Fiona O'Loughlin
Administrative Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Some 400 remote working hubs were also put in place, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic, when we all had the realisation that some work - not all work - can be done remotely. The local enterprise boards are doing an incredible job in rural areas. I am speaking from experience.”
“I join the Cathaoirleach in welcoming both the Belgian ambassador and my friends Joeleen and James. Anyone who has visited Chat N' Chew in Newbridge will have met Joeleen. I certainly hope her lunch today will be up to the usual standard at Chat N' Chew. It was lovely to meet with our former colleague Catherine Martin last night.”
“Continuing the theme of Kildare connections, she is a grand-niece of the late Rathangan author Maura Laverty, who wrote many books and wrote the very first soap opera for RTÉ, "Tolka Row". We wish Áine well on her retirement. I wish to talk about a serious issue relating to the blueway.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her positive response. In terms of premises, I had meetings with Jigsaw over the years in Newbridge and we did look at various premises. No later than yesterday, I spoke to the chief executive of Kildare County Council in relation to this.”
“We know young people are showing signs of stress or anxiety and that it is a very stressful and anxious world. Interventions can be made at this stage. The reason I have tabled this Commencement matter is that I have been advocating for a long time for Newbridge to have a Jigsaw service.”
“I always hate talking about these figures, but in terms of the rate of youth suicide, Kildare has the highest rate in Leinster. According to CSO figures, 14 people died by suicide in Kildare in 2023, in 2022 the figure was 26 and in 2021 it was 27. Demand is rising sharply for services.”
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“I thank all who participated in the debate, including my colleagues, Senators Daly, Ahearn, McCarthy, McCormack, Stephenson and McDowell. I thank the Minister of State for his response. Senator McDowell was perfectly correct in what he said about calling out the United States and President Trump. When we see the efforts the EU has gone to in supporting Ukraine and trying to plan for the future, it is quite unconscionable that the US has done so little but humiliated President Zelenskyy to try to defeat his morale and make him appear indecisive and less than another Head of State. It was despicable viewing, and it does need to be called out.”
“Everything has changed for them. There is much more I could say. I appreciate that my colleague Senator Daly has his own sense of this and wants to put his own words to this motion, which is very important. I thank my party for agreeing to bring it forward. I thank others, including our coalition partners, for supporting it. At the start, I said that Senator Stephenson had tabled two amendments which we are accepting. They will be in the body of the motion to be put to the House and hopefully will be passed.”
“That happened the night I was there and it has happened practically every night since. It is unbearable to think how people are living their lives. I commend the people I met in Ukraine on their resilience, bravery and courage in how they try to live their lives as normally as possible. They are very concerned about many things. Obviously, they want to live their lives as normal, but they are very concerned about losing a generation, the generation of young people who left when the war started. They are now starting school and college in Ireland and in other places. Ukrainians are afraid that they will never get back that lost generation. They are very concerned about those areas around Mariupol where Russia has now taken over territory. People are not allowed to speak their own language. They cannot attend a Ukrainian school.”
“Again, hospitals are being targeted, which is absolutely shocking. It is not just military installations that are being targeted. It is the energy grid, the hospitals, schools and homes. It is not simply warfare. It is calculated, deliberate and nearly industrial-scale cruelty and terror. Russia generally strikes under the cover of night. Anyone who goes to Ukraine is advised to download an app which tells people when the area they are in is in danger. I cannot delete the app from my phone. I look at it every day to see the places under pressure in Ukraine and particularly the areas I visited. Most upsetting of all is that when people have died because of an attack, a little reminder comes up to stop and give a moment of peace for those who have died overnight in Ukraine.”
“When we were in Kyiv it was very disturbing to hear a briefing from the ministry for defence that its intelligence knows that Russia is now making 1,000 drones every day. If it is making 1,000 drones every day, it intends to use those drones every single day. The night I was in Kyiv, most of which was spent in a bomb shelter, four people were killed, including a 12-year-old girl, two very close to the hotel we were in. We went there the next morning. It was really shocking and sad. The authorities in Kyiv had already been there and had started making sure the place was safe. They brought counsellors for all the families. They were just sitting out on the grass talking about how they deal with yet another child killed. Two people were killed that night in the cardiac unit in the hospital in Kyiv.”
