Gareth Scahill
Nominated by the Taoiseach · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Before we finish up I call for a debate on home care services when we come back in September. We all know the value of carers in our society but an awful lot of the HSE support service staff going into houses are private agency staff and when the person they are looking after goes into hospital or into respite the support they are getting…”
“Can we reset the clock? I will start by mentioning the "parents notify" portal on the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, website for special classes and special places, which has a deadline of 1 September.”
“Like previous speakers, the Leas-Chathaoirleach might allow me to thank the staff of the House, including the ushers and all the catering staff and, reluctantly, all of my colleagues in the House. We do not always get on or agree but there is great respect in the House.”
“I welcome the Minister to the House. Like so many of the previous speakers, it would be disingenuous of me not to concede I agree with some of the points in the motion.”
“The whole country has these facilities now, meaning that should we ever experience something like Storm Éowyn in 2025 again, we will have supports to allow people to continue to work remotely, provide for their families and live where they want to.”
“I do not believe one size fits all in Ireland. The Minister's county, my county and Longford are all in one big district and we have not benefited from additional Garda numbers in quite some time.”
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“Senator Nelson Murray mentioned there are differences in cost around the country. My home county of Roscommon has gone down five places from seventh on the list in the past 12 months. I believe this is due to the number of burglaries in which there was an increase of 20% in 2024. Putting that into context, the premium people are paying for insurance in our county has increased due to an increase in crime of about 43 instances. We need transparency on these premiums and how insurance companies are coming to these figures.”
“This is an anomaly we need to address. We are asking our diaspora to bring their valuable skills, global experience and their families back to Ireland, yet we are failing to recognise their established insurance histories. It is akin to inviting someone to a race but making them start from the very back regardless of their past performance. I also acknowledge we need to introduce, and I know this is a focus for the Government, greater competition and choice in our market sector. More players mean more options and more options lead to better prices and services. A healthy competitive insurance sector benefits everyone, from young drivers paying their first premium to family-run shops insuring their businesses. We must also demand full transparency from the system in how insurance premiums are calculated.”
“Despite having years of claim-free driving history or comprehensive health insurance policies from reputable providers in their previous countries of residence, these policies are often not recognised by Irish insurers for the purpose of establishing a history or reducing premiums. Think of a doctor or nurse who has spent a decade serving a community in Canada and who has a flawless driving record and continuous health insurance cover. Upon returning to Ireland, they are often treated as if they have no insurance history. They face exorbitant premiums for car insurance and potentially higher initial costs for health insurance. This is not just an inconvenience; it is a financial disincentive. It undermines the very spirit of the relocation package and can often swallow up far in excess of what the relocation package can do.”
“This generous initiative aims to significantly lessen the financial burden on returning healthcare workers by covering expenses such as flights, initial accommodation and, crucially, recognising their hard-earned qualifications from abroad. This is testament to our dedication to making their return as smooth and welcoming as possible. However, a significant challenge for them remains. When these highly skilled individuals, who have often built lives and careers abroad, seek to integrate back into Irish society, they encounter a frustrating disconnect in our insurance landscape.”
“I support what my colleague Linda Nelson Murray has said. I also acknowledge the 16.7% increase in the personal injury claims guidelines is excessive. Today I want to spotlight a particular area, however, where the insurance system currently presents an unforeseen hurdle which directly impacts a vital national priority: encouraging our talented diaspora to return home. Ireland is a nation built on its people and our diaspora is a source of immense pride and potential. We are actively reaching out to our skilled professionals living abroad, particularly those in sectors where we currently face a skills gap. A prime example of this is our health sector. We are acutely aware of the need for experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals. To this end, we have introduced an international recruitment relocation package.”
“Irish businesses have never lacked ambition, but in order to remain competitive and thrive we must match ambition with strategy, investment and a national commitment to resilience. Ireland's competitive spirit is strong. We have built a resilient and attractive economy driven by our talented workforce and pro-enterprise environment, which the Minister has driven, but we cannot afford to be complacent. By strategically addressing our infrastructural needs, managing cost pressures and continually investing in innovation skills, we can ensure that Ireland not only maintains its competitive edge but continues to thrive as a leading global economy for years to come.”
