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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“It provides a wonderful service to many people. I remember when Kildare had no community garda and I was looking for one. When I see what Brian Carroll, John Dunne and Seán O'Mahony of the Garda do on a daily basis, it is incredible. The Senator says there is a vacancy in Belmullet. Rural areas need to have that point of contact. In my experience, these community gardaí will go out into the community all the time and speak to all of the different community groups. They drive people up to Leinster House in buses to be in the people's Parliament. They do incredible work and I support the Senator on that issue. The Senator also mentioned Councillor Munnelly was trying to do the same for Killala. We will write to the Minister on that. I have to congratulate Knockbride.”
“It is difficult for people whose family members have passed away to get the voting cards for them. The Senator also made the valid point that this inflated the numbers so that it looks like there is a much lower turnout, etc. That is something people are very quick to jump on. The Senator is right that something needs to be done about it. I have always felt that post offices are in an ideal position to do that. Years ago, the local postmaster or postmistress would know when somebody was 18 and they would go on it. I remember our postmistress, Molly Forde, doing that. It is something that post offices could validly take on as a service. We will look for a debate on the matter. Senator Duffy spoke about the benefit of community policing. It is one of the best systems within the overall policing system.”
“It is completely wrong that Louise is on her own and trying to deal with a very traumatic situation. The Senator also mentioned - I hope I get the name right - Friedreich's ataxia, which is a difficult condition that affects 200 people in Ireland, and the decision made not to support the funding for something that would help to alleviate that. It is quite difficult to get funding through for rare diseases but it is something we will have to continue to work at. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan has put a huge amount of work into this and has set up a cross-party group. That is something we will bring to the Minister's attention and the different groups that are being dealt with. Senator Murphy O'Mahony spoke about the register of electors and the fact there is still talk about it at every single election but nothing sizable has been done on it.”
“The Senator mentioned the UAE and the wider Gulf area. I would also suggest Canada, having had the opportunity to visit there recently. Canada is wide open for business with Ireland and the rest of Europe. Senator Ryan made the valid point that we needed to have more connectivity with Shannon to serve all of those areas. We will certainly look for a debate in 2026 on that with the Ministers for enterprise and Transport, as this crosses those two areas. Senator Clonan spoke very movingly about Caitlin Hassan, and our heart has to go out to her and her mum, Louise. In very difficult circumstances, Louise is doing her very best to care for her daughter, who sadly was raped while in care. She is now at home with no help or support from the service provider. We will urge the Minister to intervene directly and personally in this situation.”
“It is shocking to see the number of accidents we have had on the roads, considering we have not had very bad weather conditions; we have not had a lot of ice or frost. There most definitely needs to be a serious debate on this. We must appeal to everybody to be careful on the roads over the festive season. Senator Dee Ryan took the opportunity to reflect on how we could support our businesses, which is very important. Our local businesses are the heartbeat of our local economies. As the Senator said, we started off this year with concerns about tariffs and trade wars. We have some, but not complete, certainty relating to that. I appreciate that the Senator commended business and political leaders on navigating to where we are now. However, there are still uncertainties. We need to look at diversification of our markets.”
“We look forward to seeing more delivery. There is a commitment in the programme for Government in that regard. Senator Conway spoke about the Minister of State, Deputy Canney's announcement yesterday that he would not be splitting the Road Safety Authority, RSA, into two different organisations. He also spoke about the fact we needed to have a different approach to road safety. All of our sympathies go to the families bereaved by accidents last night in Limerick and Tipperary. I note that, in Limerick, three teenagers were very badly injured. The Senator was right, in that many people are not killed in accidents but instead have life-changing injuries. I know that from personal experience and from extended family experience.”
“This ties in with the whole rejuvenation of local government and the commitment that is in the programme for Government to bring back town councils. The Senator is right. There are many elected public representatives and groups like Tidy Towns, etc., who do incredible work. They are doing it in isolation. We need an audit. It is a big job and needs to be modernised but we will ask the Minister for local government to come to the House to have a debate on the matter after Christmas. Senator Scahill spoke about safe routes to school. It was great to see 140 schools being given the important news - not just good news, but life-saving news - during the week. The Senator mentioned three schools in Roscommon, although there are schools in Roscommon, Kildare and all of our constituencies that still need them.”
