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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“This is an important motion and essentially it is about ensuring we can give to local authorities at their discretion that possibility of introducing a visitor levy on paid overnight accommodation within their own jurisdictions. I know this would be something that could appeal particularly to cities but possibly to smaller areas that have a very large tourist population that comes on an ongoing basis. When we look at some of the examples around Europe, at least 18 European member states have allowed such charges and it has certainly helped to develop facilities in those areas. That has grown in recent years and many of us will have had the experience of staying outside of the EU and paying a city tax as well. There are multiple examples of how this has been put to good use and has brought a lot of revenue back to those particular areas.”
“I thank my colleague Senator Fitzpatrick for proposing this motion, as well as our colleague, Deputy Paul McAuliffe, in the Dáil who has done extensive work on this matter. As Senator Fitzpatrick has outlined, many of the Dublin councillors in particular have been involved in helping to develop a policy that would absolutely support, in their instance, the city of Dublin. What we are proposing here is something that possibly could be brought in right around Ireland. Again, it would be totally up to those who are elected. We would have to trust those elected members and if the people who elect them trust them then, at a national level in government we have to trust the public representatives and the councillors.”
“For many of those who survive, many of the barriers that exist during treatment and diagnosis persist for a long time afterwards. That is fundamentally unfair. Nobody should be left disadvantaged in drawing down a mortgage and buying a house when they have survived cancer. The Bill is seeking to address that unfairness and gives effect to a very strong principle that resonates across everybody. We all know, and I personally know too, the impact that cancer has on families, as indeed does the Minister of State. So many today are living very full lives despite their diagnosis because of the advancements in treatment and care. That is really important to acknowledge. I thank the Minister of State for bringing this Bill before us. We in Fianna Fáil are 100% supportive of it and really glad that this legislation has reached this Stage.”
“He passed away without knowing that he would have had the chance to have a home and be able to start life afresh. The Bill that the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, has brought before us now is strengthened and very carefully considered. I thank him for his engagement with all the stakeholders he mentioned. As he said, the legislation is about something that is very simple but so important - it is about fairness and dignity. Thankfully we have so many survivors of cancer now. When you get the good news that you are cancer free, it should be the start of a new chapter and something different. Life should be opening up again, plans can be made and you can rebuild your future and your stability with your loved ones.”
“When he went back with this new health update, having received approval in the first place, himself and his girlfriend could not get the mortgage. Obviously, his parents were very concerned for him but also concerned that he could not get on with his life. Recovering from a cancer diagnosis is difficult enough anyway. It was the first time this really struck a chord with me. I had conversations with the Minister of State, Deputy Ardagh, at the time because I knew this was something she was thinking about. I was very happy to go back to the said parent. I do not want to mention their names because I have not sought their permission. I felt it would take a lot longer than it did. Very sadly, the young man's cancer came back and he passed away. This is deeply poignant for me.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here. I have no doubt that aside from his professional commitment to this, it must have a personal impact on him as well. I thank him for prioritising it. My former Seanad colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Ardagh, was very much to the forefront in drafting a Private Members' Bill. I would like to thank her for all the work she has done. That is not to take away from the Minister of State, Deputy Troy's absolute commitment. He prioritised this and I thank him. This is something I might not have thought too much about, but around three years ago somebody I know very well asked to meet me. His son had come through cancer and had applied for a mortgage. It was only at the final stage of the mortgage that he had a diagnosis.”
“Teresa was always full of fun, humour and compassion, and was always there to help and support whoever she could. Her two daughters, Pauline and Deirdre, and the wider family are obviously devastated to lose her, but her legacy will absolutely live on in her incredible volunteerism. I was fortunate enough to spend a little time by her bedside two weeks ago. What I learned from her about how to die well as well as how to live well is really important. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.”
“Consilio continues to do wonderful work, along with Nicola Kelly, chair Paul O’Donoghue, the wonderful staff and, of course, an excellent board. However, they need increased, sustained funding and support to meet their needs. While we have to accept that funding is rising, the level of need is rising faster and treatment is more complex. I would like to have a debate on addiction and how we support those who support those who are in addiction or trying to recover. I want to mention a great friend of mine, Teresa Harrison, who sadly passed away over the last few days. She was a legend in her own time and the most incredible volunteer you ever met – for the Community Games, the Special Olympics and the St. Patrick’s Day parade, to mention but a few.”