“In a world where talent is the new currency for competitiveness, Ireland's future will depend not just on the strength of our economy today but also on how we prepare for tomorrow. We must ensure that our further and higher education system is agile, responsive and aligned with the needs of a modern economy. As a member of the new artificial intelligence committee, I know that we need to prepare our workforce for jobs that do not exist but will exist and drive our economy in five years' time. Whether it is digital technologies, green energy, advanced manufacturing or life sciences, the demand for skills is evolving rapidly. We need to double down in developing those skills and that means expanding apprenticeships, deepening links between industry and education and investing in lifelong learning to ensure workers can adapt as roles change.”
“I welcome what the Minister said in his opening speech on this. High electricity costs can impact businesses' competitiveness. Addressing these deficits is paramount for sustainable growth and attracting future investment. Another area that demands attention is cost pressures. Issues such as the cost of credit, legal services and insurance can significantly impact our small and medium-sized enterprises which are the backbone of our economy. Ensuring a competitive cost environment for businesses is vital. Competitiveness requires constant vigilance and continuous investment. Our ability to attract investment, retain talent and foster innovation is grounded in a few key advantages, namely our access to the European Single Market, our English-speaking workforce and, above all, our highly skilled and talented pool.”
“Tariffs, in particular, have emerged once again as a threat to our open rules-based trading system that has underpinned decades of economic growth. Let us be clear: tariffs are economically and socially destructive. They drive up the cost of doing business, reduce market access and, ultimately, place upward pressure on prices for households. Worse still, they could create a climate of uncertainty that discourages investment and stifles innovation. No country wins in tariff wars. Businesses delay investment, consumers pay more and international co-operation weakens. My colleague has mentioned that one of the most critical areas where we need to sharpen our focus is infrastructure. While we have seen improvements, our infrastructure performance, in particular in basic areas like water and energy, continues to lag compared to our peers.”
“The Minister is welcome to the Chamber for his first visit this term. This is a topic that is central to Ireland's prosperity and future and our nation's competitiveness. When we talk about competitiveness, we are discussing our ability to thrive in a global marketplace, attract investment, foster innovation and create a high quality of life for our citizens. The good news is that Ireland continues to punch well above its weight. The Minister mentioned that the Institute for Management Development ranked Ireland at fourth globally in 2024. We remain the most competitive country in the European area. This is not just a number; it is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our people, to our businesses and to our strategic policy choices. Around the world, we are witnessing growing challenges to the foundation of international trade.”
“Permanent enactment of this measure should be done with a clear focus on accessibility reports for all of our towns, and I think that would be supported across the House. It would be a great way of serving two purposes with one Bill. I support this motion and I support Senator Boyhan’s suggestion.”
“I wholeheartedly support the extension of the Act. It allows for the responsible consumption of alcohol in designated outdoor seating areas. I welcome that it allows businesses to operate with clarity and certainty. It is pro-business. It is important we protect businesses and give them that clarity. It is also essential that An Garda Síochána has clarity with regard to its powers of public order service, and we need to be seen to be supporting it. What began as a temporary solution during the pandemic has proven to be a lasting and welcome transformation. Let us be honest. It spreads a new life into our towns and villages. It creates a buzz, a vibrancy and a new sense of place, and we should be building on it. I support Senator Boyhan’s request for a letter to the CEOs of the local authorities.”
“I wish to again raise the school transport scheme. I have made a number of representations to Bus Éireann regarding the efficiency of some of the routes. We are getting to that busier time of the year when the demand for it is going to build up. Unfortunately, the responses from Bus Éireann are weak if not delayed indefinitely. They are not receptive enough to the voices of public representatives expressing the opinions of their constituents. I call for a debate on Bus Éireann's service and potentially reviewing that to examine efficiencies that we, the publicly representatives on the ground, through listening to our constituents, have identified and are able to point towards. It would lead to the delivery of a better service for students.”
“I worry about trying to progress that initiative if students will not have an opportunity to sit an exam before they get to third-level education. That would be counterproductive. I hope all these measures can be considered collectively.”
