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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“In fairness, those taxes provide the funds for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, and for retrofitting and the extension of the fuel allowance. It is working to help those who are at risk of fuel poverty. Senator Boyhan spoke about the International Protection Bill 2026 and the proposal to complete Committee Stage at 4 p.m. today. He is wrong to say we met at 2.30 p.m. yesterday. We actually met at 1 p.m. Ministers were not available last week because of the visits taking place around the globe, which have been acknowledged in the House and which have been important in terms of trade and of fostering international relationships. This is not the conclusion of the Bill. We will move to Report and Final Stages next week.”
“When someone has paid in advance, they basically have a contract with the supplier. It is completely wrong to come back to look for more money. I have advised other people to refer those cases to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. Its role is to enforce consumer rights, which are important. The suggestion was made by Senators Byrne and Murphy O'Mahony that the free fuel allowance scheme be expanded. I know the Cabinet will be considering measures next Tuesday. We all support it in that. We need to have measures. I think those measures will be around the excise part and not the carbon tax. If we believe in a climate crisis and in global warming, it is important that there is a carbon tax. We have signed up to it at European level.”
“However, we have seen deaths in the past when young people at festivals have taken drugs laced with toxic substances. I believe that checking what the substances are saves lives. It is not a measure we want to take but, at the same time, we cannot put our heads in the sand and pretend drug-taking is not going on. Recently, the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, visited Willow and Cuan Mhuire in Kildare. I know she is understanding. Excellent work is happening with many organisations around the country that are trying to stand up to the drug scourge. Senator Cathal Byrne spoke about the impact of war on the cost of fuel and prices. This is something we are all witnessing. Senators Murphy O'Mahony and Sarah O'Reilly also brought up this issue. There is no doubt that there is an element of price gouging.”
“It is very important that everybody takes the opportunity to submit to that, bearing in mind that Senator McCarthy also spoke in his capacity as Chair of the south-west drugs task force, acknowledging all of the important work done by Tiglin. While there is the opportunity to engage before 10 April, the Senator feels there is not sufficient examination of the link between addiction and those from deprived backgrounds. We need to have a community response, and I hope the Senator will make a submission, as I have no doubt he will, before 10 April. Senator Mullen also spoke about this issue. I am vehemently anti-drugs. The Senator talked about checking drugs at festivals. When that policy came in, as someone who is genuinely anti-drugs in whatever form they take, I questioned it too.”
“There has to be something between those two events that will support our Irish producers at home and abroad. Senator Fitzpatrick mentioned the event in the Irish Embassy. We are so well served by our teams abroad. I also thank the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, who does so much to promote the Irish-UK friendship. Senator Fitzpatrick also spoke about the drugs committee, as its Vice Chair. I thank her and all of the committee members for the important work they do. There is no doubt that drugs impact everywhere that people live, no matter how small the community. We see the devastation they cause to individuals and their families. The Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, has drafted a new policy, which will be available for public consultation until 10 April.”
“We have had nearly a record attendance, and it is good to see so many Senators remaining in the Chamber for their response as well. We had 22 Senators speak, so I thank all of them for their contributions this morning. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about being in London at two important events during the St. Patrick’s recess. One of these involved Tesco Ireland, which was supporting small indigenous producers through a Love Irish Food element. I have no doubt that this was a great promotion of Irish foods. It was interesting to marry that with what Senator Noonan just spoke about in relation to the number of producers, particularly Hughes in Kells, County Kilkenny, which sadly has now ceased operating. In fact, we only have 75 producers.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, International Protection Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business and, if not previously concluded, to be brought to a conclusion at 4 p.m. by one question from the Chair which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by Government.”
“I mentioned the 888 route and there is a problem because there can be 3 km or 4 km between stops and it is very difficult for those who are not driving to be able to access it. We need proper bus stops, safe places to pull in and, may I add, smaller buses. Part of the problem is that too many Rural Link buses are too large and it is difficult for them to pull over safely. I thank the Minister of State for her response. I want her to bring the message back to the Minister that Newbridge needs to be prioritised at this time in the upcoming plans. I am sure he will then bring it to the NTA.”
