Fiona O'Loughlin
Administrative Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Some 400 remote working hubs were also put in place, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic, when we all had the realisation that some work - not all work - can be done remotely. The local enterprise boards are doing an incredible job in rural areas. I am speaking from experience.”
“I join the Cathaoirleach in welcoming both the Belgian ambassador and my friends Joeleen and James. Anyone who has visited Chat N' Chew in Newbridge will have met Joeleen. I certainly hope her lunch today will be up to the usual standard at Chat N' Chew. It was lovely to meet with our former colleague Catherine Martin last night.”
“Continuing the theme of Kildare connections, she is a grand-niece of the late Rathangan author Maura Laverty, who wrote many books and wrote the very first soap opera for RTÉ, "Tolka Row". We wish Áine well on her retirement. I wish to talk about a serious issue relating to the blueway.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her positive response. In terms of premises, I had meetings with Jigsaw over the years in Newbridge and we did look at various premises. No later than yesterday, I spoke to the chief executive of Kildare County Council in relation to this.”
“We know young people are showing signs of stress or anxiety and that it is a very stressful and anxious world. Interventions can be made at this stage. The reason I have tabled this Commencement matter is that I have been advocating for a long time for Newbridge to have a Jigsaw service.”
“I always hate talking about these figures, but in terms of the rate of youth suicide, Kildare has the highest rate in Leinster. According to CSO figures, 14 people died by suicide in Kildare in 2023, in 2022 the figure was 26 and in 2021 it was 27. Demand is rising sharply for services.”
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“I have raised this previously in relation to equestrian land. I have seen good stud farm land going to solar farms. We should have solar panels on all our farm buildings. They could be subsidised and supported. Therefore, when we talk about Our Rural Future-----”
“My family is going through that at the moment and I completely understand how difficult it is for people who have been independent all their lives to be dependent if no public transport is available. It is important for young people in opportunities for work and study and now, because there are issues with accommodation around universities, it is important they have the option to travel. That point was well made. I was at the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, today. The ongoing negotiations on the multi-annual financial framework, MFF, are crucial to the IFA, particularly around the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, and food security. The Senator is also correct in saying we need the guidelines on wind energy and solar farms. While we have to support renewables, there must be guidelines.”
“There was also an online process and a youth assembly process because the voices of young people are hugely important, as is encouraging them to live in their areas. I agree with the comments on transport. Connectivity is hugely important. I am lucky to live in a place that has a good train service - it could always be improved - which makes a big difference, and the Local Link is generally working well. Again, there are a few gaps. I genuinely feel for those in rural areas who do not have connectivity. It is vital for every generation, such as an older person who cannot drive any more and needs to be able to go and get a prescription filled independently, without having to ask a family member.”
“My genuine answer was that community centres do not need a lobby group because the Minister, Deputy Calleary, has done so much in helping to support community centres - the next call will be for new ones - to modernise and add on. I have seen it in my local community centre in Rathangan and it is great. It is also about supporting GAA clubs and other sporting clubs, which we are certainly doing through sports capital grants, the next round of which will open at the end of this month. Our local authorities are also supporting local festivals through national funding a lot more than they used to. The Minister is working on the new iteration of Our Rural Future for the period 2026 to 2031. The consultation process was important. In eight different areas, people had the opportunity to come physically.”
“No matter where any of us live, as public representatives we have no doubt seen situations where people could not build on their land and generations of families could not live beside their parents. That meant that perhaps parents could not help with children and as they got older, they could not have support. I hope that will be resolved in the new planning guidelines. They are just a draft at the moment and we have to go through the process. It was an incredible vote of investment in our rural future. The Our Rural Future policy has supported rural Ireland in many ways, particularly in helping to develop community resilience. I was asked recently on a radio programme who lobbies for community centres. I am a firm believer in having strong community centres.”
“Some 400 remote working hubs were also put in place, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic, when we all had the realisation that some work - not all work - can be done remotely. The local enterprise boards are doing an incredible job in rural areas. I am speaking from experience. A lot of people think Kildare is urban, but a lot of it is rural, particularly south Kildare, where I am from. The local enterprise office is second to none in helping to support rural enterprises. We have seen a lot more of them in recent years, particularly around the blueways and greenways. It is wonderful to see them and to see the support they are getting. We need to recognise the distinct needs and opportunities of rural Ireland. Planning was mentioned and the draft planning statement that was introduced two weeks ago goes a long way towards that.”