“The Minister of State is welcome. Senator Duffy mentioned the waiting list, which has 83,486 people on it. I will not say anything about the RSA, but its website still refers to an average waiting time of ten to 12 weeks even though we have been experiencing this issue since the Covid-19 pandemic. I hope the solution that the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, is coming up with includes additional testing centres in regions currently without them and the seconding of instructors. It is a booming business because some 80,000 people are waiting to get their driving licences. Seconding driving instructors into neighbouring counties to assist with testing would be a great way to assist with the backlog. Like my fellow Fine Gael Senators, I am an advocate for driving lessons in secondary schools.”
“I hope the Minister of State, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan, will come in at some stage to talk about supporting landowners in these special areas of conservation as regards damages. Community groups have put in years of valuable work trying to develop and maintain these areas only for all of that good work to be destroyed over a weekend when a disaster such as this happens.”
“I raise an issue in Roscommon with regard to the Gortaganny-Caher area, which experienced wild gorse and bog fires over the weekend. There was extensive damage. I compliment the local fire service on its response and the fire services from neighbouring counties, as well as the air support from helicopters providing water, on getting the fire under control after 36 hours. A number of landowners lost significant forestry and pension opportunities. Some farmers incurred damage of up to €100,000. On Friday last, the Caher-Gortaganny area was one of the new walks accepted onto the national walks scheme as part of a national announcement. Over the weekend, this special area of conservation was significantly damaged during the spread of wild gorse fires.”
“We potentially need to look at expanding the role of dental hygienists so they have direct access and can provide more services in order to alleviate the pressure on dentists, open up the whole sector and address an issue we have.”
“While I welcome the fact there will be 20 additional dentist places available, I do not believe that will meet the demand that I raised a few weeks back. Dental hygienists say that Ireland is experiencing a workforce crisis in dentistry, both in the public and private sectors. Although a call from many dentists has been heard loud and clear in the media, it is not being heard elsewhere. There is a shortage of dental hygienists. At its annual conference this year, the Irish Dental Association was inundated with requests from dentists unable to find a dental hygienist due to the shortage. That is felt throughout Ireland and we need to address it.”
“As Senator Boyle has said, we know of students who have applied two or three times and have been rejected. I also know that more than 200 people applied for the eight places that are available in Trinity College Dublin, so there is significant demand. We already know, through our system, that there is significant demand. We believe dental hygienists will alleviate the pressure on dentists and open up more opportunities for them. We call on the Department to address this matter.”
“That number has not increased in more than two decades despite a growing population and oral health needs. Once qualified, dental hygienists must register with the Dental Council of Ireland, yet there are only 600 registered hygienists, and we do not even know how many are actively working. That is the reality. We face a dental workforce crisis, not just with dentists but also with hygienists. The Irish Dental Association has repeatedly sought for more support on this. We are raising this issue with the Minister of State to see if we can collectively come up with a solution in order that we are not exporting our students to other jurisdictions to get qualified and then having to come up with elaborate schemes to attract them back to work here.”
“It is fitting the Minister of State is here because her constituency is located between Senator Boyle's and mine, between Donegal and Roscommon, so we know she will not let us down. A couple of weeks ago I tabled a Commencement matter on the number of dentists accepting medical cards and the Minister's response was that we needed to look at having more public dentists on the scheme. When this issue we discussing today was raised with me and I realised that Senator Boyle had the same issue, we thought it was very important that we raised this in the context of education to see if it can be addressed. As Senator Boyle has mentioned, there are only two places delivering courses at the moment - Trinity College in Dublin and UCC in Cork - with a total of 20 places available each year.”
“I compliment the groups in Roscommon town, Castlerea and Strokestown, where thousands of people came out to support an issue that has hit every rural community in the west of Ireland and nationally. I hope that having this conversation here will lead to the provision of additional supports to all those local areas.”
“The programme is very welcome and I hope it can be expanded in the very near future, during the term of this Government. When it comes to CAMHS and CAMHS Connect, the one thing I do not want to hear about, specifically across the west of Ireland, is a staff embargo. I do not want to hear about that because mental health is too important an issue for a lack of staffing to hold back its development and prevent people getting the treatment they deserve and are entitled to. CAMHS Connect looks at emotional, behavioural and mental health supports. The young people in our society deserve those supports. I would like my colleagues to acknowledge the Darkness into Light walks that took place nationwide last weekend and gave people an opportunity to talk about an issue that is often not spoken about.”