“He raised the wider point about how we support the built heritage and how important it is not to have dereliction, particularly with significant buildings. We will look for a debate on historic buildings and how the State and the local authorities - the two have to work hand in hand - support them. Senator Rabbitte spoke about the need for by-laws in some of our towns. That is one of the regrets with the changes that were brought in by a previous Government, the fact that we do not have town councils any longer. Town commissions and town councils were the ones who brought in by-laws in their own towns. When I was a member of both the town commission and town council, we did not bring in a huge amount of by-laws but important and significant ones that are still on the Statute Book.”
“We need to have another online safety campaign in relation to this. We need education, not just for children but for their families and parents in how to detect and monitor. That is something that we will bring to Coimisiún na Meán. We will look for a debate, both with the Minister for communications and the Minister for justice after Christmas. Senator Andrews spoke about Baggot Street Hospital being sold off. It is regrettable that it was let lie in disrepair for so many years. It could have been used for so many different purposes for the community. I am glad a decision has been made to sell it. The hope would be that something will happen with it, that a private company will purchase and that we will see life coming back into it.”
“We must all remember that and remember the wonderful personal service that we get. When we think of all the charity raffles that are happening all around Christmas, it is the local shops that are giving that amount of money to them. Senator McCarthy spoke about a recent "Prime Time" programme which featured a very disturbing element in society, namely, children who are using gaming platforms. We all know that young people in our lives, at an increasingly younger stage, are using gaming platforms. It is a huge concern that people go on under a false identity. They can be predators. Over the last 15 months, the Garda has dealt with 55 children. This would tie in with what I have been talking about in relation to catfishing, where people take a false identity or another identity and adults pretend to be children. It is quite shocking.”
“We have a huge problem. We all need to work together in society, both in terms of the judicial system, communities and families, and try to help and support and give the message that this is not acceptable. Senator Fitzpatrick also spoke about The Complex and how important it is as infrastructure to support creativity and community and all of the wonderful programmes that are delivered through The Complex. We will write again to the Minister to ask him to step in to save The Complex. It would be an awful shame to see any building - it is more than a physical building; it is a community - lose something as valuable as that. Senator Nelson Murray spoke about the increased cost of business that businesses have and encouraged all of us to shop locally. That does keep money and jobs locally. Local businesses keep our towns alive.”
“We all have to be conscious of those who have health challenges, those who have mental health challenges and those with different difficulties in their lives or even being alone. As Senator Murphy O'Mahony said, if you can be anything, be kind. Senator Andrews spoke about the families in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. I honestly believe that they are uppermost in all of our minds as they all face yet another Christmas with huge difficulties in their regions. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about the issue of illegal substances being distributed and the impact of that on many people and families, particularly over Christmas, when people meet, gather and party. We all know that illegal substances are highly dangerous. She mentioned the fact that there are traces of ketamine within our water system now in Dublin and they are among the highest in Europe.”
“I thank every one of the Senators this morning who wished everybody a happy Christmas and gave their thanks and gratitude to Martin and the team, to the ushers and to all who work in Leinster House and have extended across both the Dáil and the Seanad. I want to be associated with that. I thank all of the Members for their collegiality in terms of every time I step into this role as Deputy Leader, mainly every Thursday, but also as leader of the Fianna Fáil group. I thank all of the other groupings within the Seanad for their professional way of doing business. We all hope that everybody has a good Christmas. Senators Murphy O'Mahony and Craughwell spoke about people who have challenges at Christmas time.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, Appropriation Bill 2025 – All Stages, to be taken at 11.45 a.m., with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, time may be shared, the Minister to be given not less than seven minutes to reply to the debate; and Committee and Remaining Stages to be taken immediately thereafter; and No. 2, motion regarding the earlier signature of the Appropriation Bill 2025, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1 without debate.”
“Now, holistic treatments are important and it does not mean people are rejecting modern medicine. The herb is very tightly regulated in Ireland, and rightly so. Anybody who is an herbalist has to have licensing according to 2007 legislation. It is absolutely wrong, though, that people would be penalised. I am talking about the people who would actually go to receive and buy these products, which absolutely help to support their immune systems. I would, therefore, like to see a debate on this issue.”