“It is important we take every opportunity we can to talk about rural Ireland and look at ways to strengthen rural Ireland and the people who live there, while protecting biodiversity and the land of which we are custodians. I support the countermotion. Today, there are more people living and working in rural Ireland than at any other time in the history of the State. They can only do that with the supports the Government has put in place. One example is the roll-out of high-speed broadband nationwide. It got off to a rocky start, but it is now thankfully ahead of schedule. The increase in remote working means more people now have the opportunity to live close to where they grew up and in the communities which formed parts of them and to have that intergenerational aspect. That is hugely important.”
“I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "That Seanad Éireann:" and substitute the following: “acknowledges that: - supporting rural Ireland is a top priority for Government; - a whole of Government approach to rural development is in place under the umbrella of Our Rural Future; this approach has been strongly endorsed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in its recent review of Irish rural development policy; - since its launch in 2021, Our Rural Future has delivered vital investment and supports to rural areas, strengthening local economies and improving the quality of life for people across rural Ireland; - significant achievements across the lifetime of the Our Rural Future policy to date include: - unprecedented growth in Government investment in rural areas under the Rural Development Investment Programme; - improvements in digital connectivity through delivery of the National Broadband Plan; - the delivery of the Connected Hubs Network of over 400 remote working hubs; - continued improvements in essential services including community healthcare and public transport in rural areas; - targeted supports for regional employment and enterprise growth delivered by Government in partnership with our enterprise agencies; - the broadening of educational opportunities for rural dwellers through initiatives such as the establishment of four new Technological Universities; - continued support for the central role of the agri-food sector as a key driver of our economic growth and our environmental ambition; - progress on climate and environmental sustainability in rural areas, including via enhanced local opportunities in key areas such as retrofitting and renewable energy; - implementation of the Rural Safety Plan and the rollout of Local Community Safety Partnerships; notes that: - between 2016 and 2022 there was a 5.8 per cent increase in the number of people living in rural areas; - a new iteration of Our Rural Future for the period 2026-2031 is currently being finalised; - this new policy will continue the whole of Government approach, building on the progress and investment delivered to date and setting out a renewed vision for the years ahead; - the new policy is firmly rooted in an extensive public consultation process that has ensured the voices of rural communities across the country are being taken account of; - it will also ensure that rural Ireland continues to benefit from extensive and strategic investment; for example, there are more schemes available through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht than ever before, with the highest ever budget allocation of €611 million in Budget 2026; - importantly, the new policy will be underpinned by ambitious actions for delivery across Government with clear reporting in place in relation to progress; - and rural Ireland remains a central plank in our national economic and social wellbeing, and support for rural Ireland remains a central priority across Government.” It is a pleasure to speak on behalf of Fianna Fáil on this motion.”
“Another had to have 12 stitches in his head. In a separate incident, another resident was allegedly assaulted by a quad bike rider, dragged along the roadway and thrown into a parked vehicle. That incident also resulted in hospitalisation. It is only a matter of time before a fatality occurs. We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for the most basic expectation of any citizens, which is that they should be able to live safely in their own communities. I am calling for an immediate multi-agency response involving the Garda, Waterways Ireland, Kildare County Council and the relevant Government Department. I would like to see the Leader escalating that issue. I would like a debate on the topic.”
“Continuing the theme of Kildare connections, she is a grand-niece of the late Rathangan author Maura Laverty, who wrote many books and wrote the very first soap opera for RTÉ, "Tolka Row". We wish Áine well on her retirement. I wish to talk about a serious issue relating to the blueway. The blueway and greenways are important for both visitors and residents. There is an urgent public safety issue affecting residents, particularly the residents of Ballyteague, around the use of the blueway in County Kildare. There has been the illegal use of scramblers and quad bikes on public roads along the blueway. This is causing considerable concern. It has escalated. It is not just an issue of antisocial behaviour now but an issue of public safety. Residents have suffered serious injuries. One had to have a three-hour surgical procedure.”
“I wish Des Egan, teacher, poet and Newbridge resident, a very happy 90th birthday today. Des is creative director of the Gerard Manley Hopkins Literary Festival, which The Irish Times has always called the best literary festival in Ireland. Des is originally from Athlone and he and his wife, Viv, chose to live in Newbridge. The festival starts next week, on 24 July, with people from 27 countries coming to Newbridge. It really is a wonderful festival. I wish Des, Viv and their daughters the best of luck with it. I am sure Members will join me in wishing Áine Lawlor well on her retirement last Sunday. Áine was a consummate professional, full of integrity and sincerity and very fair to everybody who was on her panel.”