“The advances we have in terms of the increased capacity on the 126 route, the new 888 service, the 892 route and the plans to extend to Suncroft are incredibly welcome. The Minister of State made the case very eloquently for a town bus and why any of us would need to have one. I am delighted for the 11 towns that have them, as they are needed, and I am delighted for the two towns that will have them. Those towns whose populations have increased in a large way, such as Newbridge, absolutely should be at the top of the list in terms of the new planning. The Minister of State mentioned the TFI Anseo app, which is being piloted. It is great but it heralds another problem.”
“I also welcome our guests and I hope they have an enjoyable and interesting day in Leinster House. I thank the Minister of State for her response and I am absolutely clear that the Minister has responsibility for policy and funding, which I would argue are the most important parts, and that the NTA has to provide the service. To be fair, I thank the NTA for its regular updates and the opportunity to engage with it always. In any year it has a number of events in Buswells Hotel and Richard Kelly is the Oireachtas liaison person. I absolutely welcome both free travel for all children up to the age of nine and the young adult card. The companion pass for anybody who has free transport must also be welcomed. The Minister of State mentioned the funding that has been allocated and the increase in Kildare and south County Dublin.”
“I have no doubt the service would be used and used well. I really hope the Minister of State can today bring me some positive news on this.”
“It undermines the town's ability to grow sustainably and to meet national climate and transport targets. A local bus service would not simply be a transport upgrade; it would be an investment in social inclusion, economic opportunity and sustainable growth for one of Ireland's most important regional towns. Two weeks ago, I attended the event with the National Transport Authority, NTA, in Buswells Hotel, taking the opportunity, obviously, to discuss progress and potential expansions we can make to improve the status of transport within Newbridge and connecting Newbridge to neighbouring villages and towns. I was told that, finally, the town bus for Newbridge is in planning stages and other important information. I want again to highlight this. I have been an active advocate for a dedicated town bus.”
“There are barriers, therefore, when we do not have a bus for that really important connectivity we need for young people, older people, people with disabilities and anyone who simply cannot afford to have a car. It also places a lot of pressure on families who have to organise multiple daily car trips just to access essential services. The absence of a bus also has wider consequences. Congestion in the town centre has become a daily challenge. With the news over the last few weeks that we are hoping to commence construction of the second bridge in 2027, that might ease slightly. However, the parking demand at the train station regularly exceeds capacity. Short car trips dominate the local traffic pattern and many of these journeys could be shifted to public transport if a dependable service existed. It is not just an inconvenience.”
“Despite all of that, it remains one of the few towns of its size without an internal bus network linking neighbourhoods to people who really would avail of that every single day. The result is a really strong car dependency that genuinely is no longer sustainable for residents, businesses or the town's future development. Residents in areas such as Roseberry, Athgarvan Road, Greatconnell, Clongorey and the expanding northern and eastern estates have no reliable way to reach the train stations, schools, industrial estates or shopping centre without a car. I regularly speak to people who are living in Newbridge, but they are living 3 km to 4 km from the railway station. They have no choice but to have second car to be able to get there.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here to take this Commencement matter, which relates to the need for a dedicated town bus for Newbridge and its environs. I want to outline first why Newbridge, one of the fastest growing towns not just in County Kildare but, indeed, in the country, urgently requires a dedicated local bus service to serve those who live within the town and, of course, those who visit it for work, leisure or to shop. Newbridge is now a major regional centre. It is home to a large population of almost 30,000 people. There are significant employment zones in Newbridge. Again, it is a major retail destination. We have a very busy commuter rail station.”