“The railway system is the only way to bring in supplies, including food, as well as international delegations such as ours to be able to bear witness. That is incredibly disturbing. I want to briefly mention what the ambassador said today at the foreign affairs committee. It is important to give testament. Unfortunately, the ambassador cannot speak here today but I want to speak on her behalf and on behalf of all Ukrainians. The ambassador correctly said to us: This is the largest and most brutal war Europe has witnessed in generations. Its consequences extend far beyond Ukraine [we have seen evidence of that in Poland, the Netherlands and Denmark recently], threatening global security and undermining the rules-based international order. Over the past month, the intensity of Russian aggression has escalated.”
“They are still not all identified, but they have now been buried according to their own religion and tradition. To think that this only happened three years ago. We went to the town of Moshchun and saw a large stone inscribed with "2022" and I was reminded that it was just three years ago that 189 young people were murdered there trying to defend their town. That happened just after the invasion, when the Russians thought this was going to be over in a week and they could march into Kyiv having taken over the land of Ukraine. We went to see a power plant that was bombed. This power plant provided all the energy for the large town of Ukrainka. That was destroyed and then destroyed again two weeks after it was rebuilt. In the last two days, the attacks on energy plants have escalated and we now know that the railways have been attacked.”
“Both elected members and staff members have died, and we had the opportunity to pay our respects to them. We then went to the centre of Kyiv, where there is a photo montage of all of those who have died. You can imagine the thousands upon thousands of photos. While we were there lighting candles, families, friends and neighbours came up to pay their respects, and there was a pall of sadness and uncertainty because we do not know how long that wall is going to get, and families do not know how many more of their family members will have to go to place a candle and another photograph there. While we were there, we went to Bucha where we saw the grave of 500 undocumented people, a mass grave of people who were just thrown into it. The Ukrainians have since opened the grave and taken the bodies.”
“Instead, Russia has intensified its air attacks against Ukraine's towns and cities, deliberately targeting civilians and essential infrastructure. That is something I witnessed two weeks ago when I went to Kyiv for approximately 36 hours. For me, it was important that I go. It was an EU delegation led by the Danish Presidency. There were approximately eight of us on it. It was really important to show solidarity and bear witness to what is happening. What I saw and experienced will genuinely never leave me. The chair of the Ukrainian Parliament's European integration committee, Ivanna Klympush, was our host. She was the former minister for EU integration. There is nothing like hearing, and seeing, as witnesses in the place where this is happening. It was moving to lay flowers at a tribute to those from the Ukrainian Parliament, the Rada.”
“The Taoiseach is continuing to push for the unblocking and acceleration of Ukraine's accession negotiations, and I know the Tánaiste is too. Ukraine is doing a lot of hard work on reforms, but the EU must also play its part. The ongoing onslaught against Ukraine and the violation of the territory of EU member states in recent weeks underline the serious threat posed by Russia to our collective security. That is not taken seriously by some, including some Members of the Oireachtas. We have to call that out. Russia could, and should, end its brutal war at any moment. It has to halt its attacks, accept an unconditional ceasefire and come to the negotiating table. It has shown no sign of doing that.”
“Today marks 1,329 days since Russia launched its full-scale invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine. As the people of Ukraine continue to endure relentless and brutal bombardment by Russia, it is absolutely vital and more important than ever that the European Union, including Ireland, keep up its efforts to strengthen our economic and political support for Ukraine. As I mentioned, our focus has to remain on achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. It is, therefore, hugely important to increase pressure on Russia to agree to meaningful negotiations, including by stepping up sanctions and other economic measures. EU membership for Ukraine must be part of a comprehensive set of security guarantees.”
“I add my voice of welcome to Ambassador Larysa Gerasko. I also welcome our guests in the Gallery. I hope they enjoy the debate. I thank the Minister of State for being here. I know he was in London last night with the British-Irish Parliamentary Association, BIPA, and he gave a good and comprehensive report about how we do not go back to conflict. The two subjects are not totally removed from one another. We have learned a lot in our quest for peace. We now have to help support the people of Ukraine in their quest for peace and for a peaceful existence. As the ambassador said earlier at the foreign affairs committee, it is not just about a ceasefire; it is about a permanent peace so people can go about their lives and live in the normal way that we all take for granted, but which the people of Ukraine cannot take for granted.”
