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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“A tele-consultation is still a consultation and I know it has worked if someone cannot get to a GP physically. I have not used it but I did see one in operation and it seemed to work well and is a consultation. The important thing is that it is a consultation. The article in the newspaper showed that there was no consultation and people could buy a medical certificate. This is completely wrong. I understand that it is down to the Medical Council to regulate that. There does not seem to be a specific regulation but I think one should be brought in. Perhaps that is something we can ask the Government to do.”
“A developer bought it and the Department of education had to buy that piece of land for a school, so we need clarity. We also need a system that is not tied up in red tape. If a generous benefactor wants to give a gift with no strings attached and it is decided that this should be done through the local authority, which is generally the best way in terms of transparency, we should enable it. Again, we will look for the Minister for local government to come to the House, so we are looking for him to come to the House to discuss two different issues. Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about a shocking situation of which she was aware. We all feel huge compassion for that individual. She spoke about sick certificates being issued without any consultation.”
“It is probably worth putting down a Commencement matter to get the specific details about it. In response to Senator Dee Ryan, reading the newspapers, I can appreciate what has happened in Limerick over the past few weeks and why this is a really important issue. I wish we had that problem in Kildare. We all wish we had that problem of benefactors who want to be able to give supports. It is not about giving it to the local authority; it is about giving it to the people so communities can be transformed and they can be enabled to thrive. The issue here concerns what happens when a philanthropist wants to gift land or a building to a local authority. A case involved Magee Barracks in Kildare many years ago. It was to be gifted to the local authority, which did not want to take it.”
“We have looked for a debate on the NDP before recess so that might be a place to raise it. We will look to the Minister for Transport to come to the House to talk about that as well. Senator Cosgrove spoke about surgical hubs and where one would be based in the north west. She spoke very eloquently about it and the fact it is not a Donegal versus Sligo debate. We just need clarity on it. I know Councillor Edel McSharry has been in touch with a number of us about the issue. The Senator also mentioned the deal that the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, made. I have no idea about the deal. I would love to know the details so the Senator can pass them on. I hope that clarity is provided very soon and that work can start. It would be ideal if both counties got it but we just need a decision so that people would know.”
“Most of the carers I have come across have been excellent in terms of their care, attention and love they provide to those for whom they care. The Senator also said that some carers are available but are not being allocated work. Again, this is an administrative error that needs to be cut down on. It is certainly something we will raise with the Minister. Senator Casey comes from the youngest county. I am sorry it is the last county to be thought of in terms of public transport. I am glad that one of its train stations got the fair fares, which is something we all fought for. The Senator is right in what he said about the services the county was promised such as the DART. So many people have moved to the county because of the cost of housing in Dublin, so it is a commuter belt area and Wicklow should have a far better service.”
“We need more people policing this issue, between Customs and Excise and An Garda Síochána. It would be worthwhile getting a briefing on how the matter is policed. Senator Tully spoke about home care hours, particularly for older and disabled people. It is a quagmire and it is complex. In certain areas it is hard to be identify carers and that is why we need to have more courses on social care and we need to show school leavers that social care is such a worthy thing to do. We should provide the appropriate PLCs and apprenticeships. Senator Tully spoke specifically about the possibility of carers not turning up. That is most regrettable. In situations like that, I assume the agency must deal with those issues.”
“The Senator is correct, it has increased very significantly. The fact that three out of ten teenagers are vaping is an alarming statistic. Earlier this week, I happened to hear on the radio a young person talking about the impact vaping had on them and that it provoked a psychotic episode. There is a lot of evidence on this and we should have a session on vaping and get all the information and research. Senator Joe O'Reilly spoke about retailers being the lifeblood of our communities - which we all agree on - and the effect on retailers of illicit goods. Apart from what is being lost to shops, particularly those close to the Border, €540 million is lost to the Exchequer. This could be very significant funding going into communities. I did not know that 37% of all cigarettes consumed here are smuggled.”
“It was great that he was able to bring in Oireachtas Members and representatives of Bus Éireann and the NTA to answer questions. I know there is a big review going on but the Senator mentioned the timely responses that every one of us should get. It is completely wrong that the Senator is not getting answers within an adequate time. No matter their party, everyone should be able to use the service that is there to get responses through the Oireachtas line. The Senator spoke about Glenamaddy Community School and the need to have a more efficient route put in place there. The Senator could possibly put in a Commencement matter next week. She is right to raise the general issue of getting responses. Senator Ollie Crowe spoke about vaping and the number of young people who are vaping all the time.”