“The Rathangan Drama Festival will start on 20 March. It is wonderful to see plays from new scriptwriters and new playwrights, particularly Eugene O'Brien from neighbouring Edenderry. He was here on a tour. I met him last Thursday. His plays Heaven and Eden were shown in Kildare and are due to be shown in Rathangan. I wish all those are involved - Noreen in Kildare and Mairéad and Connie in Rathangan - the best of luck in their festivals. A lot of effort goes on behind the scenes but it gives all of us the opportunity to see the very best of drama on stage in our home towns.”
“Hers was a truly treasured voice in Irish music that carried emotion, history and passion. I send my deepest sympathy to her son and daughter, her brother Seán, and her extended family. I offer congratulations to Jessie Buckley for becoming the first Irishwoman to win the best actress award at the Oscars. Her talent, dedication and commitment have earned this well-deserved recognition. Speaking of Hollywood and films, my own hometown of Rathangan is host to a film, "Walk the Blue Fields". Starting today and for the next three days, there is a full film crew in the area. A lot of landscaping and painting has gone on over the past two weeks. It will be wonderful to see it all come to fruition tomorrow. On that note, it is drama festival season. I attended the Kildare Drama Festival last week.”
“I thank all the parade committees and volunteers from the clubs who got involved. We all watched as the Taoiseach met Donald Trump yesterday to highlight the strong ties between Ireland and the United States. In the current global climate, with many different political and economic challenges shaping international challenges, such engagements are certainly far from straightforward and are rarely without challenge. I know the visit attracted a certain amount of public criticism. I feel that the Taoiseach handled the situation with pure professionalism and composure, representing Ireland with confidence and reinforcing important diplomatic connections on the world stage. I send a note of sympathy to the family of Dolores Keane. She was such a wonderful performer.”
“I will talk a little about all of the celebrations all over the country yesterday for St. Patrick's Day. We are incredibly lucky that it is a feast day celebrated all around the world. People come together to celebrate Irish culture, music and tradition. Buildings in cities turned green. There were festivals. It is a day that highlights a sense of joy and community. It showcases the very best that we have in volunteers and in our community and sporting clubs. The parades I attended in Kildare were particularly good. I will talk specifically about Newbridge, which was filled with energy, colour and a huge sense of local pride in every single float and performance. I know that is reflected right across the county and country. It showed incredible effort and creativity, making it a memorable celebration for everybody.”
“The Senator acknowledged that Uisce Éireann said it will commence work in July, but temporary work is needed. We would certainly support the Senator's call to have a temporary pipe put in place. While we support him, I suggest that the Senator table a Commencement matter next week as well. We see small communities being impacted. I have seen it quite a bit in the Lullymore area of Rathangan. I am in a WhatsApp group with the people there and I see the impact these things can have. Certainly, we would hope for a temporary resolution prior to the permanent resolution.”
“We did hear over the years stories of girls and women maybe not being taken seriously and not being treated accordingly. We certainly are advancing. It is important to recognise the condition and look for more supports in relation to it. Senator O'Donovan spoke about the Beara Peninsula. It is such a beautiful part of the country. I am looking forward to going there for my holidays this year. The Senator spoke about the Adrigole community, which numbers about 450 people, and the 30 or so recorded water outages in the past year. I totally appreciate what the Senator is saying. It is so difficult for a community, for carers, for those in the specific situation he mentioned, for young mothers and for those who operate within the hospitality industry.”
“We will certainly look for a debate in relation to that matter. Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about International Women's Day. We had statements on that last night. The Senator spoke about the importance of recognising our mothers - I completely agree with that - the fact that the majority of carers we have in the country are women and that we need to support them in whatever way we can. In relation to women's health, particularly around endometriosis, the former Minister, Stephen Donnelly, introduced a lot of really good supports in the context of women's health. We want to see that continue to happen. I know many women who suffer with endometriosis. It is a very difficult condition. It can cause so many negative and difficult impacts. The key to it really is early diagnosis.”