“I move: “That Seanad Éireann: agrees that: - in February 2022, Russia - a founding member of the United Nations (UN) and a permanent member of its Security Council - launched a full-scale, illegal invasion of Ukraine, in defiance of international law, and in defiance of the UN Charter; - Russia has prosecuted the war with a wilful and reckless indifference to its human consequences; - tens of thousands of Ukrainians have been killed and maimed, millions have been forced to flee their homeland and millions more have been internally displaced; - Russia has deliberately and cynically targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure; - Russia has caused immense environmental devastation; - cities such as Mariupol, Kharkiv and Bakhmut have been bombed to rubble; - Ukrainian prisoners have been mistreated by Russia; - Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russia; recognises that: - President Putin has frustrated every attempt to bring about a ceasefire and negotiations, including those led by the President of the United States; - there are no signs whatsoever that President Putin is ready for peace; - President Putin has refused to meet President Zelenskyy and has again intensified Russia’s attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine; - Russia has engaged in a reckless pattern of incursions and interference in European Union (EU) States; - Russia has violated the airspace of several countries, including Denmark, Poland and Estonia; acknowledges that: - Ireland, as part of the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine, will stand with them, shoulder-to-shoulder, for as long as it takes; - if Russia chooses not to come to the table, the world must increase economic and political pressure on it until it does; - with our EU and international partners, we will strengthen and tighten our sanctions; - Ukraine is part of the European family and that its future lies within the EU; and calls for: - the EU to maintain its efforts to strengthen our economic and political support for Ukraine; - a focus on achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine; - increased pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire and meaningful negotiations, including by stepping up sanctions and other economic measures; - security guarantees that Ukraine needs to underpin any future peace agreement; - EU membership for Ukraine as part of a comprehensive set of security guarantees; - the unblocking and acceleration of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations.” We are accepting the two amendments to the motion.”
“Blister packs are a lifeline for those on multiple medications. Having to take multiple medications can lead to confusion and non-compliance, which, in turn, can lead to the need for an increasing number of hospital visits. Pharmacists are using an existing scheme, namely phased dispensing. Under that scheme, the utilisation of blister packs has given rise to a very high level of compliance. The scheme has been endorsed by GPs, hospitals, patients and families. Unfortunately, the HSE support for it will be discontinued from 1 January next, except for those who are on psychiatric medication. For a small investment, there seems to be a significant return. We should write to the Minister and ask her to continue with the scheme as is.”
“There was a suggestion that there was a type of dare challenge on social media in relation to young people. It is important to send our sympathies to Sarah's parents, Deirdre and Joe, who very kindly donated Sarah's organs to others, but there is a really key lesson here for us. We can never give enough warnings in respect of this type of activity. It is very important that we draw attention to this matter and send out a message to ensure that proper labelling goes on all of these products. It is sad it has taken a death to alert us to it, but it is important we highlight the matter. I also want to raise the issue of putting medicines in blister packs for elderly and vulnerable parents. Shane Ryan, a community pharmacist whom I respect greatly, brought this to my attention over the past day or so.”
“First, I extend the sympathies of the Fianna Fáil Party to our colleague, Senator Teresa Costello, on the sad passing of her father, John Francis, and to Teresa's mother, Marian, and sister, Eileen. One of the issues I want to bring up today is in relation to an article I read over the weekend about the results of the autopsy of a young 14-year-old girl in County Clare. Her name was Sarah Mescall and by all accounts she was a lovely, bright, athletic individual. Very sadly, she passed away two years ago. That was five days after becoming unwell having sniffed the contents of an aerosol deodorant. Sarah suffered a devastating brain injury, which subsequently led to brainstem death, and also had a cardiac arrest because of inhaling the contents of the deodorant.”
“The biggest issue we are dealing with in terms of apprenticeships is parity of esteem. Young people can earn as they learn and that is every bit as good as or, at times, even better than going straight into university. She also raised support for carers. It is great to see the income disregard rising to €1,000 for single people and €2,000 for couples. Over the lifetime of this Government, we will remove the means test entirely but the first steps are very good. That is the end of my response to the Order of Business.”
