand where the hatred of trans people and the scaremongering about them come from. There is no need for this level of hatred. Trans people simply want to live their lives happy and comfortable in themselves. They want dignity and respect. They want to be able to receive healthcare just like anyone else.”
“I am delighted to speak on this motion. It is timely in that it has been only a matter of weeks since we had homophobic attacks on the streets of my home city of Cork. This behaviour is repulsive and should be roundly condemned by all in this House. No one should walk our streets in fear, no matter who they are. One of the best things this Government could do to address issues of homophobia and transphobia would be to address the shortcomings in our public services. If our State treats the LGBTQI+ community with less regard and less focus, this lesser regard will be mirrored in our society. We see big gaps in the provision of healthcare services and it is no different for trans people. In 2024, we had the longest known waiting times in Europe for trans healthcare.”
“This is now an opportunity for the Government and the Tánaiste, as the new Minister for Finance, to step in and make a clear indication to all secretaries and caretakers across this country that he will stand up for their entitlements and give them those entitlements.”
“It is my first opportunity to wish the Tánaiste well in his new role. I wish to speak on the secretaries and caretakers talks, which have broken down again, in relation to their pension entitlements and leave entitlements. Mr. Andy Pike from Fórsa said: The Department’s refusal to table a constructive proposal on this point has now brought the process to an impasse. School secretaries and caretakers have shown extraordinary patience. Their determination to secure a just and long-overdue resolution remains unwavering. But if progress continues to be blocked, we cannot – and will not – rule out further strike action. We do not want to see more secretaries and caretakers outside our door. We do not want to see schools operating with no secretaries and no one at the front door or to do the maintenance work in the schools.”
“What crazes me – I will touch on it very briefly – is an example under the Mercosur deal where EU policy seems inconsistent. Certain pesticides are banned for use in the EU, although EU companies can still manufacture and sell products containing them elsewhere, including to Mercosur countries. Farmers in Mercosur countries could then sell these products, which use these pesticides that are deemed unsafe for the environment and human health, back to Europe. A trade deal with Mercosur would incentivise the expansion of this market. I absolutely welcome this motion and I am calling out Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for their complete disregard for farmers and rural communities across this country.”
“We need the Irish Government to stand up for standards in food production, environmental protection and workers’ rights and ensure family farms are kept in all trade deals at European level. To touch on some of the points the Minister made, the EU has made funds available for hardship or losses endured as a result of the Mercosur deal, but it is unclear how difficult it will be to trigger these funds. The Department said the Irish Government should be able to obtain these moneys for farmers who lose out, but speaking before the committee on agriculture, a Department of agriculture official said there would be a high threshold for accessing EU support. They are taking farmers for granted. They are trying a small bit to make them into fools.”
“Traditionally, our local supermarkets, pubs, cafés and businesses were established initially to provide services and products for local people. Many people have been employed in creameries, co-ops and State agencies or as farm labourers and farmers. Those of us who live and have grown up in rural Ireland know well the importance of agriculture. They do not know that, perhaps, here in the centre of Dublin. While rural economies have grown and diversified, we know the vital role agriculture has in our local economies. We have much pride in our local produce and support for Irish farmers can be found across our communities. I have serious concerns about this deal, as do the people of north Cork, whom I represent. The farming sector, which contributes hugely to the local economy of north Cork, does too.”
“I am not opposed to a trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur countries, but I want the trade deals made at this level to benefit workers and ensure that our environment is protected, jobs are not lost and family farms and farmers’ livelihoods are protected. The value of the beef sector in Ireland must also be protected internationally. That is why we would welcome a genuine partnership between the EU and Mercosur, as long as it is built on strong workers’ rights, environmental protection and the security of our farming industry. The proposed deal, however, does not convince me in that regard. The agriculture and farming sector holds a particular importance in rural Ireland. Our local economies have grown around the sector.”
“The fear we have is that a trade deal lacking in these areas is going to create severe problems for both workers and the environment. I am not casting negativity on South American countries. Indeed, the European Union and countries within it, including Ireland, are severely lacking in protections for workers and actions and policies to combat climate change. Perhaps this is why concern is so well founded. The European Union and Mercosur countries do not prioritise ordinary workers and the environment enough. The beef produced in South America is not subject to the same strict requirements as beef produced in Europe in respect of traceability, animal welfare and health and safety. Beef can be produced cheaper and in greater quantity compared to here. It can also be produced without any regard to environmental standards.”
