Keira Keogh
Mayo · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I am a grown woman and I would be really embarrassed if I had to ask the Tánaiste, as my superior, for a tampon. Luckily, here in Leinster House they are freely available in some of the bathrooms, although not all.”
“It is an average of €100 per year, which is around the cost of junior GAA membership. I welcome improvements in some public places. We now have period products in libraries and hospitals. I know there are two programme for Government commitments under education and health.”
“A recent report from Barnardos shows that children are going without activities and sport due to a lack of money. A total of 44% of parents surveyed said that they are cutting back on social activities and entertainment, 19% are cutting back on local sport activity participation and 16% are cutting back on school activities and trips.”
“We must ensure our children in low-income families, IPAS facilities or emergency accommodation do not miss out on the opportunity for friendship, confidence and physical development that play and extracurricular activities bring.”
“As the chair of the children and equality committee, I must examine this through the lens of children's rights, and I see where there might be gaps.”
“If Deputy O'Donoghue thinks that he has not used AI before, he definitely has. Even if he has not used a particular AI app, if he put a search into Google this evening, he would have got an AI summary whether he wanted it or not.”
The complete record
Every one of 231 lines we hold for Keira Keogh, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 5.
“It is an average of €100 per year, which is around the cost of junior GAA membership. I welcome improvements in some public places. We now have period products in libraries and hospitals. I know there are two programme for Government commitments under education and health. There is a plan for all DEIS plus schools to have it by 2026 and for all schools to have it by 2027. Can we please put in that they would not have to ask a superior for a period product? They must just be freely available in bathrooms.”
“I am a grown woman and I would be really embarrassed if I had to ask the Tánaiste, as my superior, for a tampon. Luckily, here in Leinster House they are freely available in some of the bathrooms, although not all. Although I do not have to ask, many teenage girls must go to their teacher and ask for a tampon or period product, if they are lucky enough that their school supplies period products. In some cases, they are resorting to using newspaper or toilet roll. It is hard enough to concentrate in school without bleeding, bloating or cramping, never mind worrying about leaking. Unfortunately, this is still the case for some teenage girls across the country. On average, a woman uses 15 to 30 tampons or period products per week, at a cost of €3 to €5 per box.”
“We must ensure our children in low-income families, IPAS facilities or emergency accommodation do not miss out on the opportunity for friendship, confidence and physical development that play and extracurricular activities bring. There is a programme for Government commitment on a culture card, but the activity card must go beyond arts and culture to capture sport, music and the right to play and participation.”
“A recent report from Barnardos shows that children are going without activities and sport due to a lack of money. A total of 44% of parents surveyed said that they are cutting back on social activities and entertainment, 19% are cutting back on local sport activity participation and 16% are cutting back on school activities and trips. We must close this participation gap. As Chair of the children and equality committee, we recently published a report on child poverty and deprivation that had 60 recommendations, six of which we outlined for priority implementation. One of those is an activity card to tackle play poverty and remove the cost barrier to children in learning to play a sport or an instrument.”
“As we approach the beginning of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU, I really welcome this Bill and our obligations under the AI Act. I hope we remain steadfast as we continue to demonstrate our commitment to online safety in promoting responsible AI innovation.”
“As I said, AI features are now embedded into almost everything they do, from daily Internet searches and their gaming to the educational tools within their classrooms. On every single screen a child touches, AI is now a feature. The fundamental rights agencies will, of course, still play a role. They can make complaints, they will co-operate with regulators and they may channel decisions through legal mechanisms. We must continue our work towards a system that genuinely protects the rights of all those who might be most at risk. I have mentioned children in my role, but the disability community and our older people are also very much at risk of AI, aside from the jobs that could be lost in the enterprise sectors, an issue which has been very much covered.”
“Do they then lose access to their boyfriend or girlfriend, and where does that leave their mental health? I think children will face this concern more than others. We know they are facing deepfakes and having their videos manipulated for potential bullying. I ask that provision be made for the expertise of children and young people, perhaps through an advisory panel, which we have seen work so well in other areas, and to support the rights groups that are watch-guards in this space. This afternoon I was on a panel discussion with the Children's Rights Alliance, and this is something it and its members are passionate about. I believe there will be scope to address those concerns on Committee Stage or at phase 2 in the autumn. Children need named protection in this Bill.”
