Garret Kelleher
Industrial and Commercial Panel · Fine Gael · Ireland
“These services include a day care programme led by nurses and healthcare assistants, community catering with meals-on-wheels, social activities and transport. The work done by the team at Westgate Foundation enables older people in our community to stay at home and live independently while maintaining a vital social connection.”
“The fact she is in Westgate and able to participate and volunteer at local level speaks volumes about the independence it affords to people. There is an ongoing conversation in Cork on the development of light rail, the Luas line, with Ballincollig being on the western side of that.”
“Mar is eol don Aire Stáit, is fíorthábhachtach an rud é cinnteacht a thabhairt do Westgate Foundation faoi thodhchaí na heagraíochta agus seans a thabhairt don fhoireann bainistíochta na seirbhísí a fhorbairt i gcomhréir leis na riachtanais atá ag dul i méid i measc daoine aosta inár bpobal i mBaile an Chollaigh agus sna ceantair mórthimp…”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response and acknowledge the behind-the-scenes work going on between the HSE management in the south-west region and the management team at Westgate, which is crucial. I neglected to mention one thing in my initial contribution, of which the Minister of State will be well aware.”
“As the Minister of State is aware, one of the primary reasons for the increased costs being borne by Westgate Foundation is related to the fact that the organisation had been heavily dependent on the community employment scheme, which is an unsustainable position given that the economy is effectively operating at full employment.”
“As the Minister of State is aware, Westgate Foundation is reliant on section 39 State funding, administered through the HSE South West, to provide services to senior citizens.”
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“On the point made by Senator McDowell in relation to unconscious prejudices and possible biases that might exist, if a way could be found to iron those out and meet Senators Ruane and McDowell somewhere along the road, that would be a helpful approach.”
“I am not doubting that there is a lot of merit in what is being said by Senators Ruane and McDowell. I did not take the opportunity to congratulate the Minister of State on her appointment and to welcome her. Tá súil agam go n-éireoidh go geal léi sa ról nua atá aici. Guím gach rath uirthi mar Aire Stáit. In the spirit of what happened previously, the Minister of State might take on board the debate and see if some consideration can be given to the views that have been expressed here this evening, because ultimately what we are looking to do is to improve legislation to make our communities safer.”
“We must give An Garda Síochána discretion to carry out its duties and to protect our communities as effectively as it possibly can while also addressing the possibility of systemic biases being overlooked as a result of the suggested information not being collated and used effectively. My concern is about the availability of that information, whether it would be published in a report and whether it would be made available to newspaper reporters. That is of concern, given the sensitivity of the information. How can we improve policing and Garda powers and ultimately arrive at better protection and better protection in the communities we represent? I am concerned about the possibility of unintended consequences arising from some of the amendments being proposed.”
“I am concerned about the possible unintended consequences of accepting amendments such as this arising from the manner in which the information collected is disseminated. Amendment No. 28 a calls on the Minister to "publish in each calendar year a report". In light of the sensitivity of the information it is suggested to collate, there is a possibility that we would be opening ourselves up to unintended consequences. That information might be used by reporters to create sensational articles because of certain areas being subject to more stop-and-search activities or other searches than other areas, possibly with justification, as Senator McDowell has outlined. If there is justification for that, as the Senator has shown there may be, that should be taken into consideration. It is ultimately about trying to strike a balance.”
“In one of his more recent contributions, he mentioned that a young black person going down Oxford Street is eight times more likely to be searched than a young white person of an equivalent age. I would be interested to see whether that is true. He made reference to that in one of his earlier contributions, saying that we want to avoid it. Our job as legislators is ultimately to legislate in an effective way to make An Garda Síochána more effective but also to address systemic biases. Policing in this country can be improved as a result of what we do through legislation. Senator McDowell also said that on certain occasions, it may be justified for certain minority groups to be searched disproportionately.”
“I have listened with interest to the debate this evening. I have a certain sympathy for the position articulated by Senator Ruane, particularly in relation to a disproportionate number of searches being carried out in certain communities. She cited some numbers in relation to breaches of the Covid regulations and mentioned the communities that were most impacted by those searches and the penalties that followed. That predates my own time on the justice committee but it was very interesting to hear about it as part of the overall debate. I also listened with interest to Senator McDowell. He articulated statistics from the United Kingdom showing that people from a black community or people with a darker skin colour are eight times more likely to be searched than members of a white community.”
