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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“Although we are very happy to have adopted him in Kildare, the Minister is a very proud Wexford man. His formative roots were in Gorey. I have no doubt that he would be happy to go down. We will certainly ask him to do that. Senator Andrews spoke about the dog breeding Act. We have been waiting for this for a long time and the Senator has been looking for a debate in the Seanad for a long time. We have sent the request in every single time. We did not get it. Regarding this Act, we will have it. He was negative about the draft legislation. I know he will make salient points when we come to discuss it. It is very welcome that we have the draft legislation there. It is going to look at welfare and breeding, sales and record-keeping, administration and enforcement. The previous update was in 2010.”
“That will throw up some interesting information and recommendations that will go to the Minister for culture and arts. Senator Duffy also spoke about Tom Bourke and Bryan Hyland from Westport who are undergoing a row across the Atlantic in aid of Daisy Lodge in Cong. We all wish them well. Senator Conway spoke about Waterford and Wexford ETB and his meeting with the chair and CEO last week. He raised the breadth of work that is going on, between schools, training, music generation and different youth groups. There are 1,800 staff and 28,000 students. The ETBs have taken on a lot around the country and have to be commended on that. He raised the collaboration with SETU and a new campus in Wexford town. He is looking for the Minister, Deputy Lawless, to visit.”
“There are so many within all the communities that we serve who do not participate in sport for different reasons but are very interested in cultural and arts activities within their communities. Our amateur drama groups around the country are incredible. I got to see a number of plays this year, between the Rathangan Drama Festival and the Kildare Drama Festival. What we see on our stage from amateur drama is incredible. We need to be doing everything we can to support them to have venues. The Senator mentioned the different choral groups. We need to do anything we can to support youth theatre. At the moment, we are undergoing a review at the suggestion of Senator Black in relation to one of our subcommittees here in the Seanad on arts venues across the country.”
“From my understanding, there is a mechanism to capture that, and rightly so. Within the past few years, the system that is used to allocate funding has a lot of different measures, including female participation, inclusive measures where people with disabilities are involved, looking at geographical areas that have not received parity in funding and looking at minority sports that have not received parity in funding. The sports partnerships have a key role to play because they do excellent work in relation to trying to ensure that there is a level playing field - excuse the pun. We want to make sure that no community is left behind. We certainly support the Senator on what he said. He also spoke about the upcoming arts scheme. This is certainly something that I fought hard to have included.”
“She also raised the tragic situation of Yves Sakila who lost his life on Henry Street in very tragic circumstances. We all need to extend our sympathy to Yves's family, the Congolese community and, of course, the community in the area. We need to have that investigation carried out very quickly. We need to have a strong sense of what happened. While the investigation within the Garda is ongoing, because a private security firm was involved initially there is that investigation as well. It was a shocking event. We all need to be very concerned about it. Senator Duffy spoke about the new round of sports capital community grants and the arts capital grants, which is a new venture. He asked that there would be a consideration of places where there are gaps and places that do not have a lot of investment in sports facilities.”
“I heard on the radio this morning that they are, thankfully, being released today. It is not before time. It is absolutely shocking to see how they have been treated. It is shocking to see how the Israeli security minister did everything to try to humiliate them. That took it to another level. Like the Senator, I am very glad to see a strong Government response and the Taoiseach coming out very strongly and not just contacting but writing to the EU to say that the EU collectively needs to take a stronger stance. We wish the protestors, who were trying to bring both educational and medical aid to those who are suffering huge challenges, problems and indignities in Gaza, a speedy return home. The issue itself is not going away, so we need to have that EU co-operation. I thank the Taoiseach for leading that response.”
“At a meeting recently with Nicola Kelly in Cuan Mhuire outside Athy in Kildare she said that is absolutely borne out in their experience on the ground at Cuan Mhuire, which operates not just in Kildare but around the country. We need to help support all those treatment centres. We need to look for more treatment beds. When somebody is at rock bottom, they are seeking help and their family are encouraging and doing everything they can to help them get the help, the State absolutely has to step in and provide that. The Senator is right about looking for an urgent debate on the HRB report. It is something that every single person in this House will support. We will look for the Minister to do that. It is a crisis. The Senator also spoke about the illegal abduction of the flotilla.”
