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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“Senators Clonan and Noonan spoke about the same issue. It is absolutely shocking. I will ask for a full debate with the Tánaiste purely on the issue of Gaza, giving us the up-to-date position, including where the occupied territories Bill is at. We need to know that and we need to know the nuances around it. I am totally happy to look for that this evening. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about the National College of Ireland's early learning initiative. It sounds fantastic. It sounds nearly like a cross between a home school liaison and what our public health nurses are doing. To see a third level and further level college doing that in the community within which it is situated is wonderful, and I have no doubt that will give huge value to the communities and to the generations coming through. We need to see more of that.”
“What is happening now, however, is absolutely horrific in terms of both food and water not getting to the people living in Gaza and, of course, what Israel is planning to do in terms of upping its military game. Last week Ireland issued a joint statement expressing huge concern together with about six other countries. As regards the occupied territories Bill, I agree we need to have a full debate in this House and ask where it is at. The Tánaiste met with Senator Black last week to discuss it. Apparently, it was quite a positive and constructive meeting and they will meet again soon. As we know, the Attorney General had been working on the Bill and looking at ways of ensuring that Bill, or a similar one with the same intention, would be legally robust and would stand up. That is what we need.”
“Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the fact there are half a million people facing starvation. There is no doubt we all feel devastated by what is going on since the horrific attacks on 7 October. Nothing can ever take away from how horrific those attacks were, but what has happened since has been completely disproportionate. The Senator is right in saying we need to recommit to calling for a ceasefire and, collectively, to recommit to looking for a two-state solution. I spoke recently about a decision at an Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting that I and Senator Duffy were at. A resolution was passed unanimously by 180 countries looking for a two-state solution, which is the longer term solution.”
“2, Private Members' business, Public Health (Restriction on Sale of Stimulant Drinks to Children) Bill 2025 - Second Stage, to be taken at 3.30 p.m., with the time allocated to the debate not to exceed two hours.”
“I extend my welcome to the Chair of the Good Friday Agreement committee, Deputy Devlin, and his interns. I also welcome the students and teachers from Rush National School, whom I met coming into the Chamber. I indicate my intention to move a motion to have a minute's silence on the death of former Minister Paddy O'Toole at the end of the Order of Business. The Order of Business is No. 1, statements marking National Biodiversity Week, to be taken at 1.30 p.m. and to conclude at 3.30 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 each, all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No.”
“We need a debate with the relevant Ministers in this House to discuss how allocations are made and how to equip local authorities and the gardaí. An Garda Síochána has a big file on this situation. I have spoken to gardaí and to those within the housing allocations section of the local authority. It is absolutely and simply not good enough. Barry Cowen MEP has launched a new position paper on the future of CAP. There has been months of dialogue with farmers and producer groups. I was glad to facilitate a meeting with some of them in Kildare. Barry has suggested that we put food security at the heart of EU strategy. At the core of his proposals is a new voluntary environmental pillar within CAP that rewards farmers for sustainable efforts without binding them up in red tape. I would like to see a debate on it in this House.”
“As a result of the level of intimidation by a family that has been housed by the local authority in an older private estate where many of the residents are in their 70s and 80s, many of them are now looking to sell their houses and move. It is simply not good enough. This has escalated beyond ongoing threats and intimidation. There have been physical assaults. The family living directly next door has had to move out of their house and are in the process of trying to sell their house. Threats have been made and antisocial behaviour has taken place. Sadly, the children of the perpetrators in this home are now copying that type of behaviour. Recently, a 14-year-old who was wearing a balaclava and in possession of a would-be firearm threatened people within the estate.”
“I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader. I wish to bring up the escalation of antisocial behaviour. I have no doubt that this issue crosses many of our paths across the different areas in which we live. Obviously, antisocial behaviour can happen in any estate and comes from people of different backgrounds. It is not something that is just related to council tenants; it can happen in private estates as well. When local authorities are housing people who have caused problems before and have a history of extreme antisocial behaviour, it is simply not good enough to move them from one estate to another. I would like to refer to a particular situation I am aware of. Obviously, I am not going to name the place where this is happening.”