“I thank the Minister of State and acknowledge that today is “Hello, how are you?” day. Mental health is a very topical issue. I do not have as much time as I would like to discuss it. Last summer, I had the pleasure of meeting the Minister of State in Castlerea, County Roscommon for the launch of the Discovery College at the CAMHS Connect unit in Castlerea, which promotes positive mental health and well-being in young people while facilitating prevention and early intervention. The real message behind the provision of this new service is that everybody is equal. Traditionally, support was provided to 14- to 17-year-olds but the new service means that they do not just fall off the cliff at the end of that time. Support is now provided for 18- to 25-year-olds.”
“Prolonged used of social media is linked to depression, anxiety, isolation and poor body image. Despite the downsides, there are positives regarding social media. We owe it to the next generation, the social media natives, to have a conversation in this House and talk to them about the long-term impacts of social media on their future lives and the benefits of same. I call on the Acting Leader to arrange a debate to discuss that, if possible.”
“I rise today in response to a UN report yesterday that highlighted the fact that Irish teens are among the least happy in the developed world. Irish teenagers are among the least happy in high-income countries, despite leading the world in academic skills. This report also highlights that Ireland's youth suicide rate was found to be above the international average. Two debates have happened in this Chamber recently. I wish to explore the impact of social media on our younger people, especially our school-going children. The kids in school nowadays are social media natives; not like the rest of us, who are potential social media immigrants. They have grown up with this and it is something they have always experienced. The impact of its use is something on which we must have a debate about in this House.”
“I spoke to the Minister before she came in today and while this says 18 months, I do not believe we are looking at 18 months. I believe this Bill could be pushed through this Stage and Committee Stage a lot quicker than that. In principle, I support the Senators on it but I am happy to go with the Government's amendment at this stage.”
“I wish to mention a small issue that my colleague Senator Maria Byrne mentioned. I refer to the additional work for retailers, particularly small retailers and corner shops, which have a staff of just one or two people. Recently, Senators had a discussion on the Protection of Retail Workers Bill. We had a very in-depth conversation about all of the additional work we were putting on those people and the fact that a lot of those people were minimum wage workers. With the introduction of this, we would be putting an additional onus on them to carry out many different checks. There is then the potential of fines hanging over their heads and the businesses' heads. That is the element I would like to explore further and I would be happy to go through that with the Senator.”
“I, too, compliment the Senators for tabling this Bill. Having gone through it, I fully support the Bill in principle. I grew up in a time that, when somebody was sick, one brought a bottle of Lucozade to help the person's sugar levels recover and so on. As we evolved and developed, sports drinks came on the scene. They were great, as they contained carbohydrates and electrolytes, aided recovery and prolonged performance on the sports field, specifically endurance sports. Traditionally, society pushed it to its limit. So much so that now throughout all of the supermarkets and retailers, these products are particularly marketed to an age demographic that it probably does not suit and are easily accessible to that market. Therefore, there are not too many Senators who would not agree with the Bill in principle.”
“They are connected by a shared vision, which is one of respect for nature, pride in our local environment and a commitment to acting locally to solve global challenges. As we mark biodiversity week, let us recognise and support these efforts and be inspired to do more, because protecting biodiversity is not just the job of experts, it is a role we all share. Whether it is planting for pollinators, supporting sustainable farming or simply cherishing the wild spaces around us, as my colleague Senator Noonan mentioned, every action counts.”
“This report does not just document the richness of local flora and fauna, it sets out a community-led vision for how farming and biodiversity can thrive together. I was delighted to see on Monday funding of €1.6 million approved from the recent European Innovation Partnership under the CAP strategic plan for connecting old and new farming technologies to conserve the unique species of the karst grassland. It would be remiss of me not to mention the great work of our local GAA clubs on the green club programme. GAA clubs across Roscommon have embraced the role of environmental stewards, promoting sustainability through actions such as pollinator friendly planting, energy conservation and waste reduction. It is a brilliant example of sport and sustainability going hand in hand. These are not just isolated projects.”
