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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“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit as ucht teacht isteach, go háirithe nuair nach raibh sé ag súil leis an díospóireacht thiubh. Chomh maith le mo chomhghleacaithe eile, tá imní orainn faoin méid atá ag tarlúint. Like Senator Kyne, I am deeply concerned about the interception of the flotilla. As my colleagues, Senators Comyn and O'Loughlin, have alluded to, this is of deep concern. I am happy that the Tánaiste, the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, and those in the Department of foreign affairs are doing everything in their power to ensure the Irish citizens involved are returned safely. I would like to express my solidarity with our colleague, Senator Andrews, an Teachta Heneghan, Tadhg Hickey and all of those involved.”
“Now is the time to get it right and give the school board of management and school community the chance to develop and grow in the new school building. It is vital that the new school is correct and that it is, at a minimum, a 16-classroom school.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his understanding of the issue. His points were spot on - why wait when the demand is already there? I appreciate the Minister of State coming in and that he was given notes by the Department but I dispute that there is adequate accommodation in the school at the moment. We as a school community need to address that to ensure the correct decision is arrived at. Otherwise, it would be a waste of money. This is not something new. In 1987, a second secondary school was built in Ballincollig, Coláiste Choilm. The Minister for Education at the time said a school built for 400 pupils would be absolutely adequate. Today, there are over 1,400 in that secondary school. We do not want the same mistake to be made again. We want to get this right at the outset.”
“I would very much like further engagement with the Department on the importance of delivering a 16-classroom school for Gaelscoil an Chaisleáin in Ballincollig.”
“Éagóir cheart a bheadh ann cinneadh a dhéanamh anois scoil ocht seomra ranga a thógáil nuair atá an t-éileamh fós ann do scoil i bhfad níos mó agus a bheadh i bhfad níos oiriúnaí do phobal Bhaile an Chollaigh. As well as the need to have a 16-classroom school, there is also the issue that Gaelscoil an Chaisleáin is a multidenominational school. We need to give parents the opportunity to send their children to a school of their choice. The demand is there. The population of the town is growing significantly and it would be a retrograde step at this point as we make a crucial decision on the school’s future to take a decision to build an eight-classroom school rather than a 16-classroom one. A 16-classroom school is what is needed, the demand is there, the school is already full and the community is growing.”
“Ciallaíonn sé sin nach mbeidh ach cúig nó sé d’áiteanna fágtha do gach páiste eile atá ag iarraidh teacht isteach. Chomh maith leis sin, tá daonra Bhaile an Chollaigh, an baile is slachtmhara in Éirinn agus daonra an pharóiste inar fhás mé féin aníos, ag dul i méid go tapa bliain i ndiaidh bliana. Ó thaobh an Ghaeilge de, tá an-dul chun cinn déanta i mBaile an Chollaigh le breis is 40 bliain anuas ó bhunaíodh Gaelscoil Uí Ríordáin i 1983 faoi stiúradh Gabriel Ó Cathasaigh, agus níos déanaí nuair a bhunaigh Pat Kinsella agus a chomhghleacaithe Coláiste Choilm sa bhaile i 1991. Bhí na Gaelscoileanna ar fad bunaithe de bharr éileamh sa bhaile d'oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge.”
“Táim an-bhródúil as bheith i mo bhall de bhord bainistíochta na scoile, agus ag cruinniú boird a bhí againn aréir, bhíomar go léir an-bhuartha mar gheall ar an gcéad chaibidil eile i scéal na scoile. Táimid ag crosbhóthar anois ó thaobh céard atá le déanamh ag an Roinn Oideachais agus tá dhá rogha aige. Is féidir scoil nua a thógáil le hocht seomra ranga nó scoil ghlan nua a thógáil le sé sheomra ranga déag. Tá an scoil ag fás le breis is ocht mbliana anuas in ainneoin go bhfuil teorann ann faoi láthair d’aon sraith amháin. Go dtí seo, bhíodh sé mar aidhm ag an scoil timpeall ochtar nó naonúr is 20 a bheith i ngach rang, cé go bhfuil éileamh ann do i bhfad níos mó ná sin. Má thógann muid an bhliain seo chugainn mar shampla, beidh triúr is fiche de dheirfiúracha agus deartháireacha de dhaltaí atá fós sa scoil ag teacht isteach.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Chathaoirleach agus leis an Aire Stáit as ucht teacht isteach maidin inniu le héisteacht liom an todhchaí Ghaelscoil an Chaisleáin i mBaile an Chollaigh a phlé. Tús maith leath na hoibre a dheireann phobal na Gaeilge i gcónaí, agus is fíor é sin i gcás Gaelscoil an Chaisleáin ar an taobh iarthar de Bhaile an Chollaigh i gCorcaigh. Tá tús maith faighte ag an scoil. Le breis is ocht mbliana anuas bhí ceannaireacht aislingeach ón bpríomhoide iontach Máire Bean Uí Shé agus ón bhfoireann ar fad. Bunaíodh an scoil i bhfoirgneamh sealadach i gCumann Rugbaí Bhaile an Chollaigh in 2017. Chríochnaigh an chéad rang de pháistí a tháinig isteach leis an mbunscolaíocht níos luaithe i mbliana, tar éis ocht mbliana áthasacha a chaitheamh sa scoil shealadach.”