“If we were to vote through what is being proposed today, of which I am not in favour, the whole thing would be incomplete because the reference to biometric identification and the definition would remain on page 6 of the Bill.”
“In my view, the distinction made between the two is clear in what is being proposed, having a separate reference to the biometric identification as opposed to the biometric analysis, along the lines of what has been explained by the Minister. Specifically in relation to amendment No. 3, this is something that was suggested by the Minister. If what has been suggested, namely the deletion of the line, was to be voted through here today, there would be no point whatsoever in having a reference to a specific reference or definition of biometric identification. If that amendment was being proposed, it should have been the case that the deletion of the subsequent reference on page 6 to biometric identification should also have been suggested, and that has not been done.”
“I had occasion to visit Anglesea St. Garda station in Cork with the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, on a visit to Cork recently. Without wishing to divulge anything I should not divulge, we saw a room in which the surveillance cameras in various locations in the city were being monitored by An Garda Síochána. It was a hugely impressive operation. This is video surveillance at its best to keep our communities safe. I am open to correction on this, but there may be an inference in what is being said regarding biometric analysis of an effort to hoodwink people by saying that biometric analysis includes biometric identification.”
“There is also the importance of allowing the use on a more widespread basis of the facial recognition technology, especially for serious crimes and in cases of missing persons. I do not have a huge amount to add to the contributions that have already been made by the Minister in his opening remarks and Senators Gallagher, McDowell and Boyhan other than to welcome the legislation as a step forward. It has the full support of the Fine Gael group.”
“On behalf of the Fine Gael group, I welcome the Bill before us. As the Minister articulated in his opening remarks, it is a step forward in fulfilling the obligations made under the programme for Government, especially in the support of Garda use of artificial intelligence. Again, this is the type of thing that we would speak about in this Chamber on numerous occasions, particularly in relation to Garda powers and legislation on a broader basis to deal with modern challenges faced today that would not have been encountered previously, as we have discussed on umpteen occasions here in recent weeks, such as the challenges of social media, how we can counteract misinformation and disinformation, and enabling the legislation to be modern, robust and deal with the challenges that we face today.”
“I thank the Senator. We have about eight minutes until I am due to call the Minister to respond to the debate and we have four people looking to speak. That puts us under time pressure. Are all four speakers happy with two minutes each?”
“That is something on which I might well have a discussion with Senator Gallagher afterwards. Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an mbeirt Teachtaí Dála nua atá againn. Tá súil agam go n-éireoidh go geal leis an mbeirt acu.”
“It is very refreshing to hear that level of magnanimity from everybody towards Seán, and to hear the regard in which he was held, which came out very much in the campaign. Déanaim comhghairdeas leis agus le Daniel Ennis. I do not know Daniel personally. I met him on two occasions today and had a brief exchange with him. He got a very strong mandate from the people of Dublin Central. I hope he does very well. I would like to very briefly take up something that was said by Senator Gallagher. I refer to the work that is being done to assist people who have sustained injuries in farm accidents. As the Acting Leader knows, there is a very active group in Mountrath, County Laois - Embrace FARM, led by Brian Rohan and his wife, Norma. He established that charity as a result of losing his father to a farming accident. They do superb work.”
“Chomh maith leis na Seanadóirí eile ar fad, déanaim comhghairdeas leis na Teachtaí Dála nua atá againn, Seán Kyne agus Daniel Ennis, as ucht na mbuanna a bhí acu sna fothoghcháin an tseachtain seo caite. I gcás Sheáin, is iontach an rud é a bheith ag cloisteáil na ráiteas ar fad ó na Seanadóirí, go háirithe Seanadóirí an Fhreasúra, agus na dea-rudaí atá le rá acu mar gheall air. The Fine Gael Group knows the enormously positive contribution Seán made. As the group was primarily made up of first-time Senators, it was very important to have somebody of his experience - and that of our Acting Leader - from previous Seanaid. It is lovely to hear the positive comments coming from the Opposition. Positivity was very much a theme of Seán's campaign. Everybody in this Chamber today has spoken of his integrity and decency.”