“We all share the same hopes, aspirations and dreams. We again see this awful war just spilling out and impacting so many people. We just have to pause to think, reflect and hope that someday this awful war will be over. This morning, I went, as I do every year, to Paul O'Connor, who has a herbal shop in Newbridge, to get an immune tonic. I highly recommend this immune tonic. It has got me through many winters. In the course of the conversation, he told me had to put his prices up by 33%. The price of a bottle has gone from €35 to €42. Why is this the case? It is because he was contacted, as indeed were others in the same business, a number of months ago to be told their products are now being treated as luxury goods. This means the VAT has gone up to 23%.”
“As we call out the horrific actions in Gaza and the West Bank in this House, so must we call out the appalling actions on Bondi Beach over the weekend, where 15 people were callously murdered on the first day of Hanukkah as they gathered to celebrate their faith. Our very deepest sympathies must go to the families and community of all of those impacted. Our thoughts and prayers go to all the members of the agencies who came to try to help and support those injured and the families of those who died. Many of us have memories of being on Bondi Beach and of spending time there. It is a place where a lot of Irish people go. This time, many years ago, I was on Bondi Beach myself. Now, we are hearing of the futility of this. When we think about it, we all share the same planet and all our blood bleeds the same.”
“They and the students deserve to have school accommodation that is fit for purpose, and they do not have it at this point.”
“I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, for her response. I am aware of the two-phase process that was committed to. If phase 1 had started at this point, I do not think we would be here discussing it because there would be an opportunity for the existing students in Curragh Community College to transfer over. Mention was made of working with the patron bodies to ensure the accommodation is appropriate for school needs. The existing accommodation is most certainly not suitable. I want this to be taken as a priority. I would like to see the Minister, Deputy Naughton, visit the school to see at first hand what it is about. I make the point that the principal, staff and management at Curragh Community College are second to none. They are incredible. They give their all to the students they serve.”
“Students have to walk on dangerous public roads to reach the squash club, where they are able to avail of some physical activity. There is a huge impact on teaching, learning and legal compliance. This is having a big impact on the educational capacity of the young people. There are structural hazards as well as unsanitary and inadequate toilets. There are overcrowded hallways and a lack of designated social spaces. The list goes on. This is having a big impact on the school ethos and teacher and student well-being. We are waiting for the update on the new school. In the interim, we require urgent health and safety audits, immediate emergency works and clear timelines, including transport.”
“Coincidentally, yesterday, I received correspondence from the teachers of the existing Curragh Community College formally requesting urgent intervention regarding the very serious deficits in health, safety, welfare and infrastructure across the school campus. We should bear in mind that the board of management and staff agreed, in the interests of providing education to young people in the area, to take on extra students. The school has more than doubled the number of students it had. The conditions are absolutely horrific. There are no PE facilities or canteen, so students have to sit in their classroom to eat. There is severe overcrowding in the staffroom, which only has three tables for 40 people, and in the classrooms. There are no practical rooms for science, home economics, woodwork, etc.”
“Planning permission was unfortunately protracted because, even though Kildare County Council did its business quickly, the proposal went to An Bord Pleanála, which caused a delay of two years. Thankfully, the board ruled in favour of the original decision to granting permission for the school. This is where we are now. We still have no school. We still do not have a sod turned on the Magee Barracks site. Meanwhile, there are increased pressures on the schools in Kildare town and Newbridge. The Curragh community school, originally built for 140 students, now has 300 students. That is taking its own toll.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here. Obviously, I am disappointed the Minister for education is not here but I was informed yesterday that the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, would be taking this Commencement matter instead. There are two parts to this story. Curragh Community College was originally built for 140 students in the middle of the Curragh camp for the families who were living there. The schools in Kildare town and Newbridge reached capacity and it was agreed in 2018 that the Curragh community school would expand to take in the numbers from Newbridge and Kildare town and that a new school would be built. It was then decided this new school would be built on the grounds of Magee Barracks at the edge of Kildare town. This was agreed and the contracts were signed for the sale of the site in 2022.”
“I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 2) Regulations 2025, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 9th December, 2025, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 79(2)(b), which, not later than 17th December, 2025, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 84, and Standing Order 86(2) shall accordingly apply.””
“We will ask the Minister for Defence to come to the House and have a debate, particularly in light of the EU Presidency starting on 1 July next year, to demonstrate that the State has this matter in hand and that ministers and state leaders can come to Ireland safe and secure in the knowledge that they will be looked after from a security point of view and, of course, from a hospitality point of view.”
