Garret Ahearn
Administrative Panel · Fine Gael · Ireland
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 9(2)) (Amount of Financial Contribution) Order 2025 (Revocation) Order 2026, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No.”
“I am very conscious that No. 10 is to be taken at 11.30 a.m. and it is now 11.30 a.m. I will be brief. I will make a note of any contributions relating to debates for when we come back in September. There were a lot of calls for debates.”
“We have been here for a number of years and she is correct; a lot of it has come through in July. Technically, it is for the Leader to set out the timeline of debates but I understand the frustration when it comes late or when there is little scope for debate. The motions, in fairness, were referred to committee for debate.”
“9, whichever is later, and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 75 minutes by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government, the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister at th…”
“5, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 4) Regulations 2026, back from committee, to be taken on conclusion of No. 4 without debate; No. 6, motion regarding Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.”
“We will have a busy time coming back in September with an expected by-election to this House, which will create more work for them. To all colleagues across the House, on a personal level, I thank them for the last number of weeks since I took over as Leader of the Seanad. It has been a busy number of weeks for all of us.”
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“All that needs to happen is for two or three things to go wrong in someone's life and they could end up in the same situation. We should always be mindful of that. Senator Gallagher spoke about the importation of 40,000 tonnes of beef and noted that we export seven times more beef than we import, most of which comes from the UK via the Border between the North and the South. The Senator also referred to poultry exports between the UK and Ireland. It would be good to have debate on the matter. I will ask the Minister for agriculture whether he is available. He is coming in later to talk about the measures announced last week for the agricultural sector to address the cost of living. I will talk to the Minister's office to see whether it is possible.”
“It is a good opportunity for this House to discuss the long-term impact, where we are going in terms of the economic forecast, what decisions might be made in the budget and to try to influence decisions those made come September and October. Senator McCarthy also spoke about the comments about Senator Flynn. He also spoke about Mick Finnegan, someone he knows well from his time at Cedar House, and said he was a keynote speaker recently. Mr. Finnegan is a prime example, as the Senator said, of someone who got support, was believed and was able to turn his life around and have a good quality of life. The Senator has been involved in that for many years and knows it extremely well. What happened to Mr. Finnegan could happen to anyone and we always need to remember that.”
“When we talk about bullying in the workplace, this is a workplace and there was bullying in this workplace last week, predominantly against women. It was not in this House, thankfully. We conduct ourselves much better than the Lower House. It is a prime example of where bullying happens and there is no accountability for it. Senator Fitzpatrick spoke about the economic forecast and asked for a debate with the Minister for Finance. I hope to have him come to the House in the next couple of weeks. It is a perfect opportunity to talk about the forecast, the cost of living and the outlook determined across three areas in respect of where we might be, especially because of the past number of weeks with the war in Iran and the implications of that.”
“I know the Senator is doing a lot of work in Navan on that to protect the people there so they can feel safer. Senator Craughwell spoke about Senator Flynn and social media and his own experience of that. We have had social media companies before the media committee. As I think Senator Conor Murphy said at the start, you would not have too much confidence in them. I would have to concur. Senator Craughwell also spoke about bullying in the workplace and his own personal experience of seven years of bullying. There is a real challenge for companies to have set criteria to deal with bullying in the workplace because it can be a real issue, particularly for women. Something needs to be done about that. Perhaps the Government could set out guidelines for what companies should do.”
“An animal care unit would be a good first step. Senator Nelson Murray spoke about Navan and CCTV there. She said that Meath has the lowest number of gardaí in the country but thankfully over 100 new CCTV cameras are being put in the town. I hope that will give people from the Senator's community a sense of safety but as she said, there is only so much a camera can do. It cannot convict someone - we need gardaí, as I just said, outside of Dublin. There are rural towns, of which Navan is one - as the Senator said, Meath has the lowest number per capita - that need gardaí walking on the streets just to have a presence and be seen. While it is really good to have the CCTV cameras for prosecutions and making sure people who commit crimes can be found, we just need more gardaí in place.”