“As the chair of the children and equality committee, I must examine this through the lens of children's rights, and I see where there might be gaps. Under the heading "fundamental rights", children will be protected but the issues relating to technology and social media have more consequences for our young people growing up in this new reality. I have serious concerns about harmful chatbots. We know there have been times when people have been coached into suicide. I often talk about the fact that there was no Tinder when I was in secondary school and now there are Tinder babies and marriages. I am worried about the next generation. It might not even be Tinder. They might have their first relationship with a chatbot. What happens then when the company introduces a significant subscription fee for that chatbot?”
“It has the opportunity to be a one-stop shop with a cross-sectoral approach that will look at health. We know that people are turning to AI at the moment to get advice on health. Children in our education settings are using AI and they may not be aware of the hallucinations and the misinformation that it can produce. We have the risk to our SMEs and other jobs in business and enterprise. The disability space has a real concern that the bias that is already in place will unintentionally be reinforced by AI. The AI office could be a trusted one-stop shop to also engage in advocacy and literacy. I welcome the enforcement mechanisms and sanctions. It seems the Bill will give us robust oversight and significant penalties.”
“If Deputy O'Donoghue thinks that he has not used AI before, he definitely has. Even if he has not used a particular AI app, if he put a search into Google this evening, he would have got an AI summary whether he wanted it or not. As a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence, I welcome this Bill and the work of the Department officials and the Minister of State. It is legislation that is hugely important and necessary to ensure that Ireland meets its obligations in overseeing the development and deployment of artificial intelligence systems. More importantly, this legislation aims to protect our citizens and uphold their fundamental rights. I welcome the establishment of the AI office, but I would like it to have more of a role in advocacy and literacy.”
“Councillor Sheridan put it strongly when she said that we are excluding from social housing our SNAs, our carers and the people who keep the backbone of the country going, and we really need to increase the thresholds. I am glad to go back to the housing SPC and say that the Taoiseach agrees with and is moving towards that.”
“I agree Hannah was the star of the show and that whole group and that powerful moment of inclusion was really special. I welcome the Taoiseach's comments. I am happy to hear that he is talking about family composition. Councillor Donna Sheridan also contacted me. She is working at present with a separated single mother with two children who is trying to leave the family home. The mother is only slightly above the threshold but does not qualify for social housing. She is looking at her options. Does she ask her boss to reduce her hours so that she can come under the threshold, does she stay in the family home where things have broken down, or does she potentially accept substandard housing or move away from her community? She is salaried at €36,000 and, even with the allowances for her children, she does not qualify.”
“When we look at prices in Mayo last year, in Westport the average price was €327,000 where as in Kiltimagh in Mayo it was €155,000. This shows the significant variation across the county. I raised this in a parliamentary question in December. I was informed that the Department was examining the existing income limits and work was ongoing, but I would really appreciate the Taoiseach's thoughts on this today.”
“I understand that this is a complex challenge and that if you increase the housing threshold you might add to the already overwhelmed list, but right now what option do I have for a working family who are slightly above the threshold and may get a notice to quit and present in my office as homeless? I offer them emergency accommodation 60 km away - away from their jobs, away from the schools and away from the community. As they are above the housing threshold, there is no hope. I was contacted by Councillor Peter Flynn, chairperson of the housing strategic policy committee, SPC, on behalf of the members there, to ask if the bands will be reviewed. They pointed out that our neighbours in Galway are in band 2, which is €35,000, €5,000 more than Mayo.”
“This has the potential to unlock 200 houses on local authority land and potentially 300 more. I thank my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy John Cummins, whom I see in the Chamber. I want to talk today about the thresholds for social housing. In 2023, all local authorities got an increase of €5,000 under the Housing for All review. However, Mayo currently is under band 3, which is only €30,000, and this threshold is locking people out of social housing for earning too much. Meanwhile they are not earning enough to survive the private market.”
