George Lawlor
Wexford · Labour Party · Ireland
“I commend my colleague, Deputy Eoghan Kenny, on bringing this motion to the floor of the Dáil. One line from his contribution this morning is at the nub of everything, where he said, "Poverty should never determine potential." That is the key component of this motion.”
“The ESRI and University of Limerick found that three in ten secondary schools mandate digital devices, including 17% of DEIS schools - the very schools serving families least able to absorb these costs.”
“Parents who are already struggling with rising rents, food prices and energy costs are now being told that, without a laptop, their child will fall behind. It is shameful that the State's own free book scheme savings are being wiped out by digital demands that schools have no business imposing without the proper funding.”
“We are calling for enforceable guidelines, proper ICT funding, a national loan scheme, the removal of exam fees, the reversal of transport fee hikes, the restoration of the back-to-school allowance and a ban on voluntary contributions that are voluntary in name only. Families cannot take any more.”
“At the outset, I would like to join, as everyone here has, in warmly welcoming to Leinster House Cian and Jordan Adams, the FTB brothers, and also Cian's partner, Helen, who played such a vital and key role in the whole 33 marathons in 33 days. They are most welcome.”
“The programme for Government commitment, in particular the statutory home care scheme, must be something we seriously look at bringing into being following its insertion in multiple programmes for Government.”
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“The long-sought and long-awaited Wexford campus of the South East Technological University, SETU, was established on 1 May 2022. This is a hugely welcome strategic facility for the entire south-east region. In 2015, money was made available to secure a site for the new Wexford campus to replace the current campus located at the former St. Peter's College Seminary. In 2023, Wexford County Council took the unprecedented step of beginning a compulsory purchase order to secure land for this new campus. This move, having been approved by An Bord Pleanála, is now the subject a judicial review taken by the landowner. Despite that, every measure must be taken to ensure that the creation of this new campus is ready to hit the ground running once all the hurdles have been negotiated.”
“By investing in further and higher education, we are investing in our people and their potential to contribute meaningfully to society. In recent years, we have witnessed the emergence of regional universities and colleges as catalysts for local development. These institutions have the unique ability to tailor their programmes to meet the specific needs of their communities, building workforces that are not only skilled but also locally routed. By aligning educational offerings with regional economic priorities, we can stimulate job creation, attract investment and drive sustainable growth. We can also allow these new regional universities to tailor their courses to meet the needs of developing industries locally.”
“As the Minister knows, higher education holds immense significance for the future of this island. The power of higher education as an economic enabler, particularly in our regions, is a vital component to our economies locally and nationally. As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global economy, it is essential that we recognise the pivotal role higher education plays in driving innovation, developing entrepreneurship and, ultimately, enhancing economic resilience across Ireland. Higher education institutions are not merely centres of learning; they are engines of growth. They equip our workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. This is especially vital for our regions, where access to quality education can bridge the gap between urban and rural economies.”
“We have no difficulty in supporting the motion before us but let us get our house in order when it comes to insolvent company lands and property in State ownership.”
“In other words, after insolvency and dissolution, the State, despite having ownership of the property which could possibly be salvaged so that someone could make a decent go of it, is not letting it go until after 20 years. We have to wait 20 years before we can do anything and even then, we probably will not bother. Wexford County Council has effectively shown no interest in this property despite the council having spent a deal of money trying to secure it against the perils it comes up against from the youngsters who are invading it. This is simply crazy. How many more of these dissolved and insolvent properties are lying around the country in the ownership of the Minister for public expenditure? We have effectively allowed them to become dangerous derelict sites and eyesores for want of legislation for the common good.”
“The OPW cannot conclusively establish if property which was registered to the company referred to has vested in the Minister. The company has been dissolved since 19th October 2007 and can be restored to the Companies Register up to 20 years after that date. If restored any property it held will revert to the company as if it had never been dissolved. Any interest that may currently be held by the Minister is defeasible by restoration. The Minister has limited powers under the Act but he can, under Section 31, waive any interest he has to another if appropriate in all of the circumstances. The Minister has in the past waived his interest in properties to Local Authorities and the OPW, on behalf of the Minister, is always willing to engage with any Local Authority to try to resolve issues arising with property of dissolved companies.”
