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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“Drug selling, distribution and dealing would still be crimes under the recommendations, but they are just recommendations at this point. I agree we need to have a debate. Senator Andrews spoke about puppy farms. He held a successful briefing in the audiovisual room yesterday. He spoke about the website dogs.ie , which takes no responsibility for the dogs it promotes. He is right that these websites should be regulated because, unfortunately, a lot of the dogs they are promoting are in high-volume breeding factories. We need strict compliance with high welfare standards. With the upcoming legislation, we will have the opportunity to debate that further. Senator Dee Ryan has consistently highlighted health concerns in Limerick and the mid-west area.”
“Senator Mullen focused on only one of 161 recommendations and it is the one that is getting all the attention. The report does not call for the legalisation of drugs. It calls for the decriminalisation of the individual, which is slightly different. We need to have a clear, health-led approach, but I agree that we need to have clear laws on drugs as well. It is a complex issue and without doubt, all Members, whatever seat they sit in, want to see a situation where we are preventing addiction and helping those who have sadly fallen into addiction to recover their lives and taking the scourge of drug addiction off our streets. The consequences of crime and how families and communities are impacted are shocking.”
“People who have a licence here and then leave and spend more than ten years away have to sit a test again. The Senator suggested the possibility of requiring them to do a refresher course instead. We will certainly ask the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, to come for a debate on this. Once people have sat a test in this country and have driving experience elsewhere during the period of absence, it would make sense to do that. The insurance for those returning can be draconian as well, and that needs to be looked at. I accept Senator Mullen's amendment. It is a well thought-out motion so I thank him for it. I note Senator Keogan seconded it. We spent a little time on Thursday last week talking about the drugs use committee and I understand there will be a debate in both Houses, and rightly so, when its report has been laid.”
“In the multi-annual financial framework, MFF, and the negotiations, particularly around the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, we need to ensure the Irish influence works in a positive way. It is the 250th birthday of the USA. While the present presidential team is often criticised, and rightly so, we still have to celebrate all the positive aspects of the US and the many Americans who live here and the many Irish people who live in America. We wish all well, particularly all those who work for American companies in Ireland. Senator Boyle spoke about Government initiatives to encourage skilled workers to come home. Some of the areas they focus on are housing, health and childcare, which are key issues for all of us when making decisions to come home. The Senator raised a valid point that the driving licence rules are quite draconian.”
“As the Senator said, the verdict will not turn back the clock, but we saw true heroes in Leanne Flynn, Caio Benicio and others who assisted. They are incredible people so it is important to shine a light on them. The opening ceremony, which many of us had the privilege of attending yesterday, was absolutely excellent. A huge "Well done" to all involved. The cultural programme was absolutely excellent. We were able to showcase the best of Irish talent and culture, a merging of the old and new. That is important in any celebration such as that. It is an important time for Ireland and Europe and the Senator is right to hope we can all work together to ensure the priorities of the EU Presidency, of competitiveness, values and security, are upheld right across Europe.”
“I am still busy writing on the last issue. I thank all 13 Senators who contributed to the Order of Business this morning. We started with Senator Fitzpatrick who spoke about the verdict of the jury in the case involving the awful stabbing at Parnell Square. Many of us were brought back to the day of 23 November 2023 when that awful tragedy happened and what ensued in Dublin after it. As the Senator said, much changed for that little girl, her family, the whole school community and the larger community. I listened to her mother speak yesterday. What an incredible woman. She is without bitterness and just wants to help her daughter to live the best life she can in a difficult situation. She is an incredible woman.”
“4, whichever is the later, and to conclude after 60 minutes, if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed five minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed five minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be given no less than five minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 6, Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken on conclusion of No. 5, and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 6 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government.”
“4, National Treasury Management Agency (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 - Second Stage, to be taken on conclusion of No. 3 and to conclude after 75 minutes, if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes and the Minister to be given no less than five minutes to reply to the debate; No. 5, motion regarding the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 – instruction to committee, to be taken at 1.30 p.m. or on the conclusion of No.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding appointment of member to the Committee of Selection, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, motion regarding appointment of member to the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight, to be taken on conclusion of No. 1, without debate; No. 3, Finance Bill 2026 - Second Stage, to be taken at 11.30 a.m. or on conclusion of No. 2, whichever is the later, and to conclude after 75 minutes, if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes and the Minister to be given no less than five minutes to reply to the debate; No.”