“A recommendation was sent by the Judicial Council to the Minister to the effect that personal injury awards be increased by almost 17%. That would inevitably lead to increased premiums for motorists, businesses, sports clubs and community and voluntary groups across the country. This should be a matter of public policy. It should not be a matter for the Judiciary; it should be a matter for the Legislature. I am very conscious that for those in the leisure industry, where operational costs are already very challenging, this increase, if implemented, would reduce the volume of cases settled at the Injuries Resolution Board and lead to an increase in legal costs. We should have a debate regarding insurance and the proposed increase in awards.”
“It was compared with excrement and vermin and rats were discussed. We have the best staff who support and serve us in Leinster House. What an insult this video is to the catering staff, who try to look after all of us, those who work here and guests. The video was shocking. I have no sanctioned role, but I am going to write to the Ceann Comhairle about this matter. We just discussed decorum at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight. If any of us have guests on the premises who do this type of thing, it is completely wrong. I wish to raise the issue of insurance. A public consultation phase on insurance reform is currently in place. It will remain open until 19 May. When I checked it, only five submissions had been received. It is important to keep both liability and motor insurance premiums low.”
“Today is a special day. It marks the 80th birthday of a Kildare icon who is known nationally and internationally, namely Christy Moore. He is somebody we are very proud to call a son of Kildare. There is no doubt that his songs have been the soundtrack to so many of our lives and tell us stories with honesty, humour and great heart. I thank Christy on his special day for the music and the passion. I wish him joy and health at this time. Somebody who formerly worked in this House sent me a TikTok video at the weekend. I was quite shocked when I saw it. The video emanated from a visitor to the Oireachtas who was here as a guest of one of the Members. In it, the Houses of the Oireachtas, the Members' restaurant and the food on offer were slagged off. It was stated that the food was like dog food or worse.”
“We wish him and all of our colleagues working in Europe well in promoting the values that we see as important and also promoting trade opportunities.”
“Many of those who take these positions make personal sacrifices in doing so. Moving families from country to country is certainly not easy. The professionalism and respect in which Irish ambassadors and their teams are held are extremely high. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for that. The upcoming EU Presidency in 2026 will be an important time. It is good that Ireland is assuming the Presidency at that time. As we know, this has become an established practice among EU member states. I remember well before I became a Member of this House being excited on seeing on television that Ireland was hosting the Presidency. Maybe we could have a debate next year on the preparations and see how the Seanad could play a role in that regard. I thank the Minister of State for being here.”
“The Minister of State and this House will join with others in trying to strengthen the EU, to complete essential economic reforms within the Union and to insist on the democratic values we want to see across Europe and the world. The Minister of State and his ministerial colleagues do not have an easy job in accelerating the opening of new markets and expanding the opportunities for Irish companies to prosper through trade. I know the Minister of State is keen to emphasise the importance of trade to our international diplomacy. It is important that we say a few words about our diplomatic staff throughout Europe and the world. In my time as head of delegation to the Council of Europe, I was very taken with the ambassadors I met, not just in Strasbourg but in other EU member states.”
“If we want to work towards a unified Europe while respecting diversity, we all have to work very hard towards ensuring the values of respect and equality. Ireland's place in Europe is hugely important. There is growing turbulence in the world and real threats to institutions that are fundamentally important to Ireland. The core priority, and I know it is the Minister of State's priority, is to protect and strengthen Ireland's position within the EU and in wider international forums. It is good to see Irish people at a high level in many of the European institutions. As a fundamental part of this, we must protect the trade that is vital to our economy and the institutions that are vital in promoting our values.”
“In times of conflict and division, cultural diplomacy can be a powerful tool for building those bridges and fostering reconciliation while celebrating the rich diversity that all of our countries bring uniquely and equally and promoting mutual respect. The past five decades have seen Ireland's emergence as a modern open economy and society. That has been shaped by close reciprocal co-operation with our European partners. We have certainly come a long way in promoting human rights and dignity. We have seen slippage in some countries, however. It is concerning to see LGBT rights not being respected in Hungary, something that is also emerging in some other countries. Many European countries do not have marriage equality. That is very concerning.”
“He marvelled at this symbol. This small bridge between two countries is very simple but very profound. It is so applicable to conflict resolution anywhere in the world. In that address, he also spoke about how all conflict is ultimately about difference. He said that difference should not be seen as a threat but recognised as the essence of humanity. The answer to difference is to respect it and to work with it. John was seldom wrong but in this he was never more right. We need to respect difference, understand it and find common ground. That is the key to good relations across the European Union.”