“Within the Rathcroghan landscape, techniques such as dry stone walling and hedge laying play a crucial role, not only in supporting biodiversity by creating habitats and corridors for wildlife but also in enhancing the landscape setting of archaeological monuments. These skills reflect a deep-rooted respect for the land and its history and are a vital part of how we farm with nature and heritage in mind. I congratulate Richie Farrell, who runs the project in Rathcroghan, and the team around him. Perhaps one of the most inspiring examples is in Taghmaconnell, where the Karst Farming Group is doing pioneering work. The recently published biodiversity report shines a light on the unique karst landscape, a fragile and precious system of limestone soils, wetlands and underground water systems.”
“The Farming Rathcroghan project is helping to reimagine how we farm, blending heritage and innovation to promote biodiversity on farms while preserving the historical landscape of the Rathcroghan region. As part of the Rathcroghan farming model, we are proud to see the revival and recognition of traditional skills that connect our farming practices with our culture and archaeological heritage. One such skill is dry stone construction which has now been formally recognised as part of Ireland's intangible cultural heritage and inscribed in the UNESCO world heritage representative list.”
“It is fitting to welcome Councillor Leah Cull to the Chamber this afternoon. She is from the biodiverse-rich area of Arigna in north Roscommon so it is topical she is here. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak during biodiversity week. It is a time to reflect on the beauty, resilience and importance of our natural world and to celebrate the local efforts to make a real difference in preserving it. In County Roscommon, we are very proud to lead by example, and across our towns and countryside individuals, communities and organisations are coming together to safeguard and enhance our biodiversity, not just for today but for generations to come. We have seen powerful work in agricultural communities.”
“I call for a debate with the Minister for Transport to discuss the safe routes to school scheme, getting it reopened and included in the next programme, and having something to put forward to the transport committee.”
“Following on from a Commencement matter my colleague, Senator Boyle, had this morning on school safety measures, I noted the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, said in her response that there are currently no plans to reopen the safe routes to school scheme for new applicants. She also referred to the active travel measures that could be utilised by schools for safety measures. The safe routes to school scheme was designed specifically for those measures. The scheme opened and less than 25% of eligible applicants applied, but it closed while schools were still dealing with Covid-19 during a lockdown. I have heard people numerous times in the House over the past couple of weeks calling for safety measures at schools.”
“I welcome the Minister to the Chamber once again. I compliment Senator Ruane on this legislation. My reading of the legislation is it is intended to improve the fairness of the parole system. While I acknowledge the genuine intent behind it, the right move today is to revisit it in six months when there has been more time to consider it. The current system provides for withholding information from parole applicants in exceptional circumstances under section 14 of the 2019 Act. If there is a case for reform, it is to improve oversight and clarity around those exceptions, not to introduce closed secretive processes that place a legal wall between applicants and the information being used to decide their future. I agree with the motion to move that for six months.”
“To reiterate, the fire service we and all Senators in this House have is a service we are very proud of. That does not mean, however, we should not look for more and better. I can only speak of my own home area, but in rural areas like Castlerea, where residents have limited mobility and live in isolated locations, delayed emergency services can have life-threatening consequences. Based on the figures in the NOAC local authority performance indicators in recent years, the national average cost per capita of the fire service is between €61.50 and €63.50. The cost per capita for the fire service in my local authority area in Roscommon is €36.86 to €38.50. I believe there is an imbalance in certain areas and a review would highlight that.”
“Conduct a review that will give our fire services the support and resources they need, or add to those supports, but conduct a review that will, above all, give our communities the safety they deserve and, for communities like my hometown, the cover they deserve.”
“We need a strategic review that considers the updated population data; the latest census information, including age demographics, which I believe will show that certain areas have a higher percentage of older people; a response time analysis across all regions; and the impact of increased climate related events such as the more frequent and intense gorse and bog fires we see at the moment. We must future-proof our fire service provision and ensure no community is left exposed. I urge the Minister to act now, not after the next emergency and definitely not after the next loss of life.”