“I was really saddened and annoyed to see this morning an article in the Irish Independent that Kfm covered. It brought to my attention serious concerns for home care patients in Kildare. Apparently, an internal HSE circular is now restricting home care approval to only critical, urgent cases and palliative, end-of-life care. Patients in high need will be turned away and those in moderate need have very little chance of any approval this year, hitting hardest those who rely on home care for basic nursing supports like medication administration. Apparently, the HSE has also capped home care hours at 14 hours a week. These are the most vulnerable people in society who have all too often been forgotten. They deserve to be cared for in their own homes with dignity.”
“During that time, he held a series of ministerial positions; Minister for Defence, Minister for the Marine and Minister for Foreign Affairs at a crucial time in the negotiation of the Good Friday Agreement. His commitment to Ireland, his constituents and the party I am proud to serve, Fianna Fáil, was second to none. Beyond politics, he was a huge advocate for human rights. He was a barrister and campaigned, for example, for the Birmingham Six and the Guildford Four. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party in the Seanad, I extend our condolences to his wife, Annette, his sons, our colleague, Barry Andrews MEP and David McSavage, Mary, Sinead and Claire and of course his nephew, Senator Chris Andrews, who is a Member of this House. I spoke only yesterday about the income disregard for carers rising, which is significant.”
“As Ireland begins its EU Presidency at a very pivotal and challenging time, I wish all of those involved from the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, all the best and of course all those in the Department of foreign affairs, in particular Aingeal O’Donoghue, the ambassador to the EU. She is going to have a very busy six months. Having been in the embassy in Brussels a number of times, the people we have there are absolutely dedicated. They are top class. I wish everybody well over the next six months. I pay tribute to the late David Andrews who passed away this week. He served his constituents in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown for almost four decades in an extraordinary life of public service.”
“This is a principled response to helping to address that. Obviously, we want to get to a stage where we do not have any situation where we are going to have interruptions in energy. I support this motion on behalf of the Fianna Fáil party.”
“Obviously, when people had the opportunity to get electricity into their homes, their standard of living improved at an incredible level, along with standards of education with the electrification of our schools. For ensuring job opportunities and industrialisation, this was absolutely the greatest thing that ever happened to this country. It is concerning that time after time we are now seeing interruptions in the system. It is important that this is acknowledged. Public confidence in our energy supply is important and building that trust between the supplier and the consumer is important. When that trust starts to go - and I have seen that around north-west Kildare - it is a problem that we have to address. Supporting this Bill is one way we can say "Look, hands up we are absolutely acknowledging that this is an issue".”
“I also want to mention the price review 6, PR6, investment programme in grid infrastructure. That will lead to an unprecedented investment of €18.9 billion in the electricity grid. That is really important. To make this investment at the least cost to consumers the Government decided on an investment of €3.5 billion in their equity at the last budget. These actions certainly will minimise the extent of supply interruptions, which is more important for households and businesses than a relatively trivial reduction in one element of their electricity bill. The electrification of the country was certainly one of the great enablers of this State and not just in terms of standards of living.”
“The Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Deputy O'Brien, is of the opinion it is more important to minimise the extent to which customer supply is interrupted by adverse weather conditions, and he is absolutely right. We have to minimise that. At the same time, I think it is important that there would be some acknowledgment, absolutely, that this is happening and that people feel compensated in principle, as well as just the financial element of it. I commend the Minister on advancing the forestry corridors Bill to give the companies enhanced powers to clear trees around key electricity lines to reduce their vulnerability in storms. That is hugely important and we hope that this Bill will certainly will go through both Houses in an efficient manner.”
“The motion is broadly in line with Government policy and Fianna Fáil policy, especially in seeking to increase the affordability of electricity for customers and to take into account the effect on customers of electricity supply disruption due to adverse weather conditions. Sometimes it happens without adverse weather conditions, particularly where there are many trees and there is ash dieback. It is becoming a huge problem. There is widespread public concern around the country about the affordability of energy and electricity. The motion acknowledges Government action to address energy affordability but, crucially, calls for a system to be put in place whereby electricity consumers do not have to pay the standing charge element of their bill while their supply is interrupted due to adverse weather conditions.”