“I thank all 11 Senators who spoke this morning. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke initially about the committee work in relation to drugs and the new drug strategy that is upcoming. It is very concerning, listening to some of the media coverage over the past few days in relation to the present-day status regarding drug use and, indeed, the nature of drugs that are used. As the Senator rightly said, the use of drugs now is widespread and complex. There is no street, village, town or city that is free from this. When we look at the statistics, there is a big increase in women taking drugs. We have to appreciate that because there are more people receiving treatment, and the statistics show that, it shows that there is an increase in the treatment and other supports. That is probably the only positive thing that has been emerging.”
“The Order of Business is No.1, motion regarding proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the extension of sections 1 to 7, inclusive, and 9 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021, No. 14 of 2021, to be taken on conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate.”
“It has also spoken about a new station for east Newbridge and upgrading the present Newbridge station. It is essential that these projects are delivered as quickly as possible. I 100% support this Bill, as do our spokesperson on infrastructure and all Fianna Fáil Members. It is innovative legislation. It is really important and will make a huge difference as we get projects done. I thank the Minister for taking the time to listen to me talk about the projects I wanted to highlight and that should be delivered for the people of south Kildare.”
“It is a good commuter town but, when you have to drive through the town to get to the train station or to get on the Dublin road, it takes away from your quality of life. We are all trying to ensure that people have a good quality of life, wherever they live. That is one of the projects I would particularly like to see fast-tracked. It is important and essential to the economic and social development of the town of Newbridge. I will mention another area. North-west Kildare has huge problems with energy and water outages. I refer to the area of Rathangan, Allenwood, Robertstown and Kilmeage. There are disruptions practically every week. The ESB has spoken about building a new power station, the Blake station, which would serve the north-west area.”
“However, at this point in time, I am going to be parochial and mention the projects I would like to see designated within the areas of energy, transport and water. With particular regard to transport, Members here will have heard me speak about the need for a second bridge in Newbridge. I have no doubt the Minister has heard me speaking about this as well. It is only 25% of the outer orbital ring road in Newbridge. We do not need an incredible amount of money. It is actually getting close to tender stage. We will possibly need around €10 million. This bridge would make a huge difference. There are five schools in the vicinity of the existing bridge. People are often delayed by up to 30 minutes during peak traffic times. Newbridge is a growing town with a huge population.”
“While the Minister is looking at the main areas of energy, transport and water, all of which are incredibly and hugely important, we also need to add education to that list at times. In Newbridge, the Curragh, Kildare and the surrounding areas, we do not have enough primary school or secondary school places. About three years ago, there was a contract to purchase a site for a new secondary school to address that demand and to replace the present ETB school, Curragh Community College. It appears that contract to buy the site now needs to be amended. It is a real concern. With regard to the other areas, I appreciate that it is the government of the day that will designate the projects.”
“The Minister is very welcome to the Chamber. I thank him for the vision and ambition he has shown in relation to this Bill and for bringing it before us. As my good colleague Senator Davitt has said, following up on that vision and ambition is really about collaboration and implementation. It is really important that we address the infrastructure deficit, particularly in areas where the population is growing. The Minister will have noticed that the latest statistics show that the county whose population has grown the most since the 1926 census is by far Kildare, with its population having grown by 326% in that period of time. Our infrastructure has not kept up at all.”
“The core recommendations focused on fixing critical failures in Ireland's mental health system such as faster assessments, better continuity of care, senior clinical oversight and a major IT system reform. I commend the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health, Deputy Butler, on the Mental Health Act, which has completely modernised the system. However, in looking at those recommendations, I will absolutely be evaluating them against the new legislation. Maxine's life mattered, her death mattered and I am standing here in memory of Maxine. She will never be forgotten and we need a better system that will not let others down.”
“Sadly, not long afterwards, Maxine succeeded in her suicide attempt. That was nine years ago, and it has been a long journey for Maxine's parents, Robbie and Kathy, for her two brothers and for her many friends. Many agreed that had Maxine arrived in hospital with a physical illness, she would have been seen immediately. However, I want to put on record that the help Maxine received during the physical part of her illness in St. Vincent's hospital liver unit and in St. James's Hospital burn unit was second to none. It took nine years for the HSE to finally admit it was wrong last week and it will be issuing a public apology to Maxine's parents and family. Several years ago, I drafted a Bill called Maxine's Bill relating to seven recommendations that at Maxine's inquest, the HSE said it would implement.”