“I totally understand it. While we will not get into a full discussion on the budget, I do want to acknowledge in a small way the significant expansion of funding for residential and respite care put in place yesterday. That is very important. When people with disabilities contact me, this is one of the biggest issues they raise. It is something I have brought up constantly. Day services are also to be expanded for those leaving school. Those two particular initiatives are really important. We need to keep going further but we are on the right track. We will certainly look for a debate on the matter. Senator Maria Byrne highlighted three areas of the budget. One was supports for tillage farmers, whom we spoke about at length last week. The second was apprenticeships.”
“Senator Brady spoke about the farming community and the record prices for cattle. He spoke about a heifer that went for over €15,000. That is gobsmacking. That is a concern and he is right to flag the fact that farmers need to show caution. We cannot just throw money around. We have seen that happen in relation to property. Who is to say the same would not happen with livestock? Senator Clonan spoke about the budget and disability supports. We will be having a discussion on the budget later on. I assume the Senator will speak about the matter at that time. I appreciate the anxiety and stress of family members. I also appreciate how a parent can be concerned about a sibling, particularly when there is only two in the family and the other sibling gets stressed and worried. Like the Senator, I know families in that situation.”
“Senator Tully spoke about survivors of industrial schools. We all share concerns about their health and welfare. Senator Boyhan raised the issue last week. I understand there was some engagement with the Minister, Deputy McEntee. It is concerning that the hunger strike has been going on for quite a period now. It started on 21 September. We have to be very concerned for those who are there. I know it is about priority on the housing list and enhanced medical card supports. As an individual, I believe it is something we should be working on but, from the Seanad, we will support engagement to come to a collaborative decision to ensure that those who are on hunger strike come off it because we are all concerned about them. We will look for the Minister to come to the House in that regard.”
“The Senator asked the pertinent question as to whether the Garda or the management of the House took the decision. I would imagine it was a joint decision of the two. He is right to raise the issue. We should ask for the issue to be raised at both the Business Committee and the commission. We will ask for that from here. We pride ourselves on Leinster House being a house for the people. They can come in and view what is going on. In olden days, when I was a young one who was interested in politics, I used to come to Leinster House on budget day. I thought it sad to see so few people here yesterday, no matter what that budget was going to include. It is a big part of the parliamentary process. We need to give access to people. TDs had access for only one guest and Senators had none. That needs to be reviewed and changed.”
“From a security point of view, there are going to be security operations that absolutely need to be kept private and secret. We all understand that. On the wider aspect, we should look for a debate. Senator Flaherty raised an interesting point and was correct to raise it. From what I understand, these actions normally come about on the basis of knowledge that there is going to be a protest. Last year, we saw rough protests and situations where people, both Members and staff, were impacted and that was wrong. It was disconcerting to see not just yesterday but over recent days the amount of money that has been spent on barriers and barricades. The gardaí around Leinster House are always courteous and I express our thanks and gratitude to them. However, we have to ask whether it is a good use of resources.”
“I thank the Senator for acknowledging them. We join with him in that. He went on to note that over 72,000 young people are getting their junior certificate results today. We certainly wish them all well and hope they enjoy safe and happy celebrations tonight. Senator Craughwell spoke about the Defence Forces and money available through the EU SAFE fund to bring the military up to speed. I cannot say why Ireland did not apply for those funds. We will seek a debate because we need to be alert to all issues relating to security, particularly in the sky. We are learning a little more about cybersecurity. The Senator also spoke about the EU Presidency and the need for oversight of the security preparations. That is not something we should be going into in an open forum such as this.”
“We will raise the matter with the Minister for Transport. Senator Paul Daly spoke about the issue of avian flu. I can appreciate how I would feel if I was in the business. As the Senator put it, there is one just pay day, at Christmas. At this point, when it is just over two months away, these worries are concerning. We must all be vigilant and the Senator is right to raise awareness of it. We need to report if we see anything unusual in backyard flocks - my mother has hens - or if we see dead birds on the road or wherever else. We need to report those things and to stay vigilant. It is an issue of biosecurity. Senator Scahill spoke about Storm Amy. He wanted to acknowledge the staff of the local authorities and the ESB, and rightly so. Those people worked for 24 hours to try to get everything back.”