“I am really glad to see the Minister of State in his role because I know that when Ireland held the Presidency of the Council of Europe he also held this office and played an inspirational and visionary role within the Council of Europe among all 47 countries. His many visits to Strasbourg and around Europe reflected that. He and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade have a collective responsibility to explore effective means to promote unity, understanding and lasting peace among nations at a very difficult time. The Minister of State mentioned John Hume in his speech. Of course, John spent 25 years as an MEP. He was an incredible advocate for peace and human rights. In 1998, when he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, he recalled his frequent walks in Strasbourg across the bridge between France and Germany into Kehl.”
“We should be proud of all that has been achieved and look forward to the next 52 years but, sadly, this year we again mark Europe Day with war on the Continent. I refer to the savage and criminal aggression of Russia against Ukraine and its people. It is basically a war against the idea that the peoples of Europe should be able to live in free democracies. My party, Fianna Fáil, and our country, Ireland, stand with Ukraine and fully support its application for EU membership, as the Minister of State has pointed out. All of us are proud to be part of a Union in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality are valued, nurtured and never taken for granted.”
“He spoke about the hope he felt there. I met some MEPs through the Council of Europe whose hope is very strong. One of them will visit Ireland in two weeks' time when I will meet her. I understand there is vibrancy and resilience there. The poem reminded me of that. There is no doubt that Europe Day is a particularly special day for Fianna Fáil because it was a Fianna Fáil Government that led Ireland into Europe in 1973. That was the culmination of a long campaign over ten years. There is no doubt that joining the European Communities was a transformational moment in the history of this country. It is fair to say that, over the last 52 years, Ireland has made remarkable progress but it has also contributed a lot to the development of our modern European Union.”
“I add my voice of welcome to Deputy Cahill and his guests from beautiful Kerry. I was lucky to be there about three weeks ago when I enjoyed an all-too-short visit. I am thankful that this debate has been tabled. It is great to have the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs in the Chamber. It is a privilege to be able to address this matter on behalf of Fianna Fáil. As today is Poetry Day Ireland, I thought I would try to find a verse or stanza that could reflect Europe. I thought the one I found was really nice: May's gentle light, a union’s bond, Old cities sing a hopeful song. From distant hills to vibrant streets, A continent where history meets. [...] On this day, we stand, we stay, Together as Europe, every May. I followed the Minister of State's visit to Kyiv with interest.”
“I have no doubt that down the line something like that will be taken here. Obviously, there is a division between the State and the judicial system. I believe it is only a matter of time and we will have to see how something like that will play out in the Irish courts.”
“Senator Scahill gave us a good news story about Castlerea and access to nursing being delivered through FET and the ETB. It is wonderful when we see that higher and further education is being rolled out on a regional basis in order that people do not have to travel or take a long commute and they can do it in their own town. That benefits everybody. It benefits the individuals. It benefits local businesses too because if people are staying and studying, they are spending their money in their small rural town. It is a good news story and let us hope we see a lot more of that. Senator Keogan spoke about the recent court ruling in the UK. I did not take the Order of Business yesterday but the Senator said it was an issue that was raised yesterday. Obviously, each country has its own judicial system and its own way of dealing with issues.”
“We need to look at how to support those who have to travel from farther away and do not have the benefit of a better train or bus service. We should bring up with the Minister for Transport how to support those who commute from farther away. Senator Tully spoke about the regulation concerning utility companies. She said it was not sufficient. She raised a particular situation that would take about 12 months. Senator Tully spoke about the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. She raised a particular situation that would take about 12 months to deal with and said it was not sufficient. It is not good enough. Everybody should get fair treatment. There should be a fair expectation that complaints are addressed within a relatively short period. Those timelines should maybe be defined. That is something we can also bring up with the Minister.”
“I do not like to see energy consumption prices going up but we cannot ignore the crisis. It is not cashing in by the Government. The money is used in two ways. It is used for public transport. The fairer fares scheme came in last Monday. It benefits the area I live in because we are in a commuter area. I accept it does not benefit people in Cavan who have to commute to Dublin daily. That needs to be looked at when it is a longer route, particularly when there are six tolls. Some of the money from the carbon tax also goes to support those in fuel poverty and in the just transition in areas that had worked in the provision of turf, for example. My county of Kildare as well as Offaly, Roscommon and Laois will benefit from that. I take the Senator's point.”