“I will contact the Minister of State with responsibility for sport, Deputy McConalogue, to see if something is possible. A Commencement matter might be a good option for the Senator to discuss it in more detail. Senator Andrews spoke about sulky racing. He mentioned Clonmel and being from Clonmel I know it very well myself. This is a real scourge on a lot of areas. It has been an ongoing issue in Clonmel for many years. In relation to the horse that died this year, everyone locally knows who the people involved are. There is a feeling within communities that not enough is being done. We have invested quite a lot in recruiting more gardaí but an issue is a lot of the gardaí are going to Dublin as opposed to across the country and this needs to be discussed. I will ask the Minister for justice to come in to discuss it.”
“Senator Comyn also spoke in support of Senator Flynn. She then spoke about the Drogheda Boys and Girls Football Club, which has 21 teams and does phenomenal work. It has received a letter from Irish Water and a bill of €26,000. It does phenomenal work but received a letter from Irish Water of a bill of €26,000. It is just not possible for small clubs like that to fund bills that come totally unexpectedly while at the same time trying to raise money when they look for funding for other things, it be whether sports capital grants or anything like that. They cannot keep going back to parents and members of their clubs to try to get money. The Senator is right about better engagement with Uisce Éireann in relation to clubs like that which are hit with bills.”
“Senator Keogan and I talk a lot about fostering as well, but this is an area that does not get the same discussion and one that certainly needs support. I will speak to the Minister for children to see if a debate is possible. A Commencement matter might be a good way to go in getting information. This is work that is being done predominantly by relatives, whether they are aunts, uncles or grandparents. If it were not done, the State would have to step up and pay an awful lot of money to do it. When it is relatives taking on that care responsibility of parents who are deceased, it keeps that structure in place for the child and enables them to keep progressing because they are in a caring family environment, which is crucial for them. It is a good topic for a discussion and debate with the Minister for children.”
“I know that from my own county of Tipperary. He said that the funding has been cut by 50%, which seems like an awful lot. I will ask the Minister to come in to discuss it. He will be in later today for a discussion on the supports that have been announced as part of the cost-of-living measures. I am sure if the Senator sees an opportunity to raise it as part of his contribution to that discussion, the Minister will respond, but I will talk to the Minister to see if it is possible to have a debate on the matter. Senator Flynn spoke about kinship care and how there are 12,000 children under that service, which is phenomenal. We often talk about carers and children being cared for through adoption.”
“It has given us options over the last number of weeks in the measures that have been brought in by the Government to the value of €750 million to try to ease the immediate pressure on different sectors of society. It also gives us the option, if required over the summer or in the budget, of introducing additional measures. The cost of home heating oil, for example, is an issue for many people, particularly pensioners who need support. The important point is that we have the flexibility because of a strong, growing economy and because of decisions that were made in the last number of years to put money aside for situations like this, albeit most Opposition parties did not support that at the time. Senator Noonan spoke about the traditional farm buildings grant. He is right that it is a very popular grant.”
“I know that this must be difficult but she is well-respected and well-regarded in this House by all Members. We hope and we know that she will continue to do the good work she has been doing since being elected. Senator Keogan mentioned that Senator Flynn got the most female votes in the country. I know that to be true because she was on my panel and she was way ahead of me. She is well-respected across the country, obviously. Senator Conor Murphy spoke about the spring economic statement, the surplus of €9 billion as opposed to €5 billion and how that can be used in terms of cost-of-living measures. First, it is important to note that we have a surplus and, at the very least, that gives us options.”
“She mentioned that there are almost 900 people who are essentially being trafficked and used, albeit that they are classing themselves as independent escorts. A lot of work has been done on this by the National Women's Council but we have never had a debate like that in the House. It is something that should be discussed and I will raise it with the Minister for justice. Senator Keogan also mentioned the online abuse of Senator Flynn. A number of others in the Chamber also spoke about that. It is absolutely disgraceful. We can all have different views and opinions in this House but that anyone on any side of this or the other House would be subjected to that type of abuse is utterly unacceptable. I know for a fact that no one here agrees with it. The Senator is very strong herself.”