“More action needs to be taken regarding a legal definition of the word “veteran”, which is not in legislation, and also regarding the commissioning of an independent evaluation of Defence Forces transition supports and the establishment of a national council of veteran associations. I would like to have a debate in the House on that. I would also like to mention Cuan Mhuire. Before its 60th anniversary, I mentioned here that I would be attending the event. It really was very moving. I acknowledge Senator Murphy’s role within Cuan Mhuire, and indeed the roles of his mother and sister. Cuan Mhuire is Ireland’s largest voluntary addiction treatment provider. Sixty years after she founded the organisation, Sr.”
“First, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, ONE, recently published a comprehensive study revealing that Ireland was a significant outlier in its approach to veterans policy, legislation and support services. ONE is the national veteran society and Cormac Kirwan is its hard-working chief executive. Its study had a number of key findings, particularly around the fact that 140,000 veterans of the Defence Forces were really an invisible population. A minority of them have many unaddressed issues. Although the Government has established the Office of Veterans Affairs, more needs to be done.”
“I formally congratulate Senator Ahearn on taking up his position. I had the opportunity to congratulate him on Thursday in his absence, but it is important that I do it again, particularly in the presence of Laura, Jamie, Daniel, his dad and his siblings. It is a great honour indeed for him. I have always found him to be very fair, very engaging and very receptive. He absolutely has the ability to make decisions, and that is something we all have to learn. Also, he has a great presence about him. Meeting dignitaries, ambassadors and so on is a very important part of the role. I look forward to working with him and wish him well in the time ahead. There are a number of issues I want to raise.”
“In terms of the existing encampment that is there - and I thank the Minister of State for providing the chronological order in terms of the dates with the Courts Service - given those dates and the action that has been taken, which is clear, I cannot understand why the encampments are still there. Something is breaking down somewhere. As I said, I met the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, and he was very clear that the Department would do what it could. The gardaí in Newbridge and Kildare are excellent in my dealings with them. Something is breaking down somewhere and we need this resolved.”
“I certainly welcome the continued engagement with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which has undertaken an initial scoping and I believe this is the way forward. I am also pleased to hear that there was a meeting between the Department of Defence and the National Parks and Wildlife Service on Wednesday last and the fact that it was positive. This cannot come soon enough. My strong message coming back from here is that those appropriate next steps will not only be identified but will be implemented. It is of absolute urgency that this is seen and taken as a priority.”
“He is a real racing historian and curator and has put together a wonderful museum of racing legends. Sadly, he had to devote most of his speech to what is happening in the Curragh. The Curragh is internationally recognised for its thoroughbred industry. There is a real concern among the many trainers based around it about bringing their horses out; about rubbish being there that could damage the horses; and about animals, including dogs and horses, being mistreated. Of course there is always concern about contagious diseases. I hope the Minister of State has some type of reply for me because we need to have long-term preventative measures and we need the current issues to be remedied as soon as possible.”
“I had a meeting with the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, recently about how the Department of justice can support the Department of Defence at this point in time. There is a huge environmental impact. There is a severe strain on and potential degradation of the fragile Curragh ecosystem, which is hugely important. There is a huge social nuisance. There is a restriction of access for local residents who utilise the plains to exercise and rest and for recreation and there is a significant visual impact on this historic, protected landscape. On Sunday, I was at the induction of Jim Kavanagh into the Irish Derby Festival Hall of Fame. Jim is the former chief executive of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association. He is a passionate advocate for the Curragh.”
“The latest instalment of the encampment is between 80 and 100 caravans. There is a big tent like a circus tent in the middle of the Curragh. There are portaloos. The rubbish, as Minister of State will be able to imagine, with that number of people there illegally, is mounting up. Bear in mind that approximately two months ago, €180,000 of taxpayers' money was spent on removing the rubble that was there. One of the greens in Cill Dara Golf Club has been damaged. Two of them were damaged last year. Given that a court order has been made, I cannot understand how they are still there. Having had numerous meetings with An Garda Síochána, which has said it is willing to support the Department of Defence in whatever way it can, I cannot understand how they are still there.”
