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.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,475 lines we hold for Fiona O'Loughlin, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 14 of 30.
“It is probably inappropriate to comment on specific aspects of the case because of that ongoing investigation but watching her heartbroken mum on television last night as people gathered to finish the walk Grace set out to take to meet her boyfriend and hearing that plea from the heart moved every one of us. I thank the Senator for organising that meeting this morning. It is important to note that An Garda Síochána already has significant powers under legislation to combat antisocial and dangerous use of scramblers and e-scooters. That legislation was signed into law in 2023 and brings this under the remit of the Minister for Transport. It includes provision to tackle the dangerous use of vehicles, including e-scooters and scramblers, granting An Garda Síochána new seizure powers. In 2024, 124 scramblers and 32 quad bikes were seized.”
“We echo and support that. Along with many of our other contributors, Senator Dee Ryan spoke about the tragic death of Grace Lynch on Sunday. We all extend our very deepest sympathies to Grace's family and friends and to her school community. We have all had a number of emails from the community and from her school friends. The first one I received was from a teacher who said she had been teaching Grace in class the day before. We are all incredibly shocked by that horrific tragedy. While I know An Garda Síochána has already made an arrest, it will obviously need to continue its investigation.”
“I thank all 19 Senators who contributed on this afternoon's Order of Business. We started with Senator Maria Byrne. Along with everyone else who spoke this afternoon, Senator Byrne paid great tribute to our former colleague Brian Crowley and extended sympathies to his family, to the Cathaoirleach, who had a very strong personal relationship with Brian, and to the Fianna Fáil family. It is very much appreciated. I know that his family certainly appreciate all of that. Senator Byrne also spoke about the Academy Award-nominated Ruth Negga, an incredible actress who is inviting people to get involved in a film festival in Limerick. That festival is going to be about gender equality and inclusion. The deadline is 16 February. Senator Byrne wanted to highlight that and to encourage amateur filmmakers all around the country to get involved.”
“1, Credit Review Bill 2024 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 4.45 p.m; No. 2, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the exercise by the State of Article 20 of the Treaty on European Union authorising enhanced co-operation on the establishment of a loan for Ukraine, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1 and to conclude after 75 minutes, with the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, time may be shared and the Minister to be given no less than seven minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 57(2) on the Supplementary Order Paper, Private Members' business, motion regarding a seller's legal pack, to be taken at 7 p.m. and with the time allocated for the debate not to exceed two hours.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach for his lovely tribute to our dear friend, Brian. I know that he was a close friend and colleague of yours. Brian was kind, generous and compassionate. He was passionate about public service and he showed huge resilience in the face of adversity and lifelong health challenges. He had a trademark smile and maybe you could call it a grin. Even looking at photographs of him, you can see that mischievous grin on his face. You can see the force of such a strong personality who absolutely loved people. Certainly, yesterday, his brother, Niall, paid a lovely warm tribute when he talked about the fun aspects of Brian's personality. Our deepest sympathies go to Brian's mother Sally, and to Maeve, Deirdre, Fiona and Niall. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. The Order of Business is No.”
“We need to get the data on the waiting list action plan 2025. Going forward, we need to look at surgeons promoting immediate surgery when it suits. There also needs to be an increased Government budget allowance.”
“I thank the Minister of State. In her response, she acknowledged that "breast reconstruction surgery following treatment is an important part of a patient's recovery and should be accessible to everybody". It is not just an important part; it should be an urgent part. It is not cosmetic. It is a recognised component of cancer recovery. At the moment, public patients are facing prolonged uncertain waits. It appears from the statistics that women's reconstructive surgery is consistently deprioritised within the elective care system. The delayed reconstruction effectively extends the cancer journey by several years. It undermines recovery, dignity and long-term well-being. There must be more that the Minister and the HSE can do. I acknowledge that the treatment abroad scheme is used, but that is not going to suit everybody.”
“It causes prolonged distress, anxiety and frustration, impacts on confidence and self-esteem and leads to people avoiding things like swimming, holidays, social events and intimacy. There are, of course, restrictions on clothing and daily activities. There is an ongoing sense of being unfinished in recovery, and this is really the key thing I wish to ask about here. The recovery and treatment should cover everything up to the end of the reconstruction. I do want to acknowledge my party colleague Senator Teresa Costello, who has spoken about this quite a lot, including a few months ago. Delayed reconstruction is now categorised as non-urgent, despite substantial psychological consequences, and I am asking the Minister of State to have it classified as urgent.”