“It is important that when individuals are speaking in the media or in rooms like this, they do not try to create a further divide between people. Most of the points that were made are just not factually true. One of the really important points to make, which the Senator understands as well, is that all those subsidies he talked about actually come from Europe and date back to when we joined the European Union. One of the main reasons for subsidies in farming and the farming community is to lower the price of food. That benefits everyone. It is disappointing and is certainly not a position held by me, by the Senator or, I am sure, by any elected representative in either House. It is unfortunate but it is not a position we hold. Senator Keogan spoke about Escort Ireland advertising for sex.”
“Four or five years ago, we built an athletics track in Clonmel, County Tipperary. It was done through moneys provided by the Department of housing from urban regeneration and development fund. Money is also available through the rural regeneration and development fund if a town has a population of less than 10,000. This is a prime example of putting funding into what is not a major sport in this country but that is important for people in an area. At the sports committee, a number of smaller sports groups and organisations came in to discuss funding and how we can support them. The Senator also spoke about the rural-urban issue, which has been the subject of discussion over the past 24 hours or so.”
“The Senator also spoke about Kildare getting the lowest funding per capita in the country. I will speak with the office of the Minister, Deputy Calleary. There has obviously been a lot of funding put into rural Ireland over the past seven or eight years, but we need to have future-proofing for areas with populations that are growing faster than those in other areas. I will ask the Minister's office if the Minister is available for a debate. Senator Scahill spoke about a radio interview he was listening to this morning during which the Roscommon Community Sports Park group came up. He is right that it is important to have good sports facilities in Roscommon and in other places across the country for a number of reasons. The Senator spoke about an athletics track. I know about this from experience.”
“There were a number of questions. Senator O'Loughlin referred to the 1926 census, which was released this week. There have been 20 million hits on the website, which is phenomenal. Most families have been talking about it. Members of my family have been discussing our ancestors. There was a discussion in my house about how there were four in the family working full-time on the farm in 1926. The farm is now twice the size it was 100 years ago, and we have two people working part-time on it. Lifestyles and work are different, but people have a great interest in what they are finding out from the 1926 census. It is important that there is going to be a roadshow across ten centres, and, obviously, Naas, County Kildare, is an important area for Senator O'Loughlin.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on fuel supports to the agricultural sector, to be taken at 5.15 p.m. and to conclude at 6.45 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed 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; and No. 2, Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 6.45 p.m.”
“Before I put the question, I welcome students from St. Christophers Special School, Longford who are guests of Deputy Micheál Carrigy. They are very welcome. They are in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery so are very honoured to be there I am sure.”
“Before asking the Minister of State to respond, I welcome Paul Duffy and Colm Healy from the Dublin drug and alcohol task force who are here as guests of Deputy Barry Heneghan. I welcome them to the Chamber. I hope they have a good day. Does the Minister of State wish to respond?”
“I thank the Minister of State very much. Before I ask Senator Boyhan to speak, I welcome to the Visitors Gallery Jayde Daly and Conor Doherty, who are guests of Senator Curley. I hope they have a good day.”
“Amendments Nos. 30, 33, 39, 40, 42, 44 to 54, inclusive, 56 to 62, inclusive, 64, 66 to 89, inclusive, 91 to 106, inclusive, 108, 109, 111 to 119, inclusive, 122 to 126, inclusive, 128, 132, 134, 135, 137, 138, 141, 142, 144, 145, 148, 150, 152 to 161, inclusive, 168, 169, 171, 178, 180 to 183, inclusive, 188, 190 to 195, inclusive, 197 to 219, inclusive, 221, 222, 231 to 233, inclusive, 235 to 240, inclusive, 242 to 265, inclusive, 267, 270, 271, 275 to 284, inclusive, 303 to 305, inclusive, 307 and 308 are related and will be discussed together, by agreement. Is that agreed? Agreed.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann – - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Brian O'Shea; - conveys its sincere condolences to his family; and - expresses its gratitude for his notable contribution, as a Member of Seanad Éireann, to Irish public life and for his dedicated service to the people of Ireland.”