“This is an issue in counties such as Laois where the population is growing. The Senator is correct to say that it puts extra pressure on hospitals and out-of-hours GP clinics. This issue did not begin overnight, it has been ongoing for some time and it has been highlighted by many GPs. There are some issues in the system. We will look for the Minister for Health to come here to address this particular issue. If we are focusing on primary care, as we are doing as part of Sláintecare, we need to ensure that we have a good GP service. Senator Scahill spoke about school transport. As the Senator knows, the Minister of State at the Department of education, Deputy Michael Moynihan, had a briefing in the audiovisual room.”
“Regarding investment in schools, there has been a 20% increase in capitation over the past three years, but we are still not back to where we were in 2011. Considering how costs have risen, to think that we are back at pre-2011 levels is wrong. Principals need certainty and they need more middle-management administrative supports. There needs to be more deputy principals. In a primary school I know with more than 1,000 pupils, there is only one deputy principal. They are finding it difficult to manage. We will look for the Minister for education to come to the Seanad. We will try to get her before the recess and if not, immediately once we resume. Senator McCormack spoke about GP services in Laois. He mentioned that the national average is one GP per 1,000 people but in Laois the figure is one GP per 1,600 people.”
“The Senator is right, the schools we represent in our areas are to the pin of their collar at this time, with rising prices. I acknowledge that the capitation grants will increase in September, from €200 to €224 per student for primary schools and from €345 to €386 per student for post-primary schools. I agree that this is still not enough. There is an anomaly with regard to what primary schools and secondary schools get. This should be equalised. If anything, younger children need more supports. There is a special unit in the Department of Education, the financial support services unit, that deals with financial supports for schools that find themselves in a very difficult situation. School principals need certainty.”
“We hope that this new drug will be considered and the women who need it will get access to it. Senator Ní Chuilinn spoke about the sportsperson's tax rebate. There was no one like Charlie McCreevy to find ways to support niche industries. He really did the State incredible service. At the time, I am sure it was just something that came out of the blue, but I know the man and I know the way his mind works. He is quite an incredible person. It was an important thing to do. Senator Ní Chuilinn spoke about the anomaly for different sports. She made the very fair point that sponsorships were not included. We need to bring this to the attention to the Minister for sport and the Minister for Finance. Senator Goldsboro spoke about class sizes and the need for proper capitation grants.”
“He said that it was a Government priority to support the workers. He has deployed a team to deal with the 150 people. They have been offered supports and income. Under the new rules, they can have income of up to €450 per week. The team is also looking at education and training supports. The Senator also called for a debate on workers' rights. We will look for this, as it is an important issue. Senator Teresa Costello spoke about a briefing she received on adequate supports for cancer survivors facing menopause. For these women, HRT is not an option. We are all thankful to the former Minister, Stephen Donnelly, for leading a revolution in women's health, particularly in the context of menopause supports. The Senator spoke about a new drug which is under review and, as she rightly said, no one should be left behind.”
“We cannot afford to be passive and we need to show business owners, particularly those in the SME sector, that we are supporting them. We are also looking for new markets. The Taoiseach has been in Japan this week. The development of new trade links is hugely important. We have an action plan on market diversification. The Senator also mentioned the banking industry and concerns about the housing situation. We are all concerned about the housing situation but I know that many developers are finding it hard to get access to credit from the banks. Maybe banks could improve their lending rules. Senator Andrews spoke about the 150 redundancies at Penneys. It is a very difficult time for the workers and their families. I recall that there was a statement from the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Dara Calleary, in relation to this.”
“We are at a time when we need to invest in our apprenticeship programmes and show parity of esteem to young people who are leaving school. They can earn as they learn and apprenticeships are the way forward. We will certainly ask about that possibility. I am not aware of it but we will look for clarity and for the Minister, Deputy James Lawless, to come to the House to talk about the apprenticeship programme, in general. Senator McCarthy spoke about Irish business concerns regarding proposed tariffs. There has been an intensification of EU trade negotiations in recent weeks. The Tánaiste was in Brussels for one such meeting on 26 June. The Tánaiste is in close contact with the EU trade Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, whose name I always pronounce incorrectly, so excuse me for that. The trade forum is ongoing.”