“Senator O'Donovan spoke about driving tests and the RSA needing root-and-branch reform. I would be inclined to agree. When the Minister, Deputy Lawless, was the Minister of State in that area in the previous Government, he started quite a bit of work on taking away some responsibilities from the RSA. It is very difficult for young people starting employment or who need to drive to go to college, etc. They need to be able to do their tests quickly. We will ask for a debate with the Minister for Transport on that. Senator O'Reilly spoke about International Workers' Day and those who commute. Six tolls is an awful lot. I get her point. She spoke about the carbon tax and the Government cashing in. At the end of the day, we all agree there is a climate emergency and there is a need for a carbon tax.”
“Senator Costello spoke about her dad using Rose Cottage. I thank all of those involved in Rose Cottage and the different areas. It is important that we raise as much awareness as possible. The new initiatives around making towns and communities dementia-aware and dementia-friendly are really good. Dungarvan is going through that process at the moment and Macroom in County Cork has gone through the process. It is about working with all retail workers in a town and giving training so that people with dementia and their families can feel comfortable going into a place where they know there is awareness. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland does incredible work. It is an honour to support it. We will ask the Minister of State for older people to come to the House for a specific debate on dementia.”
“I refer to people who have not thought about the amount of time and commitment it takes to provide a home for a dog. It is quite shocking. We should make recommendations to improve policy and work with the Minister in that regard. The Senator rightly spoke about simple measures that could be put in place. We will ask the Minister to come to the House for a debate on animal welfare. It comes up on a regular basis. It is an important issue. Senator Costello spoke about Alzheimer's tea day. I thank everybody who came yesterday. We had an excellent morning. We will set up the all-party committee on dementia. I invite those interested to join. We only meet three or four times a year because we are conscious of the demands on everybody. It is a growing area. As our population gets older, we have an increase in dementia.”
“I totally agree with what was said about section 39 organisations. There have been advances made in Government talks in respect of pay parity for people who work in section 39 organisations. Senator Andrews spoke about the crisis in dog welfare and how we need to support people who work in rescue centres. These people do incredible work. Last weekend, I was with the KWWSPCA, which was doing its own mammoth fundraising. The KWWSPCA needs to fundraise to care for animals that are, it is sad to say, badly treated or abandoned some place. My family, like many Senators, choose to adopt rescue animals and it is very worthwhile thing to do. Senator Andrews talked about the Government's failure. The failure is by those who illegally breed dogs or are irresponsible owners of dogs.”
“The Senator also spoke about the very concerning issue of homelessness and, without doubt, we all share his concern. His comments go hand in hand with the view expressed by Senator Duffy who said that the only way to deal with homelessness is to provide more houses. We need to put everything we have into that. The Taoiseach has already said that housing is a priority. The Government is extremely clear on that. Senator Higgins mentioned that today is International Workers' Day, as did Senator Sarah O'Reilly. Senator Higgins suggested that we should have a debate today on workers' rights rather than Europe Day, which traditionally is Schuman Day, that is, 9 May. We will look for a debate on workers' rights as it is important. We must strike a balance by ensuring businesses are sustainable and can give employment.”
“A lot of the blockages that arise, no matter the county, concern issues with Irish Water and services that are not provided. I understand that no name has been put forward, but it is important that whoever it is can knock heads together. One does not exclude the other, so while there should be somebody to look at housing activation on the macro, we need to empower local councillors and ensure they are part of the delivery programme. Senator McCarthy spoke about the need to engage with EU bodies on transport and emphasised that stability is needed for exports and free trade. All of that is laudable. I have no doubt that through the Council of Europe, where our Ministers meet on a regular basis to discuss transport, these issues are thrashed out.”
“We will ask the Minister to come in here to debate this topical issue as we need further information and an opportunity to feed into any solution. Senator Duffy spoke about a housing tsar. The word "tsar" means an emperor. All of the councillors around the country are doing excellent work and I am not sure they would like to be known as emperors in their counties and constituencies. The Senator is correct in what he said about empowering councillors and local government to deliver houses. He is also correct when he argued for one-off houses, particularly for anyone who own their land. They have been brought up on their own land and they trying to make rural areas, villages and small towns sustainable. On the point about a housing tsar, it is hugely important that we have somebody who will examine the blockages that exist.”