“It is accepted internationally and in the European Union. It was also referenced in Ireland's programme for Government. This should be looked at again.”
“I also welcome the finding of the UN special committee that Israel's warfare methods in Gaza are consistent with genocide, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war. However, the power of the United Nations to make a strong and more meaningful intervention is hindered by the continued use of vetoes by some member states. Therefore, I believe that Ireland's diplomatic efforts should continue to be focused more on persuading fellow EU member states and the EU as a whole to do more, including imposing stronger sanctions and banning the export of arms for the duration of the war. I want to once again state my concern about the ongoing use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's, IHRA, definition of antisemitism. This definition should be looked at more critically.”
“In the absence of strong, disinterested and impartial international leadership from some of the world's larger countries, the EU must look to take a more central role on the international stage. John Hume once described the European Union as the best example of conflict resolution in the history of world. A little more than five years after the passing of one of Ireland's greatest ever people, the time has come for the EU to play its part in helping to bring the war to an end. I welcome the fact that to date, 157 of the 193 United Nations member states have formally recognised the State of Palestine, including the UK and almost half of the EU member states. Ireland needs to continue to work with its international partners to encourage more countries to do the same.”
“As stated by the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, to date, more than 65,000 Palestinian people have been killed by Israel, including more than 20,000 children. Habib and Ramzi have a younger brother in Gaza who is five years old. I have a young son at home who is five years old as well and his primary concerns are building on the friendships he is starting in junior infants and whether Bukayo Saka will be fit to play at the weekend. These are entirely different concerns to the young five-year-old boy in Gaza. As elected representatives in Ireland, we find ourselves asking what more can we do to help bring about and end to the war and to help create a better and more hopeful future for Palestine, Israel and all of the Middle East. In this regard, the importance of working with our international partners cannot be overstated.”
“Because of the nebulous and undefined nature of Netanyahu's Government's objectives, it appears that what quickly became very much a one-sided war will go on indefinitely. On Friday last, I met Habib Al Ostaz and his brother Ramzi in Cork to discuss the enormity of the issues being faced on a daily basis by their family in Gaza. Both young men are in their 20s. Understandably, Habib was very downhearted. I tried to lift his spirits by referring to the then impending news of new countries indicating that they would formally recognise the State of Palestine. Habib politely told me that he did not care. He simply wants the war to end and for his family to be safe. He had just received the news the previous day that his first cousin had been killed by an Israeli drone attack. He abhors Hamas and sees no role for it in Palestine's future.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Smyth, as ucht teacht isteach. Cuirim fáilte roimh an rún atá os ár gcomhair tráthóna inniu ó Sheanadóirí Fhianna Fáil. Is tábhachtach an rud é gach iarracht gur féidir linn a dhéanamh ón tír seo teacht ar réiteach ar an gcoimhlint sa Mhéan-Oirthear agus deireadh a chur leis an gcogadh. In response to the unspeakable murder by Hamas of almost 1,200 innocent Israelis and foreign nationals and the taking hostage of more than 250 others on 7 October 2023, the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that his objective and that of the Israeli Government was to destroy Hamas. After almost two years of relentless bombing and killing, the destruction of virtually all infrastructure in Gaza and the starvation of the Palestinian people, we ask the simple question: when will it all end?”
“This is all part of the firm, fair, effective and robust rules-based system the Minister of State outlined. He and the Minister are no strangers to this Chamber. I look forward to working with them on the challenges ahead and I commend them on their work.”