“I thank Rosaleen Heraty, her staff in Westport Town Hall Theatre, and all of Mayo County Council who put on a civil reception that showcased the warmth and the pride that we have in our community; the Hughes family in the historic Westport Estate; as well as Joe Gilmore and all the staff at Knock. I think the Taoiseach will agree that this was a deep, meaningful homecoming that celebrated the enduring bond between Ireland and Canada and anybody who painted a wall, swept a street, waved a flag or came out to just see the occasion deserves a big buladh bos. Today, I want to talk about housing. I welcome yesterday's announcement that a project on the Lodge Road in Westport was one of 82 successful under the new housing infrastructure investment fund.”
“Sunday was a proud, historic and, I think the Taoiseach will agree, unforgettable day when we welcomed Prime Minister Mark Carney to Westport, Mayo but, more importantly, to his ancestral family home in Aughagower village. I thank him and his wife, Diana, as well as the Taoiseach and his wife, Mary, for coming and for being so gracious with their time. It is also really important to thank Colette O'Toole, chairperson of Aughagower Community Council, and all of the community there for the powerful moment that they took for their small village where they were on the international stage and the amount of work that they put in to make the place look spectacular.”
“We are in the thick of the summer tourism season, despite the rain pummelling down outside. County Mayo has really exciting plans from the wild Mayo strategy, which has just been launched for north Mayo and which will hopefully include a new jaw-dropping suspension bridge at Ballycastle that will have a breathtaking view of Downpatrick Head right down to the continuing restoration, reimagining and rewilding at Westport House and gardens. Projects like these are absolutely vital to attract tourists and more importantly extend the tourist season. We want our visitors to experience word-class facilities when they explore our heritage and nature, such as the accessible Claggan mountain coastal trail that was recently reopened after a fire. Tourism is vital for providing jobs in Mayo.”
“I thank the Minister of State. I absolutely appreciate and value that separation between the Minister and Coimisiún na Meán. Given the shock that occurred across the county when that levy was announced, local radio stations in particular are struggling, and ahead of the approaching budget we should make sure they get as much support as possible. Older people in particular really rely on turning on that local radio station, getting the local update and hearing local voices. It is also vital, with some of the stations facing viability issues, that we consider local jobs. Many people start out in a local newspaper and then make it to sitting in the Gallery here in Dáil Éireann. We have to make sure that these radio stations can continue.”
“Our constituents rely on them for updates on local issues, such as weather, community events, road conditions and other local notices, especially in Mayo. The Midwest Radio death notices are very popular and are turned on in the kitchen every single morning. Midwest Radio is like a friend in the kitchen. I just want to make sure these local media outlets have enough support.”
“I definitely welcome those funding schemes, especially the new ones that are going to come on board. Money does have to come in if it is going to go out, but that €3.7 million broadcast levy that has to be paid to Coimisiún na Meán is €1 million more this year than it was last year, which is an average 39% increase. For some local radio stations that is translating to €14,000. That was communicated at really short notice and it did not give them a lot of time to put finances in place. When we look back, that has increased 69% over two years and, as the Minister of State said, local media outlets are a trusted source of news when there is so much misinformation and disinformation out there.”
“I join with Deputy O'Rourke in congratulating Charlotte Davis who has her last day with that scheme tomorrow and is taking up a new role with the Western People. It has been a fantastic scheme. Local and regional media plays a vital role in rural communities. However, they are facing rising costs as they continue to operate this crucial service. Especially concerning is the €3.7 million broadcast levy that has to be paid to Coimisiún na Meán by local radio stations. Will the Minister of State consider measures to strengthen the sustainability of local and regional media outlets?”
“Ireland progressing legislation must be a signal for our EU counterparts to act decisively and collectively. I welcome the recent sanctions that were approved on violent settlers and also on Hamas leaders of the 7 October massacre. I continue to condemn, along with our Government, the multiple breaches of international law, and the recent regressive move to bring back the death penalty for Palestinians, which is absolutely abhorrent and repulsive. From our own history, the Irish people deeply understand and respect the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and we must continue until we see a full and absolute peace.”