“Seaweed is a wonderful product. I love when I go to the coast and am able to avail of seaweed baths and buy seaweed products. We know how good seaweed is for us, whether we ingest it or take it topically. Senator Kyne referred to seaweed harvesting rights. I get a sense of how important that is to families and generations, particularly as I come from County Kildare, where there are issues with turbary rights in relation to bogs and there is the whole cultural aspect of three generations of a family being able to harvest turf. Sadly, turf cutting is not happening so much now as a result of the legislation that was introduced. There is a real concern in relation to private companies being able to look for and get licences. We have to respect the rights of the generations of families who have harvested.”
“Maybe the Senator should speak to some of his colleagues on that committee. What Senator Craughwell said was the first I had heard about a hearing in the Workplace Relations Commission yesterday regarding allegations made against a Member of this House, which is basically calling every Member of this House into disrepute. It would seem that no charges were actually made because no complaint was made to the Garda. The Senator is right to call the media to account in relation to this matter, particularly as the shadow of it is going to hang over every one of us. As I said, this is the first I have heard of it. However, I support what the Senator said. I feel like the pupil answering to the principal. This is the first opportunity I have had to reply to the Order of Business as Deputy Leader. Senator Kyne raised an important issue.”
“He stated that there is no accountability or transparency in the context of the funding that is provided. If that is the case, we need to ask the Committee of Public Accounts or the Department of agriculture to look at this matter. We absolutely want to greyhounds to be treated humanely. That is important. Animal welfare is extremely important to the Government. We need to ask for a debate with the Minister for agriculture, particularly with regard to that issue, because, to be fair, the Senator has made allegations. We need to hear the counterargument as well. It is important that we have a debate. We want the facts as opposed to just allegations. I appreciate that the Senator has raised this previously and that he wants the debate to happen. The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food should examine the matter.”
“It is never too early to start that type of work, but it is complementary to the work Senator Ruane is doing. I congratulate her and say, "Well done". It is a big day and a big achievement. Senator Scahill spoke about the situation in the Middle East. He wanted to thank the Minister for foreign Affairs, Deputy McEntee, the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, and all those in their Department for their work. Labhair an Seanadóir Murphy O'Mahony mar gheall ar ár dteanga agus Seachtain na Gaeilge. Tá an ceart aici; tá sé tábhachtach cúpla focal a úsáid agus taitneamh a bhaint as an teanga. Senator Andrews spoke about Greyhound Racing Ireland, which is funded through the greyhound racing fund. As the Senator knows, I come from an equestrian county and I always support funding on the equestrian side.”
“Since 2018, Senator Ruane has been committed to seeing this legislation relating to spent convictions through. I acknowledge the work she has done, the support she has received from the Seanad at that time and from previous Ministers for Justice, as well as the current Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan. It is the right way forward. We must have rehabilitation for prisoners that means something and that they have a second chance in life to be able to get on with their lives and those of their loved ones. It is important. A friend of mine is very involved in restorative justice, and they are going from strength to strength in terms of the work they are doing. It is always very interesting - fascinating, in fact - to hear how that work can impact people's lives. They do a lot in schools and communities.”
“I ask that there is a certain amount of discretion and that if somebody genuinely does not have that money, it does not stop them getting on a plane. I imagine that support is there. We again thank all the Department of foreign affairs officials - I have been in touch with them - and our embassy and consular staff who are doing their very best in a volatile and difficult situation where it is really hard to try to bring everything together in a co-ordinated effort. Well done to Senator Ruane. Sometimes we can all get frustrated with the slowness of legislation, but we also recognise that legislation has to be robust. It is important that what ends up on the Statute Book is robust, will stand the test of time and that we will not have unintended consequences.”
“It is so unfair to see two young people on the cusp of becoming teenagers not being able to communicate. I am happy to support the Senator on that. Senator Stephenson spoke about the charter flights that the Government has secured and expressed her concern that there is a cost of €800 per person who is travelling. I was caught up in the disruption caused by the ash cloud many years ago. I remember the stress. It was not as stressful as what is happening now, but it took us a few days to get back. I remember the sheer relief of being able to put travel arrangements in place. To be fair, we got all our money back from our travel insurance. I expect the same will happen in this case. The Government has to weigh up the whole balance of using taxpayers' money and supporting those who are caught and need to come home.”