“The most expensive medical wig it has for sale costs approximately €3,300 after a VAT rate of 23% has been applied, which equates to a charge of over €600 in VAT. We need to act to bring this into line with other European countries and the sale of comparable medical products in Ireland.”
“In the case of patients purchasing medical wigs, the current system allows for patients to reclaim the VAT they have paid once the medical need has been established. This places an unnecessary, onerous and unsympathetic burden on people who already have a lot to contend with in their lives. We could be speaking about mothers going about their daily routines of raising young children and not wanting to them to know the full extent of their illness or elderly cancer patients who are simply trying to look their best when they go out to meet with family and friends. I recently spoke with Michelle from the Wig Boutique at Amare in my hometown of Ballincollig who told me that its medical wigs range in price from approximately €600 to over €2,500 before VAT.”
“Is é an t-ábhar gur mhaith liom labhairt faoi inniu ná wigs agus go háirithe an cháin bhreisluacha a bhíonn le híoc ag daoine a bhfuil ailse acu, daoine atá ag déileáil le chemotherapy nó alopecia agus an caillteanas gruaige a tharlaíonn dá bharr. I wish to raise the issue of what I believe to be an unfair VAT charge on medical wigs, which are primarily purchased by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or people with alopecia who suffer hair loss. While some European countries have a point-of-sale VAT exemption on medical wigs, Ireland does not. This contrasts with the sale of items such as bras for breast cancer patients and prosthetics which, because of recognised medical need, are automatically categorised as VAT exempt at point of sale.”
“As Senator Duffy alluded to, any wrongdoing within An Garda Síochána needs to be dealt with appropriately and that may well be through independent oversight internally. A number of contributors spoke about the importance of continued engagement with the Garda representative bodies, which is vital. It was widely acknowledged that the role of An Garda Síochána is a very important one. If we are to achieve the target level of Garda strength of 15,000 - Senator O'Donovan mentioned a target of 20,000 - it is vital that those who are considering it as a profession feel that it is adequately remunerated and there are sufficient incentives in place for us to be able to achieve those levels. Gabhaim buíochas leis na Seanadóirí ar fad as páirt a ghlacadh sa díospóireacht. Tá mé thar a bheith sásta leis an díospóireacht ar fad.”
“Suffice it to say that a number of themes came up on a number of occasions, including reference to the lives of gardaí lost in the line of duty. Senators Cathal Byrne and Duffy referred to the lives of serving Garda members lost at the hands of the provisional republican movement in their areas. The issue of resources came up time and again. There was widespread acknowledgement that morale in An Garda Síochána is at a low ebb. Many contributors made reference to the new Garda Commissioner, Justin Kelly, and the fact that morale has improved since his appointment. I will conclude on a point made by Senator Duffy. For us, as public representatives, and also for the public to maintain confidence in An Garda Síochána, it is very important that there are improved levels of transparency and accountability internally.”
“The Minister of State rightly spoke about the unacceptable levels of vitriol directed at gardaí in person and online, and this is something that was also referenced by a number of contributors to the debate. These are modern challenges, and we need to ensure that we respond to them accordingly. Senator Flynn spoke very eloquently yesterday about abuse she has received online as a public representative. These are threats that did not exist in the past prior to the advent of social media. We need to be proactive in dealing with it to ensure that it is stamped out. I am after disregarding the clock, which puts me under a bit of pressure. I will not have time to make reference to all the valuable contributions made in the debate.”
“It is very important that we continue to resource the Garda College in Templemore. Being married to a woman from Templemore, it is a town that I am very familiar with. In order for us to achieve the target levels that we all said that we aspire to, and going back to what Senator McDowell said, we need to back up the aspirations by ensuring that our targets are deliverable, and that sufficient investment goes into ensuring that it can happen. The Minister of State spoke about the importance of the sectoral investment plan which, as he said, is crucial in expanding, modernising and electrifying the Garda fleet. He also spoke about the link between the increased usage of body-worn cameras and convictions in our courts, which is a sure sign that the investment that was made in that regard is bearing fruit today.”