“This has to continue to be our focus. While we see escalating violence and expanding settlements in the West Bank, we must continue to try to build consensus at an EU level to seek collective action, such as suspending the EU-Israel agreement. I know that, just yesterday, the Taoiseach and Minister met the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, to discuss this. We know that a vote is imminent and a collective majority most likely still has not been achieved. We must also try to seek a proposal to ban trade in the occupied Palestinian territories at an EU level. We know that trade in goods with Ireland is only about €200,000, but we know that at an EU level, it could be in the billions and it would have a real impact. This Bill should be seen as an important signal.”
“Today, we are taking an important step based on the advisory opinion the ICJ gave on 19 July 2024, which stated that states should take steps to prevent trade that assists with maintaining the illegal situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. I understand that many are disappointed that this Bill does not include services, but I believe the Department and Minister have done the best they could with the advice that they received. This Bill will not bring an end to the dire situation on the ground in Palestine, but it is a symbol, similar to when we recognised the State of Palestine alongside Spain and Norway, and we are hopeful that other countries will follow suit just like that, and we will move closer to the overall objective of a peaceful two-state solution. Our reputation in Ireland is one of peace-building.”
“We have an international obligation to stand up for international law and progressing this Bill is part of fulfilling these obligations. The Bill is an important contribution to upholding international law and supporting Palestinian self-determination. It also fulfils a specific commitment contained in the programme for Government to progress legislation banning imports from Israeli settlements. Those goes along with a line of decisions that we have already taken, recognising the State of Palestine, intervening in the ICJ case, sending over €150 million in aid, and evacuating about 300 people, including sick and injured children. We have also co-sponsored a UN resolution and most recently sanctioned two Israeli ministers.”
“Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss loss of medical card access due to age-based insurance restrictions on general practitioners. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire - To discuss the interception of the Global Sumud aid flotilla and detention of Irish citizens onboard by Israeli forces. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú - To discuss facilitation of a marathon run by two brothers in order to raise money to fight dementia. The matters raised by Deputies Pádraig O'Sullivan, Michael Murphy, Natasha Newsome Drennan, Martin Kenny and Barry Ward have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss support mechanisms for families when their childcare centre withdraws from the core funding model. Deputy Michael Murphy - To discuss growing road safety risks associated with horse-drawn vehicles on public roads. Deputy Keira Keogh - To discuss the transparency of the complaints, objections, disciplinary and appeals, CODA, process for Ladies Gaelic Football Association, LGFA, clubs and players. Deputies Natasha Newsome Drennan and Martin Kenny - To discuss the planned ban on importing Brazilian beef and other products into the EU. Deputy Louis O'Hara - To discuss the ban on turf cutting on Barroughter, Clonmoylan and Ardgraigue bogs in County Galway. Deputy Thomas Gould - To discuss legacy maintenance issues in Cork housing estates like Glentrasna.”
“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 Albert Dolan - To discuss the pricing of train tickets between Athenry and Galway. Deputy Joanna Byrne - To discuss the need for the Drogheda north train station. Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss the rising costs of living for households. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss reforming the method of funding of local government through commercial rates. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher - To discuss the designation of Burtonport as an approved port for landings by fishing vessels on a Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Deputy Eamon Scanlon - To discuss the exceptional staffing pressures at a school in County Sligo.”
“Given that we have two minutes and we are gone well past prepared questions, I am going to finish oral questions with the Minister there and move to Topical Issues, or else we are going to Deputy Conor Sheehan on Question No. 197.”
“Cameras in these rural blackspots would really help An Garda Síochána to pick up on that dangerous driving and be able to act on it. I also think we have to get that portal up and running where people can upload their own dash cameras to report dangerous driving. The bus pilot is ongoing but this has to be the next step. My focus here is on safer roads, safer communities and evidence-based enforcement. I welcome the strategy.”
“These systems could be highly relevant in areas like Derrinumera where noise and modified vehicles are a major part of the problem and I hope Ireland can actively explore the feasibility of a pilot system here similar to the UK. The National Safety Camera Strategy is a strong foundation but we must ensure it evolves to meet the full range of dangerous driving behaviours on our roads. When I look at that area of Derrinumera, these car enthusiasts are very clever. They have spotter cars on either side of the road about 1 km away from where the stunts are happening, so as soon as the gardaí are on their way they notify the main group of people so they can disperse by the time the gardaí get there or they can be lined up neatly in a row, which is not illegal.”