“I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, for coming to the House - in fairness, he is always ready to step up and serve in whatever way he can - but I am disappointed the Minister for Defence is not taking this Commencement matter. I have tabled a number of Commencement matters about the Curragh over the past year and the Minister has never come in to take any of them. I had the opportunity to speak to her briefly about it, as well as communicating via numerous emails. The situation in the Curragh is absolutely appalling. In recent years I have flagged, as have many others, the illegal encampments that come to the Curragh. Year after year I get the same emails from the same people and I am embarrassed and frustrated that I have to go back without any real answer about what is happening with the Curragh.”
“It is very good news and it is important that we showcase our counties, which might not be the first ones that spring to mind for tourism, including my own in Kildare. We have so much to showcase in our beautiful country and we need to do everything that we can to support it. That supports the small local business such as coffee shops, restaurants and pubs. I thank the Senator for highlighting that and we wish everybody who is connected well.”
“It is important that we always work with local authorities. I appreciate the difficult job that they have to do and that policy changes and decisions that come from different Departments. I would not use the word "diktats", which was used. It is important that we work collectively on behalf of the people who we represent on local authorities and at national level. Senator Scahill gave us a bird's eye view of everything that is happening in Roscommon. It is great news about Lough Key Forest Park. It is a fabulous amenity. It is quite a number of years since I was there, so I might just take up the Senator's invitation. Strokestown Park House is fabulous too. The Senator mentioned the Night and Day Festival. Maybe some day we might get down to it, if the Senator organises the buses.”
“We support that. It is so important that people are connected to their larger towns and to the services those larger towns have. It is good that when Bus Éireann ceased the bus route, Citylink took over. We should ask the NTA to intervene. I have always found the NTA to be very helpful when I have gone to it, and Mr. Richard Kelly who is the Oireachtas liaison person, is always at the end of the phone. Public transport needs to be affordable and accessible. Good luck to Senator Duffy and to the local councillors who are also working on this. Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about local authorities and their big workloads. She spoke about comments made by the Tánaiste about dereliction, etc. There certainly are a lot of problems when you are dealing with dereliction and many of them come down to legal issues around title, probate, etc.”
“Then, sometimes the students are not eligible for SUSI if the parents' income is above the income limit, even though, thankfully, the limit has gone up quite a bit now. It is concerning and we need to look at the issue. The Minister, Deputy Lawless, was in the Seanad because we asked him to come when Senator Harmon had requested we have a debate on student accommodation, etc. To be fair, he was here about three weeks ago but we will look to bring him in again. Senators Boyhan, Duffy and Scahill also gave their good wishes to Senators Ahearn and Cathal Byrne in terms of the leadership positions they will be taking up here. Senator Duffy spoke about the community of Strade in Mayo that used to be on the number 52 bus route that connected Ballina to Galway and it was very important in linking the population there to Foxford and to Ballina.”
“However, the Minister did acknowledge to me when we had the conversation that he had put it in writing to Carlow College three different times that there would be proper consultation with the students and all of those who worked there and that did not seem to happen. That is very regrettable. Absolutely, there should be more clarity and the consultation should have started at a far earlier stage. It is important it happens now to bring clarity to everybody involved. Senator Harmon also spoke about student homelessness. It is particularly difficult, and I have come across a few situations myself, when the students are estranged from their families and that does happen. It is sad but it happens.”
“Again, we have to go back to how we started the debate this morning on the very significant funding announced this week that will lead to the unlocking of a lot of lands for housing. Senator Harmon spoke about Carlow College and the concerns there. I happened to be talking to the Minister, Deputy Lawless, about this issue, unofficially. I acknowledge all the excellent work Carlow College has been doing for many years. I know the fact it will be coming under SETU means there will be a lot of progress in a lot of areas for the students, the courses and those who work there. I think that, genuinely, this decision was made in the interests of all involved.”
“Within the judicial system, I cannot understand how they do not work on a more efficient system and not have cases repeatedly adjourned. It is hard on everybody and it is particularly hard in family law as well. It is good the Department is engaging with the Law Society. We want to have a consensus on to how we go forward on this. Senator McCarthy about the report on homelessness and the differences between 2016 and now. I note the Minister at the time is no longer in politics. The Senator is right that we have to look at ways to prevent homelessness, which is especially difficult for families, of course, and for the older generation. There are many different issues as to why people find themselves homeless. The report Senator McCarthy is referring to will be laid before both Houses and I will look for a debate in the Seanad on it.”