“I join the Cathaoirleach in welcoming both the Belgian ambassador and my friends Joeleen and James. Anyone who has visited Chat N' Chew in Newbridge will have met Joeleen. I certainly hope her lunch today will be up to the usual standard at Chat N' Chew. It was lovely to meet with our former colleague Catherine Martin last night. She brought in a group of musicians, artists and representatives of the Irish Music Rights Organisation, IMRO, including Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Danny O'Donoghue, Tom Dunne and others. They were in for a debate in the Dáil on protecting artists' creativity. There is a concern that Irish artists' copyright will be undermined by artificial intelligence. It is clear they need stronger legal protections, licensing rules, etc. I would like to see a debate on that in this House when we come back in September.”
“We feel in conversation that we would need to have quite a sizable premises. I am undertaking that work together with the authorities. I know the Minister of State will appreciate that Newbridge is just totally squeezed. We do not even have a community centre there, which is shocking in itself. We need to have more. We have started that search. I am working with Jigsaw and certainly would hope, in conversations we have had with it, that we will have a positive announcement at budget time. That is really why I wanted to have the Commencement debate now. We know the Minister of State is working very assiduously with the Minister for Finance and the Minister for public expenditure in relation to getting the services but also rightly getting value for money.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her positive response. In terms of premises, I had meetings with Jigsaw over the years in Newbridge and we did look at various premises. No later than yesterday, I spoke to the chief executive of Kildare County Council in relation to this. Local councillors Noel Heavey and Rob Power had a motion tabled in Kildare County Council regarding premises. As we all know, the population of Kildare has really expanded. We are actually short on space for existing services. Having said that, I have written to local estate agents and I have made contacts to other commercial entities within the area. I do appreciate that having the right space is important. We need to have a big space for Jigsaw to function. Hopefully it would be Jigsaw although I appreciate that it needs to go out to tender.”
“When young people get support, it works. That is the most important thing. I stand here on behalf of the young people of Newbridge and the surrounding areas. If it was located in Newbridge, we would also have an outreach in respect of other areas. I hope the Minister of State has positive news for me today.”
“I always hate talking about these figures, but in terms of the rate of youth suicide, Kildare has the highest rate in Leinster. According to CSO figures, 14 people died by suicide in Kildare in 2023, in 2022 the figure was 26 and in 2021 it was 27. Demand is rising sharply for services. For other CAMHS services that are surrounding Kildare, parents and people in authority are contacting Jigsaw services that are outside Kildare. It is very evident. The case is made that we need to have the service. The case is also made in relation to the statistics that Jigsaw has itself in terms of its success rate. There is no doubt that more young people are reaching out and Jigsaw is certainly keeping pace. Young people are being seen sooner. If they need other referrals, Jigsaw can work with other organisations.”
“We know young people are showing signs of stress or anxiety and that it is a very stressful and anxious world. Interventions can be made at this stage. The reason I have tabled this Commencement matter is that I have been advocating for a long time for Newbridge to have a Jigsaw service. According to the census figures, Kildare has the highest proportion of young people aged under 24 in the State, representing 36.6% of our total population. It is representing 36.6% of our total population. The number of under-25s in Kildare is actually higher than the total population of Offaly, Cavan, Sligo, Roscommon, Monaghan, Carlow, Longford and Leitrim. In 2020, the number of young people admitted to a child or adolescent psychiatric unit was far higher than the State rate in Kildare. There is a huge scale of need.”
“Once they start talking about it and asking for help, they need to get that help. That is certainly something on which Jigsaw is very focused. When we are talking about young people's mental health, we know that about 2% of those looking for support may need to go to child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, which entails an intervention at a more serious level. About 33% of those who need support do not need to go to an organisation like CAMHS but need to have support that is confidential. Jigsaw works not just one-to-one in youth therapy. Very importantly, it also works with community programmes. It works with schools, sports organisations, youth clubs and community organisations, so it is really reaching young people where they are.”