“This is true but going to back to what the former Minister for justice, our colleague Senator McDowell, said, it was interesting to listen to his comparison between his time as Minister for justice and having a ratio of one guard to 330 people at the time versus the ratio of one guard to 378 people now. That was a theme that was repeated time and again by various contributors, and it is something that we have to be cognisant of, particularly with the growth in population and with regard to ensuring that, as was alluded to by Senators Scahill and Collins among others, we have sufficient resource in our rural areas, as well as areas of higher population growth. The Minister of State spoke about the level of trainees in 2025 being up to 800, the highest since 2018.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as ucht an fhreagra iontaigh fhada a thug sé dúinn tar éis a bheith ag éisteacht leis na Seanadóirí ar fad le linn na díospóireachta. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Collins, for the comprehensive response he gave to this evening's debate in which he highlighted a number of very important issues, the progress that is being made and, as was alluded to by numerous contributors during the course of the debate, what needs to be done to ensure that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to futureproof itself as an organisation to best serve and protect our communities. The Minister of State spoke about the budget of €2.74 billion and about us being close to the highest number of gardaí in the history of this State.”
“We call for the development of new policies to penalise individuals who target members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces online. We call for the development of a clear pursuit driving policy, which my colleague Senator O'Donovan will elaborate on in his contribution. We call for gardaí to be provided with a separate driving licence classification for use while on duty and the establishment of a full-time public order unit within An Garda Síochána.”
“We also welcome the significant increase in the number of Garda reserves, with a target to increase the number of reserve members to over 600 this year. We welcome the high-visibility policing operation under way by the Garda, which is often commented on by members of the public. In my experience of interactions as a public representative, I am told that people feel a lot safer. It is something that I have noticed, and it has been very successful. To see gardaí on the beat in the heart of our communities makes people feel safer, in particular business owners. It is to be welcomed, and we would like to see it improved into the future. In the Bill, we call for the forthcoming pay deal for public servants to reflect the invaluable role of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces in Irish society.”
“We also welcome the decision to increase penalties for attacks on members of An Garda Síochána and front-line workers to up to 12 years' imprisonment. We welcome the introduction of body-worn cameras for members of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service. We also welcome the news that Garda numbers are expected to reach 15,000 within the next year. The Minister of State might elaborate on that point. If that target is to be achieved, it would represent a high point in the history of the State. We hope that we can grow the numbers beyond 15,000 in the near future. Particularly with the changes that have come about and the additional incentives, we hope to see a target north of 15,000 become achievable. We welcome the work that is ongoing to increase capacity at the Garda College to accommodate up to 250 trainees per intake.”
“We call on this House to condemn threats made against members of An Garda Síochána and the targeting of their families online. We also remember the 90 members of An Garda Síochána who have lost their lives in the line of duty, the most recent of whom was Garda Kevin Flatley, whose first anniversary was on Monday of this week. We remember Garda Flatley. We also remember Detective Garda Jerry McCabe, who was murdered by the Provisional IRA in Adare in 1996, and whose 30th anniversary will occur next month. We welcome the decision to increase the maximum age for joining An Garda Síochána from 35 years to 50. This will enable people with other life experiences to join and to bring different perspectives and diversity to the force.”
“It received an allocation of only five out of 168 probationary gardaí in February, less than 3% of the overall total, while 62% of the February numbers were allocated to Dublin. Without intending to be too parochial about it, we need to see proportionality across the country, bearing in mind the communities, counties, towns and villages that have seen disproportionate population growth. While An Garda Síochána operates at the heart of our communities, protecting the State, protecting our communities and maintaining law and order, it is not a job without risk. We need to ensure that members of An Garda Síochána and their families are given the protections necessary to enable them to carry out their jobs, bearing in mind the new challenges and threats that exist.”