“I commissioned the Oireachtas Library and Research Service to examine international approaches around the world to managing car enthusiast gatherings and different evidence came back from that. One thing that was interesting was that there was no strong evidence that providing a safe place for car meets actually reduces antisocial behaviour, something we float regularly. What it did show, and what most evidence backed, was that vehicle impoundment was the most effective deterrent for dangerous driving and antisocial gatherings. It also highlighted emerging technologies that are being used in the UK that could support enforcement. These are noise detection cameras, which can detect behaviour visually but can also pick up on noise detections such as illegal exhaust modifications or excessive engine revving.”
“I have also raised before serious local issues in Mayo, specifically around Derrinumera site but also in other sites where large gatherings of car enthusiasts coming from Sligo, Galway and also Mayo are causing disturbances in the same areas over and over again. They are causing safety concerns but are also keeping babies awake at night and residents are having trouble getting to sleep. I have engaged locally with An Garda Síochána and I welcome that engagement. I also engaged with the local authority to discuss the best approach to tackling this issue. Residents are enduring noise disturbance. There is dangerous driving and antisocial behaviour as well as polluting and this deserves action.”
“The programme for Government contains a clear commitment to introduce new road safety cameras to automatically detect mobile phone use while driving and drivers not wearing seat belts. These behaviours are among the most dangerous on Irish roads and they contribute daily to collisions, injuries and fatalities. The strategy is strong on speeding and red-light enforcement but it is less committal on expanding cameras to detect phone use and seat-belt offences. We really need clear roadmaps and clear timelines for when these camera enforcements will be extended to those high-risk behaviours.”
“I welcome the publication and the roll-out of the National Safety Camera Strategy. It is a significant and overdue step in modernising road safety enforcement, and reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads. Mayo, along with Donegal, has the highest road deaths per capita on 2025 data, so this is important for me and for my constituents. The strategy provides a clear national framework, backed by evidence, for using cameras to tackle speeding, red-light running and dangerous driving behaviours but I also want to ensure it covers rural Ireland, especially blackspots where there are no traffic lights or bus lanes but where there are clearly wide roads where car enthusiasts are engaging in speeding or stunts like doughnuts and things like that.”
“Businesses were talking about when they were paying rates when they first opened their doors, they were getting rubbish collection and free water, and now they feel it is only the roads and the lighting they are getting. We need to go a bit further to reach these businesses that are telling me they are not feeling the support and are close to closing their doors.”
“It is very obvious we have been doing a lot to support and I think of the 9% VAT rate in the hospitality industry, which has been really welcome. What struck me about these businesses is that they do not seem to be reaching out for the local enterprise office supports. They do not seem to be aware of that cost of business advisory forum or the small business unit. What are we doing wrong that these business people I am meeting in the street do not seem to be aware of these supports or they are saying these supports are not enough? From an outreach perspective, what are the plans in order that we can reach these people who feel like they are on the cusp of closing their doors? The biggest thing that came across when the Minister visited Westport and met with the chamber of commerce was rates.”
“Do we have to help those pubs transition from pubs into community hubs or think outside the box? I think of an ice cream shop that would love to stay open until 10 o'clock or 11 o'clock at night but cannot get the staff.”
“I thank the Minister for State. I also thank the Minister, Deputy Burke, for visiting Westport earlier in the year and meeting with our businesses. However, I have to say and I am sure the Minister of State is aware, the last few weeks have been hugely difficult. I have met with business people who maybe do not call to the office or do not usually talk to me on the street about their problems. I am thinking about a retailer who inherited the family business who is close to closing the doors of a clothes shop. I am thinking of a beautician who has been open for 15 years who told me this was the hardest year ever. I am thinking of the pubs that are closing in places like Achill or Ballycroy, which are where men in their 60s, 70s or 80s especially, who may not be in men's sheds yet, go for social connection.”
“Seasonal businesses, like many in my county of Mayo, are particularly vulnerable to economic fluctuations. Will the Department consider targeted supports to these businesses that are often the backbone of the economy in rural areas but also the social environment? Given there are three out of five Oireachtas Members from Mayo in the Chamber, I wish everybody a happy Mayo Day, four days early.”