“The Senator asked us to pass on our concerns to the Minister, Deputy Calleary, and to look for the extension of the fuel allowance during the summer. Senator Tully spoke about Vanessa, a mum who contacted her about her 12-year-old twins, John and Leah, who are non-verbal and who need speech and language therapy. From what the Senator said, it seems that they have had no contact from the HSE since August 2022. The fact that it is three and a half years since they had any type of support is quite shocking. If the children's disability network team, CDNT, cannot source speech therapists, there should be another way, and it should be referred back to the HSE. I totally support Senator Tully in what she says. If she gives me the details, I am happy to go to the Minister about it.”
“We wish them good health and happiness. Senator Ní Chuilinn also spoke about the need for an extension of the fuel allowance. I imagine these homes have a high BER, so it is to be hoped the residents will not get into debt in relation to fuel. I know we are all concerned about the impact of the war in the Middle East on fuel prices. We are seeing prices going up in our petrol stations and from those providing heating oil, etc. We are being told that there is no legitimate reason for those rises. It is really wrong. Every one of those should be reported to the competition authority because, as we know, those types of fuel are bought many months in advance at a specific price. We should not be surprised to see prices going up in the future, but it certainly should not be happening now.”
“We certainly hope that this will be accepted and the outcome will change from the original planning application for a critical care unit, and that there will also be further developments in relation to the sexual assault unit. Most important, it is now very clear that the Rotunda will stay on site in its very central location. There is no question of the possibility of it being moved, which I understand caused a problem in the original planning application. We hope that it will go through smoothly. Senator Ní Chuilinn spoke about a new residential hub in Richmond Place in Inchicore where 68 older people had the opportunity to move into their new homes yesterday. It must be an incredibly exciting time for them to move into a new home where they know they are going to be safe and secure in their older years.”
“I can just imagine getting back to Irish soil. Of course, many of those were transiting through Dublin to go to other European countries as well. A friend of mine is caught up in it, did not get on that flight, unfortunately, and is hoping to get on one today. I, like everyone else, am hearing first-hand about the panic, stress and worry. Most certainly, we acknowledge that the ordinary person in Iran has been living in a very oppressive regime. Our wish is that, down the line, the people of Iran will be able to live in a secular, democratic society, but that can only be achieved through diplomacy and peaceful means. Senator Fitzpatrick also spoke about the latest developments in the Rotunda Hospital. We acknowledge that a new planning application is being prepared and submitted.”
“I thank the 13 Senators who contributed to the Order of Business. I also welcome our very important guests in the Gallery. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about the horrific situation in Iran and the Middle East that we are watching unfold in front of our eyes and we are all very concerned about. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about her concern, which we all share, about the ordinary citizens, the civilians, of Iran and the surrounding countries who are being impacted and, indeed, have been impacted for many decades. The Senator also spoke about the Irish who are there. I thank the embassy and consular staff who are doing their best. I am sure many of us got to hear some of "Morning Ireland" this morning and the absolute relief of people who got one of those two flights from Dubai yesterday and their relief at coming home.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and conclude at 1.15 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“It is also important a school has the opportunity to request a review if it needs more SNAs, but there is no doubt that the communication that happened two weeks ago was handled really badly. It led to a lot of fear and huge concern. I welcome that, following the pause, it was agreed and the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, announced that there would be no cuts and those schools that needed the extra SNAs would get them. The Minister spoke about redeployment, which is important. The circular from 2014 is also important. Special education has changed a lot since then. We should not be afraid of reviews. We should ensure there is proper consultation with everybody who will be impacted.”