“Despite increased recruitment, it has proved difficult in recent years to get overall numbers close to target levels. Over the past six years, we have also seen significant population growth, from just under 5 million people in the State in 2020 to approximately 5.4 million people today, an increase of approximately 8%. We must ensure that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to meet the additional demands that population increases in communities across the country bring. It is also crucial that we see proportionality in the deployment of additional resources and extra gardaí across the country. My home county of Cork accounts for some 11% of the population of the State and has seen significant population growth in recent years.”
“We recognise the continued investment across the justice system, including in An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Prison Service and the Probation Service. In relation to An Garda Síochána specifically, overall funding has increased by almost 50% since 2020, with investment of over €2.74 billion allocated for 2026. It is vital that we continue to invest in An Garda Síochána, and in improving resources and capacity at Templemore Garda College, to ensure we can reach our target of having a Garda force that exceeds 15,000 members. At the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, Garda numbers reached a peak of 14,750. However, this fell by almost 1,000 to 13,880 in September 2024.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Niall Collins, as teacht isteach agus cuirim fáilte roimhe. Molaim an rún seo thar ceann Sheanadóirí Fhine Gael tráthnóna inniu. Bhaineann sé leis An nGarda Síochána agus conas is féidir linn a thuilleadh tacaíochta a thabhairt do ghardaí chun an fórsa a neartú agus iad ag cosaint pobail ar fud na tíre. We recognise the crucial role played by An Garda Síochána in ensuring the security of the State, protecting and serving communities across Ireland through the maintenance of law and order and upholding the principles of justice. We are very proud of the core principle of policing by consent, and of the public respect afforded by the Irish people in communities across the country to An Garda Síochána.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann: recognises: - the crucial role played by An Garda Síochána in ensuring the security of the State, protecting and serving communities across Ireland through the maintenance of law and order, and upholding the principles of justice; - the continued investment across the justice system, including in An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Prison Service, and the Probation Service; - that overall funding for An Garda Síochána has increased by almost 50 per cent since 2020, with investment of over €2.74 billion allocated for 2026; - that, through successive budget increases, the Government has ensured that An Garda Síochána has the resources, leadership, and technology necessary to deliver on its mission; - the 90 members of An Garda Síochána killed in the line of duty; welcomes: - the decision to increase the maximum age limit for joining An Garda Síochána from 35 to 50 years; - the decision to increase penalties for attacks on members of An Garda Síochána and frontline workers to up to 12 years’ imprisonment; - the introduction of body-worn cameras for members of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service; - that Garda numbers are expected to reach 15,000 within the next year, representing the highest number in the history of the State; - that work is currently ongoing to increase capacity at the Garda College to accommodate up to 250 trainees per intake; - the significant increase in the number of Garda Reserves with a target to increase the number of Reserve members to over 600 this year; - the high visibility policing operation underway by Gardaí; calls for: - the forthcoming pay deal for public servants to reflect the invaluable role of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces in Irish society; - this House to condemn threats made against members of An Garda Síochána and the targeting of their families online; - the development of new policies to penalise individuals who target members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces online; - the development of a clear pursuit-driving policy for members of An Garda Síochána; - Gardaí to be provided with a separate driving licence classification for use while on duty; and - the establishment of a full-time Public Order Unit within An Garda Síochána.”
“The importance of our ongoing co-operation with the UK Government and its authorities, in particular with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, is crucial. It is very important that all of our efforts in the area of legacy and promoting reconciliation continue to be done in a non-partisan way. The Bill is a very important step in the ongoing journey towards resolving legacy issues from the conflict in the North, in supporting survivors and family members of victims, and promoting reconciliation and helping to build a brighter, fairer and better future for all who call this island home. On behalf the Fine Gael group, I welcome the Bill and the debate that has taken place in the Chamber thus far.”