“In response to a parliamentary question I submitted in March of this year, the Minister of State said: I am informed by the Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) that Section 28 of the State Property Act 1954 (the Act) provides that property held by a company at the time of its dissolution becomes state property, in the name of the Minister for Public Expenditure; National Plan Delivery and Reform (the Minister), unless it was held on trust for another. The OPW deals with legal/ownership issues arising on real property (land / buildings) that devolves to the Minister under the Act. This provision mainly exists to ensure that land is not ownerless. The OPW, or the Minister, does not occupy or take control of what is a large volume of property that falls under this heading.”
“A once modern swimming pool, gym, bar and fully equipped restaurant today resembles something you would find in a deserted ghost town. Around it sit approximately 100 homes that were part of the original holiday resort. These homes are fully used by private owners and a number of Ukrainian families. There are many children and youngsters in the community and this dangerous eyesore forms the perfect adventure playground for them. Who is the owner of this dangerous property? We are. It is owned by the State or, to be more precise, by the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform.”
“As I have said, we in the Labour Party fully support this and have no difficulty with it but we must also look at many of our own domestic insolvency issues. A company may choose liquidation when insolvent and unable to meet its financial obligations. Liquidation allows for the orderly sale of assets to repay creditors. A company can be dissolved either through liquidation or the strike-off process. Once a company has been dissolved, the assets of that company become State property. I will highlight the issue of Hookless Village, Hook Head, County Wexford. The company was declared insolvent and subsequently liquidated in the 2000s. Since that time, the premises has lain empty. It is a derelict and extremely dangerous eyesore.”
“The Labour Party has no difficulty with this motion and will not be opposing it. It is noted that, in July 2022, Slovakia notified the Commission of recent changes to its domestic insolvency laws that introduced a new preventative restructuring procedure and a new type of insolvency practitioner. That notification was followed by notifications from Estonia, Spain, Malta and Italy in September 2022, from Belgium in July 2023 and from Luxembourg in January 2024. All of these related to recent changes to these states' domestic laws, introducing new types of insolvency proceedings or insolvency practitioners. These new types of insolvency proceedings and insolvency practitioners comply with the requirements set out in Regulation (EU) 2015/848.”
“We have the resources to, at long last, cherish all the children of the nation equally. If we do nothing else in this House, please, let us give all our children the opportunity they so richly deserve.”
“Once again, students of varying abilities and needs are in inappropriate settings in mainstream schools and, as a result, refusal is a huge problem. I spoke to a therapist this week who told me that in one second level school alone in Wexford, she is dealing with 16 pupils who are school refusers. In fact, they are not refusing to go to school. Rather, they just cannot go to school because their needs are not being met. These are highly intelligent, high-functioning children who can offer a lot to this country, yet we fail them time and again through the lack of provision of appropriate education. Our country, as the Minister knows, has gone through a lot in recent decades. We have come from economic bankruptcy to a flourishing economy with billions in reserve.”
“Patrick’s Special School in Enniscorthy and Glenda McKeown in Our Lady of Fatima School in Wexford town, these schools are under huge pressure and are hugely oversubscribed, with little or no capacity to increase. In Our Lady of Fatima School, we have children with mild to moderate special needs and at St. Patrick’s school in Enniscorthy, we have children with moderate to profound needs. These are the only two special needs schools serving a county with a population of 165,000. Wexford is lucky to have many autism units in mainstream schools. However, as I said, many of the children who are placed in classes in these mainstream schools are in inappropriate settings and their education is far from person-centred. The issue of school refusal is also at an all-time high in mainstream schools.”
“That is the key to everything – person-centred where a child may have autism and an intellectual disability. It is not just about access to a place, which we all know is hugely difficult to secure anyway; it is also about the quality of life for students – the children. Many children have complex medical needs. Many children have an intellectual disability. Yet, once we have placed them in a class, no matter what their needs, we declare that we have met those needs even though they may not be in an environment that is conducive to their well-being. In County Wexford, we have just two special needs schools, namely, St. Patrick’s Special School in Enniscorthy and Our Lady of Fatima School in Wexford town. Despite the wonderful efforts of the principals of these schools, Lee Rogers in St.”
“People feel the lack of school places means that places are being just thrown at them. These are not my words; these are the words of the manager of the Collective Sensory Group, Shona King, who works closely with families and children in this area. Children need appropriate places but that is certainly not always the case. Often, we see children in autism classes when, in fact, this is a wholly inappropriate setting for them. A child can have autism and an intellectual disability and, in many instances, these children require places in special needs classes. They also need appropriate places without needing to spend an inordinate amount of time getting to and from their schools. What is needed for these children is person-centred access.”