“I thank the Minister of State very much for being here to respond to my Commencement matter. She and I have spoken both publicly and privately in relation to it. She is an incredibly strong advocate for preventive measures and for positive mental health, which we always need to focus on. We must ensure that everybody's, and particularly every young person's, mental health is valued and supported, and that where a young person needs early intervention, he or she can get that. That is the motto and the value of the organisation called Jigsaw. It is a terrific organisation and, most important, there is great trust in it, both from young people and their families and communities. We are always encouraging young people to talk about challenges or issues they may have with their mental health.”
“I move: (i) That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders relating to Public Business, the Order of the Seanad of 9th July, 2026 in relation to approval in draft of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.3) Regulations 2026 is hereby discharged. (ii) That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.3) Regulations 2026, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 14th July, 2026, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 79(2)(b), which, not later than 15th July, 2026, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 84, and Standing Order 86(2) shall accordingly apply.””
“When it comes through the next process and the local authorities do their development plans, that is going to make a real difference. I totally understand the disappointment. We will certainly ask for a briefing as soon as possible. The Senator rightly thanked the outgoing president of the AILG, who did wonderful work. Equally, I wish the incoming president, Aengus O'Rourke, the very best of luck during his term.”
“Senator Reilly raised e-scooters and the case of an older lady in Cavan who is visually impaired. As the Senator described, I can absolutely appreciate that it was a very difficult situation. We have legislation. The laws are being ignored. We need better implementation and awareness. We need people to respect the laws of the land that are there. That is so important. Senator Boyhan raised the 949 councillors, who are concerned about not having updates on the findings and outcomes of the local democracy task force. He will no doubt appreciate that the Minister, Deputy Browne, has an incredible amount on his desk. The Senator has always been vocal about how much work goes into the new draft rural guidelines statement. It is important to acknowledge that. It took up a huge amount of time.”
“Rise is going to remain at the Abbey, supported by the local authorities. It is important that, where we can, we support these different types of social enterprise activities. The Senator also mentioned Vision Ireland's call for a national vision strategy. I agree that we need such a strategy. Senator Lynch raised the all-Ireland road bowling championships in Ballinagree and the hundreds of people who gathered there. It is wonderful to see that. However, the Senator is right in that the minority traditional games are not getting enough recognition. We look for a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, about that. Likewise with women in sport such as Denise Murphy and Briege Corkey, it is wonderful to see that they gave their time to what was happening.”
“He wanted to thank the management, players, county board and the supporters, and also the sponsor, which I know he helped to secure for the team. Senator Casey mentioned the fact that there is a deficit of public transport. With so many people moving to Wicklow now, we need that to improve. Senator Stephenson spoke about concerns from FLAC in relation to legal aid and concerns that those who are suffering from domestic violence are not getting the legal supports they need. There is engagement between the Minister, the Department and those representing the legal profession. It is important that room and opportunity is given to try to come to a conclusion. Senator McCarthy raised the Taste of Wicklow festival in the Abbey Grounds in Wicklow. It is a new social enterprise in the grounds of Wicklow Abbey. It sounds like a great weekend.”
“It is not too easy to have money in your bank account, so we absolutely need to have the best return for our money. We will ask the Minister for Finance to come in and discuss that. Senator Duffy congratulated the Mayo team and spoke about the community in Crossmolina being very concerned about proposals by Bord na Móna to construct a route around Crossmolina. It appears there has been a lack of engagement and consultation. We need a proper process. I certainly agree with the Senator on that, and we will appeal to Bord na Móna through the Minister's office. Senator Casey spoke about a wonderful victory for Wicklow over the weekend, on Saturday. We were all absolutely delighted to see Wicklow win the Tailteann Cup.”
“Beside the Carlton site for housing, there could be space for a cultural site. There has been a lot of talk always about the Abbey Theatre moving. This could be a great home for that also. Senator Flynn spoke about the situation impacting the Traveller community, and said that sometimes there is collective punishment as opposed to concern about individuals' bad actions. She described a situation that I was sorry to hear about. Our legislation is to protect all of us, no matter where we are from or what ethnic group we are from, but also for us to live by responsibly. Senator Gallagher spoke about the lack of returns on savings in banks. We need a public campaign to ensure that people are getting the best value for money that they have in savings, whether they are saving for a mortgage or for a pension.”
“To be fair to Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann, they generally put on a lot of trains and buses. We are beseeching them, and we will ask the Minister to step in if necessary. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about her disappointment over Dublin. I have to say, it was some match. We were all absolutely glued to it. It was anybody's game. It was just a terrific match. The Senator spoke about TII acquiring the Carlton site. This will be for MetroLink, as we know, but there is a lot of space and a lot of potential. There is great potential there for affordable homes. Together with developments at Moore Street and the GPO, there is going to be a wonderful transformation of O'Connell Street. We certainly will ask the Taoiseach to come in and give us an update on the Dublin city task force.”