“Irish farmers have made strenuous efforts to reduce their carbon footprints in line with Government policy and they are doing their best to help us to meet our legally binding climate targets, whether the narrative tells that or not. They have rightful concerns about their livelihoods and the value of their produce under the proposed deal. I am concerned about the impact that an inadequately regulated market for beef from South America will have on workers’ rights and the environment in Mercosur countries. We must always be cognisant of workers’ rights and conditions in our trade deals, no matter where in the world they are. What should benefit workers in Europe should also benefit workers in South America. We already see the severe destruction of the rainforest and the lagging behind of workers’ rights in agriculture.”
“Furthermore, the engagement of a trade deal with a region where beef production is responsible for 65% of tropical deforestation is a negative path. Trade deals must serve the environment and climate protection, rather than putting the climate under greater pressure and exposing it to greater destruction. I have grown up hearing constantly from the State, activists and farmers that the distance between farm and fork should be short. We should take pride in local produce and we should strive to buy local and support local. This proposed trade deal flies in the face of that narrative. Irish farming is not perfect. Farmers themselves will say that. It is, however, a standard bearer in terms of production and quality of produce.”
“I thank Sinn Féin, including Deputy Martin Kenny, for this motion. The Labour Party will be supporting it. On behalf of the Labour Party, I welcome those from the IFA and other farming organisations in the Visitors Gallery. I am absolutely baffled by the senior Minister’s disappearance, considering that this is one of the biggest debates this Dáil has had since my election to this Chamber and affects so many rural communities and families across this country. It is so disappointing that he went away after ten minutes of absolute waffle. One of the biggest issues of our time and of my generation is climate change. Our country and the European Union do not treat this emergency with the necessary urgency it deserves. In areas like housing, transport, data centres and production, climate change is not being treated like an emergency.”
“However, behind the celebrations lies a clear responsibility for this House and for us as policymakers. We must invest in children, teachers and youth workers. We must build a higher education system based on fairness, not precarity. We need to equip the next generation for the challenges of climate, technology and social change. We must ensure all young people in this country have the same opportunities no matter where they live or what their postcode is. If they are in a socio-economically deprived area, it should not deter any young person from being involved in STEM. Science Week is a reminder that talent is everywhere and it is our job to ensure that opportunity is everywhere too.”
“Tomorrow." invites us to learn from the past - then, public investment delivered vaccination programmes, environmental protections, medical breakthroughs and digital infrastructure; today, research tells us clearly what must be done on climate, housing, health, youth mental health and educational inequality but Government too often chooses inaction; and tomorrow, we face rapid developments in AI, bio-engineering and automation. These are not abstract; they will reshape education, work, democracy and the lives of young people growing up in Ireland today. Science Week should not only be about celebrating discovery. It must also be about democratic accountability. Evidence must guide policy, even when uncomfortable. Science Week gives us a glimpse of Ireland at its best: curious, ambitious, creative and collaborative.”
“Students with disabilities still face barriers to accessing laboratories, equipment and placements. Young people in deprived areas encounter fewer opportunities, role models and routes into higher education. In my constituency of Cork North-Central, we know the difference that role models, community partnerships and sustained investment can make. However, we cannot rely on individual schools or local heroes to do all the heavy lifting. Inclusion must be designed into curriculum reform, funding decisions, research priorities, university access programmes and youth services. Ireland cannot afford to waste talent, and talent is found in every estate, classroom and youth centre regardless of where people live. The theme of "Then. Today.”
“If we want the next generation, including young people across the country, to pursue research careers, we must make research a stable, viable and respected profession. This means we need: a living stipend and proper worker status for PhD students and researchers; multi-annual, inflation-proof funding for Research Ireland; secure career pathways for post-doctoral researchers; dedicated investment in public good research on housing, health, education, youth well-being, social cohesion and climate justice; and funding streams that value the arts, humanities and the social sciences, recognising that real innovation requires the full spectrum of knowledge. Science Week places inclusion at its core and it must stay there. Girls and young women remain under-represented in STEM pathways.”