“In the context of things like access ramps, wet-room rails and the replacement of dilapidated windows and doors, the Taoiseach will appreciate that it is a big deal for older people if they are told they will have to wait for years. In County Wexford, a person who is not classed as priority 1 will encounter serious difficulties in trying to access a grant from the council. Will the Taoiseach comment on this matter?”
“I raise the issue of housing adaptation grants and the funding being made available across the country. From speaking to former colleagues on Wexford County Council and some of the officials there and colleagues from around the country across the Chamber, there seems to be a serious difficulty in terms of funding for the adaptation grants. While applications are being accepted, unless people are classed as medical priority 1, there does not appear to be any hope of receiving sanction for grants in the near future. While I appreciate that the grant was increased by €10,000, which was most welcome, it is still very difficult to get a lot of the work involved done.”
“For instance, sewerage problems that occur in backyards are now being left to the homeowners, residents and private individuals on the basis that if it is not a mainline Irish Water pipeline, that is tough luck and is their problem. That must change and the services that were provided very well by the councils and council workers over the years must remain in place even though this service level agreement has gone. We are told we have an ambitious programme for housing and yet developers, approved housing bodies and anyone involved in the building of housing will say that one of the biggest issues they face is Irish Water. They cannot even get certainty as to what they are to pay for the connection, yet they are supposed to construct houses and know what the overall cost will be. Costs are different for all the private companies.”
“I recently came across a case in the heart of Wexford town on Newtown Road - the Ceann Comhairle will be familiar with the area - where a one-off house was built and the connection fee from Irish Water was €33,000. That was the amount that was demanded and had to be given to Irish Water to connect this one-off house a few hundred yards from the heart of Wexford town to the main water supply. Absolutely no cognisance was taken of how many other people could connect with this. The original person getting the connection was charged the full whack of €33,000, a young family building a home for themselves. The service level agreement with councils is about to come to an end and already Irish Water is abandoning many of the services that the councils would have provided back in the day.”
“Every time it happens and the residents report it, all they are given is a reference number and little or no explanation. They are left to their own devices to try to manage without water in their area. The water that is supplied to them in the first place comes from Mayglass water treatment plant where the water is described as being off the scale when it comes to lime content. Just as my colleague described what is happening in Mallow, the hard water is destroying the appliances in the homes of the 10,000 customers who receive water from this water treatment plant. Kettles, showers and washing machines are being destroyed almost on an annual basis as they seek to battle against the hard water.”
“Unfortunately, since the tanks were installed, we have seen 14 separate outages where Uisce Éireann customers have suffered greatly. The reason for the outages is that while there was investment in the reservoir tanks, there was no investment in the plant, so every time the plant broke down, the problems reoccurred. Since last September, on 14 separate occasions, we have seen serious issues. This week Whiterock Hill in Wexford town, an area where there are more than 1,000 homes, suffered yet another outage of water. It is the eighth outage so far this year in Whiterock Hill. The local crèche, Bumblebees, had to close its doors and 42 families were left without childcare, just a knock-on impact of what it means to lose water in our communities, homes and businesses.”
“I concur with the Ceann Comhairle's words and congratulate Ballymitty national school on its great success and welcome them to the Public Gallery. When we talk about Irish Water-Uisce Éireann, the words "chaos" and "chaotic" often spring to mind. Despite the billions of euro in resources we have had in this country for quite some time, during the past number of years in particular, time and again we see failures of systems. I am disappointed the Minister, Deputy Browne, had to leave the Chamber but last September he and I attended the unveiling of new reservoir tanks in Kilmallock Bridge water treatment plant in Ballymurn in County Wexford. It serves approximately 8,000 customers and the new tanks were to guarantee supply.”
“By recognising the value of experience and the contribution of older workers, society can foster a more inclusive and diverse workforce that benefits everyone. However, it is essential to address the challenges and considerations that come with this policy change. By creating supportive workplace environments and ensuring adequate retirement planning, this country can embrace the potential of an ageing workforce while promoting a culture of respect and appreciation for all employees regardless of age. The decision to abolish the mandatory retirement age can be a transformative step towards a more inclusive and dynamic labour market, benefitting individuals, organisations and society as a whole.”
“More broadly, Age Action recommends an end to mandatory retirement on age grounds. It says that imposing an age at which all employees must retire, irrespective of their wishes and capacity, assumes that our ability to contribute to the workforce declines with age when, in fact, it may increase. Mandatory retirement reduces older people's opportunity to participate in society, limits autonomy, insults dignity and rejects diversity. According to Age Action, it is the normalisation of ageism in the workplace. Abolishing the mandatory retirement age in Ireland holds significant promise for enhancing economic productivity, promoting social inclusion and improving the quality of life for older individuals.”