“As the Senator said, there has to be an element of trust. She asked if the House was aware of any similar situations going on for more than 12 months. I am not, but I will leave that open to the House and anybody outside the House. It is a fair point. We should ask the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to come before the House and speak about CPOs. There will probably be more of them in the future, in particular given the housing situation. I am happy to agree to look for that. Senator Manus Boyle spoke about apprenticeship programmes and a decrease in funding. I am not aware of that. I had reason to speak to the Minister, Deputy Lawless, the week before last regarding a craft apprenticeship in Ballyfermot school of music. He assured me at that point that absolutely no apprenticeship programme would end.”
“Senator Rabbitte raised the issue of CPOs, in particular those relating to the N63 road. I was quite shocked to hear the details that an arrangement was apparently made in 2014, but a landlord has not been paid since. That raises a lot of questions because the individual has suffered a loss of income. As the Senator said, that has caused a lot of stress. We need clarity on CPOs. They are, of course, not just used for roads, bypasses, etc. but also for derelict buildings in our towns. I am conscious of an ongoing issue in Newbridge. CPOs are used in order to put buildings to good use. It is important that there is absolute clarity for the owners, trustees or whatever the case may be. There should be very clear guidelines on timelines and compensation which is generally agreed to be fair. There is a process in place to carry out valuations.”
“and to be completed at 1.15 p.m., if not previously concluded, with he three motions to be discussed together, the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, those of group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister is to be given not less than eight minutes to reply to the debate.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending EU Regulation 2024/1348 as regards the establishment of a list of safe countries of origin at Union level; No. 2, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending EU Regulation 2024/1348 as regards the application of the "safe third country" concept; and No. 3, motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of a Council recommendation on a co-ordinated approach to the transition out of temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine, to be taken at 11.45 a.m.”
“I appreciate that, during the week, the current Minister extended that to families who already have one child. One of the areas that people cannot access funding in is if they have gone through IVF treatment before. People have already taken out those loans, gone through the toll and not been able to get funding. I appeal to the Minister to change these criteria and ensure that if people have already had a round, they would be eligible for funding.”
“In asking about regional funding, which is obviously important, I realised that Kildare only gets €5,000. I do not know how big the fund is but if we are to give meaningful support to local festivals such as Junefest, that should be expanded. The last item I want to raise relates to IVF. I and now Deputy Catherine Ardagh introduced legislation in this House to ensure that State funding would be given to couples undergoing fertility problems, which is a medical disease according to the WHO. We all know couples who have been impacted by not being able to have a family. IVF is very expensive. It comes with a huge financial and emotional toll. We were delighted when the then Minister, Stephen Donnelly, took this up. Since September 2023, 2,500 have been able to avail of this facility.”
“For so many people who would not have the opportunity to attend, and it is not that we would be taking away from ticket sales because all of these events are sold out quickly, it would be wonderful to expand the joy, the excitement and the music to everybody, and I would like to see that being taken up. I want to give a shout-out to Junefest in Newbridge, which I spoke about before. It is a wonderful festival. The incredible Annie Morris, who is the chairperson, created a record for the longest bunting. This is formed from a yarn bomb that she started in 2016. They are now taking down the bunting, turning it into scarves and sending them in hope boxes to Africa for Christmas. It is a great initiative. I have just come from the Fáilte Ireland briefing. Fáilte Ireland does incredible work.”
“I extend my welcome to the distinguished guests. Times are difficult across the world and there is a lot of doom and gloom, some of it merited and some of it not. We all need moments in our lives where we get to witness joy and to see creativity and music. It was incredible to hear so many people speaking about tuning into Glastonbury over the weekend. My youngest brother was there. I have not spoken to him yet but I understand from different communications that everybody had a wonderful time. I know that many people really enjoyed tuning in. I see that RTÉ has confirmed that it will not cover any of Electric Picnic this August. It was 2017 when RTÉ last covered any major Irish music festival. I think that needs to change.”
“It is not that they are just going onto the private market. They are there so the State can use them in other ways. For example, I raised the question of the use of the Curragh post office last week. Senator Costello spoke about it being 15 days since the demonstrations and about the event in the audiovisual room that she organised with regard to children with DMD. Along with many colleagues, I had the opportunity to meet families from across the country. It is a very difficult disease. To see many families with more than one son with this disease is heartbreaking. We need to ensure that givinostat is administered as soon as possible. I acknowledge that the Minister has committed to a meeting. I appreciate that Senator Costello is looking for a timeline and I support that. We will write to the Minister to ensure she gets that.”