“Fianna Fáil used its Private Members' time to debate a motion on this. We were given a commitment at the time in question that extra time would be made available. Sadly, it is only ten minutes. When we compare that with what is allowed in England, where there is 25% more time, we realise we certainly need a better system. A review has been carried out. We need the findings to be published and acted upon. Senator Andrews spoke about the Irish Glass Bottle site and the social housing there. He wanted to emphasise that the houses there are safe but that there is concern about the next phase. We need clarity in relation to that. Senator Kennelly spoke about Kerry football and how wonderful the Kerry team is. Of course it is wonderful. He also raised issues about public transport for the supporters.”
“The Senator spoke about the act of heroism at the weekend in Rosslare, where a man jumped into the sea to save a child. He got into difficulty and four other people jumped in, so the Coast Guard and other emergency services had to come together to pull six people out. I can imagine the complete panic of everybody witnessing it. Thank God they are all okay. Recently, I was down at the Coast Guard station in Westport. It is incredible to see the work done by our volunteers. It is not just a matter of the sea because we heard about another fatality at a lake in Mullingar over the weekend. Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the 17-year-old man who sadly died. Senator Curley spoke about the need to have extra time for those with learning difficulties during State exams.”
“The Louth footballers certainly gave their all. The Senator congratulated the Mayo team on its win. She referred to the problems with people getting public transport from Dundalk and Drogheda to the match and the ongoing problem of the car parks at those train stations being full. I have often heard her speaking about that. We need a debate on this issue. Train transport is brilliant when it is available to people. Senator Casey noted that Wicklow and Sligo do not have that problem but people there wish they did. In Meath, people are still waiting for a train station at Navan. We need a debate on rail transport, including train services, parking facilities and the need for a train station on the north side of Drogheda. Senator Byrne welcomed Councillor Marie-Thérèse Duffy from Ballina, who has just left with her brother.”
“Senator Nelson Murray spoke about the announcement by the Government that there will be five days' paid miscarriage leave. I am reminded that our colleague, Senator Nicole Ryan, brought a proposal to us in that regard only last year. The Minister, Deputy Calleary, is working on the establishment of a baby loss register, which should help with the grieving process. Miscarriage is a very sad time for all those impacted. He is also working on the introduction of a certificate of early baby loss. All of that is very worthwhile work. Senator Keogan referred to the EU Presidency, the EU migration pact and her concerns about border guards. We need to share intelligence and ensure we have a highly effective, technology-savvy police force. Senator Comyn spoke about football and thanked the Louth team for all it gave.”
“I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, to come to the House for a debate on swimming as a sport and access to swimming, not just from a sport perspective but also from a health perspective. A new strategy was launched three to four years ago but, unfortunately, our facilities have not been kept up to scratch in terms of the ambition in the strategy. Senator Flaherty referred to a situation regarding a GP contract in Longford, with a satellite surgery in Lanesborough. He is absolutely right to keep pushing that issue. I am dealing with a similar situation between Blessington and Ballymore Eustace, which has been going on for years without being resolved. I completely support Senator Flaherty. I will speak to him after the Order of Business to see what we can do to help the situation.”
“Senator Tully raised a problem with the social welfare system whereby people who come off welfare for a short period either to take a seasonal job or a position on a CE scheme find it takes a long time to get back on their benefits. She spoke about a situation where it took three months. I certainly will bring that issue to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Calleary. It is not good enough and we need to change it. Senator Harmon spoke about the redevelopment of the Bessborough site. That decision was taken by An Bord Pleanála, as she knows, but we absolutely empathise with all of those concerned by it. We must recall that there are 19 mothers and 859 infants still missing from that time. The Senator also spoke about the need to have access to safe swimming and for a new lido in Cork.”
“We need to see ambition across all our local authorities and we must encourage them to put forward very proactive submissions. We certainly will seek a debate on that issue when we return. Senator Mullen spoke about the very tragic murder of Ann Widdecombe, who certainly came across as a person of great conviction and great faith. She was very forthright in her views. As in any situation, everybody's views should be treated with respect and tolerance. It is very sad that within a ten-year period, two sitting MPs and a former MP have been tragically murdered. We remember, of course, Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. There will be a mass at 12.45 p.m. tomorrow at St. Teresa's Church on Clarendon Street. I encourage those who can do so to attend.”