“Understandably, families caught up in these types of situations are afraid to go to the Garda because they are afraid of the perpetrators. We need to assure them that this is a very confidential service which will try to help and support them and stamp this horrific intimidation out. Senator Craughwell spoke about defence spending. I would argue that we absolutely need a new Government jet. There have been safety concerns about the present one for a number of years. On many occasions, it broke down abroad and it was a difficult situation for all involved. For security reasons, there are certain briefings that cannot be out in the public.”
“Even though the FAI was providing less than 5% of the funding, it is regrettable that it is pulling out. We will bring this matter to the attention of the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, and we will see if we can get that rectified. It is an awful shame when programmes like these, which are doing great things, are pulled. Senator McCarthy spoke about the DRIVE scheme, which was launched by the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, and the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan. It is a good scheme. We are all aware of people who have been under all types of intimidation because of drug debt. Innocent family members get caught up in this. We need to encourage families to report this to the system that DRIVE has set up. There is a confidential service available.”
“I hope everybody recognises them when they do their Christmas shopping, rather than just doing their shopping online. Senator Gallagher spoke about The Northern Standard , which is finishing next Thursday after 186 years. That is really sad to hear. We think of all the staff who have worked there over 186 years and now the last edition is rolling off the printers next Thursday. Senator Gallagher asked that we write to thank the current staff and editors, which we will. We thank them for their service. Senator Andrews spoke about the FAI and the ETB running training programmes in seven places, including Ringsend and Cabra. They are doing a service not just by producing great footballers but also by offering something incredible to boys and girls in the community. The ETB obviously now needs a partner.”
“We had a debate recently about the hospital and support services for the Limerick region. Nothing seems to have improved since then. Fair dues to the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, for going out and to the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, for raising it in the Dáil but this should never have happened. It is regrettable that no response was given from the Minister. We will look for that response. Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about the Knockbride team being in Croke Park on Saturday. I am sure it is a huge honour for the club and for the women involved in the team. We wish them well. She was right to recognise the sponsors not just of the Knockbride club but of all the local football clubs around the country. Those sponsors provide an incredible service.”
“Sadly, she was caught up in it and killed. We think of all the stories like that and all the heartbreak. Senator Fitzpatrick is right to look for an outline of how the Government will implement the recommendations. We will ask the Minister for justice about that. Senator Dee Ryan spoke about a horrific situation last Saturday in Castleconnell where an 80-year-old lady slipped, broke her hip and was lying on freezing cold ground for five hours. I am aware of a similar situation, although not in Limerick. I know the family. I was getting calls when that happened. When a vulnerable person is in that sort of pain and distress on the cold, freezing ground for five hours, it is horrific, no matter how many blankets are put over them. They feel really let down by the system.”
“Senator Joe Conway spoke about his friend Ruairí Ó hUallacháin who 42 years ago jumped into the River Liffey and rescued a lady. It is really lovely to see this brave deed commemorated 42 years later, as well as the actions of Carla Murphy, aged 11, from Waterford and Sergeant Fergal O'Connor. We send our congratulations to all of those who received awards last Friday. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about the Kenova report on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. We think of all of those who were murdered so callously and all of the families left bereaved with many questions. Only this week on the radio, "Morning Ireland" played some of the stories again. One story was of a mum who decided to surprise her husband by going into his work, but he had left early. He had gone home, not knowing his wife was on her way in.”
“The Senator asked for a helpline to support young people in their choices and their parents. We will write to the Minister for education and ask for that. Senator Rabbitte spoke about Garda vetting and said that there is no clear, straightforward approach. Garda vetting can be required not just for work reasons, but also because we depend on people being vetted for volunteering. The volunteers we have in this country are second to none. It is very frustrating for them and the clubs they want to join when there is such a long waiting list. I think the Senator suggested a universal vetting system that would be seamless and monitored. We will write to the Minister for justice and suggest that. We will wait to get something back and possibly have a debate in relation to it.”
“Senator Clonan also spoke about Mark Noonan and Glen Murphy, who were killed on 23 November 2010 while going to get cigarettes and sweets in a petrol station. I am thinking of the devastation of their families. The Senator has asked for a cold case review of this situation. We will bring that to the Minister. Senator Murphy O'Mahony spoke about transition year students choosing their subjects in January as they go forward into fifth year and the leaving certificate. She is absolutely right. It is an important time because the subjects we take define the opportunities and options we have for further education and jobs, etc. It is a big ask on young shoulders. It is a big responsibility. Sometimes schools have career guidance teachers who are excellent and really help with the pathway, but in a lot of cases that does not happen.”