“Maxine was a much-loved daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend. She had been suffering with her mental health for quite some time and when it became too much on 2 December 2016, she bravely reached out for help and support. She was scared and vulnerable when, together with family members, she arrived at a hospital where she had previously spent some time with the same illness, namely, with depression and suicidal tendencies. It was at this point that Maxine, having plucked up every ounce of courage within her to get that far, was turned away by the hospital she had considered a safe place and by the experts in whom she had placed her trust. It requires a strength like no other to reach out and seek help when feeling helpless and alone. Unfortunately, when Maxine sought help in this instance, she was sent home and did not get any.”
“Déanaim comhghairdeas le seacht scoil ar bronnadh Gaelbhratach orthu. Tá Athy College ar cheann de na scoileanna sin. Tá trí scoil eile ag glacadh páirt sa scéim freisin, is iad sin, St. Conleth and Mary’s Primary Scoil, an Droichead Nua; Scoil Phádraig Naofa, Athy; agus Scoil Bhríde, Kilcullen. Tá mé an-bhródúil astu. This is an excellent programme, and it is important we highlight both those who received the flags for their use of Irish language and also encourage others to participate. It is important we show our pride in the schools that take part in this initiative. Yesterday, I started to speak about Maxine Maguire. Maxine was a young girl whom I taught in primary school many years ago. She was a lovely, bubbly, gorgeous girl who was much loved by family and friends.”
“I wanted to speak about a young girl called Maxine Maguire, who I taught in junior infants and who sadly passed away nine years ago. There has been a long journey for justice and she deserves more than just the next few seconds so I will save it for tomorrow's Order of Business.”
“However, I know from conversations in the last few weeks that both the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Deputy Norma Foley, and the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Dara Calleary, have very clearly said this is going to be a priority during the Irish EU Presidency. It is something we really want to focus on because we all love the opportunity to come in here and work every day. Everybody should have that right. I also want to mention the OWL programme, which is an excellent programme in the Houses of the Oireachtas. I want to give a shout-out to the Irish women's rugby team. It was an absolutely incredible performance from them on the weekend. I send my congratulations to them. I have exceeded my time.”
“It is really important we have opportunities like this to promote inclusion and participation. I really hope the four visitors enjoy their visit today. They will be doing a tour. They were working really hard in my office this morning. We are going to go for coffee and if anybody wants to join us at around 4.15 p.m., they are more than welcome. This is Avista's 100-year celebration. Happy birthday to Avista, all who work there and all who use the services. They do tremendous work supporting people with intellectual disabilities to develop independence, life skills and trying to ensure they have opportunities to find work. Elio tells me he is available for work so if anyone here wants a good worker, he is a good man. It is sad that employment rates among people with disabilities are very low.”
“I welcome the ambassador, the First Vice Speaker and my good friend Yevheniia from Ukraine. We must use every occasion we can to condemn the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia. I am also delighted to welcome three young people from Avista whom the Cathaoirleach mentioned and who join me today in a job-shadowing experience in the Seanad, so a very special welcome to Elio Rabbitte, Danny Dowling and Franziska Klien. Franziska works in a bakery in Clondalkin and Blackrock. She promises the next time she comes in to Seanad Éireann, she is going to bring cakes in for all of us. Danny is working in Elverys Sports in Blanchardstown and he has promised us all discounts when we go in, so there is going to be a big rush in. I thank Joey Long for bringing our three special guests in.”
“It is the first carbon neutral brewery of its kind and the largest in Europe. It is also the first Guinness brewery in Ireland outside James's Gate. It is great to see it, and I wish all involved well. Another company in Newbridge, Schlötter Ireland, celebrates its 50th anniversary today. It deals with chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Some 50 people work there and the company has a superb CEO in Damian Carey. I wish it well on its 50th anniversary and look forward to joining the team later.”
“If water is to be turned off due to low reservoir levels, that needs to be communicated to residents well in advance so that they can prepare accordingly. Many residents who have signed up to receive text alerts from Uisce Éireann do not receive them. It is clearly a communications failure. When residents log complaints they do not receive any communication back from anybody. Families with small children and elderly and vulnerable residents being left without heating and water is simply not good enough. It is completely unacceptable. We need a debate in the House on the matter with the Minister. I welcome the Taoiseach's visit to Newbridge last Monday to open the new Diageo Guinness plant. The plant cost approximately €300 million and will employ about 100 people.”