“I will always stand with SNAs and I will always stand with school communities. I do not think anybody has any issue with the review process. Review processes need to happen. Numbers need to be looked at, even though, obviously, this goes beyond numbers and beyond statistics. There is an annual review in relation to teachers. The Department and the Minister need to make sure the SNAs are where they are needed, and that is with the children that are in most need. We know the school population changes, year by year. Years ago, when I was a primary school teacher, you pretty much knew in September the children you were going to have for the year, but now that changes. Particularly in commuter belt areas, teachers are telling me that they often have a fluctuation of 30% a year, which is a significant amount of change.”
“While it is welcome that we have 25,000 SNAs and we will have another 1,700 in September, the needs are growing for lots of different reasons, some of which lie outside education. However, within education we need to do everything that we can to support the children who are coming to us. When somebody has a child with extra needs within their family, everything becomes personal and every perceived cut becomes personal. It becomes personal not only maybe because of what is happening your family or your child, but because you recognise the struggle that other parents have had, so you take it personally when you see any other family going through it. Cuts or perceived cuts to SNAs are viewed in that way by many schools and many communities. I, too, stood outside the Dáil supporting the SNAs.”
“We cannot doubt for a second the investment that the State has made on an ongoing basis in special education and, in fairness, in SNAs. Only this week, St. Mark's in Newbridge, which is a special school, will have its formal opening. I had the opportunity to visit the school a few months ago. It is wonderful to see a state-of-the-art modern building serving the needs of the children who go there and have the opportunity to engage with the SNAs who do incredible work, along with the teachers. I want to take the opportunity to wish them well with their formal opening. I met a principal two weeks ago. We met about another matter but, obviously, this issue came up. She told me that out of an enrolment of 350 students, 60 of them had care needs and that number is growing, year by year.”
“Every day, in classrooms right across the country, SNAs provide safety, care, dignity and opportunity to the children who need it most. SNAs are not extras in our education system. SNAs are not optional in our education system. SNAs are absolutely essential. They often give children the confidence to walk into school knowing that they will be understood, encouraged, cared for and supported. The SNAs help create environments where inclusion is not just a slogan; it is a lived reality, and that is what we all want for the children in our schools. Conditions and pay are absolutely important, but the SNAs do their really important work, in my experience, with patience and with compassion that cannot be measured on any payslip. When the State invests in SNAs, it invests in children, in families and in good, inclusive communities.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir Curley. I welcome the Minister here. We all appreciate the opportunity to speak about this important issue because, no more than those in the Dáil, many of us have addressed this over the last over week or two, both on the Order of Business and through Commencement matters. I always use the term "school communities" in talking about education because there are so many pieces to the jigsaw of the education of a young person. Of course, parents are the primary educators but the school community is made up of teachers, SNAs, secretaries and caretakers. They all play a hugely important role in supporting the child at the centre of all of this. Special needs assistants are really the quiet backbone of Ireland's education system.”
“We all took great pride when last night the Taoiseach unveiled a portrait of Constance Markievicz in our party rooms that is hung on the wall alongside those of our male party leaders. It was a good day for the women in the party, but we have to do more to make Ireland an equal society and a country that Constance Markievicz would be proud of. The gender pay gap has improved significantly. When comparisons are made across the world, it becomes apparent that women still hold only 64% of the legal rights men do. In that context, we have to push other governments, organisations and individuals to confront these gaps and take meaningful steps towards equality. Much needs to be done here, particularly in the area of domestic violence, which has been mentioned already, in terms of building more refuges and offering more supports.”
“We have to think about the women in Sudan and in many other countries that are at war where women and girls have been the first to be treated badly, including by being executed and, in many instances, raped. We hear about this all the time. We have to put those women at the front and centre of everything. It is almost 100 years since my party, Fianna Fáil, was formed. Constance Markievicz hosted the very first party meeting in La Scala Theatre. She was a real leader in the struggle for gender equality. She was the first female Member of the Dáil as well being the first woman elected to Westminster. She became Europe's first female Cabinet Minister when she assumed the role of Minister for Labour.”
