Louis O'Hara
Galway East · Sinn Féin · Ireland
“There are significant concerns about the reform that is being proposed to have CAP sit alongside a range of other policy areas. In particular under the Commission's proposal, CAP funding for Ireland would be cut by over 20%.”
“Absolutely, and that is why it is critical we get a fair allocation. In particular, the future of CAP will have a significant influence on how EU member states can support young farmers. Last year, the Department of agriculture published a report from the commission on generational renewal in farming.”
“No parent should have to worry about what will happen to their child when they can no longer provide care for them, yet years of underfunding and a failure to plan has left our residential support system in crisis and families are left carrying the responsibility even as parents themselves age into their 70s, 80s and beyond.”
“Adults with intellectual disabilities have the same right as every other citizen to live with dignity, safety and independence and the Government has a legal and moral obligation to provide these services. There are so many basic things we are not getting right.”
“I raise the case of a constituent in County Galway who has experienced lifelong difficulties and trauma as a result of historical abuse at the hands of a member of the Christian Brothers who was his primary school teacher. The individual who carried out the abuse has since been convicted.”
“They cannot just be uprooted into an emergency placement down the line. The parents need to be there for the transition to ensure that it works properly and does not cause challenges for that person or, indeed, those who will be caring for them.”
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“This deal obviously represents a serious threat to the future of Irish agriculture and to our farmers, who operate to the highest standards in the world in terms of food production but will now face competition from Mercosur countries where the same food production and environmental standards are not in place. It is not a level playing field. The Parliament voted to refer this deal to the European Court of Justice because of the concerns about its legality. However, the Commission has set in motion a process to implement the deal anyway. This shows a blatant disregard for the democratic views of the European Parliament. It is a shameful decision by Ursula von der Leyen and the Commission. We now need to see decisive action from the Government to prevent the provisional application of this deal.”
“It is breathtaking to hear Government Ministers insist the carbon tax increases on home heating oil should go ahead. They cannot give any clarity to households on what supports they will bring to the table but they were quick to tell them the carbon tax increases on home heating oil, petrol and diesel all the way to 2030 will be going ahead. It is time for the Government to get real and listen to people across the State who cannot keep up with any more increases. The Government should enact this legislation, scrap the carbon tax increases and bring forward real supports to households.”
“Many have not been able to afford the fill of oil and they are watching very closely how much they are putting into the car. However, the Minister has come in here and once again kicked the can down the road. There might be something next week. The Government is totally out of touch with the reality of life for people across this State and the pressure households are under. It is very easy for the Minister to say we should wait and see and that the Government is keeping things under review but my constituents cannot keep their bills under review as they have to pay them today. We have given the Government the solutions it could implement immediately. It could implement the legislation to cut the cost of petrol, diesel and home heating oil and it could scrap the carbon tax increases.”
“Families have been left in shock by the steep rise in their fuel costs. These families are already under enormous pressure. We know 320,000 households across the State are in arrears on their energy bills under the Minister’s watch. This comes after the Government slashed cost-of-living supports in this year's budget. It left households to fend for themselves, including elderly people and people living alone. People with disabilities were left €1,400 worse off. It was really shameful and the price increases since this war began have turned a cost-of-living crisis into a cost-of-living emergency. Where has the Government been? It has been missing in action for the past two weeks. Throughout that time families have really been suffering.”
“It is a real slap in the face to teachers who have served their communities for years and are now being let go just as many of them were about to receive permanent contracts. I want a commitment that this cut will at the very least be reconsidered. It is a really cruel decision. These teachers must be kept on and these classes should go ahead. The Government needs to ensure that happens.”
“I want to raise the issue of the funding cuts to education programmes at education and training boards, ETBs, this year. The Government has cut over €1.3 million from Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board, GRETB's further education pathways budget. The result is that 25 teachers have been informed that they are being let go and roughly 150 classes are being cancelled. GRETB says it has been left with no other choice because of these funding cuts. The cuts will mainly affect the most essential classes, including English language classes, literacy classes as well as other areas, such as the Irish language. It is going to have a particular impact on the most vulnerable and marginalised students. I have been contacted by many students and staff who have been left absolutely devastated by this.”