“Newbridge Gospel Choir and many young musicians and acts from across Kildare who are part of Music Generation also took part. It is a wonderful festival. Well done to Brian Kavanagh and Evan Arkwright of the Curragh racecourse. We want to see more of festivals modelled on it across the country. I will speak also about the ongoing water outages affecting residents who rely on the Allenwood reservoir. I have been contacted by numerous people from the area whose water supply is being cut off almost weekly, with repeated outages occurring for several months. We all understand that some outages cannot be avoided, but what is causing a greater frustration for residents is the complete lack of notice and communication from Uisce Éireann.”
“I wish to give a shout-out to all of those involved in the Kildare Inclusivity Festival, which took place on the Curragh racecourse last Sunday. It was the brainchild of Councillor Bernard Caldwell, and it is such a positive and uplifting community event. It celebrates diversity, accessibility and the power of inclusion. Kildare County Council is very involved, as is the County Kildare Access Network and a whole range of local organisations. It is a free festival and it celebrates people of all abilities through live entertainment, interactive activities and meaningful community connections. Newbridge Autism Friendly Town was very involved, continuing its work alongside communities and businesses. Young people from Athy Sign and Sing, who sign and sing through Irish Sign Language, were also involved.”
“We need to see the Curragh protected, respected and properly maintained. It is a treasured amenity and needs to be preserved for future generations. What I want from the Minister of State is the timeline for the transfer of ownership, the new plan put in place and possibly the legislation I have introduced on illegal encampments enacted because it is clear the present system is not working and we need a different one.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response. I acknowledge the good intentions of the Minister. I also acknowledge those in the Department whom I have been liaising with. They are very prompt. They put in place the system that is currently there. However, it is not rectifying the problem because even when the court proceedings are issued, there is a period in which those who are there illegally can occupy that land, and during that period there is damage done and an awful lot of waste left there. While I acknowledge all that, I want to see clarity on the timeline needed in terms of the recommendations. I acknowledge the Department is working to ensure we move to a modern and sustainable regulatory model to make this important landscape protected and free from illegal encampments. It is the timeline we need at this stage.”
“There have been reports of significant damage to the local golf club, and I have seen photographs of that. There has been dangerous and illegal driving of vehicles across the Curragh. There is, again, the large quantities of waste and rubbish. We need a very clear update on the management strategy for the Curragh and I really hope the Minister of State will be able to give some clarity and shed some light on timelines for this.”
“Really excellent work was done between Kildare County Council and the Department of Defence on the future of the Curragh Plains where 3,500 respondents wrote in about their cares and concerns about the Curragh. Recommendations were made arising from that. We have yet to see them put in place. I take heart from the interest of the Taoiseach, who spoke on our local radio station, KFM, on Tuesday morning about his hopes that key plans would come before Cabinet within the next few months. It is complex because while this is with the Minister for Defence, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, and the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, are also involved and I have had conversations with all of them. It is not just the visual appearance of the encampments that happen as there are major safety concerns.”
“I welcome the fact action was taken and they are gone, but yet again last night I received information from residents in the area that another encampment has started. I received another message from the owner of a local bed and breakfast who has to close her business when this happens. It is simply not good enough. In 2020, we had 19 encampments and bear in mind, an encampment can be anything up to 40 caravans. In 2021, there were 13; in 2022, there were 20; in 2023, there were 15; and in 2024, there were 25 encampments. The waste removal costs the taxpayer approximately €200,000 on an annual basis. That is a very significant sum of money.”
“It is one of the most important and historic natural amenities in our country. It is deeply valued by the people of County Kildare and holds enormous environmental, sporting, military and cultural significance. Families, walkers, runners, local sporting clubs, golfers and the wider community cherish the Curragh and take enormous pride in it. It is of course the home of the military and of Curragh racing, as well as many trainers and sheep farmers. Unfortunately, illegal encampments on the Curragh have become a recurring issue that arises year after year, causing serious concern and frustration among those who use the plains. We had an encampment of 30 caravans three weeks ago.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, and thank him for being here to take this Commencement matter. In a way, this feels like Groundhog Day. Several times every single year I have to stand up and talk about the Curragh Plains and the illegal encampments there, causing all sorts of damage and stress. This year, despite previous commitments, I have to do so yet again and I will continue doing so to express the level of frustration people in the area who are impacted feel. This is an important matter regarding the management and protection of the Curragh Plains in County Kildare. It is something I have spoken about many times in this House and in the Lower House. I know the Minister of State passes the Curragh on a weekly basis going to and coming from Cork.”