“It had the intention of extinguishing the hope that had been built up by the progressive efforts of those who sought to bring the conflict to an end and establish a lasting peace in Northern Ireland. I welcome the Bill. It is very important for legacy and in promoting reconciliation. It honours the commitment in that regard made by the Government in the programme for Government. As has been outlined by the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, the Bill facilitates participation by survivors and family members of victims and enables them to be present for the taking of evidence and to hear at first hand the evidence that is given before a High Court judge. This is a very positive step forward.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht na hoibre ar fad atá déanta aige agus ag an Roinn Dlí agus Cirt, Gnóthaí Baile agus Imirce chun an Bille a thógáil ar aghaidh. Is tábhachtach an rud é dul chun cinn leanúnach a dhéanamh ó thaobh saincheisteanna oidhreachta a bhaineann leis an Tuaisceart. Ní mór dúinn ár ndícheall a dhéanamh le hathmhuintearas a chur chun cinn i gcónaí agus todhchaí dearfach, cóir agus cothrom a chruthú do mhuintir an Tuaiscirt agus na glúnta atá le teacht. The Omagh bomb, as the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, correctly said, was the single worst atrocity of the Troubles. It occurred, as noted by Senator Gallagher, slightly over four months after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.”
“I thank our colleague Senator Laura Harmon, in particular, for the great work she has done in highlighting this practice, advocating for the rights of many vulnerable people seeking accommodation throughout the country and working directly with the Minister to ensure seeking sex in lieu of rent is criminalised. I welcome the Bill's reference to the examination of proposals to remove guardianship rights from those convicted of killing their partner or the parent of their child. This has been discussed by the joint committee. Arís, ar son Fhine Gael, gabhaim buíochas le Fianna Fáil as ucht an díospóireacht seo a chur os ár gcomhair. Táim thar a bheith sásta mo chuid tacaíochta a thabhairt don rún.”
“I thank the Minister for his work in this area. As Senators Rabbitte, Gallagher, Ruane and McDowell will be aware, the joint committee recently heard from a survivor of rape. In a powerful testimony, she informed us that although the counselling she had received had saved her life, she would not have gone to counselling at all if she had known her counselling notes would be used against her in the subsequent criminal trial. That, in itself, says an awful lot. I very much welcome how open the Minister was in ensuring the criminal justice system would become much more compassionate when it comes to something as sensitive as counselling notes. Like others, I want to make reference to sex for rent.”
“This afternoon, representatives of Rape Crisis Ireland and Women's Aid appeared before the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. They stressed the importance of providing protections to victims and that new legislative provisions should be applied retrospectively, where possible, to victims of historical offences. The Minister might comment on this in his reply. The representatives also said the supports afforded by the criminal justice system must be lifelong, recognising the ongoing trauma experienced by victims. Like Senator McCarthy in his comments, I want to touch on the progress made on the use of counselling notes and give due credit to the Minister in this regard. I am very happy to see the legislative progress made recently in restricting the use of counselling notes in criminal trials.”
“By developing a more compassionate and victim-centred criminal justice system, we can work towards achieving two outcomes: first, supporting and protecting victims who have found the courage to report the horrendous crimes to which they have been subjected; and second, giving survivors who have not yet managed to bring themselves to report a domestic, sexual or gender-based crime committed against them the confidence to do so, knowing that they can expect a more compassionate, supportive and fairer criminal justice system. As alluded to by Senators Rabbitte and Comyn, the importance of working with organisations such as Cuan, Women's Aid and Rape Crisis Ireland, and directly with victims and survivors, cannot be overstated.”
“We must ensure that we have a more victim-centred criminal justice system that recognises that victims' suffering continues long after an offence has been committed and long after an offender has been sentenced. It must also recognise the stress, anxiety and re-traumatisation experienced by victims when the perpetrators of crimes against them are released from prison. While the horrors of these crimes can never be fully erased, we need to continuously work to improve our laws so as to provide as much support and solace as we can to survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire as ucht teacht isteach agus páirt a ghlacadh sa díospóireacht anseo tráthnóna inniu. Is é an pointe is tábhachtaí gur féidir liomsa a dhéanamh anseo mar gheall ar reachtaíocht i dTithe an Oireachtais a bhaineann le foréigean teaghlaigh, gnéasach agus inscnebhunaithe ná go gcaithfidh tacaíocht d'íospartaigh a bheith i gcroílár gach a ndéanaimid. Caithfimid gach iarracht gur féidir linn a dhéanamh chun a chinntiú go bhfuil ár gcóras ceartais choiriúil níos atruachaí agus go bhfuil níos mó tacaíochta á cur ar fáil dóibh siúd a d'fhulaing ó chiontóirí na coiriúlachta baile, gnéasaí agus inscnebhunaithe. The most important point I can make in relation to legislation on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is that support for victims must be at the heart of everything we do.”
