Grace Boland
Dublin Fingal West · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I thank the Social Democrats for affording us the opportunity to speak on this important issue. It is one I have raised several times with the Minister of State. I know she is, as I am, committed to delivering homes for adults with intellectual disabilities in their own communities.”
“We have to have a plan, we have to deliver and we have to do more than just listen. We all understand the challenges and the demands, but we need to work together across Government and the local authorities and with the HSE, and we really have to deliver for these families.”
“I also acknowledge the good work of Prosper Fingal in this space, which also provides residential homes for adults with intellectual disabilities. We owe it to these families to move from discussing these proposals to delivering and having clear plans in place.”
“I am more encouraged by the Minister's most recent response. It is important that the public, as well as people working in the Civil Service and public service, sees the benefits of AI.”
“While I heard about a framework and a lot of training, I did not quite hear that we are actually measuring what cost savings, efficiencies and benefits there are, not only for the public service and Civil Service but to the people, our constituents and the public at large.”
“AI has enormous potential to reduce administrative burdens, improve productivity and free up public servants to focus on delivery. Will the Minister outline what measurable progress has been made to date in adopting AI across Departments and Government agencies, what gains have already been achieved and when we will see further gains?”
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“I invite the Minister to Rush in Dublin Fingal West to see some of these fantastic schools like St. Joseph's Secondary School and Rush National School. The staff are working in really appalling conditions but still doing a fantastic job.”
“I thank the Minister. Schools are an investment in our future. We need to move away from patching up prefabs that have been there for ten, 20 or 30 years when they were only intended to be used for a few years. We need to invest in our schools and invest in the future and in our children and teachers, by providing good, accessible, reasonable school accommodation. I would like to see a specific time limit introduced for the Department to respond to principals. A common theme in representations I get from principals is that they are not being responded to in a timely manner. I do not just mean it being a case of weeks or months; in some cases, it can be years. It would be good to see the Department bring forward a specific timeframe in which it will respond to principals and they will no longer be ghosted.”
“Kids are wearing coats in the classroom and there is damp, mould, unsuitable toilet facilities, etc. We need to make sure the Department is engaging, delivering and working with our principals who are doing their very best. They are not project managers, however.”
“I thank the Minister. I acknowledge that there has been a lot of investment in school buildings. However, my constituency of Dublin Fingal West is one of the youngest constituencies in the country. Balbriggan is the youngest large town in the country. We are rapidly growing. The towns of Rush and Lusk were tiny villages when I was a child but are now full of young and growing families. We are not delivering schools quickly enough. In Rush in particular, three schools have been waiting for decades. We need to see faster delivery. Since I have been elected, I have been on a tour of the constituency to meet all the schools, to understand their challenges and to see the conditions they are working in. Some are working in appalling conditions. They have been delivered extensions of prefabs, which are uninsulated and falling apart.”
“The Minister might tell us what the plan is to support the school building unit to deliver school buildings and extensions to school buildings in an efficient and timely manner. In my constituency of Dublin Fingal West, there are numerous projects that are taking an extraordinarily long time. Some cases are taking decades. It is essential the Department works collaboratively with principals to deliver our school buildings and extensions quickly, efficiently and as soon as possible to meet the growing demands.”
“The employment rate for individuals aged between 60 and 64 increased from 56.3% in the second quarter of 2022 to 61% a year later. This is a clear indication of the resilience, adaptability and determination of older workers. These statistics tell a story of commitment and capability of individuals who continue to contribute to their workplaces, communities and our society. Age should never be an obstacle. We should see it as an asset. Older employees bring decades of knowledge, seasoned perspectives and mentorship to their roles, enriching our workplaces in ways the younger generation simply cannot reach yet. Their experience is the foundation of many successes we celebrate today. I thank the Minister again for his leadership in bringing forward this important change and look forward to the Bill's successful passage through both Houses.”