“I am delighted the Minister of State referenced the abhorrent racist attacks that we witnessed over during the summer on members of the Indian community. It is very important that we stick to the facts. He articulated excellently the contribution that migrants make to Irish life in a host of sectors, in particular, the public service. It is important this is not overlooked in the debate . To summarise, I agree completely with him. The challenges he outlined are not insurmountable. We are making progress, particularly if we look at the area of temporary accommodation and the number of beds provided by the State. He cited the fact that 4,000 State-owned beds are provided to those seeking protection and there are plans to increase this number to 14,000 so that we become less dependent on private providers.”
“In the three years between 2022 and 2024, after the pandemic, we saw a sharp rise. In 2022 we had approximately 13,500 international protection applications with approximately the same number again in 2023. This rose sharply in 2024 to 18,500. To put it into context, in the three years from 2022 to 2024 alone, there were roughly the same number of international protection applications as there were in the previous 16 years. The Minister has just been before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, where he spoke about this huge escalation in demand for international protection. He cited it as the primary reason our negotiating position on accommodation was weak but we had to act in accordance with what we were faced with.”
“Since 1951, the right to claim asylum has been an important part of international law and Ireland has played its part in welcoming and giving asylum to many who have fled war and persecution in their home countries to seek protection. As the Minister of State outlined very well in his opening statement, the numbers seeking international protection increased due to an array of different reasons in the years immediately after the pandemic and we have had to respond quickly to this demand. It is very important when we are giving consideration to this, in light of debate and information that is sometimes erroneous in an era of misinformation and disinformation, that we stick to the facts. The facts are that between 2016 and 2019 an average of approximately 2,500 people per annum sought international protection in Ireland.”
“I gcomparáid leo siúd, tá an t-ádh linn go bhfuil an-chuid dul chun cinn déanta againn mar thír ó thaobh cúrsaí eacnamaíochta, sóisialta agus fostaíochta, agus go bhfuil sé de phribhléid ag ár nglúin féin nach bhfuil an riachtanas céanna ann dul ar imirce dá bharr easpa deiseanna sa bhaile. Tá a fhios againn go léir go bhfuil breis oibre fós le déanamh ach go háirithe leis an dtithíocht agus cabhair a thabhairt do dhaoine óga atá ag iarraidh saol níos fearr a chruthú sa bhaile. In short, while Irish people have had to emigrate out of existential and economic necessity in our droves in previous generations, for a variety of reasons we were generally, though not always, well received in countries where we sought to build new lives for ourselves and our families.”
“Pé áit a ndeachaigh mé ar fud an domhain, bhraitheas compordach agus slán agus bhraitheas an t-am ar fad go raibh fáilte romham. Tá a fhios agam nach raibh sé sin fíor i gcónaí d'Éireannaigh a chuaigh ar imirce blianta ó shin, daoine a bhí ag iarraidh maireachtáil thar lear, ar thóir obair agus ag lorg saol níos fearr dóibh féin agus dá dteaghlaigh. Go minic ní raibh an dara rogha acu ach dul ar imirce mar gheall ar riachtanas de bharr An Gorta Mór sa 19ú aois, mar thoradh ar easpa fostaíochta i seantír ár sinsear feata i rith an 20ú haois, agus arís tar éis an caolú eacnamaíochta a bhí againn níos mó ná 15 bliain ó shin.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Brophy, agus gabhaim buíochas leis as ucht teacht isteach chuig an Seanad inniu. Mar is eol dúinn, tagann sé isteach chugainn go rialta chun ábhair éagsúla a phlé agus is fíorthábhachtach é an t-ábhar atá os ár gcomhair inniu, ábhar a bhfuil an tAire Stáit freagrach as. Chomh maith leis sin, cuirim fáilte roimh Martin. Tá súil agam go n-éireoidh go geal leis ina phost nua. Ar aon le han-chuid daoine eile anseo agus ar fud na tíre, chaith mé cúpla tréimhse thar lear ag obair agus ag taisteal i dtíortha éagsúla, cuid acu i bhfad ó bhaile. Ar an iomlán, d'éirigh go maith liom - réitigh mé go maith leis na daoine lenar bhuail mé leo agus bhí eispéireas dearfach agam agus mé ar thóir obair, ag imirt spóirt, ag dul amach le mo chairde agus ag déanamh na gnáthrudaí a dhéanann daoine óga.”