“For example, Castlerea in County Roscommon, my hometown, has a population of 3,000 to 3,500 people and the fire station has been closed since 2017. Last Wednesday evening, after I tabled this Commencement matter, there was a house fire in a built up residential area in Tarmon Manor at 7.30 p.m. A retired fire officer from Sligo spoke on the radio the following morning and said that if the station had existed in Castlerea, the response time would have been seven to nine minutes. Without the station, the nearest fire units are located approximately 16 miles away, meaning a response time of 20 to 30 minutes. In an emergency, that is not just the difference between a scorched field or a lost home; it is the difference between life and death.”
“There are serious questions of what happens when multiple fire brigades are pulled to fires like this and who covers the towns and communities left behind? Are we satisfied we have accounted for the growing vulnerability of our population, especially in towns with higher populations of older residents who may need help more quickly or who may not be able to evacuate as quickly? Are we satisfied our fire services are distributed fairly and efficiently? Let me be clear about this, our fire services are doing extraordinary work. We are very proud of our fire services in the west and in my county of Roscommon. I am very proud of the work they do and the hours they put into it but they do so under significant strain, especially at times like this.”
“On 9 April of this year, it was reported in our local paper that 55 firefighters from five separate fire stations - Ballaghaderreen, Ballyhaunis, Boyle, Charlestown and Elphin - were needed to tackle a gorse fire in Loughglinn stretching over 800 acres. Three weeks later, three fire brigades were called to a similar incident between Trien and Willliamstown. Following the five fire brigades' dealing with the initial fire, they had to attend again the following day to ensure there were no residual fires or risks to local plantations, but the threat was still live. These are not isolated incidents; they are warnings. My colleague sitting behind me, Senator Brady, just dealt with a very big bog fire in County Longford over the weekend, which also required the services of approximately four fire brigades and lasted for more than two days.”
“I welcome the Minister of State. I call on the Minister to urgently commission a national review of the fire brigade service areas boundaries to ensure the response times and provision of services align with the most recent census figures and, more importantly, with the real need of our people on the ground. I ask for an independent national review of this as well. This is not just a call for policy. It is a call for protection and preparedness on behalf of the lives that depend on a timely emergency response. Recent events in Roscommon and Longford have laid bare the pressure our fire services are under, particularly in rural areas and areas with growing populations of older people.”
“My party and the Government have been very supportive of business in general. The Acting Leader will know of the impact of the Department of Rural and Community Development and what it has spent on amenities and services over the years in rural Ireland. The hospitality sector ensures that the people in question stay in rural areas and it revitalises and supports rural economies. The 9% VAT rate is a deal breaker that we must discuss before budget 2025.”
“I rise to represent the hospitality sector, specifically in the west of Ireland, members of which approached me recently about the increased cost of business and the reduction in margins. It is lucky that in the past ten days, the weather has brought increased footfall and has had people out using facilities regularly. As we are all aware, however, the climate in Ireland is not predictable. It could be July or August when it is a much quieter time. The hospitality sector is a big employer in and supporter of our rural economies. I would like this House to have a debate about the reintroduction of the 9% VAT rate to support our hospitality sector. As stated, it is a big employer. We had a debate about further and higher education yesterday. The hospitality sector supports the students who are going through further and higher education.”
“I take the opportunity to invite the Minister to come down to Roscommon in the very near future in order that I can show him the opportunities we have for apprenticeships.”
“The slogan on the SOLAS web page today is: "FET [further education and training] is for everyone, is available in every community and offers a pathway to take you as far as you want to go." We need to look at ourselves and ask if we are delivering these opportunities in every community for every learner. Let us make sure this pathway is clear, accessible and supported for every learner in every corner of the country. I acknowledge what Senator Cosgrove said about improving the links between our universities. The N61 linking ATU in Sligo to TUS in Athlone is a vital piece of infrastructure that is needed and that would help reduce costs for students. It should be built into all of that.”
“During the debate on forestry last week, I spoke about the ambitious plan to grow our national forestry cover. Who will maintain the new forestry, however? We need arborists. This is a clear example of how current policy is creating a future skills need. We need to act now. Now is the time to invest in our future and that of our children. In that context, we need to identify the skills gaps that exist and target the regions where provision is lacking. It is not just about education spending; it is about smart investment. Our apprenticeship options and facilities need to be more dynamic and responsive.”