“I know of some who had mastectomies in 2021 and are still waiting. In the case of one woman who came to me a number of weeks ago, sadly, the surgeon she had in St. Vincent's has passed away. At every subsequent meeting she has had for a check-up and examination, which was every three months initially, then every six months and is now a year, she has had a different surgeon every time. The delayed reconstruction was requested, but she discovered only two weeks ago that that was never acted on within her notes. Even though she has asked for it multiple times, her request was never acted on. It was referred to another hospital two years ago and is now at the bottom of its waiting list. This situation has a huge impact on mental health and well-being.”
“We know that women often have a choice to make between receiving breast reconstruction immediately after undergoing a mastectomy or waiting to have a reconstruction done in the future, which is what we call "delayed reconstruction". Sometimes, a mastectomy is not recommended given a patient's circumstances and health. Quite often, for medical reasons, immediate reconstruction is not possible. For other women, there are myriad different reasons they cannot at that point have it. Indeed, one woman who spoke to me said she was given four days to make her mind up. She was just devastated at the impact of having a mastectomy and could not imagine spending several more hours undergoing that operation. People need to be mentally ready to have that type of surgery. Many have been waiting for between four and seven years on public waiting lists.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here. We know that aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland. Approximately one in seven women will be diagnosed with it. The HSE provides a variety of treatment options for women with breast cancer depending on its stage, grade and severity. Among these options is a mastectomy, which is a procedure that removes the breast after which patients can have breast reconstruction surgery, a procedure that replaces the breast tissue previously removed. Unfortunately, though, today, quite a number of women who have received mastectomies are experiencing excessive waiting times for reconstruction surgery.”
“I move: That Seanad Eireann - - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Gerard Lynch; - conveys its sincere condolences to his family; and - expresses its gratitude for his notable contribution, as a member of Seanad Éireann, to Irish public life and for his dedicated service to the people of Ireland.”
“Listening to what the Senator said about the scheme in Cork bringing in a permanent high-visibility force, it is certainly a way to go. It will be interesting to see. I agree that we should ask the Minister to come in and talk to us about delivering that in Cork, and delivering in Limerick of course. We also hear that from towns and villages right around the country. That high visibility piece is really important and we will look for a debate on it. Senator Conway spoke about the inclement weather we are having. He is right; we did have a discussion with regard to looking for a debate in relation to weather preparation readiness for extreme weather events. We will certainly will put the call out again to have a debate in the House with the relevant Minister.”
“We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and community. Senator Comyn said only yesterday that the whole town of Drogheda is absolutely devastated by the passing of Ziva. Senator Cosgrove said that 100 years ago ten men were released from prison in Leitrim. They had been in very difficult conditions, with two of them dying soon afterwards. We certainly will ask the Minister for culture about placing a commemoration plaque. I thank the Senator for raising the matter. We should always remember those who gave their lives for our country. Senator Ryan commended the work of the Garda in Limerick over Christmas. It is great to hear very positive feedback about the increased visibility in terms of revitalising the city centre. It is a shame it cannot be maintained all year round.”
“I thank the Senator for his kind words about the Minister, Deputy Foley, and her announcement yesterday, which certainly is ambitious. I think it is excellent. It is wonderful that eight centres are going to start this year, including one in Shanganagh Castle. We have to look at many different models of childcare that work for those who deliver the service and those who avail of it. Senator Costello paid tribute to Ziva Cussen, as did our colleague yesterday. Ziva by all accounts was a wonderful young woman. Despite her own diagnosis at 21, she never ceased to campaign for younger women and for better services in terms of highlighting early intervention and early diagnosis. Well done to Senator Costello for working with Ziva on Too Young to be Heard. It would seem that Ziva lived a very full life despite her diagnosis.”
“This year the millionth baby will be born there, a very significant milestone. At the same time, women in labour are being transferred to other hospitals as far away as Drogheda, which is just shocking. It would appear that this seems to be at a crisis point, particularly with towns and villages in north County Dublin, as well as north Dublin, increasing in size all the time. We need to ask the Minister for Health to come to the House for a debate on that, and we will certainly do so. Senator Boyhan spoke about childcare places and the public and private elements of childcare. I certainly agree. There is room for both. Childcare is complex. Different families have different needs and they should be able to choose what they can. Of course, availability is very important as well.”