“I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. Our opener this morning was Senator Shane Curley, who spoke about the issue of waste and surplus energy due to the lack of storage, while at the same time we have fuel poverty. It is really good to hear about the pilot scheme in Galway relating to the energy cloud initiative and that 150 families benefit from this. The Senator is correct to say that Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan, who is now a Minister of State, and Deputy Paul McAuliffe brought forward a Bill on this issue. I think it is extremely worthwhile. While we have a scheme that is up and running, we all need to learn from it. I, too, compliment Councillor Emma Murphy on her work, as has been rightly pointed out. I think we should have a full debate on this matter.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, statements to mark Europe Day 2025, to be taken at 12 noon and to conclude at 1.30 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 and time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“I understand that, in some areas, the fares have risen a little bit, but for those of us who commute from Newbridge and Kildare town, it is a very good news story. However, there are some concerns that there are teething problems. At the moment, customers cannot get the monthly 30-day zonal tickets and they are unable to top up more than €150 on the Leap card or €125 online. The information on the website is not correct. Communication is everything, and commuters are being given the wrong information. It is important that is rectified as soon as possible. Perhaps we could have the Minister in to discuss this because it is a very important aspect of commuter travel.”
“Some €30 billion has been invested since it opened there in 1989 and €19 million of that was in recent years. However, there are concerns about those who may be impacted, and many other companies that rely on Intel to provide elements to them are concerned. It is important that while we have much to be positive about with regard to employment rates within the country and the fact that Ireland is the location of choice for so many companies, at the same time, we need to expedite the action plan on competitiveness. We need a number of short-term measures put in place to help businesses that come through FDI, such as Intel, and local businesses to make sure they are all sustainable. I would like to see a debate here with the Minister on that. The other item I wish to raise is fair fares, which was implemented last Monday.”
“I have not put a bet on so I genuinely do not know. There are two issues I wish to raise with the Leader. The first is Intel in north Kildare, which also provides employment for much of south Kildare and many surrounding counties. It has given so much to the country. Of course, Kildare County Council depends an awful lot on its rates as well. Some 4,900 people work there. There is much concern now for the workers and their families due to the announcement that the company's workforce globally will be cut by 20%. It is a very anxious time. It is positive that the company stated it will continue to focus investment on its core business, which is what happens in the plant in Leixlip as regards the manufacturing of conductor products. That is important.”
“On this fine sunny morning, I am mindful to think of the Punchestown racing festival which started yesterday and brings so much into the economy of Kildare. I know that there is a great welcome for everybody who goes there. Well done to David Mongey, the chair of the board, and Conor O'Neill, the manager. Anyone who wants tips should listen to Councillor Daragh Fitzpatrick on Kfm every morning. He has been giving all of the runners and riders and the very hot tips.”
“It is significant that Ireland is leading the way on a two-state solution. It is important to note that and thank all of those who put the work into it.”
“They train together and play matches together, in particular soccer, basketball and golf. That is very important. It would be great to have a debate with the Minister for sport about proper inclusion in sport and how all communities can be involved. Prior to Easter, I had the opportunity to attend my first Inter-Parliamentary Union event. It was extremely interesting. What is significant about this particular one in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is that a motion was unanimously passed recognising a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel. That was very significant. Amendments were tabled by some countries which did not support it, but it got through. I pay tribute to the former Cathaoirleach, now Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer. He was the rapporteur for this particular report.”
“Last night, at the invitation of the Dublin Lord Mayor, Emma Blain, I had the opportunity to go to the Mansion House for an event to celebrate the athletes who represented Ireland in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. It was wonderful to be there with the Minister for sport, Deputy Charlie McConalogue, the athletes, their families, the volunteers, and the coaches who were involved in bringing the athletes to the games, and to witness the joy and learning, in particular from some of the coaches who were previously athletes themselves and who have progressed to become coaches in their own sport. That is a wonderful thing. Inclusion is hugely important. The Special Olympics have unified sports involving people with ability and those with disability.”
“Directly after the Order of Business we will be moving a motion of condolence on the passing of His Holiness the Pope. My party, Fianna Fáil, wants to be associated with that. We acknowledge the late Pope's humility and compassion and, above all, his great empathy and understanding. Since we met just before Easter, we received an e-mail from the Clerk, Martin Groves, to say he was retiring during the Easter break. I sincerely hope there will be an opportunity to note our appreciation and gratitude for his help and guidance to all of us. Those who are new and those who have been here longer have always very much appreciated Martin's advice and guidance and I hope we will have the opportunity to show that in an appropriate way.”