“I also want to pass on my deepest sympathies to Brian's wife, Eileen, and their children Christine, Anne, Paddy, Siobhán, John and Mary, and to his extended family, friends and colleagues on his passing. Brian is one of three Members of either the Seanad or the Dáil who passed away while we were in recess. Rory O'Hanlon, the former Minister, was one, as was the former Ceann Comhairle, Seán Barrett. I am sure there will be an opportunity at some stage to speak about them.”
“As Senator Conway said, Brian was elected in 1989, on the same day my mother was elected to the Dáil. They were in neighbouring constituencies. As you find in politics, when you are in neighbouring constituencies, you end up having a very good relationship, much more than if you were in the same constituency. He was a very decent, honourable man. He was a teacher by heart, like my mother was. They got on very well. He did an awful lot for the people of Waterford. I know the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, was at the funeral on behalf of Government to give his condolences. Brian had a wonderful career and achieved an awful lot for the country, and represented the Labour Party with real distinction over many decades. I pass on my condolences to the Labour Party.”
“They are going knowing the dangers, which is important. Hopefully there will not be anything like what happened the last time, but if there is, it is important that our Department of foreign affairs is there to support Irish citizens, whether Members of these Houses or ordinary Irish citizens, to make sure they get back safely. We will do that. I will take that on board. As I said in response to Senator Higgins's comments, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, will come to the House in a couple of weeks to speak on international developments. That will be a good opportunity to raise that with her. The Senator will certainly have my support for that. A number of Senators raised the untimely passing of former Deputy, Senator and Minister Brian O'Shea, who passed away at the age of 81. I want to be associated with those comments.”
“We are trying to support people and the measures that are being brought in are exactly to try to support people like that, who have a business, feel passionate about their business, treat their business as if it is a child and get very upset when it is not working. It is becoming very challenging for them. That is exactly why this really large package has been brought in - to support them. The final contribution was from Senator Andrews about the flotilla going to Israel. It is important that we support that. The Senator would know my views about Israel and the fact that we and Government can do more. I hope the people on the flotilla are treated better than they were the last time. I know the Senator and Deputy Heneghan were with that flotilla and some of the treatment was horrific, to say the least. This is important humanitarian work.”
“I am not sure what the Fine Gael Senators could have done today to get acknowledgement from Senator Flynn like the acknowledgement that she got from a number of Senators in this House. She asked for a debate on special education. I will speak to the Leader's office and see if that is possible. Senator Sarah O'Reilly spoke about the protests. She welcomed the comments by some Senators on this side of the House and she spoke about her neighbour who was on "Liveline". I heard that and thought it was a really heartfelt contribution by a man who is really struggling and needs support.”
“I have no doubt that the Senator herself is an inspiration to Martina to get involved in politics. When she is talking about hopefully having equality of opportunity to get into politics, I think the Senator is a prime example of how this House has changed in its ways, with equality of opportunity. Hopefully, we can continue that going forward. She also spoke about the protests and people getting up early in the morning. She said that Fine Gael Senators are hypocritical in their response. If the Fine Gael Senators came in here and said they support every single measure that was introduced in the last few days, Senator Flynn would be standing up and giving out. The Fine Gael Senators came in today to say that we need to reflect on some things we have got wrong, and Senator Flynn stands up to give out.”
“Senator Cathal Byrne was talking in that sense as well that it is broader than just fuel; it is an accumulation of bills that people are dealing with. Obviously, this Government wants to support and help them. As I said earlier, I think there is an opportunity in the debate that we will have in five minutes to outline that to the two Ministers who will be here. Senator Collins spoke about the protests and Foynes Port. It is along the same lines, supporting what needs to be done. I did not hear those comments from the Minister, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, in Limerick about bringing out the Army, but I hope and suspect it was in relation to removing vehicles and nothing above that. Senator Lynch spoke about Martina Quinn, in Youthreach, from the Traveller community.”