“This is distorting attitudes and behaviours in regard to relationships. The Senator also paid tribute to Mr. Mick Mangan and Ms Fiona Jennings for their work in this area. Senator Mullen also spoke about the importance of this and we acknowledge the work of Deputy Cathal Crowe. When I was Chair of the Oireachtas education committee, it was one of the recommendations we put forward in a report at the same time. Senator Rabbitte also spoke about the need for Skyclarys, which is on the agenda for the HSE meeting today. We hope for a positive result and that there will be action after that. Senator Stephenson also spoke about that matter. Senator Scahill spoke about the need for debate on the regional spatial and economic strategy, RSES. As he said, it is a blueprint for investment in housing and industry.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach. We have had 26 Senators today. I think that is a record, certainly in my time taking Order of Business. I will try to be as quick as possible while, in fairness, giving respect to all of those who did raise issues and deserve a reply. I will also add my voice of welcome to the ambassador and our distinguished guests from Canada, particularly to Mr. James Maloney, MP, who was so very kind to us when the foreign affairs committee visited just before Christmas. We certainly look forward to an excellent relationship going forward. We started with Senator Anne Rabbitte, who spoke about the Minister for justice's decision to bring a memo to Cabinet in relation to dealing with extreme pornography. Stark research shows us why this is needed; 15- and 16-year-olds, particularly boys, have seen violent pornography.”
“3, Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 5.45 p.m., and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 8.15 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by Government.”
“by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to recommendations, include only those set down or accepted by Government, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister at the debate on Second Stage not to exceed five minutes, all Senators not to exceed five minutes, and the Minister to be given no less than five minutes to reply to the debate, with Committee and Remaining Stages to be taken immediately thereafter; No. 2, Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2026 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 3.45 p.m., and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 5.30 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government; and No.”
“I extend my welcome to our esteemed visitor, and wish him well for the celebrations this evening. Many of us were hoping to get there. Unfortunately, we are going to have votes but I have no doubt there still will be an excellent representation from the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Order of Business is No. a 1 on the Supplementary Order Paper, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.3) Regulations 2026, referral to committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 1, Postal and Telecommunications Services (Amendment) Bill 2026 - all Stages, to be taken at 2.45 p.m., and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 3.45 p.m.”
“The anti-food waste platform Too Good To Go has revealed that Irish households have already wasted more than €645 million worth of food since January, with Kildare accounting for €28 million of that bill. Nationally, €3 million worth of food is wasted every single day and one third of all food we buy ends up in the bin. When we consider that food waste accounts for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is not just a household issue. It is an environmental crisis. We have to ask everybody to think about what they buy, particularly in this warm weather. We also need to have a debate in this House on what practical steps we can take both collectively and individually to turn the tide.”
“Professor Darach Crimmins, consultant neurosurgeon at Temple Street, said that e-scooters were now "the single biggest cause" of head trauma in children. In the last fortnight, six children have been admitted with traumatic brain injuries from e-scooters and four children remain on life support. That is shocking. This morning, I listened to Fr. Tom Little from Carlow who talked about officiating at a funeral of a 17-year-old in Carlow who died in an accident on an e-scooter. There is no doubt about this. We have a law in place but we must support the Garda in enforcing this law. Garda representative bodies have called for greater enforcement powers and additional resources. We need a debate on this. The last matter I want to mention is that of food waste. We are only at the halfway point of the year but the figures are already alarming.”
“Last week, a delegation headed by the deputy mayor for the Kildare-Newbridge area, Councillor Brian O'Loughlin, went over and planted another copper beach tree in the same spot as the original tree. The event was fabulous and I look forward to hearing all about it. As part of what the community of Rathangan is doing will be the hosting of Féile Springsteen on 22 August, which will have a Springsteen tribute band called The Human Touch as well as a lot of other activities. Obviously, we hope to get the main man one of these years, which I have no doubt we will. The féile will be fantastic and well done to everyone involved. Leader, I want to mention another issue. All of us will have been shocked to read a harrowing article this weekend on what clinicians at Temple Street have described as an epidemic.”