“There is huge concern about shortages of goods coming into the country and we are, sadly, seeing a decline in international law. I agree there is a false propaganda narrative that we need to stand up to. Senator Crowe spoke about the criminal legal aid scheme, the changes due to come in on 1 July and the fact there is strike action at this time. He outlined the reasons for this in terms of the financial provisions for solicitors and the fact they will be changed. It is always important we look at reforms. It is always important we look at the ways taxpayers' money is spent. It is very frustrating for a lot of people when we see court cases being adjourned all of the time, and that is part of the problem here.”
“Sinn Féin had every right to bring this motion forward. It was a separate motion. The similarity with the Social Democrats' motion was the issue of the three-day wait but there were two separate motions. Sinn Féin, or any party, has the right to bring in a motion it wishes to have, so we cannot condemn anybody for bringing a motion in that is within Standing Orders. Senator Murphy O’Mahony spoke about Men’s Health Week and the fact men are sometimes slow to get things checked out. The motto of the campaign this year is "One Step at a Time - Progress not Perfection". We echo that call and encourage all men to go and have the checks done with their local GP. Senator Andrews spoke about Cuba facing difficult times with the blockades by the US Government.”
“Senator Keogan spoke about the vote last night. That absolutely is democracy. We have to respect that at different times, different Members both in the Seanad and the Dáil will not be happy with votes that are taken and the result of them, but that is democracy. Senator Keogan used the phrase "caving in" and I absolutely take exception to that. Hard decisions by individuals were made. People have to make hard decisions about votes they take. It most certainly was not caving in to any lobbying.”
“The part of the hospital that has 14 step-down beds and 40 staff is closing. That is very concerning because step-down beds are hugely important and are keeping the beds open for those who need acute and emergency care. While we have people who are not able to go home and live independently for a short period, we have to have step-down beds. The Senator said that the fact that clinics, doctor on call and ambulance services are also located there means it is a very important part of Drogheda and she is right that we need to look after our own in our own town. That is what Sláintecare is about and what the Senator said is happening really goes against all the tenets of Sláintecare, which was an all-party agreement at the time. We most certainly will write to the Minster and ask that closure be reversed and ask that the HSE does so.”
“It needs to work for the children, their parents, the owners and operators and those who are working within it. It is a very valuable resource for society and we absolutely need to work together. I will ask that the fee increase assessment to be open. I will certainly write to the Minister on that. On Friday evening I visited Tír na nÓg in Athy and they were celebrating 30 years in existence. Kathleen, Lorraine and their family and they had a little graduation ceremony celebrating 30 years serving families in Athy. We have to support them all in whatever way we can. Senator Comyn spoke about news coming from Drogheda this morning that the small hospital that has been there since 1907 and has 14 step-down beds is in danger of closing.”
“We had other comments later on about that. Senator Collins also spoke about this, expressing the view, as did Senator Andrews, that men would not be asked to delay for three days in relation to a decision. Senator Collins also spoke about childcare, those in core funding and those that may be coming out. We certainly do not want to see providers coming out of core funding. About 93% of childcare operators are in core funding and apparently those that have opted out are slowly coming back in. That is good but we want to try to get everyone into core funding. It is very difficult, especially on the parents, when children are going to childcare providers that are not within core funding because they have to pay more as well. Childcare is very complex and it needs to work for everybody.”
“It is a free vote for everybody no matter what status you hold within the party and it will be a free vote within those two parties when the Bill comes to this House. Not every party has that. It is up to each party to decide whether it is going to have a collective view and have the whip in place or a free vote. It is not up to any other party or an Independent Member to comment on that. It is a very sensitive social issue with sincerely held views on both sides of this argument, and I genuinely respect the views on both sides, as we all need to do. It is not fair to say the Taoiseach is captured by a lobby group. We have to listen to both sides and we also have to listen to the women who have been impacted and the women who have crisis pregnancies. This includes listening to those who have spoken about abortion regret.”
“There is quite a bit of debate at the moment about Dublin in particular. There needs to be a focus on cleanliness, street cleaning and waste collection, as she said. I had the opportunity to speak to the incoming mayor, Daryl Barron, recently and it is going to be a key focus for him. Senator Mullen welcomed the ambassador and spoke about the links between Luxembourg and Carlow, as well as about the vote in the Dáil last night. He was unfair to call out the Taoiseach and Tánaiste for how they voted. It was agreed at different times within each party that every member of the party would have a conscience vote, and I believe that is the right way to go. Both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste voted according to what they felt was correct and we should absolutely not be calling them out for that.”