“Every youth service should be able to offer meaningful engagement with digital skills, coding, climate science and robotics, not just sporadic workshops. Science Week shows what is possible but it must be a catalyst, not a once-a-year showcase. The reality in our higher education system is stark. Many early year career researchers are on fixed-term, insecure contracts. PhD researchers are trying to survive on stipends that do not meet the cost of living, especially in major cities such as Cork, Dublin and Galway. Universities are being asked to do more with less while navigating financial instability. The gap between industry-led and public interest research continues to widen.”
“The physical infrastructure of Irish science education is not fit for the demands we place on teachers and students. We saw that this year when science teachers across the country were asked to roll out leaving certificate reform without the adequate resources in place. In my constituency of Cork North-Central, I have spoken to teachers who are doing heroic work in outdated laboratories or without a laboratory at all. They should not have to compensate for systemic neglect. The Labour Party believes every child should have access to a modern science laboratory regardless of their postcode. Every teacher should be supported with proper continuing professional development, CPD, resources and time to deliver inquiry-based STEM education.”
“Meanwhile, the Government has found room to increase the research and development tax credit for multinationals even though our publicly-funded research system remains stretched, reactive and overly dependent on short-term project grants. That imbalance tells a story. We are quick to subsidise big business but slow to invest in people, in public research, in our universities and in our young people. If we are serious about being a knowledge-driven economy and a fair society, that must change. Science Week rightly celebrates curiosity but curiosity needs opportunity. In too many schools, especially DEIS schools, science education is held back by inadequate laboratory facilities, outdated equipment and insufficient supports for inquiry-based, hands-on learning.”
“This is the first major Science Week under a new integrated agency, Research Ireland, formed from the merger of SFI and the Irish Research Council. It was meant to bring coherence, stability and fairness to the research system. Let us be frank and honest. A new logo and a merged board will not fix the deeper structural issues that students, PhD researchers, postdocs and academic staff are experiencing every day: chronic underfunding, precarious contracts, a lack of genuine career paths and widening inequality in access to research careers. Ireland's research and development intensity still lags behind the EU average.”
“Throughout the country, we see that energy every year with schools taking part in hands-on STEM workshops, university and research-led events by all universities and higher education institutes across the country. Youth projects throughout the country use Science Week materials to encourage coding, robotics and environmental science in ways that are accessible and fun. That is real inclusion in action. However, it also highlights the key challenge before us. How do we ensure that children and young people in every community, not just the well-resourced ones, have equal access to science education, research pathways and the careers that flow from them? As the Labour Party spokesperson on education and youth, that question is central to my work.”
“I am pleased to speak on Science Week 2025, marking its 30th anniversary. This year's theme, "Then. Today. Tomorrow.", asks us to take an honest look at how far we have come, where we now stand and what choices we must make to secure a fair and sustainable future for our young people and for research in Ireland. Science Week began three decades ago as a relatively modest outreach effort. Today, it is the biggest science festival in the State with thousands of events involving schools, universities, libraries, youth services and communities. It is testament to the passion and commitment of educators, researchers and volunteers across Ireland.”
“There are severe roof leaks, outdated electrical and lighting systems, safety regulation issues, outdated facilities and below-standard changing rooms. The complex received €50,000 in funding through the Community Recognition Fund but it is simply not enough. I ask the Tánaiste, the Minister for education and the latter's Department to engage with the operators of Mayfield Sports Complex. The complex has sought engagement, and the Department has not responded, on the urgent need for funding, redevelopment and a renewed commitment to the original objectives set out for this vital amenity. The Tánaiste appreciates that such infrastructure is vital to communities and should be maintained and protected at a sufficient standard.”
“The Tánaiste appreciates the role community groups and community sports complexes play in communities across this country. I want to speak about the Mayfield Sports Complex and the urgent need for funding for it. When originally opened, the complex was designed to serve the local community and the school in Mayfield, as well as the wider public on the northside of Cork city. It was a joint project between the then Department of Education and the then Cork Corporation. As a former teacher in Mayfield Community School, I am absolutely aware of the role the sports complex has played in the community. Over recent decades and despite the efforts of staff and local volunteers, Mayfield Sports Complex has become a relic of what it once offered the people of the community.”
“While I wholeheartedly support the multinationals across this country and the tens of thousands of jobs they provide, workers have based their parenting, school runs, where they live and how they get to work around these flexible work practices. Flexible work is a cornerstone of modern Ireland. What will this Government do to represent these workers against regressive moves by corporations and the super wealthy?”