“The Senator was right to say that we need a debate in this House on the issue and we will look for such a debate. We will also look for a briefing note on the specifics of the budget. We often see the headline item but do not know what is behind it so it is important that we get a briefing note. We will look for that and share it. Senator Collins spoke about public transport in Limerick. In one case, there is a 52-seater bus with 70 to 80 people waiting to board, and there is not another bus for two hours. That is wrong and absolutely needs to be alleviated. We cannot leave people behind. In this case, that includes students and people who are working in the college. It is about capacity. I sometimes find that Local Link, which offers an excellent service, can step in and help, particularly when there is a small overflow.”
“I know that the members of two committees went at the same time. It is important work. It was important that new embassy opened during the summer. The Senator was right to say that we need to build and develop that relationship. We absolutely should look for new routes. We will bring that message forward and look for a debate with the Minister for Transport. Senator Boyhan spoke about the excellent work of the Parliamentary Budget Office. He is correct. It is important that we have an independent body to conduct analysis. I have not had the change yet to visit the stand but I look forward to doing so. It is important. I know we will have a debate on the budget later but significant moneys have been given for electoral reform. That is important. There is funding for the local democracy task force.”
“She said there is a lot of local concern around that proposal and made the relevant point that while there are toilets there, they have been closed for the past three years. We need to do better and improve facilities for the local people who like to use Portumna Forest Park and other parks around the country. The Senator was right to say that we need to have a debate in this House about the strategy for all of our forests and forest walks. I take great pleasure from forest walks in Kildare. We will look for the Minister to come to the House for a debate. Senator Ahearn spoke about opening new world markets and the need to have direct flights. He is one of the lucky ones who got over to Expo 2025 in Tokyo. I believe it was an informative expo and busy delegation. I talked to Senator Fitzpatrick about it.”
“We started today with Senator Rabbitte, who spoke about Portumna Forest Park, which is a beautiful place, in the context of Storm Éowyn. She acknowledged the good work done by Coillte in the clean-up after the storm. There is, however, still debris with fallen trees. From a safety point of view, it is important they be removed. The Senator was right to say that is the case across the country. Priority should be given to such issues. We are lucky to have those beautiful recreational trails and it is important that we encourage people to use them and ensure they are safe to use. The Senator raised a larger point about Portumna Forest Park and consultation on Coillte's plans to have a type of tourist and leisure facility in the centre of the park.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on budget 2026, from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, to be taken at 1 p.m. and to conclude at 3 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, those of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 49(2), motion regarding supports and services for patients with head and neck cancers, to be taken at 5 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“I acknowledge what the Minister of State has said about the ongoing efforts being made by the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the relevant Departments with Israel and the families of those on the flotilla. I encourage this. Be assured that every single thing that can be done is being done by Ireland and the Government to ensure those civilians who have been taken by the Israel Defense Forces will be treated with compassion and will be released as soon as possible to continue their humanitarian mission.”
“The use of force against unarmed humanitarian volunteers is a flagrant breach of maritime law and an absolute violation of the Geneva Convention. We stand here to reaffirm Ireland's commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Sometimes, unfortunately, Opposition parties can try to turn this situation, or similar situations, into a matter of taking sides. It is absolutely not about taking sides. This should be, and is, about taking a stand for human rights, law and dignity. We want to send a message not only to Israel but to the world that Ireland will not tolerate the targeting of humanitarian missions. Our neutrality is not passive. Our voice has always been heard when injustice occurs. Let it be heard this time.”
“There is no doubt this has absolutely shocked the international community and, more than that, it has violated the very basic tenets of international law. The flotilla was no threat to Israel or anyone else. It was a lifeline. It was carrying medical supplies, food and humanitarian aid. It was bringing not only these, but also hope, support, love, concern and compassion. It was met with force and aggression. Ireland, perhaps because of our history, has long stood for peace, diplomacy and the protection of human rights. It is important to call out what has happened as a breach of international norms. Let us be very clear that, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, civilian vessels in international waters are protected from hostile engagement.”
“We have already had an opportunity to discuss this issue briefly this morning. I welcome the fact that the Minister of State made himself available to come to the Seanad Chamber to discuss this. Even though he has a heavy schedule, he changed other commitments in order to come here because he appreciates, as we do, that this is a very important area of discussion and we need to have the loudest voice possible in terms of supporting those civilians who are on the flotilla and condemning the actions of Israel. It is with a very heavy heart but a strong and resolute voice that I stand here on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party to condemn the recent Israeli attacks on the humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza.”