“Given that private bus operators operate services in areas where there is no public transport alternative, I sincerely hope that the matter can be looked at and that private transport operators, 87% of whom operate outside the Dublin area, will be brought under the remit of the proposed extension to the free travel.”
“If we then factor in the expected future population growth in the Maglin area in the south of Ballincollig, where it is expected that approximately 3,500 new homes will be built in the coming years with an expected population increase in the region of 11,000 people, the shortcomings of the proposed system are even more stark. I had hoped to raise another issue, but I have just realised that I am running short of time, so I ask the Leas-Chathaoirleach to indulge me. It is the issue of the disparity that exists between a private bus operator and the public transport system, especially with the proposal to extend free travel to the under-nines.”
“The fact the current proposed service ends in Ballincollig town centre is a massive error as it will not adequately serve the population of our local community or make sufficient provision for future population growth in our area. It is commonly accepted that for a light rail service to be considered a viable transport option for a local resident, a stop must be located within 1 km of that person's home. Based on the 2022 census, the current preferred route would serve approximately 11,700 people in the Ballincollig area or 58% of our town's population. In other words, it would not adequately serve 8,500 people or 42% of the current population in our community.”
“I have no doubt that when this service is delivered, it will prove to be transformational for our city and its suburbs and will give families and households in Cork the chance to have one car outside the door, or perhaps none at all, instead of two or three. While I appreciate I am stating the obvious, for the Cork Luas system to have maximum impact in getting cars off our roads and reducing traffic congestion, it must fully serve our most densely populated areas, schools, key community facilities and large centres of employment. The published emerging preferred route of the light rail system is an 18 km line from Ballincollig town centre in the west, through Cork city centre and on to Mahon Point in the east.”
“Listening to the contributions of my colleagues regarding projects like the A5, the M20 Cork-Limerick motorway and the western rail corridor as well as investment in our regional airports, I sincerely hope today's contributions are looked at when it comes to the NDP. It is vital, as Senator Blaney said previously, to try to counteract the disproportionate investment we have seen in the eastern and midlands regional areas and to have "positive discrimination", which is the term that was used, towards the two regions that have been neglected. In the same vein, I begin my contribution by raising the proposed introduction of the Luas light rail system in Cork, of which the Minister of State will be well aware.”
“Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Buttimer agus an Aire, an Teachta O’Brien as ucht bheith i láthair sa Seanad inniu chun cúrsaí iompair a phlé linn. Mar atá déanta ag Seanadóirí eile, ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an mbeirt acu. I have listened with interest to all the contributions to the debate thus far and there is a common thread among many of them. This was something that was raised in a debate we had previously on balanced regional development, that is, the disproportionate lack of investment at a large infrastructural level in projects in the north-western and southern regions.”
“On a point of order, there was a contribution in which the integrity and impartiality of the Minister was questioned and a Senator was asked to withdraw the comments. I want to clarify whether those comments have been withdrawn.”
“I thank the Minister for his acknowledgment of the difficulties faced by retailers in the area of unmeritorious claims, but we also have to acknowledge that business owners must weigh up the risk and consider the possible financial severity of an adverse finding against them. This is something we also need to consider in the whole area of protecting our businesses as well. Other than that I broadly welcome the provisions in the Bill and I thank the Minister for his attendance today.”
“The inclusion of a harm test, as is the case in the neighbouring jurisdiction, the United Kingdom, is a positive step forward. It means a statement cannot be judged to be defamatory unless its publication has caused or is likely to cause serious harm to the plaintiff. However, I understand the harm test does not relate to an individual claiming they have been defamed. This seems to be the interpretation of Senator McDowell as well and I would very much appreciate it if this could be clarified in the closing remarks by the Minister or whoever is attending the remainder of the debate. My colleague, Senator Nelson Murray, has been a strong voice for small businesses in this Seanad term and I fully expect her to speak further on the issue in her contribution. I ask that the issues I raised be addressed in the concluding remarks.”