“As the Government, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have always said, they are still open as this continues and as the changes in fuel prices continue. I certainly agree with her that people are concerned about home heating oil. Thankfully it is not October and November and we are not going into the winter. That being said, it is still quite cold. Hopefully the weather will change but it is a worrying situation. She also noted that farmers need help. There has been a significant amount of help this week in terms of farmers. If you add up every single support that has been put in place since three weeks ago and two days ago, it amounts to 27.5 cent of support for green diesel. Hopefully that is being welcomed by farmers. Senator Sharon Keogan spoke in relation to the protests and tax bills in general in a wider sense.”
“Rowing and cricket are others. Those small clubs need that support. They sometimes need help to be able to apply for that support because they would not have the same resources as bigger clubs or sports organisations. The Senator asked that we bring in the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, to discuss this. I will get the Leader's office to see if that is possible. Senator Pauline Tully raised the issue of the package of measures, or half-measures, as she said. As I just said a few minutes ago, this is the biggest support of any EU country per capita . In saying that, I recognise and have heard myself that there are many people, particularly elderly people, with needs in respect of home heating oil and there needs to be support in that regard.”
“The sports committee brought in a number of small sports clubs, not GAA, rugby or soccer clubs, such as gymnastics and cricket, that is, ones that would not get large amounts of money. From my experience of often dealing with sports clubs, you can give a large amount of money to some of the large clubs and they thank you and it is what they expected. You could then give €5,000 to a boxing club and they are over the moon and cannot believe they got it. We need to be more ambitious for some of those small clubs that they should be getting a significant amount of money because they are actually in the heart of areas that sometimes do not get that funding and need to be supported. If ice hockey is one of them, that is important too. There are an awful lot of other clubs. Boxing is one in Clonmel that I know very well.”
“You can see the small village she is from and how proud they are of what she achieved in the Olympics last year. She is a credit to her area and to Sligo. It is great to see that she is getting the freedom of Sligo. Senator Patricia Stephenson raised the wonderful news that there was a gold and silver medal for the Ireland team at an ice hockey tournament. She also mentioned how they have to travel to Belfast because that is the only ice hockey facility in the country that they can use and that we need to use more money in relation to local sports funding. There will be a sports capital grant this year. It will be opened and clubs will have an opportunity to do it.”
“Senator Robbie Gallagher mentioned blood transfusions. They are a very important thing. I know the Senator has brought this up numerous times in terms of levels being critically low. The normal level is seven days. He asked people to donate. I know good work has been done in Monaghan. I acknowledge the award for Linda Moore as the volunteer of the year. Senator Nessa Cosgrove raised the accolade that Mona McSharry is receiving, namely, the freedom of Sligo. Mona is an inspiration to so many people across the country. As she said herself in terms of the determination and resilience, to come from a small village in Grange, Sligo, and to do all her sport in that region in Donegal is an incredible achievement. I was in Sligo last summer with Councillor Fergal Nealon and went out to Grange. We were on some of the beaches.”
“I recognise that Senator Byrne is talking about the squeezed middle. I am confident that in the budget, income tax can be cut for the squeezed middle, as the Tánaiste has said he intends to do. Hopefully, that can be done in the future. Senator McCormack also raised the issue of the protests and spoke about the threatening of protestors and bringing in the Army. I think there was a lot of confusion about that, and how it was proposed the Army would be brought in. It was not really to be brought in to do anything aggressive. It was just to remove vehicles if that had to be done because the Garda did not have the equipment to do it. We will have a debate shortly about it, with Ministers of State, Deputies Timmy Dooley and Jerry Buttimer. There will be ample opportunity to talk about that in more detail.”
“I know he was out meeting protesters in Wexford yesterday. As he said, many of them are our own people - ordinary, decent people. They are good people. They are good, hard-working people who are frustrated at a time when they feel they have a lot of challenges and difficulties. I have seen that at the protests in Cahir and Cashel. They are neighbours, friends and parents at our local schools. All they are looking for is support. Although they feel they are not being listened to, it is important to say they have been. Measures worth €250 million were brought in three weeks ago, which is a hugely significant amount of funding. That has now been increased to €750 million. It is the largest package of any country across the EU per capita . It is not a small package. Again, the reason we can do it is that we have the surplus.”