“I know there is a call for €15 million to support the sector as it is and to look at other services that could possibly be given to post offices, such as becoming tourism hubs for local tourist information and possibly offering a peace commissioner service. Quite often, we see a call for a peace commissioner to do things in communities. We support and have called in the House for extra financial support to be given and for an examination of the other services that could be provided. However, the Senator is completely wrong to say that, because we are Government parties, we are not supporting post offices. Nothing could be further from the truth. Regarding the sale of these businesses, where they are owned by the State, they are first offered to the LDA and then offered to the local authorities.”
“We are seeing that happen on an ongoing basis. The model would seem to be that it is easier for people to access post office services when they go in for other messages, and I am seeing that. I am not saying it is something we always want to see because, particularly when they are iconic buildings, it is important to keep them. The Senator is completely wrong when he deliberately said that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are not supporting post offices. There is national funding of €10 million going to support post offices. Like Senator Andrews, I and many of our colleagues have been meeting with postmasters around the country and here in Leinster House.”
“We talk about the revitalisation of town and village centres and these are the buildings that can do that. Senator Rabbitte made the valid point that we need the support of the local authorities. However, it takes time to build up the teams that have the expertise to be able to apply for a shovel-ready project. That is what funding is often sought for but there is often very limited time in which to do that. I agree that under the stewardship and leadership of the Minister, Deputy Calleary, we need to look for extra support for those types of projects going forward. Those submissions should go to the NDP. Senator Andrews spoke about Rathmines post office being sold off. It is a shame that the service has finished in the Rathmines post office but I am glad the community did not lose the service and it went to a nearby place.”
“I think of our former colleague, Gerry Horkan, who got shingles when he was serving in the Seanad. He was really very ill. Talking to him and learning about his experience was something that stays with me. We will look for a debate with the Minister for Health. In response to Senator Rabbitte, it is good to hear about Portumna courthouse. It is amazing the new life that can be brought into a rural area by such a project. For many years, Newbridge had a town hall in the centre of the town that was absolutely redundant. When I was mayor of the county, I was given one project and I said we would do it up. It is still not used as much as it could be but it is beautiful to see it living and breathing. The Senator is 100% right that bringing these iconic buildings back to life is important.”
“There is nothing more frustrating than getting a sense that something is going to be in place and people can find it on Google Maps when it is not actually there. That is worse because perhaps they have taken time out to find it. There has to be a balance of roles and responsibilities. Senator McCarthy spoke about the public health issue of the free shingles vaccine. This is I something I support, as many of us do. Dr. Ronan Glynn gave a presentation in the RCSI a number of months ago about the case. It is a very valid case. At the all-party committee on dementia, Deputy Martin Daly spoke about new research that is coming out that shows the shingles vaccine can possibly help to prevent dementia in older people. There is a lot to be said for it.”
“We have no issue with people making profits, but when they are made at the cost of businesses, that is wrong. Senator Boyle spoke about defibrillators and how we could get them. They are a vital part of communities. I know from our own LBDC group in Kildare that they are fantastic in terms of the training they give, the volunteers there and the number of defibrillators they have. He raised the very valid point that there are times when people do not know where the defibrillators are. We will certainly ask if it is possible for Google Maps to show the location of the defibrillators. Then again, there is an onus and responsibility on community groups and groups that have defibrillators to notify Google if things change.”
“Senator Murphy also called for movement on the presidential vote being extended beyond the Twenty-six Counties. Senator Crowe spoke about insurance reform and, particularly, how it had impacted the hospitality industry and small businesses. A forum has been set up within the Department of business to deal with the cost of business. We need to ask that forum to look at this. We need to have the SME test applied to the proposals being made, particularly around the 17%. With all the work that went on in terms of insurance reform, it is a concern that the cost has gone down but that has not been passed on to the consumers, be they in the hospitality sector or the type of business the Senator often talks about, namely, the leisure business. That is really wrong and needs to be called out because there are people making money on foot of this.”
“Senator Conor Murphy spoke about the vision of a united Ireland that former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Wallace Thompson gave. I did not get an opportunity to read or see that, but apparently it was a good vision as to how we needed to go forward and how constitutional reform could come about. It is important to acknowledge the excellent work of the shared island unit we have in the Department of the Taoiseach. I know we have called for the Taoiseach to come in before and I know that he plans to come in, but having a debate on the shared island unit is really important in terms of the work it is doing and plans to do. I commend the Good Friday Agreement committee on the work it has done and the comprehensive reports it has produced.”