“First I want to speak about an event that happened last week on the other side of the Atlantic in a town called Freehold in New Jersey. Freehold, of course, is the home town of Bruce Springsteen. I am sure many Senators will remember me recalling here how Bruce Springsteen's great-great grandmother on his father's side, Ann Garrity, came from my home town of Rathangan in County Kildare and travelled to America in 1852. When she went, she brought a seedling of a copper beech with her which was planted and became a tree that is synonymous with Bruce Springsteen's music. Sadly that tree was cut down a number of years ago but last year a delegation from Freehold, including the mayor, Kevin Kane, and including Bruce's first cousin, Kevin, came to Rathangan and they planted a copper beech.”
“He also spoke about the transfer of the GPO to the OPW. It will be an incredible project and I am really looking forward to seeing that being advanced. I take the Senator’s point about looking for an indication of the local democracy task force. We will ask the Minister if we can get some type of briefing before recess. I thank all the Senators.”
“We must also be mindful of 800 people and their families who are relying on employment and who are very nervous about sanctions being imposed and their livelihoods. Senator McCarthy also mentioned housing. He said the Minister, Deputy Browne, had made great progress but we need to see more. It was interesting at yesterday’s ceremony to see António Costa mention affordable housing very specifically and how it is an issue right across Europe. We can tend to focus on how our communities are being impacted but it is across Europe. It was very clear from what he said that Europe needs to be able to step in and help and support where it can with progressive policies. Senator Boyhan spoke of the plans for the Dublin task force and welcomed them. The new Lord Mayor, Daryl Barron, is very keen to make sure they are implemented.”
“I know she has raised this before so I assume she has put in a Commencement matter specifically on roads for Cavan. She is nodding her head. I will take it up with the Minister to see if we can get some response on that because she has been very consistent in raising it. Senator McCarthy spoke about Aughinish Alumnia in Limerick. I would make the point that 800 people work there. It is the biggest ratepayer in Limerick and the biggest user of Foynes Port. An investigation is going on to see where the finished product actually goes to and if it is used in war products in Russia. The EU rule on sanctions was very clear that sanctions would only come into place once the host country was not going to be overly disadvantaged by being sanctioned so we have a bit to go in relation to this. I agree we need to see the report come out.”
“She raised the concern about the age profile of our farmers and that we need to have good succession plans. At the EU affairs committee about three months ago, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, very clearly said that a priority for him was encouraging younger farmers and succession within farming. All the EU Commissioners are meeting in Cork today, as they do at the start of any EU Presidency, in relation to the host country but we do need to see advances on that and we will look for a debate on that with the Minister for agriculture when we come back in September. Senator Sarah O’Reilly spoke about funding for roads for Cavan and not for the first time. I noticed Cavan was left out; Kildare was left out too so I have questions about it as well.”
“There is such a difference when you walk on the streets here and in America where people will not jaywalk. They have such respect for the lights. As adults sometimes we are giving a bad example to children and schoolchildren when we decide we will take a chance and cross when there is a red light. We all have to reflect on our own behaviour. We will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Canney to come in and debate this and see if we can roll out an educational programme among young people and let them tell adults, if adults want to take that chance, that they are wrong. We have to empower them to be able to say that too. Senator Pauline Tully spoke about her meeting with Macra na Feirme when it was here giving a briefing and about Ireland’s really excellent reputation in food production. We are relying on our farmers for that.”
“Senator Keogan spoke about a report from the Children’s Rights Alliance about vulnerable minors and particularly unaccompanied children who come to this country. She spoke of her concerns about private companies having the contracts to take these young children. My understanding is they are quite heavily regulated and rightly so. I know someone on an individual basis who happens to work with Tusla. I know from informal conversation that they are really involved in the placement of the unaccompanied minors and the monitoring of them. The Senator is right. It is a concern and we need to ensure the regulation is there and that we can support these young people who are very vulnerable in whatever way we can. Senator Murphy O’Mahony spoke about road safety for pedestrians and particularly what they call jaywalking in America.”
“Today, she spoke about the protest in Limerick last Tuesday, which she attended with nurses and midwives who have huge concerns, as the INMO has, about the staffing at University Hospital Limerick, particularly in the neonatal unit, which is an important element of the hospital. What is happening there at the moment in relation to staffing has been described as catastrophic by health professionals themselves. The Senator has also raised consultant numbers and dental appointments for young people before. We will ask the Minister to come in and address this and give an update on the new site at Limerick which will be really important for the mid-west area as well as the people of Limerick. A new neonatal clinic could go there.”