“They genuinely feel that it is really important and it gives a lot. The roll-out of the national campaign on the importance of consent, which we see on our radios and screens, is really important. The fact that we are going into the Irish Presidency of the EU is significant. We need to keep speaking about this difficult issue. I welcome the fact that there are going to be two opportunities to talk about the online impact on young people. The high-level conference on online safety in September will be hugely important, particularly given that the views of young people will feature. The international AI and digital summit in Dublin in October, which will be a flagship event, is hugely important and will give us an opportunity to draw attention to the online abuse which so many people go through.”
“The supports being offered through Teach Tearmainn and other refuges to children who are living with and have moved on from a place of domestic violence are hugely important to how they live their lives and will go on to live their lives, hopefully in a better way. Unfortunately, we often see situations - I am talking about the voice of men and women - where domestic violence is perpetuated from generation to generation, which is particularly difficult. In terms of supporting victims, it is hugely important that a dedicated sexual offences unit has been established. The nationwide roll-out of the divisional protective service units to ensure vulnerable victims are dealt with in appropriate way by gardaí who have specialist expertise is very important. I have spoken to a number of victims who have praised this new training.”
“I deal with the victims I meet in Teach Tearmainn in Newbridge. I thank the Minister for going there. We are looking for extended space there because unfortunately, a number of people are turned away on an annual basis because there is no room. We need to have that extra room. The supports that refuge centres give, even outside of providing that safe haven, are hugely important because, for some women, leaving home is not a reality for them for different reasons. We cannot question someone's judgment. We have to try to ensure they stay safe if they stay in a place that is not the safest for them. We also have to be able to provide a refuge when they choose to leave.”
“Some countries have signed up to it but have not fully implemented it. Within the Council of Europe approximately 34 countries have signed up, which certainly is to be welcomed. As a group, Fianna Fáil Senators felt it was really important to bring this motion forward to both shine a light on the work that is being done on the various legislation the Minister has brought forward, and to make people aware that those protections are there. It is also important to continually look for more. I know the Minister is in favour of and supports our call that there would be a refuge in every single county in Ireland. It is absolutely needed in a huge way. I know this year he is hoping to deliver 52 new family refuge units and 45 new safe houses. An additional 50 new units are under construction. That is really important.”
“I have just finished reading a novel called The Names, which goes into the area of domestic violence. It describes a sliding doors moment and the way that members of a family, through three different scenarios involving the same people, have been the victims of domestic violence. It brings it home time after time that it takes eight attempts. Our responsibility as legislators, and the responsibility of the Minister for justice, is to try to ensure those steps are made easier all of the time. When we look at the statistics across Europe, we see that gender-based violence is the most widespread human rights violation affecting women. It is an epidemic across Europe. Obviously not every country has signed up to the Istanbul Convention, and we have a duty and a role to encourage other countries to do so.”
“The Minister is very welcome to the Chamber to discuss an increasingly important topic. When we look at the figures in Ireland, we see that there has been a 34% increase in domestic violence since 2021. There has been roughly a 3% increase year on year right around the country. That is quite shocking. We might feel that some of this is due to better reporting but we must always encourage and support victims in reporting domestic violence because it is only then that they can actually get help. Some of the measures the Minister has put in place have been about supporting victims to stand up and protect themselves and their children. All of the work the Minister has been doing to implement and support A Victim's Journey is really important. It takes about eight attempts for a woman to leave her home when she is in danger.”
“It is an issue that cuts across the portfolios of the Minister for justice and the Minister for agriculture, but we will ask again for the Minister for agriculture to come. I think he needs to come in and talk about his Department's oversight and what it is doing. Following that, we can look for the Minister for justice to come. To be fair, he has been very good about coming to this House on issues of justice. Those are my responses for today. I thank the Cathaoirleach.”
“Of course his wife, too. Senator Andrews spoke about the committee this morning at which My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue was present and the horrific situation in Rathcoole where a horse died while giving birth and both were sadly lost. It is shocking where we see neglect all over the country. My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue does incredible work in rescuing horses. Our animal rescue centres and the volunteers there do amazing work in rescuing animals, supporting them and trying to find new homes. From the figures the Senator mentioned, thousands of dogs go in all the time to rescue centres but only 24 cases were brought to court. Along with puppy farms, etc., it is very sad to see the lack of consequences. The Senator has repeatedly asked for the Minister for agriculture, in particular, to come to the Seanad.”
“The information is not there and I was certainly aware of other buildings not mentioned in the reply. It is a huge piece of work but I support the Senator's call for it. Senator Ahearn spoke about International Nurses Day and the ambulance. He spoke particularly about the nurses in Clonmel where he and his two children received the really important help that they needed.”