“We will write to both the Minister and the Minister of State, express our very strong views and look for a debate in the House about it. Senator McDowell spoke about what was happening in Gaza and the need for Israel to be decent. This is about more than decency, however. It is about survival, life and death, and human rights. The Senator spoke about the report he had read about what Trump had said about the President of Israel. I had read that and was quite shocked myself. Really, the whole Israel-Iran thing has been a distraction. It is good there is a ceasefire there, but it took the spotlight off what was happening in Gaza. For President Trump to talk in such glowing terms about the President of Israel was quite shocking and it needs to be called out in different ways.”
“I read a report recently that said that the balance had shifted such that, where it had been 70:30 between personal injuries and vehicle damage, it had shifted to 50:50 since the cost of vehicles had gone up so much. The report said that was one of the reasons insurance had gone up. We still should not go to 17% for personal injury. There was a previous action plan for insurance reform. The last date for submissions was in late May, I think, and over 70 submissions had been received. That is important. We need the new action plan urgently, but in the interim - and I will respond to Senator Crowe, who brought this up as well - we need to make a very strong stand on this. I think that would be unanimous across the House, no matter the party.”
“Senator Fitzpatrick also raised the issue of insurance premiums, as did our colleague Senator Linda Nelson Murray, and again Senator Fitzpatrick has been consistent in that regard. I raised this myself when I first saw the report that the Judiciary had recommended 17%. I had hoped that the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, would not accede to that. We need to make a stand on it. We need to look for an urgent debate not just with the Minister for justice, but also with the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, who, to be fair, has been doing a lot of really positive work on this. I will blend that into what Senator Nelson Murray said. I appreciate that insurance is quite complex as to how payments are made.”
“We had conversations with the previous Minister for Health and, while a clear commitment was not given, there was a sense that the people of Ireland, and we representing them, were being listened to. I agree with the Deputy, therefore, that it is very disappointing and disheartening. We will ask the Minister to come before the House and explain the decision to call it just the National Children's Hospital. I feel it is quite a bland statement. It is a national children's hospital - we all get that - but losing the opportunity to name it after a female icon who did so much to care for and support children is an opportunity missed. We will bring that message back to the Minister.”
“I met the Palestinian ambassador and her deputy head of mission on Tuesday. They are genuinely appreciative of the sentiment from all parties as regards the support for Gaza. The ambassador told me very clearly that the Palestinian people themselves were very aware and appreciative of the support of the Irish Government and that they recognised that our Government, led by our Taoiseach and Tánaiste, is leading the charge within Europe and across the world in terms of support for Gaza. Senator Fitzpatrick also raised the issue of the naming of the children's hospital. I read the newspaper report with a sinking heart because that debate was informed by a lot of really good public sentiment recognising a very fine woman who was way ahead of her time, Dr. Kathleen Lynn.”
“This morning's business started with Senator Mary Fitzpatrick, who has been consistent in supporting the people of Gaza and calling out the genocide and war crimes of Israel. The lack of progress and unanimity as to how Europe can support those living in Gaza and the West Bank and call out Israel on its war crimes is, as the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, said, a stain on Europe's conscience. The fact that children are being starved and do not have enough water to drink in this century and this modern world is shocking and crucifying. The fact that there are mass casualties where there are food distribution banks is shocking. The first set of casualties numbered 21, I think. Waking up that morning and hearing that 21 had been killed while they were trying to get food for themselves and their families was appalling.”
“with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, 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.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on nursing homes and care for older persons, to be taken at 11.15 a.m. or on conclusion of the Order of Business, whichever is the later, 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 ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than eight minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 2, the Finance (Local Property Tax and Other Provisions) (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Second Stage, to be taken at 1.30 p.m.”
“It is there for a good reason and I do not doubt the Minister's or the Government's commitment because not alone did we get it into the manifesto, it is in the programme for Government and there is a commitment to deliver this. I can say from this side of the House that I will be holding the Government to account.”
“In terms of decoupling, one family I know was delighted when they were able to enter into this pilot scheme. Their daughter was very involved in the Special Olympics so they were able to devote some of that budget towards supporting the local Special Olympics club and enabling their daughter to have transport to and fro. Transport is a major issue. The Minister has asked for a timed amendment with good reason. It is about extending the time up to the end of the pilot project and to have an appropriate assessment to see the best way forward. While I certainly support the Bill and the principle behind it, I support the timed amendment.”