“However, while acknowledging the steps forward in some of the provisions of the amending Bill before us, I wish to raise concerns expressed to me by ISME about what it considers excessive provisions under current defamation law where the rights and civil liberties of individuals seem to be prioritised over the rights of small business owners, who are currently operating in fear of being accused of defamation in cases where they ask a person in their shop or retail premises whether they have paid for an item they possess. While acknowledging the rights and civil liberties of individuals, it is of crucial importance to acknowledge and protect the rights of our small, medium and large business owners who contribute so much to our local communities and economy throughout the country.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire, an Teachta O'Callaghan, atá ar ais sa Seanad chun an leasú seo don Bhille um Chlúmhilleadh a mhíniú dúinn agus a phlé linn. In broad terms I welcome this amending Bill. As the Minister has outlined, it includes many necessary and progressive provisions that will improve the laws and legal proceedings in the area of defamation. I especially welcome the proposal to include provisions to counteract the possibilities of SLAPPs. These are effectively actions taken with the intent of silencing individuals by burdening them with the costs of legal defence.”
“As the Minister of State outlined, the draft regulations are solely intended to close any potential loopholes of possible alternative interpretation and do not create any new restrictions on the rights of obligations of data subjects and controllers under the GDPR. For these reasons, we are happy to support the three regulations before the House today.”
“One of these which I am aware of from my time as a local councillor and involvement in Tidy Towns is in the area of surveillance of illegal dumping, where local authorities have found it impossible to prosecute those who have engaged in wholesale illegal dumping, thereby destroying our countryside and towns, as the authorities are prevented from using CCTV footage as part of their evidence under the current interpretation of the GDPR. This is another area that requires legislative change. The concerns expressed by the European Commission, as comprehensively outlined by the Minister of State, in respect of the Data Protection Commission, the Office of the Information Commissioner, and the Comptroller and Auditor General are valid and require clarification. I believe the regulations before us today achieve the clarity we seek.”
“Is maith an rud é a bheith in ann fáilte a chur roimh an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Collins, arís chuig an Seanad chun an tAcht um Chosaint Sonraí, 2018 a mhíniú agus, go háirithe, na rialacháin atá os ár gcomhair inniu a phlé. We in the Fine Gael group recognise the importance of a positive resolution of the three draft regulations before us today and of striking the right balance between enabling certain State bodies to carry out their regulatory and oversight roles while also recognising the need to protect the rights of individuals with regard to limitations in the storage and use of their personal information and data under the general data protection regulation, GDPR. Since the introduction of GDPR from 2018 onwards, we have become aware of some unintended consequences of the regulations that need to be addressed and improved.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(4)) (Data Protection Commission) Regulations 2025, Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(4)) (Information Commissioner) Regulations 2025, Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(4)) (Comptroller and Auditor General) Regulations 2025, copies of which were laid in draft before Seanad Éireann on 2nd July, 2025.”
“On behalf of the Fine Gael group, I again thank him for his attendance and assure the House we are fully supportive of the proposals before us today.”
“I am sharing time with Senator Cathal Byrne. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht teacht isteach arís chun an t-ábhar seo a phlé linn. Again, I thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber to articulate the importance of the common European asylum system and in particular the EU migration and asylum pact. In an enlarged European Union and at a time of volatility on the international stage with conflicts in different countries, it has become even more important that we work together with our European partners. I thank the Minister for attending the meeting of the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, where he articulated the importance of opting in and influencing the legislative process.”
“Even though we are often on opposing sides, I join colleagues in commending the bravery of Senator Ryan. It was, without doubt, one of the most powerful contributions I have heard since coming into this Chamber. I thank her for her contribution and for putting it into context. We can sometimes be removed from issues we are discussing but the Senator's contribution was very real and very brave. I thank her for saying what she said, wish her every success and sincerely hope the amendment is accepted.”
“Like the previous speakers, I welcome the majority report of the independent review group and the ongoing consultation with An Garda Síochána. I also welcome the fact that the provisions of the 1998 and 2009 Acts continue to be implemented, particularly as they are crucial elements of our justice system in combating terrorism and organised crime. The Fine Gael group fully supports the motions to facilitate the continuation of the vital work in this regard.”