“There are 491 community providers, following a sustained increase. That is important and it has to be recognised. I want to recognise here that there is a very broad spectrum of sincerely held opinion on the issue of legislative change on either side. Proposals of this nature require careful consideration. That is the only comment I will make in relation to that. Senator Martin Conway looked for a national audit on vacant properties in the ownership of the State, where buildings that are now derelict can be used either for housing or, indeed, for community use. I completely agree with him. With the support of a Member of the Dáil, I submitted a parliamentary question on this in respect of my own county of Kildare. I certainly was not satisfied with the response I got.”
“We need to spend a proportionate amount of time to make sure that we get it right. I think Senator Clonan is completely wrong in what he says. Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about the Social Democrats' Bill in the Dáil. I acknowledge that it is a very difficult situation for any woman who has a crisis pregnancy. Our first thought must always go to that woman in relation to difficult decisions facing her. It is a difficult situation. There is no other area of healthcare where practitioners are exposed to criminal liability if things go wrong. In his response to this, the Taoiseach has said that the Government is committed to ensuring there is safe and equitable access to abortion services. Services for terminations up to 12 weeks are now provided in all 19 maternity hospitals.”
“It is hugely important that those living with disabilities and those who represent them have the opportunity to come together on the scale that is envisaged at the Aviva tomorrow, to be part of the solution going forward. Absolutely, commitments were given in the programme for Government, and rightly so. However, there has to be a period in which to tease out all the different nuances that exist. I commend the Minister, Deputy Calleary and his team and those who are working on this. I have seen at first hand how committed the Minister, Deputy Calleary, is to this.”
“I am not sure I acknowledged Senator Tully talking about the ambulance service, but she has also met with the ambulance services and is of course supporting those who work within the service, as well as supporting a settlement on that. Senator Clonan spoke about the public consultation that is happening in Aviva Stadium tomorrow around a payment for those with disability. I have to say I reject the words that he is using. He called it a PR stunt and a photo opportunity. I totally reject that. People living with disabilities always say "nothing about us without us." Having a full piece of public consultation is something that Senator Clonan often asked for when I was a member of the disability matters committee with him.”
“Senator Keogan spoke about inconsistencies in Commencement matters and responses. I have to say I have found the Seanad Office, particularly Carmel, very helpful in helping to suggest rewording of Commencements to ensure we get the proper and appropriate response, but I recognise the frustration that is there. Senator Boyle spoke about givinostat for children. It is a very difficult situation, and we totally support that this should be given to those who need it. I acknowledge those who have raised it before, particularly my colleague Senator Teresa Costello and Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan, who have put a lot of work into this area.”
“If we do not have agreement on 19 May, there will be a 48-hour work stoppage. If there is no agreement then, a 72-hour work stoppage will take place on 26 May. Hopefully, there will be some type of resolution before that, but contingency arrangements have been put in place. There is a reminder that the 999 or 112 phone service remains fully operational throughout the stoppages. Priority has been given by the HSE to patients facing emergencies, such as cardiac or respiratory arrest and serious trauma, such as those arising from road traffic accidents. However, we have to urge people to consider alternative healthcare options during the stoppage. We certainly hope that by the time 19 May comes around, negotiations will have ensured there will be no further stoppage there.”
“I will make the point that while it is regrettable that SIPTU and Unite members have chosen to proceed with industrial action, we have to say the only real negotiation is done through dialogue. We absolutely have to have recognition of upskilling, and the pay structure has to be modernised. We also have to acknowledge there was a 3% to 14% pay rise agreement linked to reform offered, and this was on top of the 9.25% increase under the current public service agreement. We have to acknowledge that union leadership recommended this be accepted, but it was rejected following a ballot, which was the right of those union members to be able to reject that ballot. While we want to see pay and reform, we need to acknowledge the right of those who have chosen to go out. There is a 24-hour work stoppage today.”
“There is always a need to honour the past, but there is also always the need to move on. Senator Scahill spoke about the ambulance services, as did several other colleagues - Senators Gallagher, Boyle, Tully and Conway. We had several people speaking about that. In opening the debate, Senator Scahill spoke about the responsibility and training those who work in our ambulance service undergo. I acknowledge the incredible work ethic of our ambulance service. Thank God, I have very rarely had to engage with them on a personal basis, but when I have, the kindness and compassion in serving either myself or family members was absolutely second to none. We acknowledge all the workers.”