“I commend my colleagues on bringing this motion forward. It is important we debate it. It is clear the proposer, Senator Scahill, has put a lot of thought into it. I commend him on that. I come from a place in north-west Kildare that has suffered seriously on many occasions from a lack of electricity. I would say, on average, it has been nearly two or three times per week in the past year. I know the impact that has on families, farmers, those who are working, those with young families and older people. It has to be acknowledged and there has to be some way that can be managed through the existing system. It is a rural but quite large area outside Rathangan and into Lullymore, Allenwood, Kilmeage, Robertstown, Carbury, Derrinturn and all of that area. I have had a number of Commencement matters on it.”
“It is important in many ways, including giving dignity to people living with dementia and reducing pressure on families. We need, at a minimum, eight more dementia advisers. There is quite a long waiting list and people who feel, or whose family feel, they may have dementia face a long wait for a dementia adviser to come to their homes, talk to them and signpost the supports that are available. There needs to be better access to respite care and dedicated dementia supports in the community. We need at least five and we need to expand four others that have the capacity for more. It is good news that from tomorrow the income disregard for carers will increase to €1,000 for a single income and €2,000 for a double income. That is a great help but we need to do more to support carers. I would like a debate on that.”
“We also need to look at better capitation grants, particularly for primary schools, and at leadership support. While many secondary schools benefit from additional deputy principals as their capacity and enrolment increases, and rightly so, primary schools remain limited in this regard. Many primary schools, particularly in areas of high population, have around 1,000 pupils or are heading there, yet they have a single principal and a single deputy principal to manage increasingly complex responsibilities. I would like a debate in the House on this. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland gave a thought-provoking presentation last week in Buswells Hotel that many of us attended. Wayne, Gerry and Yvonne spoke of their experience of getting a dementia diagnosis, how they coped afterwards and why an organisation like ASI is so important.”
“It was wonderful to meet so many in Dublin at the Pride march on Saturday. It truly was a great reminder why community and visibility still matter. Showing up is always important and is a small way of saying that everyone deserves to belong. As primary schools are winding down this week, I wish all of the students and, of course, their teachers, SNAs and support staff a very happy holiday. As we gear up towards September and the new budget, it is important that we support the INTO request for a reduction in class sizes. There is no doubt that this improves learning outcomes. It also helps to support inclusion and curriculum reform. Class sizes here are among the highest in Europe. About 80% of our classes are above the EU average of 19.”
“I welcome the local community safety partnerships. Oireachtas Members are not on it and cannot be members of it. That is a shame because we were members of the preceding partnerships. That was really important. We certainly need to put more into our youth diversion projects and into In Sync, which does a really good job in Newbridge. I visited it relatively recently. We need to support our local authorities in having those drop-in centres for young people where they learn respect, positive behaviour and that this type of behaviour is simply not acceptable.”
“I thank the Minister of State. I acknowledge that the Minister came down to Newbridge at my invitation and met with local business owners, not specifically in relation to this issue but other antisocial behaviour that was happening. As a result of that, we got extra gardaí, which was important. We need to have more. I will say two things: it is good that there generally is a reduction in harmful and aggressive behaviour by young people and this is a tiny percentage. Most of the young people we have are wonderful young people who are great ambassadors for their towns. There is a concern in Newbridge that if there is a group of young boys, people automatically think that they are part of this marauding group. There is a concern for those who are completely innocent of this behaviour. That is part of it.”
“We need to see where society can step in and help parents in that case. We also need more youth outreach. Kildare County Council bought a premises for young people as a drop-in centre. We need something that will engage, particularly between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. when these young boys have left school and before they go home for dinner. We need a community-led response working with the local authorities and the Garda. I am interesting to hear what the Minister of State has to say about how we as a community can try to tackle this problem.”
“That is certainly helping but the Garda is concerned, with its resources, that it will not be able to keep that up. One of my asks is that we look at having gardaí constantly on the beat. We also need plainclothes gardaí in particular around the Whitewater Shopping Centre and some of those areas which are a constant draw for these groups. Is obviously not just about the gardaí. There needs to be a societal and a business response. A lot of the businesses have joined together in setting up their own WhatsApp group so they alert one another when there is particular negative behaviour and engagements. That is good to get out ahead. They contact the Garda as well. We need to look more at why this is happening. I would say some of it is down to bad parenting but not all of it.”