“It is very welcome that we have clarity on the rail line and certainty that it is going to reopen in the future. There is no reason the rail and road projects cannot progress together and be up and running in the near future. We need the plans to be put in place for that, and funding allocated to make that a reality. I appreciate this is not the Minister of State’s Department, but if a request could go into the Department to provide that clarity, it would be much appreciated on behalf of the people of Athenry.”
“Go raibh maith agat. What I am really looking for is clarity on this project. The people of Athenry have been waiting for the ring road for a very long time. It is a hugely important infrastructural project for the town and for reducing congestion in the town. It is critical for us as a growing town and a town that is going to continue to grow significantly in the years ahead. The design work is going on for a very long time at this stage. We know what is required for the bridge works to facilitate the road and the new railway. When will this project proceed? Will these projects proceed together? That is the clarity I am looking for on behalf of the people of Athenry. We want both projects to progressing as quickly as possible because they are both very important. That is also the position of Galway County Council.”
“It is important to say a lot of good work is going on locally through the Athenry town centre plan and other initiatives to enhance our public spaces and the heritage of the town. In particular, we need improved transport services and infrastructure. Our rail services are at capacity and we are still waiting for a new bus service. The eastern section of the ring road is critical to taking traffic out of the town. We now know that the western rail corridor project from Athenry to Tuam is going ahead. It is a very welcome project. The western rail corridor and this section of the ring road will intersect, so it is positive that we now have clarity on the future of the rail line in the context of this project as well, as both of them can and should proceed together. I ask the Minister of State to please provide an update on this project.”
“Traffic is becoming a serious issue in the town. The population of Athenry is expected to grow considerably in the years ahead. We have a lot of planning permissions approved for new housing developments. That is, obviously, a very good thing, but it is absolutely critical that we have the infrastructure in place to support and cater for an increased population and increased demands on infrastructure and public services. This means proper educational facilities. Our local schools need increased capacity. In particular, we need to see the new Gaelcampus, which we have been waiting 20 years for. It will mean having improved healthcare services, access to GPs and recreation spaces and amenities.”
“The Athenry ring road is a key infrastructural project for our town. It is fair to say that progress has been quite slow. While parts of the road have been completed, we need to see this full project progressed and delivered. Construction is ongoing at the elbow section at Ballygarraun. That is very welcome and will provide another connection to the schools and the motorway and make it quicker and easier to get around the town. The next section to be completed is the eastern section through Ballydavid. This is key because it will connect the Tuam road to the Monivea road and take a huge amount of traffic out of the town centre. Cars coming in from the likes of Monivea, Attymon and surrounding areas will be able to completely avoid the town. It will make a huge difference in reducing traffic and congestion.”
“It needs to take action, it needs to hold companies accountable, it needs to scrap the carbon tax increases and it must introduce a cost-of-living package without delay.”
“People in my constituency are reporting huge increases in the cost of home heating oil, a doubling in the cost in many cases, with the price going from under €500 to over €800 for 500 litres of oil, as well as increases in the cost of petrol and diesel. This is another example of companies price-gouging. There is absolutely no doubt about that whatsoever. We have not seen any response from Government other than saying there is price-gouging and they might refer it to the CCPC. On top of that, the Government is going to proceed with carbon tax increases in the next number of weeks, which will add more to household bills. The Government is completely out of touch with the reality of the cost-of-living crisis across the State.”
“I am also pleased to co-sponsor these Bills, which are important legislation to end Ireland's energy rip-off. There are 320,000 people in arrears on their electricity bills, which is an enormous jump of 20,000 households in just a month. At the same time, Government has failed and refused to empower the regulator to tackle price-gouging and hold companies accountable for skyrocketing bills. The two Bills being introduced are critical to addressing this and ensuring that the CRU can protect consumers. This is very important legislation, especially because it comes at a time households are being hammered by the cost of living.”
“It needs to be addressed. There are many more towns and villages I could mention where we do not have capacity and where there are no plans for investment. What is the Government going to do to accelerate delivery of this infrastructure and ensure that badly needed homes can be built?”