“However, when nefarious actors go to great lengths to obstruct the delivery of justice, it is absolutely incumbent on us to provide an alternative method for the delivery of justice. I am glad to hear the Minister of State emphasise the continuing threat posed by dissident republicans and those who can trace their roots back to the Provisional IRA and the INLA. He rightly pointed out that we cannot be complacent in continuing to deal with this live and ongoing threat to our democracy and the rule of law. It is entirely appropriate for the Special Criminal Court to continue its delivery of justice when we consider, as the Minister of State outlined, the possibility of attacks on witnesses and the intimidation of jurors, which is a real threat.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit as ucht teacht chun an t-ábhar seo a phlé linn inniu. As with the two previous speakers, on behalf of the Fine Gael group, I rise to speak in support of the two motions before the House. I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for his comprehensive opening statement in which he outlined the importance of the House passing both motions this afternoon. In relation to the motions pertaining to the review of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act, it is worth pointing out that, as democrats, we all value the importance and independent of juries and the role they play in our justice system.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann resolves that sections 2 to 4, 6 to 12, 14 and 17 of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 (No. 39 of 1998) shall continue in operation for the period beginning on 30th June, 2025 and ending on 29th June, 2026.”
“The commitment in Project Ireland 2040 and the national planning framework is that 50% of the growth we will see in terms of population and economic growth should be targeted in the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the Southern Regional Assembly areas. We should be looking towards this. The areas we should focus on for balanced regional development, particularly in the two regions that are being deprived at the moment, are climate action and public transport to ensure that families in rural areas have the option of having one car instead of two to the same extent as families in urban areas, water and housing. Also key are energy and investment in our ports, particularly with offshore renewables, along with roads and healthcare.”
“Prior to my election to the Seanad, I was cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly. Between our three regional cities of Cork, Waterford and Limerick, the likes of BusConnects alone was funded to the tune of about €1.3 billion. The Dublin equivalent was €3.6 billion and this is before one even factors in the massive capital investment set aside for MetroLink, which is in the region of €9.5 billion with estimates in newspapers last week that this is likely to go significantly over budget. If we are serious about capital investment and balanced regional development, this is something we need to look at. We must meaningfully redress the imbalance rather than, as Senator Conway said earlier, looking after the snouts that are largest. We need to ensure all the regions have the opportunity.”
“Effectively, there is a 40% deficit: both the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and the Southern Regional Assembly areas are not hitting the proportionate per capital allocation by 40%, so they are getting 60% of what they should get. I know the Northern and Western Regional Assembly has a wish list for capital infrastructure projects that are in or around €9 billion while the Southern Regional Assembly made a submission to the national planning framework with projects to the tune of just north of €14 billion. These need to be looked at because we see aspirations in the likes of the national planning framework and Project Ireland 2040 but the next two months are crucial when it comes to the national development plan and the commitment by the Government to fund capital investment projects in the region.”
“If we are to be serious about the commitments made under the national planning framework and Project Ireland 2040, we need to invest disproportionately, as Senator Blaney indicated when he spoke about positive discrimination. We need real affirmative action to take place to right the imbalances we seek to redress. We need to see disproportionate investment. In respect of the numbers cited earlier for the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, which has 18% of the country's population, we are looking at two different investment categories. This population is getting well below 10% of the investment in capital infrastructure projects. The equivalent figure for the southern region, which has a population of over 33% of the country's population, was no more than 20% of investment in such projects.”
“Mar aon leis na Seanadóirí eile, gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as teacht isteach tráthnóna inniu chun forbairt chothrom sna réigiúin ar fad a phlé linn. Tá sé níos tábhachtaí i réigiúin an deiscirt, an iarthair agus an tuaiscirt. Tá an méid céanna ráite ag an-chuid Seanadóirí go dtí seo. Like so many other Senators, I will address disproportionate regional investment. The disproportionate regional investment in respect of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, the Southern Regional Assembly and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly has already been cited by Senators Kyne, Murphy and Tully. Even though it is not my region, I attended the briefing from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly last week and found it very informative.”
“I welcome the debate that has taken place. I welcome to the Gallery Mary Crilly from the Sexual Violence Centre Cork, who has done tremendous work in this area for more than four decades, for which she was awarded the freedom of Cork. I am very happy with the way the debate on the Bill has proceeded. I seek clarification on the wording of amendment No. 44. It proposes to "insert the term "Child Pornography" with "Child Sexual Abuse Material". I believe the intention, in fact, is to replace the term "Child Pornography" with "Child Sexual Abuse Material". I commend Senator Flynn and her colleagues in the Civil Engagement Group on their fantastic work on the Bill. I would appreciate clarification on the wording issue I have identified before we proceed.”
“I understand that of those 1,000 people, fewer than 2% came from this jurisdiction. If I am not mistaken, the figure in that regard is in the region of 16. In principle, on behalf of the Fine Gael Group, it is a prudent decision to opt in. We will be more than happy to support the proposal.”