“The timeline for enactment of this legislation was raised with me by several people from my constituency of Dublin Fingal West who will benefit from its enactment and are very supportive of its swift implementation. In progressing the Bill, we will ensure no one is forced out of the workforce before the age of 66 and we are sending a powerful message that Ireland values experience, celebrates diversity and believes in inclusion. We are saying that every individual, regardless of age, has a role to play in shaping our shared future. Protecting the right to work until the age of 66 is not merely a matter of principle. It is a practical solution for sustaining a robust workforce in the face of full employment. The Central Statistics Office, CSO, provides compelling evidence for this.”
“Their decades of experience, institutional knowledge and mentorship skills are invaluable assets which enrich our workplaces and strengthen our economy. Yet, some employees, due to their employment contracts, are forced to step away from their careers before reaching the statutory retirement age. This is not only unfair; it is also short-sighted. It denies these workers the dignity of choice and deprives our society and economy of their contribution. To force experienced, knowledgeable people to resign before the statutory retirement age denies them the dignity of choice and robs society of their talent. It perpetuates a bias that diminishes the value of experience and wisdom, a bias we must work together to eliminate.”
“Once enacted, this legislation will establish a new employment entitlement, empowering, but not compelling, individuals to remain employed until reaching the State pension age of 66. It is a recognition that age is not a limitation but an asset and a resource to be celebrated rather than dismissed. Moreover, our population is ageing. As a result of the strong continuing investment in health and social care services and changes in behaviour, our people are living longer, healthier lives with a life expectancy now of 82 years, the fifth highest in the 27 EU member states. Almost one in four people in Ireland is over the age of 60 and many older workers wish to continue in their roles, not necessarily out of necessity but because they have much more to offer and much more life left to live.”
“I welcome the draft legislation coming before the House and thank the Minister, Deputy Burke, and Minister of State, Deputy Dillon, for their work on it to date. As other Deputies have said, the Bill, when enacted, will see the implementation by the Government of one of the key commitments in response to the pensions commission's recommendations and implementation plan. This legislation reflects an understanding of the changing dynamics and demographics of Irish society and the importance of ensuring all workers, especially our older workers, have the opportunity to continue to contribute to our society and economy if they so wish. We are also living in an extraordinary time in which full employment is a reality and many employers struggle to find the experience and expertise they need.”
“I thank the Tánaiste. Will he let us know what sense he got on his trip from the politicians and members of the business community he met as to how they see things going in the next six months? How nervous are they for their country and its trade domestically and internationally?”
“I thank the Tánaiste. The European Commissioner is a very experienced negotiator. It is reassuring that he seems fully in control of the situation. What is happening in America, however, is completely and utterly unpredictable. I urge the Minister to also take into consideration the impact of any trade tariffs on our SME sector. I am delighted he established the trade forum but the SME sector will need support and protection. Will the Minister let us know what he is doing in that regard?”
“It is good to see the Ceann Comhairle back in the Chair. The Tánaiste already touched on the topic this evening but will he give an update on his engagement with the EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič?”
“Deputy Rory Hearne - To discuss the increase in the number of families and children in homeless hubs in the Dublin region. The matters raised by Deputies Emer Currie and Catherine Callaghan, Shane Moynihan and Pa Daly have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Brian Stanley - To discuss the shortage of bus drivers in school transport, and the rules prohibiting the use of drivers over 70 years of age. Deputy Pa Daly - To discuss Irish emigrant services in Britain. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the introduction of a youth culture card. Deputies Naoise Ó Muirí, Cian O'Callaghan, Tom Brabazon, Denise Mitchell and Barry Heneghan - To discuss accommodating a new special school on the Belmayne Educate Together Secondary School site. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty - To discuss the continued operation of the Wombles preschool from Scoil Mhuire National School, Airlie Heights, Lucan. Deputies Emer Currie and Catherine Callaghan - To discuss the need to open reading classes for children with dyslexia.”