“On wastewater infrastructure, planning permission has been granted for in excess of 60 houses at different sites in Mountbellew on the basis of the condition that they cannot be occupied until they are connected to the upgraded Mountbellew wastewater treatment plant. There is still no clarity on when construction on the plant will begin. In Craughwell and Clarinbridge, funding was announced for wastewater upgrades three years ago, but there has been no progress on these projects. As the Minister knows, we have a serious barrier to delivery of that infrastructure because the Department has told Galway County Council that it is expected to make a co-funding contribution of at least €2 million towards those projects. This is money that the council has not budgeted for. I have raised this matter with the Minister a number of times.”
“I have submitted parliamentary questions on the safety and regulatory requirements for these systems, but there has been very little information coming back and very little in terms of fire safety. On behalf of those communities, I ask the Minister to outline any compliance regulations that are there to ensure that these systems are monitored and operated in a safe manner. Does he have concerns about the ability of the fire services to deal with any potential incidents? Will we see specific planning guidelines in this area?”
“I attended a public meeting in Abbeyknockmoy in my constituency last week. Power Capital is proposing to develop a very large solar project there. It is already developing one nearby in Grange. There are proposals to install a battery energy storage system as part of these projects. This has caused unease in those communities because in January of last year there was a fire at a separate lithium-ion system based in nearby Claregalway. Three fire fighters have not been able to return to work since dealing with that incident, and the local firefighters have said they are totally unprepared to deal with such incidents. These proposed solar farms and battery systems are in very close proximity to residential areas.”
“In fact, many of his Government colleagues from the regional Independents, when they were in opposition, spoke very strongly against carbon tax increases and the impact they would have on rural Ireland but obviously, ministerial jobs have changed their mind. Taxpayers need to have confidence in how a Government is spending their money. It should be spent in a way that has been promised by the Government. This report states that it is not. Most of all, the Government needs to stop fleecing ordinary households, who are up to their eyes with rising costs. Many households are in arrears on the likes of their energy bills and so on and this is just adding to that again. The Minister needs to recognise that as well.”
“The whole argument the Government uses to justify the increases in this tax is that the increasing receipts are spent on climate initiatives. The Minister can say that it is ring-fenced, but this report has said that the reality is that 40% of the revenue is not being directed toward the intended measures. I outlined to the Minister the pressures that carbon tax increases are placing on households and that people do not have the alternatives. I do not know how the Minister can justify further increases when he is not actually spending the money on the measures that the Government should be funding.”
“It is simply a tax that punishes them. While households face these increases, a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General found that just 61% of the carbon tax revenue could be verified as having been spent on the target schemes and programmes the Minister has mentioned. While the Government is making great announcements that the carbon tax revenue is ring-fenced and focused on these initiatives, this report demonstrates that the ring-fencing is not actually happening and that it is being treated the same as general taxation. Why are people being misled on this?”
“The recent carbon tax increases we have seen impact on the most vulnerable households. It hits them the hardest. As we know, households are facing rising costs across the board, particularly when it comes to filling the car with fuel and heating the home, yet the Government is set to plough ahead with these increases. They are scheduled until 2030 at least. Households are expected to take on this burden at a time when many households are struggling. The Minister says this is a tax that will contribute toward changing people's behaviour but the reality for the people I represent in rural Ireland, that is, people who have to drive their car to get from A to B, who do not have public transport they can rely on, who have to heat their homes and who do not have the alternatives, is that carbon tax is not going to change their behaviour.”
“During an interview with TG4 last week, the Taoiseach was recorded as saying that there is not a lot of substance in the current campaign for a referendum on Irish unity. The Taoiseach's dismissive attitude is very disappointing, especially given the hard work that many organisations are currently doing to advance the case for a united Ireland, such as Ireland's Future. Unfortunately, these organisations are doing the job the Government should be doing in terms of actively preparing and planning for Irish unity. When will the Government finally begin to actively promote and work towards a unity referendum on our island?”