“We see multiple individuals on multiple charges on an ongoing basis. The few times I have been in a courtroom, the number of people who were returning really bothered me. It is difficult, to be fair, for gardaí too and very frustrating for them. For some people it is casual opportunism but, as Senator Fitzpatrick said, for many it is not as they are shoplifting to order. It is shoplifting by organised crime. There is a retail task force and the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, is very conscious of the issue, but I agree we need to have an informed debate on it. We need to look at some type of solution-based focus but also to look at the judicial system. That absolutely needs reform because when we have people doing this on an ongoing basis, that is not good enough. Senator Fitzpatrick also raised the cleanliness of the public domain.”
“She spoke about how we see negative news about housing on an ongoing basis but, while recognising the challenges, we should also recognise the wins and the progress. The funds that were allocated three days ago are definitely a good news story. I was delighted to see 82 projects nationwide being allocated funding. The Senator mentioned the funding for Dublin, in particular for Ballyfermot and St. Teresa's Gardens. Unlocking the possibility of 3,000 houses is certainly good news. I had the opportunity on Tuesday to talk about our own in Kildare, which is important as well. We have to continue building on progress and building momentum. I thank Senator Fitzpatrick for reminding us of that. Retail crime is a really serious issue and we had a meeting with RGDATA, I think last year, on the ongoing huge problem with this type of crime.”
“I thank the 17 Senators who contributed on the Order of Business. As Deputy Leader I add my voice to the congratulations to Senators Ahearn and Byrne. In the month or so since the by-election in Galway, I have been working closely Senator Ahearn. We have worked very well together and I look forward to that continuing. It is also really important we have co-operation not just between the two Government parties that are in coalition but that we have co-operation and work effectively with the leaders of all the groupings in the Seanad. We will disagree on policy and possibly on implementation of certain policies, but having smooth running of the Seanad and showing respect for each and every Member is really important, and that is an important role for the Leader. I again wish both Senators well. We started with Senator Fitzpatrick.”
“or on conclusion of the Order of Business, whichever is the later, 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 five minutes and the Minister to be given no less than ten minutes to reply to the debate.”
“I extend my warm welcome and congratulations to the ambassador. It is lovely to have her here again. It is a lovely country. A delegation from the Joint committee on European Affairs visited Luxembourg recently and was very impressed by all whom they met and all that they saw. I was not part of the delegation but we look forward to the continued friendship between our two countries. The Order of Business is No. 1, Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, which is changed from Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 - Second Stage, to be taken on 11.30 a.m.”
“The difficulty in proceeding on a stand-alone basis is illustrated by the fact that the Bill proposes to prohibit LAWS by reference to the definition of autonomous weapons systems which has been used as a working definition by the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, in circumstances where it is not itself advocating for an outright prohibition on LAWS.”
“The Bill contains elements that are similar in nature to the provision of the Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Act 2008. That legislation was enacted to enable Ireland to give effect to two existing international conventions, namely the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions and the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. Notably, the relevant definitions in the 2008 Act replicate the definitions in those conventions which themselves have been the subject of extensive negotiations among states. Enacting national legislation now without knowing what the agreed approach to regulating laws at the international level will be, would pre-empt the outcome of the ongoing GGE process.”
“The primary forum for these efforts is the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and its group of governmental experts, GGE, on LAWS, in Geneva. The approach and elements for any future international instruments are still being developed and efforts are at a delicate stage with a decision on a path forward to be taken by November of this year. Ireland has been influential in helping to shape this process and will continue to advocate for a progressive outcome in the months ahead. We recognise the urgency of controlling the use of autonomous weapons systems and we are at the forefront of negotiations internationally. The Minister and the Government are open to further engagement while international efforts continue.”
“The fact the Bill proposes to create criminal offences in this respect underlines the need for precision and certainty when seeking to introduce prohibitions of this nature. Regulating LAWS requires comprehensive and detailed work to establish rules around the full life cycle of these systems, from design to deployment. A large body of international experts is currently working to establish common international definitions of autonomous weapons systems, their development and deployment, as well as the broader uses of AI in the military domain. This includes international AI dialogues on technical, ethical and legal elements. Ireland is active, alongside like minded partners, in seeking to establish international regulation of LAWS.”