“Deputy Paul Lawless - To discuss the wastewater treatment plant in Newport and the overflow of raw sewage into Clew Bay. Deputy Paul Murphy - To discuss the funding crisis at Sacred Heart national school, Killinarden. Deputy Mattie McGrath - To discuss the use of rural hotels for IPAS accommodation. Deputy Aidan Farrelly - To discuss issues relating to water supply in north Kildare. Deputy Joe Cooney - To discuss the delivery of stand-alone, modular or temporary wastewater treatment systems for residential developments. Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss the ban on the use of mid-urethral mesh slings in treatment for urinary incontinence in women. Deputy Shane Moynihan - To discuss safety concerns around the use of signage-only zebra crossings.”
“I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Gary Gannon - To discuss the crisis in funding for primary schools in Dublin's north inner city. Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss the Killarney to Farranfore bypass. Deputy James Geoghegan - To discuss the extension of the red line Luas to Poolbeg. Deputy Ciarán Ahern - To discuss the provision of speech and language therapists in Dublin South-West, CHO 7. Deputy Marie Sherlock - To discuss the exclusion of mainstream classes in Holy Child preschool on Seán McDermott Street, Dublin 1, from special educational needs support. Deputy Martin Daly - To discuss modern methods of construction to meet housing targets.”
“I have been contacted by several frustrated and concerned parents whose children, despite demonstrating a clear need for these reading classes and who are really struggling in their current environment, have been denied admission to every reading class in Fingal. Will the Minister please clarify the Government's policy regarding reading classes? Further, what steps will the Government take to ensure that children in urgent need of access to reading classes are accommodated?”
“The programme for Government highlights a commitment to focus on actions to improve literacy and numeracy. Dublin Fingal is Ireland's youngest county and Balbriggan, located in my constituency of Dublin Fingal West, is the youngest large town in the country. My constituency's population is rapidly growing, resulting in significant strain on the school system, with long waiting lists for autism classes, special education places and reading class placements. Today, I would like to focus on reading class places. Reading classes provide a low pupil-teacher ratio and are specifically tailored to meet the needs of children with severe dyslexia.”
“We must stop dreaming of a finished democracy. It is our responsibility to dismantle the barriers that hold women and men back. Today, let us commit to action. Let us deliver policies that promote gender equality, challenge the status quo and empower women to pursue their dreams without fear of discrimination or penalty.”
“The unmet demand in this regard is preventing women today from returning to work, creating immense stress for families and costing our economy dearly. Too many barriers still prevent men from taking the statutory leave they are entitled to. It needs to become socially acceptable for fathers to take time out of the workplace for their parenting responsibilities. We need to see dads at every level of Irish society do this for it to become normalised. Those of us in political parties, men and women, must lead by example and we must hold our parties to account and ensure women are genuinely encouraged and empowered to become leaders within our ranks. We owe it to our children to deliver a level playing field. I want to be able to tell my daughters they can be anything they want to be, not because it is a dream, but because it is a reality.”
“Like so many mothers, I was one of the women whose careers suffered as a result of becoming a mother, unable to return to the position I held before my maternity leave and unable to access suitable childcare options in my community. I consider myself lucky because I was able to pivot my career and set up my own business. I am acutely aware, however, that not all women can do this and that having a family can have a profound impact on a mother's career trajectory and options. We must urgently invest in childcare and support providers to deliver more accessible and flexible options now, especially in rapidly growing constituencies like mine of Dublin Fingal West. We cannot wait for two, three or four years.”
“Too many glass ceilings remain and, internationally, women's rights are in reverse. Research also shows that women's participation in the Irish workforce over the past 40 years has been a key driver of our economic success, yet the one thing many women need to return to the workplace is simply not available to them. Childcare is not a luxury, a perk or about letting women return to the workplace. It is much more important to the Irish economy than that. Childcare is essential infrastructure that is the key to unlocking Ireland's best resource, namely, our educated women and men. Balancing motherhood and a professional career is one of the greatest challenges women face.”
“Yet when I look around this Chamber, I see we still have a long way to go to reflect the true diversity of our country. Until this House reflects the diversity of our society, until every individual regardless of gender or background has an equal opportunity to succeed, we cannot call our democracy complete. I struggle with International Women's Day, as although it is an opportunity to recognise the incredible contributions of women to Irish society, it is also a day that is a stark reminder of how far we still have to travel to have equality of opportunity in Ireland. There is an abundance of studies which evidence that greater equality and diversity lead to better profitability, better governance and more creativity and innovation. Despite this, progress remains slow.”