“In recent times a woman with a small baby was targeted. I am aware of instances where they have gone into shops. There is a new small business open on Station Road at The Nook. They have robbed from it and harassed the shopowner there in the first few weeks of the business opening. They have also targeted delivery drivers and specific estates, particularly new estates close to the railway station. They have thrown stones and kicked in doors. In one commercial premises there were only some young ladies inside and some of them tried to force open a door. It is incredibly concerning. It has been escalating. The Garda has been very good and I have been liaising with it quite a bit. Two gardaí have been put on the beat constantly.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to take this Commencement matter. The issue I raise is occurring in Newbridge, which is the town I live in, but I am very appreciative that it is an issue not just there but in many large urban areas and, indeed, in other towns in County Kildare. I refer to the urgent issue of youth antisocial behaviour. In recent weeks and months, we have been subject to the actions of what I can only describe as a gang of marauding youths, some of whom are as young as ten. It is very concerning to see boys of that age, and they are all boys, being part of a peer group that is constantly engaged in behaviour that includes vandalism, intimidation, harassment, shoplifting and egging cars and buildings. It is particularly difficult for women walking on their own. They are being targeted.”
“The fact that the legislation can leave the Seanad and go to the Dáil for the next step in the process is very heartwarming.”
“I thank the Minister for his support the whole way through and for taking this on as a priority piece of legislation, together with Valerie's law. I bumped into David French again yesterday. It has become like a club – a sad one - but it is incredible when out of a place of huge grief, sadness and anger at what has happened positive legislation can be put in place. Adrian and Suzie on the Minister's team have been relentless in getting us here. I thank all Senators for the way in which we have gotten through this business. Valid points were made, some of which we had discussed before. In particular given the Minister's background and experience, having legislation that is robust and implementable is the most important thing. He has committed to keeping a watching brief on how we go forward in relation to it. That is very much appreciated.”
“I am thinking of all of the Poole family now. Jason has become someone that I know well at this stage. We have become friends. I am thinking in particular of Nevaeh, Jennie's daughter. Just before we came in, Jason was chatting about the family and where they are at. He said she had her last day in primary school and her graduation but it was a really difficult emotional day for her because she was one of the few there not to have her mam. That is a very difficult place for anyone to be in but Nevaeh can rest easy now, very sadly because of what her mother went through, but the legislation her uncle has championed with the complete and absolute support of the Minister and his team will hopefully mean other girls will not be in that position again. I firmly believe it is lifesaving.”
“The Senator is right that the gardens are an incredible asset, as is the arboretum in New Ross, which I visit regularly. It was good of the Senator to tell us about the appointment of Dr. Noeleen Smyth. She sounds like a very qualified lady. We have some wonderful State assets in the form of gardens and parks and it would be good to have a debate about all of them. Avondale Forest Park is an example. I take pride in the fact that my grandfather studied forestry in UCD. He was one of the people who stayed at the location and planted the trees that are there now. The recreational value of all the gardens and parks is important. Finally, we thank the retiring director. The Senator also mentioned the painting of John Foster that is on display in Leinster House. Certainly, all Members will look for that.”
“We will invite the Minister, Deputy Heydon, to speak about the issue. The former Minister for agriculture, Deputy McConalogue, visited every single mart in this country. On those occasions he held a meeting with all public representatives and those within the IFA and farming communities. That was an important initiative because it brought Oireachtas Members and councillors from all parties in to marts. These politicians may never have been in a mart before but it gave them a sense of the value of marts to the community. We certainly need to put in supports to ensure that marts are valued and viable. I thank Senator Boyhan for drawing our attention to the National Botanic Gardens. He has reminded me that I have not been there in quite some time and I need to visit.”
“However, we need to take the emotive language out of it. By having more autonomy to make ethical and responsible decisions, there may be more opportunities for our soldiers. I know that soldiers gain valuable experience when they serve abroad and that opportunity is hugely important for their careers and experience. Finally, I agree with Senator Craughwell that the triple lock is completely separate from Irish neutrality and after the recess we will have an opportunity to debate it further. Senator Murphy O'Mahony spoke about the commercial outlook for marts and how many marts have reported a loss in sales of up to 13%. The Senator is right that the marts play a really important part, not just in terms of business but as a social point for farmers and their families. A visit to a mart is always enjoyable.”