“Following its analysis, Age Action states that the approach adopted in the Bill is inconsistent with the policy goals set out in the roadmap for pensions reform 2018 to 2023, which stated: The Government is determined to alter perceptions around retirement age and support a positive ageing environment, where older people are, to the greatest extent possible, encouraged and facilitated in working, if they wish to, beyond the 'normal' retirement age. Greater flexibility around working and retirement decisions will empower older people. It will allow them to optimise their own arrangements in a way that can improve their financial retirement readiness. It will enable our society to continue to benefit from the skills and experience of our older workers and it will help sustain the viability of the wider pension system.”
“Employers and IBEC support the increase to 66 years because there is a growing number of applications for a right to remain until 66. Employers do not want to have to deal with requests on a case-by-case basis. From soundings that have been taken, this Bill is hugely popular with the public, who see the legislation as a very positive move. Age Action also welcomes what it describes as long-overdue legislation to address the Pensions Commission's recommendation to enable private sector workers to remain employed, if they so wish, until they reach the minimum State pension age of 66. Age Action describes the frustration of many older people at being effectively forced into unemployment for a year prior to their being eligible for the State pension.”
“The Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU, supports this Bill, preferably with an upper age limit of 70, to ensure alignment with the 2018 change that gives public servants and government employees the option of remaining in their job up to the age of 70, if they wish up to do so. However, ICTU also recognises that this Bill is good for private sector workers. It is important that workers have a right to keep their job. This would allow the majority of private sector workers who only want to continue working for an extra year between the ages of 65 and 66, beyond their companies' retirement age of 65, in order to qualify for the State pension at 66. This would eliminate the lacuna between the ages of 65 and 66 that causes great difficulty for some retirees.”
“We, as policymakers, and the financial institutions must work to ensure individuals are adequately prepared for retirement, regardless of when they choose to transition out of the workforce. Organisations may need to proactively manage intergenerational dynamics to ensure a harmonious workplace, and training programmes that promote collaboration and understanding between different age groups may help mitigate potential conflicts and misunderstandings. While many older individuals are capable of working, it is essential to recognise that not everyone may be fit to do so. Employers must assess the health and well-being of older employees and provide appropriate support to ensure they can perform their roles effectively.”
“By maintaining a diverse age range within the workforce, older employees can serve as role models for younger workers, demonstrating the value of experience, resilience and a strong work ethic. This could inspire younger generations to take their careers seriously and to value the contributions of all age groups. While there are numerous benefits to abolishing the mandatory retirement age, there are also challenges and considerations that must be addressed. Employers may need to make adjustments to accommodate older workers, including flexible working arrangements and ergonomic improvements. Organisations that invest in creating a supportive work environment for older employees can reap the rewards of their experience. The abolition of the mandatory retirement age may require a re-evaluation of pension schemes and retirement planning.”
“People can decide when they are ready to retire, based on their own circumstances rather than a predetermined age. Such autonomy would lead to greater job satisfaction and personal fulfilment. There are also psychological benefits. Continued employment can provide older individuals with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Many derive satisfaction from their work, and being forced to retire can lead to feelings of loss and disengagement. Allowing individuals to continue working would help maintain their mental health and emotional well-being. Older workers often engage in lifelong learning, whether through formal education or on-the-job training. This commitment to personal professional development has been proven to enhance cognitive function and adaptability, benefiting both individuals and employers.”
“Allowing people to continue beyond the current 65, or 66 if they choose or wish to, will contribute to their overall well-being and quality of life. Work provides social interaction and a sense of identity so often lacking and diminishing in an ever-changing Ireland. This can be especially important for older adults who may otherwise face social isolation. Abolishing the mandatory retirement age would help combat ageism in the workplace. By recognising the contribution of older workers, society would shift perceptions about ageing and work, fostering a more inclusive environment. This could also encourage younger generations to value the insights and experiences of their older colleagues. Removing the mandatory retirement age would empower individuals to make choices about their careers and retirement.”
“With more individuals remaining in the workplace for longer periods, there is potential for increased tax revenue and the associated supporting of public services and social welfare programmes, which are increasingly strained and will face even greater challenges as we face into the demographic time bomb as our population ages. More workers contributing to the economy will lead to a more sustainable pension system. Abolishing the retirement age could lead to a more diverse workforce. Age diversity will foster innovation and creativity, as different perspectives and experiences come together to solve problems and deal with real-time situations. Organisations that embrace a multigenerational workforce are often more resilient and adaptable to change. Many older individuals find purpose and fulfilment in their work.”