“Local councillors and the community were very involved in highlighting the projects that were needed there. The Senator made the point that we need to align funding and investment with what is happening on the ground. I suggest that he put in a Commencement matter in respect of those two areas. Generally speaking, it is wonderful to see the investment in the greenways and blueways, and in active travel. Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about the Mercosur deal and Bord Bia. I have commented on those issues already. Senator Clifford-Lee raised an issue that was highlighted in The Irish Times this morning about Dublin's northside lacking in terms of a maternity hospital. The Rotunda hospital has wonderful staff and nurses but it is not fit for purpose. The Senator mentioned that the Rotunda has the highest birth rate in the country.”
“She said that in Cork there is a problem with the lack of office space, which militates against the proximity to an airport and a university, and all of the elements that would make for a really good site for foreign direct investment. I know from dealing with IDA Ireland in Leinster that it is a problem everywhere. It would seem that a lot of companies now want to come in to ready-made offices, which is a big capital outlay, and they would have a very high spec in that regard. It is an issue and we should ask the Minister for enterprise to come to the House for a debate. All of us want to see balanced FDI across the country. Senator Duffy spoke about active travel funding, saying he was disappointed by a lack of investment in Balla and Westport.”
“Senator McCarthy spoke about the justice system and how it responds to one-punch attacks. These are acts of serious violence but sentencing can be inconsistent. There are concerns about concurrent sentences, guilty pleas and a lack of clarity in relation to sentencing. The Senator is right in saying that we need public confidence in the framework. It needs monitoring. We will ask the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, to come in and have a debate on that. He is no stranger to this House at the moment. We understand that sentencing is down to the Judiciary. Senator Murphy O'Mahony spoke about foreign direct investment and how important it is.”
“The Senator is absolutely right that there needs to be a policy to the effect that clubs that receive funding should be able to support other clubs in surrounding areas during daylight hours. We will ask the Minister to come in and address the matter. We will bring it to the attention of the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue. I have no doubt he will be very amenable to trying to do something in that regard. Senator Boyle spoke about Killybegs Community Hospital where 13 beds are lying idle and the day care centre has not resumed. It is awful to see beds idle. I understand from what the Senator said that it is down to the recruitment of staff. He is looking for an update. I suggest the Senator submit a Commencement matter, particularly in relation to recruitment for the Killybegs hospital.”
“I do feel that the Minister for agriculture should step in at that point. Senator Rabbitte spoke about supporting small communities, particularly primary and secondary schools that do not have the opportunity to avail of large sporting facilities. She is absolutely correct. Very sizeable grants have been given throughout the country, and rightly so, to support local sporting clubs. It is unfortunate for those smaller areas that do not have the wherewithal in terms of having an all-weather pitch. The Senator outlined costs of €300 to rent a pitch for an hour, €500 for a bus and some money to the referee. That is a huge amount of money for any small school community.”
“Last night, I was informed the pool will be open to local schools and community clubs three days a week going forward. It was well worth mentioning again. Senator Collins spoke about MEPs Lynn Boylan and Kathleen Funchion. Other MEPs also joined in on the anti-Mercosur issue and ensuring the deal went to the European court. Ireland has made its position very clear. It is not supporting the Mercosur deal and that will continue. On the chair of Bord Bia, he was appointed through a public process in 2024. I understand Bord Bia is meeting this morning in respect of the position. We certainly should not undermine the importance of Bord Bia. It is an incredible organisation that does incredible work outside Ireland in terms of exports. We await the results of today's meeting.”
“If that means bringing in other European countries to help to support that, that is absolutely what we have to do. Senator Craughwell also spoke about the survey about sexual assault within the Defence Forces. Anywhere where sexual assault is happening, it needs to be called out. The Senator makes a point that it is possibly happening in other areas that are not being highlighted. Everywhere it happens, it has to be highlighted and called out for what it is. Senator Craughwell also said that I made a habit of mentioning things in Kildare in my speech about the Army yesterday. I will never apologise for mentioning anything about Kildare; in fact, I want share a bit of good news. I raised two issues, one of which was the Curragh swimming pool.”
“I imagine the reason this had gone under the radar is that, in fairness, there have been many good, positive announcements over the last week, so unfortunately, some of the good news tends to get buried. Senator Kennelly gave a heartfelt speech about former Senator Gerard Lynch, who we are mourning. I will be putting forward a motion afterwards. I often heard former Senator Ned O'Sullivan, a fellow Listowel man, speak about the esteemed public representative. We join in the condolences to the Lynch family and to Fine Gael. Senator Craughwell spoke about the Zelenskyy visit and said it was not perfect. There is no such thing as perfection in anything, but I believe the visit went well. The Minister spoke about this yesterday during the debate. Decisions have to be made in the best interests of security.”