“All of them have come in and worked long hours to make sure people are protected and supported. I saw a video of a Garda inspector dealing with protesters in Rosslare in Wexford. It was an incredible thing to witness. His communication with the protesters was fantastic. There was no intimidation or “This is what we are going to do. This is the way it is.” He spoke to them in a calm manner, and they spoke back in a calm manner. It got a lot of traction on social media. His name is Inspector Paddy Casey from Rosslare and he needs to be commended. Many gardaí do that good communication work. The more they do that, the better the dialogue between people who might be on differing sides. The respect for gardaí will be maintained if that sort of interaction continues. Senator Cathal Byrne raised the issue of the protesters.”
“As Senator Boyle said, it is an area that has been cut off, so it is vital that the air ambulance is available. I know the Senator is working hard with the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, to push that through. I am confident, given the amount of work he is putting in to try to get it done, that it will be done. It is critical not just for Donegal, but for the whole north west. Senator Craughwell spoke about the protests. He spoke in a different context with regard to the work that gardaí do and how they have been treated at certain protests. I have not seen that kind of interaction, although I have heard about it. I assume it was minimal. It is important that, as a House, we put on record our appreciation of gardaí and members of the Defence Forces for the work they are doing. It is a very difficult job.”
“Most importantly, he has been listening to what they are asking for, whether that is immediate support or long-term support for people in that area. That is very important. Senator Boyle mentioned Moya Brennan, who very sadly has passed away. She was the lead singer of Clannad, an incredible band, and she was an incredible musician. Donegal always seems to have great musicians. This is a sad day, given that she and the band have given so much to the music industry and so much inspiration over the years to people across the country. The Senator also spoke about the air ambulance for the region. This is something Senator Boyle and Councillor Boyle have been speaking about and pushing hard on, and they have been doing it for a long number of years.”
“It seems they are being done without any highlighting whatsoever. The Minister for foreign affairs and Defence, Deputy McEntee, has agreed to come to the House. I do not have a date yet but it will be in a number of weeks. She will be coming in to speak on international developments and that will be a good opportunity for the Senator to address those issues. Senator O'Donovan also spoke about the supports and the blockades. He too said that many of these are good, decent people. I agree. The party and the Government must reflect, and that is an important thing the Government needs to do. The Senator said he had not shied away and had spoken up. He has been out meeting protesters. I know he has been engaging, whether online or in person, with people in his community on what can be done.”
“It is under review because we cannot predict what will happen, certainly in the war in Iran but also in any other area of the world. The Senator welcomed the measures that have been introduced. We have to remember many countries are not in Ireland's position. We have a surplus to be able to do this. When we talk about budget planning, it is the budget planning of previous years that has given us the leeway to introduce a package of €750 million in the past two weeks. Senator Higgins spoke about Lebanon, and rightly so. It should be higher on the agenda. She and I are on the foreign affairs committee and we can highlight it there. Some of the atrocities that are happening, in terms of the displacement of people in Lebanon and 2,000 people having been murdered, are absolutely atrocious.”
“For any key project to be a success in a city, consultation is the first thing needed. If that has not been done, it is very disappointing. I assume from Senator Harmon's bringing it up that a number of public representatives and Members of both Houses have heard it too. Working together could improve that consultation going forward. The Senator also spoke of the fuel protests and budget planning. Budget planning is important and it is important that she brought it up. As she said, there are rising costs in an awful lot of things around the country, and she asked why decisions are made so late. It is because the world is changing on a weekly basis. When those decisions were made a number of weeks ago, it was said everything was under review.”
“There is an onus on Government. I commend Senator McCarthy on the work he is doing to bring something forward so that people in Mary's position after losing a child feel justice has been served. The Senator asked for the Minister to come to the House. I suspect a Commencement matter would be the most appropriate way to bring in the Minister for justice to speak on that case. Senator Conor Murphy spoke on the motion, which I have agreed to. It is important that there is cross-party support for it, and from the Cathaoirleach as well. That has been agreed to. Senator Harmon spoke about Cork light rail and said a decision would be made on Friday regarding a preferred route. I can understand if there are communities and clubs in her area that feel they have not been consulted on this.”