“To be fair, the Minister, Deputy Lawless, has unveiled an ambitious plan for student accommodation. It will take some time to get there but we are certainly working towards a situation where no students or, indeed, anybody should be homeless. Senator Craughwell spoke about the triple lock and some of the incorrect information that is floating around. He also spoke about the assumption that the triple lock is broken. It is not that we are getting rid of the triple lock. The proposal is to change it to a double lock and that is the type of language that we need to use. He mentioned the assumption that peacekeeping would cease. The opposite is the case. At this point in time, other countries like the UK, Russia, America and China have the veto. Are we, as a country, comfortable with that? I do not personally believe that we are.”
“Only yesterday, I had an interesting conversation with a professor who spoke about how a lot of colleges are changing to providing three-day modules to ensure students only have to find accommodation for two nights. It is not just accommodation that is a problem but it certainly helps that if a student must travel quite far from home or pay for expensive digs that he or she will only have to do that for two nights. More importantly, students want to work. Two of those days will probably be spent in college and one day will be spent online. Interestingly, students will now have between four and five days to work and earn. We always talk about the ability to work and earn in terms of apprenticeships but now it also seems to be coming into universities.”
“I thank the Coast Guard station in Westport for facilitating my visit. It was really interesting. I also thank everybody who works nationally as part of the services. Senator Conway also spoke about respecting lifeguards by heeding their safety advice. He also called on people to be careful when using barbecues on warm days. Senator McCarthy spoke about homeless students. Very recently we learned that there are around 345 students who have reported being homeless. It is awful to see that. It is particularly difficult when students are estranged from their families and that situation is not taken into account when SUSI grants are being allocated either.”
“He reckoned that if we brought in a retained service now, that he does not believe he would have any. Volunteerism suits the job and the role that they need to do. If they went down the road of retained firefighters, everybody would have to live within ten miles. If they are on call they absolutely have to drop everything and be available. Over the past number of years, in terms of being able to send the call out to the 27 volunteers they have now, they are absolutely well able and have managed every single time to get the manpower in that they needed. It was interesting to have the conversation and I am reflecting on it now. Senator Conway has asked a very pertinent question. It was the question I asked and that was the answer I got. It is no harm to have the conversation on a wider, more national basis.”
“This is a new station that the Minister, Deputy Jack Chambers, turned the sod on a number of years ago. He went back to visit it when it was finished and I had the opportunity to accompany him there. We had some of those who work nationally on Coast Guard operations and are based in Dublin. I asked about volunteerism versus having the possibility of retained people. This was one of the most enlightening engagements I had. There are 27 volunteers in Westport. We saw where every one of them has the gear they must wear, we saw the boats and the patrol vehicles which are needed and used. The most interesting part was from the lead, whose name I cannot recall at this moment. They are such committed individuals. He himself is one of the 27 volunteers.”
“It is important that we acknowledge the FAI's independence and autonomy in arriving at this decision. The performance and the integrity of our top athletes on the international stage has a very positive representational impact for Ireland, as Irish sport provides the world with a window into our country in many different ways. If our athletes and players are competing we need to support them. Ultimately, it is for international sporting federations to make the decisions in carrying out their competitions and who may participate in them. Senator Martin Conway looked for a debate in relation to our emergency services, particularly the Coast Guard. Interestingly, last Friday I had the opportunity to visit a Coast Guard station in Westport. Being from Kildare I do not have many such opportunities. It was really interesting.”
“That is going to be a key element of our Presidency. It is not fair to say that nothing is happening while we have this stay on coming to the next Stage of the Disability (Personalised Budgets) Bill. I support personalised budgets on a personal basis. Senator Andrews is consistent in relation to the issue of the Israel-Ireland match. He spoke again today about the decision the FAI has made. It is a very difficult position for the Irish players. We have to recognise that. The FAI at least has brought clarity to it because for quite some time there was a "will they - won't they" situation in relation to it. It has stated it intends to fulfil the fixture against Israel in accordance with its obligations as a member of the UEFA. We know, as a matter of record, that it had objected to Israel playing in the first place.”
“When we see the level of heat around Europe and that 40 people sadly died in France, it is quite shocking. Other countries are obviously having their own issues. It is important that we market Ireland as a cool location for holidays. I have no doubt that Tourism Ireland will take that up. Senator Clonan talked about his Disability (Personalised Budgets) Bill, which the Minister, Deputy Foley, is considering at this point. As there is an ongoing pilot project, it is important to allow that time and space in order to have the conclusions and recommendations from that. I will seek a meeting for the Senator with the Minister, Deputy Foley. However, it is also important to recognise the work that the Minister, Deputy Calleary, is doing on the cost of disability and on employment opportunities for those with disabilities.”