“While this has been averted, we know that the Taoiseach is heading to Brussels this evening for a special meeting of all EU leaders about the threats, which we now know have passed. At the same time, nothing can be taken for granted. We are living in an ever-changing world and the ever-changing egotistical position of President Trump. It is only right that we must prepare for different situations from a united EU position. Senator Fitzpatrick also spoke about the active travel announcements and how important it is to see the final part of the Royal Canal Greenway being invested in. It connects communities and provides safety for those who wish to travel on it. The Senator also highlighted the recent €1 billion announcement for the housing activation office. It is significant. Local authorities have to make their applications for it.”
“I acknowledge Councillor Gaffney, who was with the school group that just left. I thank the 16 Senators who spoke to us this morning about different issues impacting their areas and on a national level. It is always important that we have this level of debate. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about the overnight developments relating to the threat to Greenland and tariffs. She acknowledged the Taoiseach's steadfast position and approach on supporting a unified EU response. I know the situation is evolving. There is certainly one thing we can say, which is that, whatever about anything else, the American President is good at getting headlines every single day and dominating the news cycle.”
“I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I will move a motion for an expression of sympathy by the House at the end of the Order of Business. The Order of Business is No. 1, the Mental Health Bill 2024 - Committee Stage (Resumed), to be taken at 12.30 p.m. and to adjourn at 3 p.m., if not previously concluded.”
“The Department of Defence is currently responsible for managing the plains, but an agreement has been made to the effect that this responsibility should move elsewhere. We need action in respect of that matter.”
“I add to that the need for an examination of the introduction of long service increments and the rank of lance corporal. I will use the remaining 30 seconds to address two issues pertaining to Kildare. As Senators know, Kildare is the home and the heart of the Defence Forces. There is a small issue there which would mean an awful lot if it was addressed, namely the opening of the Curragh swimming pool to current and former personnel and their families and to local schools. When Micheál Martin was Minister for Defence, it was agreed that if an investment of €250,000 was made in respect of the swimming pool, it would be reopened to these groups. Two and a half years later, this has not happened. We need it to happen, and we also need action in respect of the Curragh plains.”
“The sixth recommendation relates to the establishment of a specialist pay review body outside local bargaining provisions to consider the appropriateness of current rates of technical pay for specialists. The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended the introduction of a mechanism in this regard. It is really important, and I urge the Minister to ensure that this happens. Improvements in initial cadet pay is our seventh recommendation. It remains the lowest in the Defence Forces at just €493 per week compared with €540 for a recruit and €617 for a two-star trainee. We also call for a review of the current duty pay system. From our engagement with PDFORRA in particular, we know this is a key issue. We need to have that and the implementation of the third strand of the working time directive dealt with.”
“The Minister referenced that, and it is important. It is time to act on this matter. There is a recommendation in this regard. The position of adjudicator has been vacant four times in the past six years. The fourth recommendation relates to the Defence Forces chaplain. We all remember the heinous attack on Fr. Paul Murphy, which underscored the vulnerability of those who are serving in this role. We and the representative organisations want to see this addressed, as it needs to be. The fifth recommendation is on the commencement of adjustments to pay and allowances as agreed under the local bargaining arrangements of the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026. This is simply overdue, and we owe it to the Defence Forces to get on with it.”
“Of course, this matter does not just relate to the Defence Forces because gardaí and firefighters have spoken about it as well. It is important to state that we consulted RACO and PDFORRA on all the recommendations we have included in the motion. The second recommendation in the motion is that the disparity in pension entitlements for personnel who enlisted after 1994 and before 2024 has to be addressed. There is a particular adverse circumstance for personnel who enlisted during that period in that they do not receive the entitlement to 13 weeks’ of pre-retirement leave or the 78 weeks’ worth of gratuity awarded to personnel on newer pension schemes. This has to be addressed. The third recommendation concerns the appointment of an adjudicator to the conciliation and arbitration scheme for the Permanent Defence Force.”