“As we gather here today to celebrate International Women's Day, I find myself reflecting on my own journey to this Chamber. Growing up in the eighties, I dreamed big. Playing with my Barbie dolls - office, doctor and astronaut Barbie - I imagined a future where I could be anything I wanted to be. Encouraged by my parents and inspired by Barbie, I believed that hard work would make those dreams a reality. When I entered the workforce, though, I quickly realised the playing field was far from even. Promotions were not always based on merit and women often faced the harsh reality of the motherhood penalty. The dreams I had as a child suddenly felt much harder to achieve in the real world. Today, Barbie has evolved. She represents diverse ethnicities, body types, disabilities and careers.”
“The aim of this unit, which is very welcome, is to identify areas of need, forecast demand and deliver public supply within the childcare sector. While I very much support this idea and appreciate it will take time to implement, what work is the Government doing now to support the childcare sector to recruit, retain and deliver more childcare places?”
“Having limited access to childcare options is inhibiting predominantly women from returning to the workplace and their absence is a loss to the economy. The one thing they need for return to the workplace is simply not available to them. Childcare needs vary from family to family and the Government needs to be dynamic and urgently support the delivery of more childcare options, especially in areas like my own constituency of Dublin Fingal West, which is one of the youngest areas in the country and is rapidly growing. Supporting the childcare sector to plan and project numbers is key to meeting future demands. The programme for Government references resourcing and transforming the supply management unit within the Department of children to become a forward planning and delivery unit.”
“Will the Government intervene with the NTA and request that the zone radius will be reviewed to ensure all towns in the county of Dublin are included in the Dublin city zone?”
“The new national fare structure for train fares announced by the NTA will see the implementation of the Dublin city zone later this year. Skerries and Balbriggan, two towns in my constituency of Dublin Fingal West, have been excluded from the Dublin city zone; unlike Maynooth, which is in the county of Kildare and Bray, which is the county of Wicklow. This exclusion poses an additional annual financial burden of up to €440 on people living in Skerries and Balbriggan. I have already received numerous emails from people angry at this increase, particularly at a time when we are trying to encourage more uptake of public transport. I also received emails from some individuals who, out of economic necessity, will be forced to drive to Rush and Lusk.”
“The Minister of State has acknowledged there are more than 2,500 children in Dublin north waiting for assessment. I would very much like the area to be prioritised. Even though we are sourcing private assessments, a lot more needs to be done in the area.”
“I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, on her appointment. I also congratulate the Minister, Deputy Foley, on her new portfolio. I ask the Minister of State to outline her Department's plans to reduce the number of children waiting longer than three months for their assessment of need in CHO 9.”
“This can compound the stress and anxiety felt by parents who are trying to support their disabled child, not to mention the financial impact it has on their family. Balbriggan is the youngest large town in Ireland, and Fingal West is rapidly growing. The demand for CDNT services will continue to intensify as the population increases. Balbriggan and Swords CDNTs need to be prioritised, the open vacancies fully filled and the waiting list reduced. Families and children have endured systemic failures for far too long. The time for change is now. I welcome any opportunity to support the Ministers to deliver the disability services which are needed.”
“As their TD, I feel a profound duty to advocate, not only for the children who are awaiting assessment, but also for their families and those working in the Balbriggan and Swords CDNTs. Children and their families have been waiting for up to four years for an initial assessment, with no indication as to when they might receive the essential supports and therapies that they so desperately need. This delay not only exacerbates the children's issues due to a lack of timely intervention but also creates extreme stress and worry for their families, as well as leading to a challenging environment for the dedicated professionals working in both the Balbriggan and Swords CDNTs. Without access to a CDNT, families are being forced to search for private supports and therapies.”