“As the Senator said, elderly and vulnerable people are living on their own, etc. I had the opportunity to be at an ESB briefing recently. It is developing a plan. A lot of the problem is the growth of hedgerows and ash dieback coming onto the lines. It is developing a regional response. I feel we are going to see an improvement, but we will certainly bring the message back to the Minister. Senator Clonan spoke about the horrific events in Edenderry where Tadhg and his grand-aunt Mary died. I know his grandmother Pauline is in hospital. She is seriously ill. We are thinking of her and wishing for her recuperation. The devastation that has been caused in that community is shocking. It is very concerning.”
“The Senator outlined that there is a 60-day period during which people can put in their observations. We will liaise with the Minister for foreign affairs and the Chair of the foreign affairs committee, Deputy John Lahart. We will bring it to the attention of our MEPs to try to get a co-ordinated response against this proposal. Senator Boyle spoke about a situation in an area of County Donegal where, on nine different occasions, people have been without electricity. It is shocking how often it can happen. In many places like the area the Senator highlighted, there does not have to be a big storm to have it happen. In north-west Kildare, similar situations happen. The day before yesterday, the electricity was gone all day until 10 o'clock at night. It is very frustrating.”
“I thank all of the Senators who contributed this morning. Senator Crowe spoke about a concerning development in the US in relation to people who are applying for a visa to be able to travel there. There has always been a lot of travel between the US and Ireland for work, study, leisure and business. I was there last week. He is right to highlight the concern that people will now have to show their social media for the last five years when making their application. We all know the attraction of social media and the possible dangers that are there as well. To think that one could be held liable for saying something on social media five years ago that might be perceived to be critical of America or the current Presidency, and then to be stopped going into that country, seems a step too far.”
“and to adjourn at 3 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 3a, Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Second Stage, to be taken at 3 p.m. and to conclude at 4.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, on which Senators may share time, and the Minister or Minister of State to have not less than ten minutes to reply.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 - referral to committee, to be taken on the conclusion on the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Second Stage, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and to conclude at 1 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed eight minutes, the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, on which Senators may share time, and the Minister or Minister of State to have not less than eight minutes to reply; No. 3, Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 1 p.m.”
“The leader of the Irish delegation is Councillor Jimmy Maloney and the deputy leader is Councillor Gobnait Moynihan. A report was done in 2023, which monitored Ireland's compliance with the European Charter of Local Self-Government. That highlighted weaknesses in our local government system. It highlighted limited autonomy, weak financial independence and the need for stronger supports. I echo the call for the reinstatement of town councils. It was a sad day for democracy. They worked well even with small, limited budgets. I fully support reforms for our local authority members, but there needs to be a suite of measures and pensions need to put in place. I thank the Minister of State for being here and taking all of our messages back to the Government.”
“It is not just about infrastructure and setting the budget. There would be very few Christmas lights going up around the country without the councillors who are involved in that. There would be very few St. Patrick's Day parades and local arts festivals. Something that I spoke about this morning, and I will mention again is that we have heard councillors to the fore on the radio and television over the past weekend about the horrific situation in Edenderry where two awful deaths happened. To the fore in representing the community and the shock and trying to offer support were our local councillors in Edenderry. There is no end to what any local councillor, or indeed any representative is called to do. I raise the report from the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, CLRA. Again, our councillors do great work.”
“Back in 2023, the Women's Parliamentary Caucus, of which I was chair, worked together with the Minister at the time to ensure that maternity leave was brought in for female councillors. We also worked with the Minister on ensuring that maternity leave would be brought in for Oireachtas Members. One of the regulations that came in at that time was that women on maternity leave would have the option if they did not take maternity leave to have extra admin support. If they went for co-option, they could co-opt someone to take their place within the council. To support an individual because every individual has their own different challenges, both professionally and personally, there should be a suite of measures that would suit and support that individual to help them carry out the excellent work they do.”
“I agree about the issue of administrative expenses for councillors. Options should be given to local councillors. I could never work full time as a county councillor because I had to pay a mortgage on my own and needed to work outside my role as a councillor. However, many now choose to work full time, and it is wonderful that they do. While I would like to see opportunities for people to work full time in local government, at this time, if there were options, some who work other jobs while also serving as councillors would certainly opt for administrative support. It is only fair to say, however, that those who work full time as councillors would prefer to have financial resources themselves, and they would deserve them.”