“The reason my colleagues and I brought this motion forward was to highlight some areas the Minister and the Government could focus on to help meet those challenges. Up to November last, a total of 15,781 applications were received. This shows that there is interest in joining the Defence Forces. The challenge is to convert those applications into inductions. In that context, the Minister has spoken about the workforce plan, which we await with anticipation. We certainly hope it is going to help. As for the specifics of the motion, we are looking for an evaluation of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 in the context of its impact on retention of personnel in the Defence Forces.”
“Senators across the Chamber want to see the Government investing in the people in our Defence Forces and in our infrastructure, equipment and command and control structures to create Defence Forces that are ready to face the challenges we face in the strange geopolitical world we are in at the moment. We would be wrong not to note that there are challenges. There are well documented challenges right across the service. It has to be a priority to address those and show the men and women serving in Óglaigh na hÉireann that we respect them and want to make sure they have proper pay and conditions. In a competitive labour market with full employment, there are always going to be challenges. We are bound to see people leaving different types of employment in order to take up other opportunities.”
“I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, for being here for a very important motion from the Fianna Fáil grouping. We have seen significant progress in recruitment and retention over the last number of years. Year on year, for the past three years, we have seen recruitment increase, which is important. It is also important to acknowledge the ongoing innovation by senior military management and the Department of Defence in relation to structures and methodology on recruitment and retention. It is a job worth doing. Our gratitude, thanks and respect must go to the men and women who serve in the Defence Forces at home and abroad. We are increasingly proud of them.”
“That is also important. However, there is a particular element I want to highlight. It concerns those who have to undergo mastectomies and who, for a myriad of different reasons, cannot go through reconstruction at the time. When there is a delay, there should be a system in place to ensure treatment for the patient does not end until reconstruction has taken place. I am dealing with somebody who has been waiting for five years. She has been moved from one hospital to another. The process started again only 18 months ago. Most definitely, we need to have a system in place. I would like to see a debate on this issue in which delayed reconstruction is seen as as part of the whole treatment process.”
“I extend sympathy, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil grouping, to the family, friends and co-campaigners of Ziva Cussen, who was a very powerful campaigner for breast cancer awareness. She worked tirelessly through an advocacy group that she set up, Too Young To Be Heard, to amplify the voices of breast cancer patients. Despite her own illness, she remained very focused, right to the end, on helping others. Targeted cancer prevention and early diagnosis are essential in helping and supporting those who unfortunately have a predisposition towards cancer or indeed a diagnosis of it. OECD data show cancer mortality rates in Ireland are falling faster than the EU 27 average rate and than those of our economic peers. That is really important. My county, Kildare, has the second-highest positive rate of having come through cancer.”
“Our guests are most welcome. I hope they have an enjoyable day. Today sees the start of TradFest in Dublin. It is the largest folk and traditional music festival. It is really important in celebrating Irish cultural identity and I recommend that people get to many of the events. One of the things that is really notable about TradFest is that it partners with AbleFest, which is the largest inclusive musical festival and which will be run over two days at the National Stadium. It provides a place for neurodiverse children and adults, with their friends and families, to enjoy music in the way many others can. Well done to TradFest for organising that. I wish those concerned the very best of success over the next few days.”
“Currently, we have vaccines in respect of Covid and the flu, but I believe we need to have it for RSV because there are so many older people who are in hospital with RSV infections. If we had the RSV vaccine, it would free up our whole health network. I encourage everybody to complete that survey before 5 p.m.”
“I wish Newbridge Silverware continued success and thank William Doyle, his family and the staff for their many decades of service. Just prior to Christmas, HIQA announced that it would carry out a consultation process regarding the respiratory syncytial virus, RSV, vaccine. That process will close at 5 p.m. The reason I am bringing this matter to the Leader's attention is that I do not think the consultation process should have happened of the busy Christmas period. The process involves a really important survey. I urge everybody to complete it. This is about trying to protect our older and more vulnerable people. We need to ensure that there is a pathway to immunisation through vaccination. We need to a vaccine for older people.”
“These people are unsung heroes who do wonderful work in trying to ensure that we live in positive environments filled with colour. Newbridge Silverware has been in existence since 1934. It has provided employment for many people over the years. At present, there are just 11 workers employed by Newbridge Silverware on the manufacturing side. Sadly, the company announced earlier that it is going to cease manufacturing work. The 11 people who are impacted will obviously receive redundancy packages. This is the end of an era. Newbridge Silverware has a much broader remit now, and I am really glad about that. There is a wonderful visitor showcase there and there is also the equally wonderful Museum of Style Icons. It is a thriving place.”