“We need to put more resources in, we need to put in more supports for, and we need to show confidence in our own Irish businesses to show how we see them as the way forward, as well as looking at open markets. I started with a seanfhocail that I had recently come across. I will end with one that we are all familiar with, which is, ní neart go cur le chéile. We need to be, and must be, united in this.”
“The Tánaiste also spoke, rightly, about the small businesses we have in this country. We must be concerned for small businesses that export. There are also small businesses that do not export but which rely on the very large companies we have here through foreign direct investment to be able to continue. This is a time that we absolutely need to focus on all of those businesses. Throughout the past few years, and particularly since the start of the Covid pandemic, our local enterprise offices have really come into their own. I know in my own case, through the head of enterprise in the Kildare LEO, Jacqui McNabb, and through Kildare Chamber of Commerce, that we have been able to help and support a lot of businesses develop and grow.”
“I have no doubt that under the calm and composed leadership of An Taoiseach and the calm, assured stewardship of the Tánaiste and the Minister of State with responsibility for European Affairs, Deputy Thomas Byrne, we will be able to plan a roadmap going forward. I know the work that the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister of State started in preparation for the announcement last night and the meetings that will continue over the next 48 hours. That has to give us courage. The country has seen very difficult times but our greatest strength is our people. We are a resilient people. The Tánaiste is right to talk about the agrifood industry and the concerns in that regard. In County Kildare our agricultural output provides almost 2,000 jobs in food and drink processing. That is, therefore, a concern.”
“Recently I came across an old seanfhocail - "Níl tuile dá mhéad nach dtránn" or "Every tide has its ebb". Essentially, the message is that situations change, there is always transition, and we will have bad times as well as good times but the bad times always go away and we have the opportunity to come back. When we reflect on why so many companies chose to come to Ireland it was not just for tax reasons. It was because of our educated workforce and quality of life. It is also because we are seen as an open market to Europe and we are an English-speaking country. We have all of those advantages and will continue to have them. There is no doubt that we need to wear the green jersey in both Houses and in this country. We also need to wear the European jersey and work and negotiate together.”
“The Tánaiste is very welcome to the Seanad. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party, I wish him well in his brief, which has suddenly become more challenging. Commuting to the House this morning, I looked at people on their daily commute to their places of study and work, or wherever they were going. I genuinely wondered whether this is a moment in time where there is a before and an after in terms of things changing in all of our lives. I was also buoyed by a sense of confidence that we will get through this. Then I thought of the families trying to go about their daily business in Ukraine and in Gaza but cannot do so. When we compare where we are with their situation, there is no doubt we will be able to find a roadmap that will help us on the way.”
“When Kildare County Council purchased the houses, it took about 18 months to get the changeover in the Land Registry to allow Kildare County Council do the necessary works. We had houses that were becoming derelict and would have been available to help people on the housing list. Sadly, the delays with Tailte Éireann were very regrettable. Another area we need to put a huge focus on is affordable housing. It was fantastic to see so much money - €486 million - being committed last week to social housing. I want to see the same investment in affordable housing around the country.”
“This would make those other houses available to growing families, for whom they would be more appropriate. There needs to be more incentives from Government to do this. A gentleman named Pat O'Mahony has written an excellent book on this issue. It details his experience of living in Australia, in particular, where many over the age of 60 - which is very young - decide to downsize and still work. They are right-sizing in communities where there are more services and they are looking at down the line when they are older. I want to raise the issue of the Land Registry. I have been dealing with a situation where, sadly, somebody passed away. The person had eight properties. The executor of the will wished to be able to help in solving the housing problem. It took two to three years to get those over the line.”
“Lands have been consistently dezoned in Kildare, including in Newbridge, Rathangan, Kilcullen and Athy. I hope that, through the Minister's good offices, we will see that change. I cannot for the life of me understand it. Even in my time as a councillor, which is well over ten years ago, I thought it was completely wrong when land was being dezoned. It pushed up the price of housing because the available zoned land achieved premium prices. I hope that will be looked at. Right-sizing is an area that needs more focus. There are many people living in houses that are not suitable for their needs. They may be out of town, in large four- or five-bedroom houses. As their children have fled the nest, they want to be in a situation as they get older to be able to live close to the centre of town, in smaller housing units.”