“Apologies. I will outline No. 1 a on the Supplementary Order Paper. Statements on the Global Sumud Flotilla will be taken at 1.30 p.m. and conclude at 3 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister of State not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed seven minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes each, time may be shared, and the Minister of State to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate. On the conclusion of business, the House shall adjourn until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 7 October 2025.”
“Apparently, there is going to be a debate in the Dáil, so the Tánaiste will be tied up with that, but I have managed to get the Minister of State, Thomas Byrne, who is willing to come to the House to take that debate today. I am going to formally read that into the record. That will be between 1.39 p.m. and 3 p.m. today. I will now outline the Order of Business, as changed.”
“I honestly do not think it is fair to say that nothing is happening. She spoke about a seven-year-old child comforting a five-year-old child. That is heartbreaking. Children grow up so quickly. Children should never see what they have seen or have to cope with what they are doing. Senator Scahill spoke about the storm and the impact it has had and has looked for the report and the review. We support that. Prior to the start of the Order of Business, I was in discussion with Ministers with regard to taking an emergency motion. This should be something we all collectively do. I understand from the calls I made and from making calls during the Order of Business that the Taoiseach is not available. He is abroad, as Senators know.”
“There is a big issue whereby native grain is not being used and there is a lack of clarity around that. There needs to be differentiation. That is the biggest priority and there needs to be a marketing campaign. Senator Byrne has looked for a debate on this. The Minister for agriculture was here for two hours with the Fine Gael debate last night, and I am sure the Senator had the opportunity to raise it then. Senator Black seconded the amendment to the Order of Business. She spoke very strongly, as she has always done, in relation to supporting Gaza. However, I think it is unfair of the Senator to say that there has been no real action. She knows that we spent a very intense period at the committee before the recess examining the occupied territories Bill and making strong recommendations.”
“I have had several conversations with her and she has repeatedly said that the Palestinians themselves, including those in Gaza, recognise that the Irish Government has done more than any other government in terms of being a very small island. When we consider that we started the whole call for a two-state solution and now there are 150 countries doing so, that is really important. It is also important in terms of the Commission and the Israeli business deal. We have to acknowledge that the Commission finally has started work in that regard. Senator Cathal Byrne spoke about the issue of tillage. I attended some of the agriculture committee hearings yesterday. He is absolutely right. Listening to those involved, they need Exchequer support and a policy change.”
“Our young people need to have, outside of the formal education process, a place where they can flourish. For some, they do not flourish through education but will through other types of youth work. We support that and will look for a debate on it down the line. Senator Nicole Ryan also spoke in support of the amendment regarding Gaza, again outlining the daily horrific situation that people find themselves in. Senator Flaherty spoke about Ireland having done a lot in relation to Gaza and Palestine more widely. He is right in saying that no country has done more. That recognition has been given by the Palestinian ambassador to Ireland.”
“I have no doubt that Adare will be a wonderful host, but that type of behaviour will absolutely not be tolerated. It should not have been tolerated in America. Senator McCarthy touched on practically every single Department in terms of priorities for the budget. He spoke about businesses and he was right, in that we have to support SMEs. We need to have targeted measures for them. The Senator also mentioned homelessness. It remains a consistent priority for the Government. It cannot and will not be ignored. I have no doubt that there will be strong measures in this regard this. Senator Comyn spoke about the greater investment needed in youth work and called on the Minister for education to come and have a debate on same. I would agree. The informal parts of education need as much emphasis and investment.”
“It is because it is a national route. Priority has been given to schools in every single county by the local authorities. Obviously, there is a particular situation with this, but we certainly would echo our support. Every child going to school should have a safe route to school. Senator Brady spoke about the Ryder Cup and what a great achievement it was for Europe and the Irish players. The behaviour was appalling. I remember going to the last Ryder Cup in Ireland. I am not a golfer and do not know a lot about golf, but I remember being really impressed with the decorum and respect that everybody treated everybody else with. This weekend's behaviour was shocking to see. We will not put up with that when the Ryder Cup comes to Ireland. We absolutely will not. We are proud to host it. It is important to host it.”