“I live among women who are in poverty and who feel disenfranchised and disadvantaged. I hear their stories every day, and I am proud to represent them here today. The theme for International Women's Day this year is "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls." There is another campaign with the theme "Give to Gain", which is really important in terms of what we can all do in order to bring other women along with us, empower them and give them a better life. Because it is International Women's Day, we obviously have to think about women in Ireland in the context of how far we have come, how far we need to go and those we need to help. In an international context, we absolutely have to think about the women in Gaza, the women in Iran, the women who have had to leave Iran and all the women who have been executed in Iran.”
“I give a big shout-out to Jennifer and Maria who are organising that. I look forward to joining them at some stage this evening.”
“I wish the Special Olympics Ireland team well. They are having their launch of the 2026 Ireland national games on Thursday, where athletes will qualify to go on for the world games and the European games. Special Olympics plays a vital role in promoting inclusion. The new CEO, Karen Coventry, is doing a wonderful job. The launch is on Thursday, as I said. The games will be on from 18 to 21 June and will bring 1,200 athletes together to compete across 12 sports. That is happening in Dublin. It will be supported by thousands of volunteers. I know everybody will join with me in wishing everybody well. I will also mention the autism friendly town initiative launch in Newbridge this evening at 7.30 p.m. in Scoil Mhuire. Adam Harris, the CEO of AsIAm is coming. It is important we have these community initiatives.”
“The hope is that there will be a number of flights, but we have to think of all those who are stranded and the difficult situation they are in. Twenty-five thousand people have registered at this stage, about 2,500 of whom need emergency support coming home. There is a huge impact in relation to what is happening. There is also an impact in relation to price gouging. To see petrol going up at the pumps hour by hour, and heating oil doubling in price over the last five days, is shocking. I would like to see the Minister for enterprise coming to the House to discuss same because it needs to be made illegal. It is absolutely shocking. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Calleary, made an announcement of extra supports around fuel allowance this morning but we need to ensure this type of price-gouging is illegal.”
“I extend my welcome to all our guests who are here. I also wish to be associated with the Cathaoirleach's kind words in relation to former Senator Tony McKenna, who has left an enduring legacy in education and inclusion. I offer my very deepest sympathy to his family and the Fianna Fáil family in Tipperary. Yesterday, I spoke about the horrific situation we saw over the last few days in the Middle East. It is good news that at least some flights are resuming today. Having been in touch with a number of people who were stranded, as I have no doubt many of us here have been, it is good to see an Emirates flight is leaving at 6 p.m. and that the Government has announced its intention to charter a flight.”
“We certainly do not want to see the oppressive regime of the Shah back in Iran either. The women of Iran have lived through years of subordination. We would hope that with the top level of the regime now gone, there will be an opportunity for democracy and a future founded on a democratic republic and that the current dictatorship will be rejected and that there will be no return to what happened under the Shah. I want to mention Maryam Rajavi, who brought forward a ten-point plan calling for freedom of expression and assembly, separation of religion and State, gender equality, abolition of the death penalty and free and fair elections. Thousands of innocent people have been murdered, and we certainly hope that a fairer and more democratic future for the people of Iran will happen. The bombing needs to stop. This is not the way forward.”
“Well done to all of those who won awards and, indeed, to all of those who submitted. Because it is the 40th year of LAMA, we should organise something. Maybe the Seanad could write to the Ceann Comhairle and ask her to host a reception for LAMA. We were all shocked when we saw the events unfolding in Iran over the weekend. We acknowledge the years of oppression and torture under the current regime in Iran. What has happened there in the past was absolutely shocking. At the same time, bombing a country and killing innocent civilians was incredibly heavy-handed. We absolutely need to call out the fact that 85 schoolgirls were murdered. There is no doubt that we want to see regime change and an end to the oppression that women and citizens in Iran have been facing daily.”