“As life expectancy rises and health improves, many individuals are capable of working, if they wish, beyond the traditional retirement age. This will help to alleviate labour shortages in various sectors, especially in industries facing demographic challenges. Older workers often bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their roles and, by allowing them to continue working, organisations can benefit from their expertise which, in turn, can lead to improved productivity. Experienced employees can also mentor younger colleagues, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing that can enhance overall workplace performance.”
“Abolishing the mandatory retirement age in Ireland presents numerous benefits that can positively impact individuals, organisations and society as a whole. The discussion we have today on this Bill must explore the various aspects of the issue, including the economic, social and psychological implications, as well as the challenges and considerations that come with one of the more significant policy changes since the introduction of the old age pension on New Year's Day in 1909. The abolition of the mandatory retirement age is the key, giving people the choice to go at 65 or to continue to work. One of the most immediate benefits of abolishing the mandatory retirement age is the potential for increased labour force participation.”
“I would like a clear commitment from both the Taoiseach and the Minister, and through him the IDA, that every possible effort is being made to find a replacement company in the financial services sector to replace BNY. Do the Minister or the Taoiseach have any progress to report on this?”
“In January of this year BNY announced it was to close its Wexford facility with 95% of its 310 Wexford-based employees to transfer elsewhere or be made redundant. Significantly, BNY operations in Dublin and Cork are not impacted by these cuts. The first question to be answered is: why Wexford? Clearly the cost of both property and operating is higher in Dublin. What discussions did the IDA have with BNY in advance of this decision? The Minister, Deputy Burke, promised in the immediate aftermath of the announcement that he would do everything possible to support affected staff and to ensure options were available to the 310 individuals and their families. Will the Minister be clear today in setting out what the position is more than two months after the announcement? Financial services are one of Wexford's economic focuses.”
“It is a wonderful county with wonderful beaches and heritage, particularly this year when we again host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. I know the Minister of State has a social event coming up in the next couple of weeks and maybe she would see Wexford as a destination for that. I thank her for her response, and I look forward to the improving statistics.”
“When we talk about roots and things like that, we should be looking to identify areas in the United States to which we can have direct flights to enhance the possibility of visitors from those areas returning to Ireland. I appreciate the Minister of State saying that it only covers January and February, but I sincerely hope it is not a trend, because if it is, we are in some difficulty. I welcome the meetings between the various agencies, and this should be an ongoing event to ensure we have our finger on the pulse. The distraction of what is going on in the world with the tariffs and so on coming down the tracks may have distracted us and we may have taken our eye off the ball, given these figures. I extend an invitation to everybody to Wexford.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her response. I mentioned in my opening remarks that I wondered if the geopolitical area was the reason for the difficulties we were seeing with foreign visitors coming to Ireland. With President Trump and President Putin's antics, the war in Ukraine and other disturbances and wars and atrocities around the world, is that playing a role in the American market particularly? I was in Savannah a few weeks ago and the level of interest in Ireland, albeit over the St. Patrick's Day weekend, was immense. Savannah has a population of approximately 150,000 people and three quarters of a million people attended the parade, such was the level of interest.”
“By fostering a co-operative approach with other countries we can ensure Ireland remains an attractive and safe destination for travellers. A 30% decrease in foreign visitors is a significant concern. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to revitalising the tourism sector. Through comprehensive analysis, strategic marketing, infrastructure investment and stakeholder collaboration we must all put our shoulders to the wheel to restore Ireland's position as a leading travel destination and support the recovery of our economy. Will the Government commit to supporting all these urgent requirements in an effort to reverse the radical downturn we have seen in the number of foreign visitors coming to our shores?”
“This includes upgrading our transport links, looking at regional airports such as Waterford, improving accommodation options and ensuring our attractions are accessible and appealing. A positive visitor experience is crucial for encouraging repeat visits and fostering positive word of mouth recommendations. Additionally, there should be engagement with stakeholders in the tourism sector to gather insights and recommendations on how to better support businesses in coping with the downturn. This may involve exploring financial aid programmes, grants and training initiatives aimed at helping businesses to adapt to the changing landscape of tourism. There must also be collaboration with our international partners to promote safe travel practices and restore confidence in international travel.”