“Senator Ruane spoke passionately and eloquently about what was happening in Gaza and the heartbreak that this was causing for every single one of us. Nobody has a monopoly on how bad anyone can feel, because every single one of us in the country feels bad about this. Senator Curley spoke about Kinvara and the two accidents that happened recently on the road where 900 students have to cross daily. There is no crossing. I do not understand how the safe routes to school programme has not been applied by Galway County Council.”
“We will send that matter to the Minister. Senator Joe Conway spoke about the fish kill in Waterford. It was shocking that 30,000 fish died. A thorough investigation was carried out under the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley. The group that came together to co-ordinate it included the EPA, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Marine Institute, Cork County Council, the local authorities water programme, Uisce Éireann, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the HSE. Unfortunately, they were not able to find a definitive cause, which is regrettable, but it is being treated very seriously, and rightly so. Senator McCormack spoke about the serious breach of international law and about the bravery of Senator Andrews. We will add Deputy Heneghan to that. The Senator proposed an amendment to the Order of Business.”
“It is interesting that it is the first study, although other work has gone on in other countries. It is the first step in getting this disorder recognised and creating more awareness of the sad impact that alcohol can have at the time of conception and during pregnancy. This falls between the Minister for Health and the Minister for children, but we will look to have a debate in relation to it. Senator Boyle spoke about planning issues along the N56 and how people could not get planning permission there and the policy needed to be reviewed. I completely agree. It is the same on the R414 in Kildare. Once safety criteria are met and sight lines are very clear, I believe that people should have the right to build, particularly when it is on family land and so on. I would support that call for the policy to be changed.”
“We have to acknowledge Deputy Heneghan because we cannot just acknowledge one Oireachtas Member not the other. That is important. Senator Rabbitte rightly called out the genocide that is happening in Gaza. It is absolutely heartbreaking. We are all on the same page. Sometimes it frustrates me when there is a sense that it is one side against the other. We all agreed on a motion under Fianna Fáil's Private Members' Bill last Thursday. I was really appreciative of everybody working together and of us, as a party, accepting amendments. We should not get into them-versus-us behaviour regarding the issue of denial of human rights and humanitarian aid, as Senator Rabbitte said. The Senator also mentioned the launch of the foetal alcohol syndrome disorder report published by the RCSI and funded by the Department of children.”
“I have so many notes in front on me now, and I am trying to rearrange today's schedule, so forgive me if I do not get every single piece. We started off with Senator Rabbitte expressing solidarity with Senator Chris Andrews and others. I understand from Senator Ruane that Deputy Heneghan is about three days behind. He is on the next flotilla.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on growing and building resilience in Ireland’s small business and retail, to be taken at 12 p.m. and to conclude at 1.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated for the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed seven minutes each, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes each, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“It is seeking consular access to the detainees as soon as possible, but is mindful that today is a religious holiday in Israel. This is an evolving situation that we will all continue to monitor closely as we keep the many Irish citizens involved, including our friend and colleague Senator Andrews, in our thoughts.”
“In this situation, the very clear priority must be to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens. I understand from the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Simon Harris, that he has convened a special meeting this morning with senior officials in the Department of foreign affairs to discuss the latest developments. He has also spoken with Ireland's ambassador to Israel and will remain in contact with his EU counterparts. Officials from the Department, including those in the embassy in Tel Aviv, are actively engaged with the situation and are providing consular assistance to those affected. Department officials are also in direct and ongoing dialogue with the designated point of contact for the flotilla. Furthermore, the embassy in Tel Aviv remains in direct contact with the authorities in Israel.”
“I also welcome the ambassador. It is a pleasure to meet him once again. We met on St. Patrick's Day in Newbridge as a result of the very active twinning we have with Bad Lippspringe. I wish all German citizens living in Ireland and those with links to Germany a happy independence and commemoration day. Before moving to the Order of Business, I propose to read out a statement. I want to address the House on the subject of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a fleet of almost 50 vessels aiming to deliver humanitarian aid and establish an open, sustained humanitarian corridor to Gaza. Like many other Senators, I have been closely monitoring reports overnight of the flotilla's interception by the Israeli navy and the resulting detention of a number of Irish citizens, including, as we are all aware, our colleague Senator Chris Andrews.”