“I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader. I wish to express sympathies to the people of Spain on the most horrific rail crash that occurred there on Sunday last. I believe 41 people have been confirmed dead, but the number of fatalities continues to rise. Almost 150 people were injured, 12 of whom are in critical care. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have been bereaved and with all of the volunteers, safety workers and aid workers who assisted at the scene. I congratulate the Newbridge Tidy Towns Association on winning its ninth green flag in a row for the Liffey Linear Park. I take the opportunity to thank the wonderful volunteers we have in the Newbridge Tidy Towns Association and in Tidy Towns association right around the country.”
“Ultimately, we want to have the new-build school the pupils and teachers deserve in order that they can move into it on a phased basis, as agreed.”
“I thank the Minister for her response and her interest and concern in relation to this matter. I understood from my meeting in the week before last with the principal and the teachers that an application had been submitted through the KWETB. I will phone the principal directly after this engagement. The school has a good working relationship with KWETB. I would be concerned if the Department had not received that application at this point. Obviously, that is a clear priority. I want to hear from the Minister that once the application has been received in its totality, it will be given the priority it deserves. She spoke about immediate risk and unforeseen works. This case fits all of the criteria. We want to have it sorted out because we want to have a safe place for the students and their teachers.”
“The atmosphere of support for one another between the whole school community is top class. The principal, Nessa Doyle, and her team are doing incredible work with students who now come from a much wider area. However, what they are going through at the moment is shocking. I hope the Minister can give us some up-to-date information on this.”
“This absolutely has to be expedited as soon as possible. At the moment, the school is shipping fifth and sixth year students to an alternative location a few miles away. It was difficult enough to get transport from Kildare and Newbridge to the Curragh Camp, but we are now faced with another logistical situation in terms of pupils and teachers having to move between two campuses, which are several miles apart. As the Minister can imagine, buses, taxis and so on have to be arranged. I particularly want to mention an email I received from Alannah Dunne, Ali McGannon and Libby Christie. They speak about neglect, broken promises and ongoing safety concerns. As students, they say that everything about the place has declined rapidly. I want to be very clear. The staff of the school are excellent.”
“This was in view of the fact that the new school is going to be built in two stages. Unfortunately, things have gone from bad to worse in the existing building. The school is over capacity. The facilities are not in the condition that anyone would want to see either the students or teachers in. For example, there is a staff room that accommodates ten people but there are almost 40 staff members at this stage. There have been numerous communications from the staff and many from students as well. The week before last, I went to the school at the behest of some of the teachers and was appalled by what I saw. Three of the classrooms cannot be used because of damp and mould. The issue is that the roof has been leaking, so the school has made an application for emergency works for a new roof.”
“As we know, that project is at the tender stage. We are certainly hoping it will receive priority from the Department. Since the Commencement debate in question, things have become very bad at the existing school building in the Curragh. It is an unusual situation because it is on Department of Defence land, and the Department of Defence is a co-patron, along with Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board, KWETB. This school was originally built for 140 students, but it currently has 300. That is because, with the pressure on the existing secondary schools in Newbridge and Kildare, a decision was made and the board of management of the Curragh Community College was asked to expand its capacity to take in the extra numbers before the new school was built.”
“I thank the Minister for being here. I really appreciate it. I take this opportunity to formally congratulate her on her new role. I was able to do so informally, but it is important to also do it formally. What I am raising today will not be new to the Minister because I happened to bump into her at the Young Scientist exhibition and took the opportunity to speak to her about the situation in the school at the Curragh. Of course, I have been in email contact with her office on an ongoing basis. It is coincidental that the final Commencement matter I tabled before Christmas related to the issue I am raising today, although it concerned the new build, that is, the new school that is going on the Magee Barracks site in Kildare town, which will cater for the students of the Curragh, Newbridge and Kildare.”
“This day last week, Senator O'Reilly spoke about the team coming up and wished them well. I noted the result over the weekend, so I congratulate them. It is wonderful to see small communities developing and growing up. The Senator also spoke about what she called the hypocrisy of People Before Profit in relation to its differing stances on fox hunting and abortion. We have had the long debate on repeal and I do not propose to go into it now. The people spoke in the referendum and we had legislation go through both Houses to effect what they voted for. However, the Senator spoke about Baby Christopher, which was one of the saddest situations I have ever seen. For a family to go through that, it will never leave them and it is shocking something like that would happen. That was it. Senator Craughwell wished everybody a happy Christmas.”