“We need to have a debate here in relation to it. Senator Fitzpatrick is right in that everybody is focused on one of the 161 recommendations. There needs to be a balance struck. We need to do everything we can to support those in addiction but more importantly, to help to prevent addiction happening in the first place. Senator Fitzpatrick also spoke about Pride weekend and how important it is that we celebrate our LGBT community and to think of those who struggle with their sexuality so that we will be mindful of them. I wish that everybody enjoys the LGBT celebrations around the country safely and inclusively. I certainly look forward to participating in the Dublin parade on Saturday as I always do. Senator Mark Duffy spoke about the extreme weather events and the tourism opportunities that are there.”
“I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. We are getting away lightly this morning. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Drugs Use and the report it brought out yesterday. Many meetings took place and 161 recommendations were made, which hopefully will help to guide us to a health-led approach, which is important. I thank Senator Fitzpatrick and to all who served on that committee. I also thank the members of the citizens' assembly, chaired by Paul Reid, for their work. I thank all those who gave of their lived experience and the different agencies that have been involved. I spoke during the week about Cuan Mhuire and about the support it gives to those who suffer from addiction. I also acknowledge the work that Senator McCarthy is doing in that area. I appreciate there has been a lot of discussion and debate.”
“3, and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 5 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government.”
“or on conclusion of the Order of Business, whichever is the later, and to conclude after 90 minutes if not previously concluded, with the motions to be discussed together with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed six minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed six minutes, and all other Senators not to exceed six minutes, time can be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than six minutes to reply to the debate; No. 3, Domestic Violence Judgments Register Bill 2026 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 1 p.m. and adjourn at 3 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 4, Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, changed from Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken on the conclusion of No.”
“I too welcome the Slovenian ambassador. It was lovely to meet him and of course his team. I know that when James Joyce lived in the nearby city of Trieste, there were many visits across the border. I spent a night or two in Slovenia - not unexpectedly - and had a really lovely experience. Happy Independence Day to all of you and to all the Slovenians who live here in Ireland. The Order of Business today is Nos. 1 and 2, motions regarding the continuance of certain provisions of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998, No. 39 of 1998, and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, No. 32 of 2009, to be taken at 11.30 a.m.”
“We contend that local authority members are best placed to determine whether and how a levy of this nature should be applied in their areas. That, basically, is the nuts and bolts of it. We really appreciate that the Minister has taken the time to be here. He is a huge supporter of local government and has worked really hard with the local democracy task force. We are looking forward in anticipation to what will come from the latter. Strengthening local authorities and listening to the people on the ground is, essentially, the basis of a lot of our work and what we do. We look forward to seeing this implemented.”
“When I am abroad and have to pay a city tax, I genuinely never mind. It is always minimal. We know that this money is going into the beautification of the places in which we are staying. As outlined by Senator Fitzpatrick, a key part of the motion is where it states, "local authorities, guided by their elected members, are best placed to determine whether and how such a levy should be applied in their areas". We would say that it is absolutely the elected members who should make the decision in this regard. It should not be an executive decision. This must be led and driven by local authority members. Some of them will decide that it is not appropriate in the areas in which they live. That is fair enough, because everybody should have the opportunity to make decisions that are in the best interests of their towns or cities.”
“It is very important to state that in a municipal district or at a local authority level where this would be introduced, our suggestion is the money that would be forthcoming should be ring-fenced for investment in tourist infrastructure and services, enhancement of the public realm - we have seen a lot more money going into that since Covid; it is really important - cultural sporting and heritage events people will travel for, sustainable tourism initiatives and other purposes related to the impact of tourism. It would not be a case of this money being taken in and just going into the finances or being swallowed up in a black hole, for want of a better phrase. There would be a dividend paid back to the residents in the area by means of the enhancement of the facilities. There would also be a dividend for tourists.”
“Within this motion, we have pointed out that countries such as Italy, the Netherlands, Latvia and Scotland have demonstrated that locally determined, ring-fenced levies can enhance the public realm while maintaining strong tourism performances. Wales is actually looking at this measure very strongly at the moment. It is fair to say that a carefully designed visitor levy represents a very fair and proportionate application of the user pays principle. It ensures visitors contribute to the upkeep of the places they enjoy.”