“I wish the Minister, Deputy Foley, well in her new portfolio. I thank the Ministers of State for coming to the Chamber today. Tackling the deficiencies in disability services is a significant challenge. It is imperative that all of us, as elected representatives, collaborate with the Minister and Ministers of State to bring about much-needed transformation in disability services. In the short time I have, I will focus on my constituency of Dublin Fingal West, which falls under CHO 9. I highlight that the two CDNTs which my constituents are referred to, Balbriggan and Swords, have, by some distance, the longest waiting lists in CHO 9, with a combined figure of 1,045 children awaiting assessment.”
“I wish the Minister, Deputy Heydon, well on his appointment as Minister for agriculture and thank him for his recent support in respect of announcements for the tillage sector and for reopening the investment aid scheme to support growers whose farms were affected by the recent storm damage. The Minister, Deputy Heydon, and the Ministers of State, Deputies Michael Healy-Rae and Grealish, are committed to supporting our farmers, growers and agribusinesses and the Government will continue to support and invest in this vital sector. In doing so, we will not only be securing our present but also sowing the seeds for a prosperous and sustainable future. I look forward to working with the Minister and Ministers of State to support our farmers and I take this opportunity to invite them out to Fingal west.”
“It is known worldwide. The agrifood sector will sustain this reputation and we will continue to see it grow. As long as we continue to support the sector, it will continue to be an important part of the Irish economy. Furthermore, the cultural significance of the agrifood sector cannot be understated. It connects us to our traditions and heritage, fostering a sense of community and belonging, one of which we are very proud in Dublin Fingal West. Farm shops, farmers' markets, food festivals and farm-to-table initiatives are just a few examples of how the agrifood industry enriches our cultural landscape and brings people together.”
“This commitment to sustainability will not only preserve our natural resources but also will ensure future generations can continue to benefit from our rich agricultural heritage. I am confident the Government, the Minister, Deputy Heydon, and the Ministers of State, Deputies Grealish and Michael Healy-Rae, will continue to support the agrifood businesses by continuing to listen to them and to listen to our farmers, our growers and to provide them with practical Government supports. Our agrifood industry plays a vital role in food security and quality. Local production means we have access to fresh, high quality food in our country and by supporting our local agrifood businesses, we are ensuring our food supply chain remains resilient. As Deputy Ward mentioned, we have a reputation for very high quality food products in Ireland.”
“The agrifood business is a cornerstone of our local economy, providing employment to over 170,000 people in Ireland, particularly in rural areas where alternative job opportunities may be limited. It helps to sustain local economies and communities and by continuing to support agrifood businesses, as I know this Government will, we ensure these businesses thrive and our local economy remains robust. Moreover, the agrifood sector in Dublin Fingal as a whole is a key driver of innovation and sustainability. We must continue to support our local farmers and agribusinesses in order that they are at the forefront of developing new, sustainable agricultural practices that reduce impacts on the environment while maintaining high productivity.”
“I am very grateful for this opportunity to make a statement today on the agrifood sector in Ireland, given that Dublin Fingal produces 55% of all fresh fruit and vegetables in Ireland. I emphasise the crucial role of the agrifood sector in Dublin Fingal West. Fingal west, with its fertile lands and proximity to both urban and rural areas, is uniquely positioned as a powerhouse in Ireland's agrifood industry and is the market garden of Ireland. Sometimes, people do not realise there is a thriving agrifood sector in Dublin, much of which is located in my constituency of Fingal west. This sector is integral to the growth and sustainability of our towns and villages, not only in Rush, Garristown, Oldtown and beyond, but to Ireland as a whole and to the Irish economy.”
“As this is my first contribution in the Chamber, I thank the people of Dublin Fingal West for placing their confidence in me. I am determined to justify that confidence and will work hard every day to deliver for all of us who live and work in the vibrant constituency of Dublin Fingal West. I also thank my family for their support and encouraging me to actively participate in politics. My dad, John Boland, taught me the importance of public service and that politics is a worthy profession. My mum, Kay, too often does not get the credit for the role she has played in my journey to this Chamber. To my husband Ruaidhri, my daughters Kaya and Millie and to my campaign team supporters and friends who all played a part in my becoming a proud Member of the Thirty-fourth Dáil, from the bottom of my heart I say "Thank you".”