“Is it the cost of visiting Ireland? Why is it happening and why is there such a big reduction? Understanding these dynamics will enable us to formulate effective strategies to attract visitors back to our shores. In response to these findings we must actively work to enhance our marketing efforts to promote Ireland as a premier travel destination. This includes a renewed focus on digital marketing campaigns targeting key international markets, as well as collaborations with airlines and travel agencies to incentivise travel to Ireland. We must also emphasise our unique cultural heritage, our natural beauty and our hospitality to entice potential visitors. The Government must commit to investing in infrastructure and services that enhance the visitor experience.”
“It has been said by observers in the industry that last month's decline represented an acceleration of the downward trend in foreign visitor numbers that saw first indications last September. The tourism sector is one of the cornerstones of our economy, particularly in a county like my own of Wexford, contributing significantly to job creation, community development and cultural exchange. A reduction in foreign visitors not only impacts businesses reliant on tourism but also affects local economies, indigenous jobs and the vibrancy of our communities. As such, the Government simply has to recognise the need for a strategic and multifaceted response to challenges faced by the industry and everyone involved. We must conduct a thorough analysis of the factors contributing to the decline. Is it the geopolitical situation?”
“In light of the recent statistics released by the Central Statistics Office, which indicate a very concerning 30% decrease in foreign visitors to Ireland year on year, it is clear the Government simply must acknowledge the gravity of this situation and must commit to addressing the underlying causes and implications of this decline. A total of 304,000 foreign visitors completed a trip to Ireland in February. This was down from 433,000 in the same month last year. As we know, tourism is one of the largest indigenous industries and the biggest employer in Ireland with 257,000 people working in the sector. Ireland took in €6.2 billion from overseas tourists in 2024 despite a 3% reduction in bed nights.”
“The local sports GAA club is here as well, St. Mary's of Maudlintown. These groups are coming together and community gardaí are providing assistance. Community gardaí are leading the charge. They give credibility to any project that leads to an enhancement of a particular area. I urge that there be consistent and increased investment in community gardaí.”
“We are now currently building a boxing club on foot of the resources and the funds the council have added to this. A cross-agency approach is needed and not just when it comes to community gardaí. Certainly, the benefits of everybody coming together under the leadership of community gardaí initially, and with their endorsement, leads to results. Another area in Wexford town benefits greatly from the presence of a family resource centre. The Southend Family Resource Centre operates in the Maudlintown area of Wexford town. One can see on the ground that it is almost a perfect storm of community development. People come together, anchored and centred by the centre. It is there that the ideas, facilities, projects and courses spring from. It brings together all elements of the community, be they the men's shed, knitting groups or choirs.”
“I approached him about utilising a piece of council land to put in place some sporting facilities. Mr. Enright came fully on board. He was extremely supportive and the council came on board. Following on from that, we applied for sports capital funding and the Government gave us €300,000. We built some AstroTurf facilities. So impressed with the whole development was a local businessperson that he volunteered €500,000 as a donation towards the project. Wexford FC then came on board, and each week people come together under the stewardship of Mark Ross and his team. In this area that had suffered over the years from antisocial activity, people are coming together. The custodians of the AstroTurf facility are the local mothers in the area.”
“If we look across the country, it is clear that when it comes to diverting young people from criminal activity, the presence of community gardaí delivers huge results. I have seen it across my home county of Wexford where community gardaí working assiduously on the ground are making a real difference in their communities. Investment in community gardaí is a no-brainer when it comes diverting young people from criminal activity. I wish to highlight the example of Ferndale, an area in my hometown of Wexford. Even though I have referred to community gardaí, I believe this is a cross-agency matter. I agree with my colleague Deputy Kelly in that regard. A number of years ago, I worked with Tom Enright, a former excellent county manager in Wexford.”
“I invite the Minister to come to Wexford at some stage and view it at first hand. I will even stand him a coffee on that basis.”
“I welcome the Minister's comments. I think he hit the nail on the head: often people who have very good ideas do not have the necessary business acumen or are afraid to put themselves forward and present a business plan. Wexford Local Development has three fabulous in-house social enterprises in Kafé Konnect, EPIC and the Little Jobs Service. Kafé Konnect is a terrific example of how people who have been left on the margins can be immersed into the area of helping themselves, working among themselves. Under the stewardship of Julie Codd in Wexford Local Development, Kafé Konnect has been a hugely successful commercial enterprise. There are many and varied benefits of this. Kafé Konnect deals with people who are recovering from addiction issues and is now running a wonderfully successful business venture.”