“He acknowledged that many things have been done and that measures will hopefully ease the pain and he stated that this is an opportunity for Government to reflect. It is an opportunity for Government to reflect on decisions made going forward. The most important thing is that the significant package announced in recent days makes a difference and that these people who feel they are at the pin of their collar have that support to be able to survive and move forward. Senator McCarthy spoke of the very sad case of Molly Dempsey, who passed away after a fatal collision in May 2024. Her mother Mary was here earlier. I pass on our condolences again to Mary and Molly's family and to the wider community. It is a tragic situation for any parent to lose a child, but especially to lose a child in circumstances that are so tragic and preventable.”
“A lot of train stations do not have the basic things like toilet facilities available to customers of Irish Rail right across the country. The Senator cited Newbridge as one case and there are many others across the country. When it is taking in so much in car parking fees, it is understandable to ask what the money is being spent on and whether it can be spent better. We will look for a debate with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, on train transport facilities. Senator Brady spoke about the protests that have been happening in the past week. He mentioned he has been meeting people in Longford - and beyond, I presume - and that these are good and decent people. A lot of them are good and decent people.”
“I agree to the motion proposed by Senator O'Loughlin and seconded by Senator Harmon to amend the Order of Business. There were a large number of speakers - over 20 - so you would know we had been on recess for a week or two. Senator O'Loughlin spoke about Jennie Poole on the fifth anniversary of her passing. She spoke about the incredible work Jason and Jennie's children, Nevaeh and Zack, have done since her passing in trying to push forward domestic violence law, which will hopefully be done by next year. What happened was a tragic situation. If at all possible, there will be some positive outcome in terms of Jennie's law. Senator O'Loughlin also spoke about Irish Rail and car parking across the country taking in over €50 million. She said this should be used to upgrade facilities in train stations. That is a very good point.”
“I will move a motion of expressions of sympathy by the House at the end of the Order of Business. The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on fuel protests, to be taken at 5 p.m. and to conclude at 6.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, any other Senators not to exceed four minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given no less than five minutes to reply to the debate; and No. 2, the Health Information Bill 2024 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 6.45 p.m.”
“We need to be conscious of it as we hold the Presidency for the second six months of this year. That is a broader point. The legislation under discussion has been welcomed. There has been a payment reduction but there needs to be a phasing out. When there was a reduction, we did not see any reduction in the number of homes, in particular, that were used. Therefore, it has not been a deterrent to people continuing to show the support and solidarity they have shown, which emphasises the point that people do not actually do it for money. They do it because they want to support vulnerable people looking for shelter. I thank the Minister of State for his contribution in the Seanad today and for the work he and his officials in the Department do to support the people of Ukraine.”
“We need to make sure the message of solidarity and support continues to come independently from Ireland and certainly from the EU. When we take over the Presidency of the EU, I know the Government will prioritise supporting Ukraine diplomatically. That is incredibly important because, when you note the wars happening across the world, you see there is a real challenge for the EU regarding the question of how countries distance themselves from a war in Iran without that impacting on the war in Ukraine. The President of the US could easily wake up tomorrow morning so frustrated with the EU over its not supporting him in a war in Iran that he could decide to end all financial and military support for Ukraine. That would leave a huge burden on the EU and it is something we have to be very delicate about.”
“I have a young child in primary school, and I can see how that can expand the young mind of a child in terms of looking beyond their own village and seeing a bigger world, one of diversity but in which people are the same. That is very important for our culture and the youth of today. I have just come from a meeting of the committee on foreign affairs in respect of Ukraine that lasted two and a half hours. We received a briefing from the Ukrainian committee of foreign affairs on the war, support and things that are needed. The position in that regard is from last year or the year before. Lviv was bombed today and other cities were hit hard. Eyes and media have focused on Iran, Palestine and other very serious conflicts but nothing has changed for the people of Ukraine.”