“These are very complex legal situations. I have no doubt about the body of experience that Senator Clonan has in terms of advising on the Bill but I am also very conscious of the Attorney General and the legal advice he and his team give to Cabinet members regarding ensuring that the Bill is robust and fit for purpose and will deliver what it intends to do without unintended consequences and any negative impact on the rolling out of such. I understand that service providers are nervous about this. That is not my concern. We have excellent service providers but they cater for the median, if one can talk about a median person with a physical or intellectual disability. However, we know every individual has different needs and a having a personalised budget will support the gifts and talents these individuals have.”
“I know how proud he is of Senator Clonan, and I know how proud Senator Clonan is of him. That is hugely important, as I am so proud of my brother. When I sit down to talk to my brother, I know what he would far rather wish to do as opposed to what he is doing. At the same time, he has a fulfilling life and support. I do not doubt the Senator when he talked about how he was spoken to by the HSE, that his daughter should mind his son. I am shocked anyone would say that. I genuinely have to say that is not my experience, but it is completely wrong for anyone to experience that. The Bill is important because it takes the cost of the individual from the service provider. It is hard to speak about people in terms of the cost of the individual but that comes into it because budgets and legal issues come into it.”
“The option of having a personalised budget is very important and would make a huge difference to people’s lives, with them being able to have that independence and autonomy to be able to make decisions and decide the timings on different things. I know some people who have been part of the pilot project. It is important that was established. It has been ongoing for the past four and a half years and will be completed next December. Some have found it very good and some have found it difficult. They have found the process very cumbersome. I can understand, knowing some of the families, because how we all respond and relate to a family member with a disability is different from family to family. It depends on siblings and parents. I have met Eoghan. He is a fine young man.”
“The Minister is welcome to the Chamber. I wish her well in her very important portfolio, with the many challenges it has. I acknowledge and commend Senator Clonan on his Bill. I was happy to sign it. I am happy to support it. I have always been an advocate of personalised budgets. I have some personal experience also, which I bring to bear. Throughout the disability matters committee, this was something I was consistent on. I ensured it went into the Fianna Fáil manifesto. I often spoke to the Acting Chair in her previous role on it. When there are motions and Bills that can be tabled with cross-party names, it is important we can extend that to others.”
“The ASI wants to expand capacity at four existing daycare centres and to have eight new advisers. It is really important that these elements are delivered. Ireland has about 65,000 people with dementia. Sadly, the number is growing all the time. Equally, however, the research around how to prevent it is getting better. It is important to acknowledge what the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donnell, has done in terms of his firm commitment to implement the national dementia register. That will be a really big help across the board. I thank all my colleagues who came to the all-party committee meeting last week. I ask everyone for their support in respect of the ASI is seeking in the budget.”
“I strongly believe that. The special committee on drug use is just starting its work, and we have had special committees in the past in respect of other crisis issues. I would like that message to go forward. I had the opportunity earlier to go over to Buswells Hotel for the lobbying event hosted by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, ASI. It was great to see old friends like Helen Rochford-Brennan and Kevin Quaid. I always admire the peer advocacy that the ASI promotes. It was a great opportunity to engage with the CEO, Andy Heffernan, and his terrific team. In the context of budget 2026, the ASI's ask is in line with the programme for Government. It is seeking four new one-day dementia-specific daycare centres. Having seen the success of the one in Kildangan, County Kildare, this is an absolute must.”
“Only this week, the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, published a targeted implementation plan for the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, with 95 different actions across four strands, namely protection, prevention, prosecution and policy. However, increases of 28% in respect of reported physical abuse, 30% in respect of sexual abuse, 15% in respect of emotional abuse and 5% in respect of economic abuse are shocking. I acknowledge that officials across different Departments and, of course, Cuan have been trying to implement upskilling programmes for professionals across health, social care, different services, the Judiciary and An Garda Síochána. However, I am of the view that this matter has gone beyond what the Minister can do. We need a special Oireachtas committee on gender-based violence.”
“I also extend a welcome to the chargé d'affaires from Slovenia, a beautiful country that I had the opportunity to visit, and to Councillor Niall Kelleher, his aunt, mum and son Noah, who, I understand, is very interested in politics and very involved in Comhairle na nÓg. I hope they have an interesting and good day in Leinster House. When driving here this morning, I listened to the news about the Women's Aid annual report. Some of the figures horrified me. Since last year, there has been a 12% increase in contacts and a 17% increase in disclosures. This is the highest figure ever recorded in the 50-year history of Women's Aid. Good work is ongoing within the Government.”