“However, it is important that we work to achieve that and stand against those who suggest we move in the other direction. Not only that, but we should also encourage international partners, where possible, to work in the right direction. I did not make any reference whatsoever to the likes of the challenges on climate but there is a disproportionate impact that our actions have on developing countries. I apologise for going a little over time.”
“In the Acting Chair's own contributions here in the Chamber, she would be a very strong advocate for the Irish language and the seanfhocail. Two that always stick out with me are "Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine" and "Ní neart go cur le chéile". We are stronger working together. Outside of our position as a member state of the European Union, we are also a member of humanity and we need to work to ensure that the most vulnerable throughout the world receive the protection they deserve. In that regard, we are trending in the right direction with our international development aid, which I understand is north of 0.5%. It depends on how you look at it, but 0.56% was one of the references of 2024, although others argue it might be as low as 0.4%.”
“The second sustainable development goal I will reference is goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive equitable and quality education while promoting lifelong opportunities for all by 2030. I was attended the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Youth earlier today and had a conversation with Ms Ponke Danker who is the vice-chair of the Irish Development Education Association, IDEA. She is also the co-ordinator of the Irish Network for Education Worldwide, INEW. In an informal conversation I had with her after the meeting, she cited the Global Education Monitoring Report 2026, which as the Minister of State is aware is partly funded by Irish Aid. That has an expected achievement date of 2105, 79 years from now.”
“I asked what to me seemed a hopelessly inadequate question about how we, as elected representatives at a national level, could work with international partners to bring more hope to that to try to achieve an achievable goal sooner. His simple response was that the main contributory factor towards that bleak prospect is international conflict. We need to use whatever power we have, particularly when there is a lack of leadership shown by some countries on the international stage from whom we had seen strong leadership in the past. At EU level, particularly as we approach July, we need to work with our European partners to ensure that our Presidency of the Council of the European Union is a progressive one. We need to work with partners.”
“I was recently at a meeting in Tralee where I had an interesting conversation with Dominic Crowley, chief executive of Concern Worldwide, with whom I know the Minister of State has a close working relationship. During the presentation given to us, Mr. Crowley made reference to sustainable development goal 2: zero hunger. When the sustainable development goals were initially established over ten years ago the target was zero hunger by 2030 and it was all targeted towards 2030. Mr. Crowley gave a forecast backed up by data at UN level indicating that the likely achievement date of zero hunger is actually 2137, rather than 2030, which is 111 years from now.”
“I recently referenced in a joint committee on foreign affairs that apart from a small number of Hungarian MEPs, the debate in February in the European Parliament on the fourth anniversary of the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine was a positive one in which, by and large, solidarity was expressed. I spoke in recent months in a meeting at which the Acting Chair was present when the German ambassador visited Seanad Éireann. I tried to impress upon him the point that we need to work towards a solution and in that regard Europe needs to play stronger role in the Middle East. That is something we need to continue working towards, as the Minister of State has alluded to, and to work with like-minded European countries. I will make reference to two of the UN sustainable development goals.”
“It is important for us to stand up against that and to use our soft power on the international stage and to use the diplomatic channels and alliances we have at UN and EU level to continue working towards a just solution that will arrive at a two-state solution in the Middle East where the people of Palestine and the people of Israel can co-exist side by side. I appreciate because of the historical nature of the evolution of the State of Israel that there are political complexities at a European level and that the plight of the people of Palestine is not afforded the same level of support at European level to that mentioned by the Minister of State in the context of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
“Without doubt it is right to acknowledge that what happened during the Second World War to the Jewish people was a calamity on a scale never before seen internationally. Every support was offered by the international community, particularly on the Allied side, post Second World War with regard to the establishment of the State of Israel. It is also important to point out that no amount of suffering, evil or outrage confers the right on any people to justify a genocide. That is a strong term but it is what we have seen in recent years in Gaza.”