“It is important to affirm Ireland's long-standing position that the use of autonomous weapons systems to identify, select and engage targets without any or nominal human involvement is fundamentally incompatible with international humanitarian law and the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution which underpin it. At the same time, it is neither timely nor possible to legislate nationally in the absence of an agreed international approach. The breadth of both the definitions and the reference to components of autonomous weapons systems would be likely to bring a broad range of commercial products within its scope and would be unimplementable in practice.”
“However, the Bill is somewhat premature in seeking national legislation before international agreement is found on core concepts, including essential legal definitions. When Ireland has legislated previously in respect of arms control, it has done so on the basis of relevant international agreements in which legal concepts, norms, terms and definitions are widely agreed and understood. Discussions at international level to establish an agreed set of norms, terms and definitions in respect of lethal autonomous weapons systems, LAWS, or the use of artificial intelligence in the military domain are at an early stage.”
“It gives me great delight to welcome my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Catherine Ardagh. It is the first time I have had the chance to address her formally and officially as Minister of State. As a former Senator, she has a special understanding of, and support for, the Seanad. I wish her well in her important portfolio and congratulate her. On behalf of Fianna Fáil, I welcome this debate. Fianna Fáil will not oppose the Bill. I acknowledge that the motivation for this Bill is grounded in humanitarian principles, for which Ireland has been a long-standing international champion. It is in keeping with Ireland's established policy position on disarmament, arms control, non-proliferation and, of course, human rights.”
“I ask for the support of all my fellow Senators who have supported Jennie's law along the way to ensure we pass the necessary Stages in the Seanad and the Dáil in order that we have this legislation enacted before we go into recess, as a means of paying tribute to an incredible young woman, Jennie, and her relentlessly campaigning brother, Jason. Go raibh maith agaibh.”
“This really important information will benefit those in a relationship or considering entering a relationship with such a person, and this is what Jason has campaigned for all of the time. The Minister spoke about the way this will happen within the court system, and I note that within the legislation, where a victim is deceased the decision on publication rests with the court. I certainly hope that the court would take notice of what the family in this situation want. That is particularly important. My time is now up.”
“He gave his word and his word was his bond. I certainly appreciate that having initiated Jennie's law in the Seanad, he chose to start this really important legislation in this House. That is very much appreciated. He has said that Jennie's law is a short Bill but a key component of the work he and his Department are carrying out. It may be a short Bill but it is dealing with an incredibly complex situation. I have no doubt that when this is enacted it will give victims - mainly women, as he pointed out - important information in relation to safety. It will establish a mechanism to seek out, from an official source, details of a past history of serious offending that would give warning of an increased risk of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence.”
“He never took no for an answer. He worked with me, Deputy McAuliffe and the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, to make sure we would get to this day. It nearly gives me goosebumps to hold this legislation in my hand. I also want to welcome David French, who I met a number of weeks ago and I know has campaigned tirelessly for Valerie's law. It is a great tribute to the Minister that within just over a year of him becoming Minister we have before us both pieces of legislation, which make a huge difference to victims of domestic violence and their families. We would far rather that there were no victims, and that the Minister would have put a lot of preventative measures in place, but sadly we have victims and we must do our best to support them. The Minister said he was determined that this legislation would be enacted before the summer recess.”
“As the Minister knows, just over five years ago, on 17 April 2021, Jennie Poole was killed in cold blood in just seven seconds by her former partner. Jennie had done all the right things. She had finished the relationship when she saw signs of domestic abuse and coercive control. Jennie's family, much bereaved, started a campaign at that point to make sure her legacy would live on. Jennie was a much-loved daughter of Jackie and Joe, and Joe is with us this evening. She was a much cherished sister of Jason, David, Clara and Lorna. Jason, an effortless campaigner, is also with us this evening. Most of all, she was a wonderful mother to Nevaeh and to Zack. She was beloved by so many and, as Jason said, she had so much more to give to this world. I want to commend all of the work that Jason, in particular, has put in over the last five years.”
“When we look at our suicide figures, in 2023, 453 people died by suicide, of whom 368 were male. Out of 14 people in Kildare who died that year by suicide, 12 were male. I raise again the need for a specific dedicated Jigsaw service for Newbridge, which would cover the county. It provides important early intervention mental health supports for young men and young women aged 12 to 25. We have a very fast-growing population and Newbridge is ideally placed to service this need. I would like to have a debate in the House on mental health provision with the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health care.”