“I welcome this motion and the debate on it. It is not fair to say that the timed amendment is just kicking the can down the road. To be fair to the Government, there is a commitment in the programme for Government. One of the first things the Government put in place was the local democracy task force. In order for it to do its work - and the AILG and LAMA are engaging with it - there is a time-bound element relating to its report, which is due next summer. It is only fair to allow the democracy task force to deliver its report and make its recommendations on the basis of the good work that was done by the Seanad task force. However, I agree with colleagues who asked whether it will be possible to reduce the 12-month timeframe once the task force has delivered its recommendations. I ask for that to be considered.”
“Like my colleagues, I welcome Councillor Malone and add my voice of gratitude to LAMA and AILG for all the work they do. I speak not only as someone who was elected by councillors but also as someone who served as a town commissioner, a town councillor and a county councillor. I absolutely value the work councillors do. In 1898, my grandfather was on the very first iteration of Kildare County Council. He died when my father was seven. Some 25 years later, my father was elected in one area. Subsequently, I was elected in a different area. I come from a family that values community service and local democracy. As previous speakers mentioned, the proudest moments of my life relate to being elected at those three levels of local government and as mayor of my county. I am Kildare to the core. I am proud of all the work that happens.”
“This is not the first time we have heard of innocent family members being targeted. We know that drug cartels are intimidating families into paying debts. They are using threats, violence and coercion. The Garda has set up the drug-related intimidation and violence engagement, DRIVE, project to help and encourage families to report intimidation. We need to support families to do that. In the next drugs strategy, we need to see this referred to. I understand the draft of the new strategy is going to produced soon. I would like to see a debate in this House, particularly on the area of intimidation of families.”
“We need to ensure that youth theatres such as these are kept viable and get funding. I would like a debate on that in the House with the Minister for arts and culture. I will raise an issue in relation to drug use. There was a programme for Government commitment to a whole-of-government health-led approach to drug use. The last national drugs strategy was drafted in 2016, nearly ten years ago. Work is under way on a new strategy, which we need to see, but I raise the particular issue of intimidation of families. Over the weekend, we saw the horrific situation in Edenderry, where four-year-old Tadhg Farrell and his grand-aunt, Mary Holt, were murdered, while his grandmother, Pauline, is very ill. I spoke to Councillor Claire Murray about this and the shock and devastation in Edenderry has taken over everything.”
“Thirty-three years ago in Kildare, we were very fortunate that Peter Hussey set up Crooked House, which is a Kildare youth theatre. For 33 years, it has been providing Kildare, and the region well beyond it, with very high-quality drama-based workshops that help support the holistic development of the person. It works not just with young people but with those with disabilities, older people, local schools, women's sheds, etc. It has been relying on a small amount of money from our local council, and from Erasmus funds because it carries out a number of European workshops, but its outgoings are considerable. It is supporting a team of 15 as well as volunteers. Now, after 33 years, it finds itself in a very difficult situation financially and faces the possibility of having to close.”
“On behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party, I extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and community of Paddy Cooney. He was an esteemed public representative who served the people well. Today is international Human Rights Day. We have to think of all those all over the world who are denied their basic human rights. The theme for this year is "Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials", emphasising dignity, equality and freedom as values that shape daily life. We have to honour the vision set forth in 1948 with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and we have to think of all those all over the world who do not have their human rights respected, but have them denied, particularly the people of Ukraine, Gaza, the West Bank and Sudan. I will raise the issue of supports for youth theatre.”
“After eight months, the Department should be able to make an assessment on the business case that was proffered. I am really disappointed there is not a response on that in particular.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response. He mentioned the Department was providing funding for three strategic regional and local road improvement schemes in Kildare, including the Newbridge south orbital relief route. This bridge is part of the relief route and fits exactly into what he talked about. I acknowledge the Department made an allocation to the council in support of the preparation of a business case. That business case has been back with the Department for about eight months. I was looking for an update on the actual business case. I appreciate these cases have to be made. The cost of projects is important and we all need value for money, but I reiterate this is reaching a traffic congestion crisis in Newbridge. A decision must be made on it.”