“If there is any way there is a pilot that could be looked at for rural areas to see if the Department could engage with primary schools first and foremost to assess the nearest and second nearest schools based on where kids are going rather than on kilometres it would help, because there could be a school nearer by kilometres. For example, for students in Glenhest, there is a 0.5 difference in kilometres, but the kids are not going to Castlebar, they are going to Achill, Westport or Louisburgh.”
“I can see why in places like Dublin, Galway or bigger areas, the catchment area could be confusing and there are a lot of schools. However, when we look at really rural places, it seems it would be much easier to engage with the schools themselves. The primary schools can tell the Department where all the students are going. If the primary schools in Newport are saying their students are either going to go to Westport, Achill or Louisburgh, why is Castlebar down as their nearest school? It might geographically be the second nearest or nearest school, but if kids from an area are not going there at all, it is crazy that the system would look at it that way.”
“We can look back over the past seven or eight years and there are two buses every single year going from Westport to Louisburgh. The Minister of State will agree, €850 is a huge cost to parents.”
“I welcome the huge investment in school transport and the huge increase. It is almost a year to the day I spoke about Sancta Maria Secondary School in Louisburgh that has two buses going every single day from Westport at a cost of approximately €850 to the parents. Traditionally, kids from Westport have either gone to Westport or Louisburgh schools. I even know of kids from Newport who will either go to school in Westport or Achill, but Castlebar schools could be considered their second nearest option. I understand there might be pilots going on, but a year later there are still parents paying €850. We do not have many children going from Westport to Castlebar, but traditionally we have two buses going to Louisburgh. That is data.”
“Go raibh maith agat to my Vice Chair who is allowing me to swap to let me make it in time for a committee. Has the Minister considered the particularly nuanced challenges around current school transport, especially local traditions in relation to feeder schools versus kilometres, especially in rural counties like Mayo?”
“Will the Taoiseach advise me of any supports for ferry operators in light of the increased operating costs due to the fuel crisis? I am thinking of the ferry operators operating ferries to Clare Island, Inishturk and our other islands. As we know, ferries are vital to get islanders to their healthcare appointments, education and other things. I welcome the packages for farmers, hauliers, contractors and so on, but we also must look at ferry operators. Government policy recognises the importance of sustaining island life, but recognition will not be enough here. We must engage with ferry operators, listen to them and make sure that we provide practical and sustainable solutions to make sure it does not affect the islanders.”
“Every time an international crisis causes prices to spike, it is rural Ireland that takes the hit first and hardest. Speaking for my constituency of Mayo, we have to be at the centre of Ireland's energy future but that energy future cannot just happen to Mayo; it has to benefit Mayo. If turbines are going up, the community should see their bills go down. People in rural Ireland will support change if they see a return for themselves. I will keep pushing for short-term supports and long-term solutions for the people of Mayo.”
“People can use this app or make a phone call to access public transport in real time where there are not bus services every five minutes and where we do not have the Luas and so on. The Government and its backbenchers have learned an awful lot about communication in the last fortnight. Sometimes, we are doing things well but do not communicate that well. We may also not be communicating well enough how we are using the people's taxes. People are asking us to scrap carbon tax but then you sit down with them and speak about how carbon tax is used for the fuel allowance, the living alone allowance, the working family payment and ACRES. There is an education gap here. People see us talking about millions and billions of euro. We have to make more of an effort to communicate clearly to people and to listen to them.”
“We have to keep working to support people to access those kinds of grant. We must acknowledge that we have made progress. Last month, 45% of our energy was from renewable sources. However, to avoid another crisis like this, we have to push to get that to 80% by 2030. We need to make homes and businesses all across Ireland more sustainable, warmer and cheaper to heat. I will keep speaking to use the time we have left, if that is okay. I want to talk about public transport. People in Mayo and elsewhere in rural Ireland do not have the luxury of switching off our cars when the price at the pumps gets expensive. We cannot leave the people in rural Ireland exposed. A fantastic initiative was rolled out in Achill this year, TFI Anseo. I want to see that rolled out across Mayo, in Erris, Louisburgh and all rural parts of Mayo.”