“Mixed messaging from the Government and the HSE has caused confusion and uncertainty about the future plans for an elective hospital at Merlin Park in Galway. The hospital has been promised for years. It is critical for healthcare in the west of Ireland and for taking pressure off University Hospital Galway, UHG. The people of Galway want immediate and full clarity on whether plans to build an elective hospital at Merlin Park are going ahead, and whether the funding to deliver these plans is in place. They want clarity on why there will not be any beds as part of this development, and if this will limit the number of procedures and treatments that can be carried out at this new elective hospital.”
“It is heartbreaking for them as parents to see their child not getting the supports that they need and they are not the only ones. Will the Minister of State explain this to that family? Will she also outline what she is going to do to ensure that our CDNTs are fully staffed and fully functional going forward?”
“I am inundated with families contacting me who are having a real difficulty accessing the supports, services and therapies that their children need from CDNTs. The HSE data from last month showed a number of vacancies across the CDNT network in Galway. At that time, just one CDNT out of 15 in the broader west and north-west region was fully staffed. The result of that is that children are facing extreme waits to access the services they need. It is causing untold stress to families as well. One particular family in County Galway, who I know has been writing to the Minister of the State, is completely at their wit's end. Despite repeated requests, they cannot get individual speech and language therapy for their son who is non-verbal and autistic.”
“This is obviously a very sensitive area and the welfare of children is absolutely paramount. As Deputy Ward said, we need a robust system that treats people fairly and processes them as quickly as possible. I ask the Minister to set out in as much detail as he can what he envisages will happen in terms of detention and how that process will work in practice. Is it his position it should be a measure of "last resort", as mentioned in the amendment, and what safeguards are there to ensure the welfare of people who are being dealt with through that system, especially vulnerable people and children?”
“It should begin planning and preparing for unity because time and again, issues arise where the Border on this island proves to be a major stumbling block.”
“Some parts of the pact make sense but we have opposed opting in wholesale because, as I have said, it undermines our sovereignty and transfers powers to the European Union. It should be the Irish Government and the Irish people who are deciding policy on migration, particularly given our unique circumstances as part of a common travel area with a state outside the European Union. These amendments are sensible and will help to protect our sovereignty and deal with the impact of the common travel area. As my colleagues have said, this clearly demonstrates the difficulties with having two states on this small island. It does not make sense in any way and should underline why the Government should be active persuaders when it comes to Irish unity.”
“We do not need it to sort out the delays in processing applications, the delays in the appeals system or the issues with decisions not being enforced. We definitely do not need it to end the profiteering that is the hallmark of the system and which the Government has failed to clamp down on. The system has been in crisis for a very long time, but that is down to Government failures. It is the Government alone that has the wherewithal and power to address it. That should be the approach that is being taken. The average processing time is over two and a half years when we include applications and appeals. The EU migration pact is not going to help us to sort that; only Government action will.”
“The Minister earlier said that this debate is sovereignty in action. It is, but what he is doing in this instance is signing that away. We are not going to have the same capacity to make these decisions because of the EU pact. He is handing away decision-making power. The Government has also signed us up to potential infringement proceedings from the European Union when we inevitably cannot live up to the pact that we have signed up to. That is a bizarre and irresponsible approach to take. We are talking about huge amounts of money that could be lost through infringement proceedings and I would argue that also undermines our sovereignty. We do not need this pact to sort out the issues we have.”
“The reason that Committee Stage scrutiny is not taking place in the justice committee, as requested by the members of that committee, is obviously down to the deadline that has been imposed on the EU asylum and migration pact, to which the Government has signed up. The justice committee produced a report that recommended the Government should reconsider opting out of the majority of the pact. Certainly, that is what should have been done because it undermines Irish sovereignty and transfers powers to the European Union. It should be up to the Irish people and our Government to make decisions on our own migration policy.”
“Clearly, this legislation is being rushed. It is really important legislation that deserves to be debated fully and fleshed out. What is happening here is bad practice. There is a limited time for proper scrutiny and late amendments. It is all very last-minute. It is impossible for TDs and their offices to give this the full level of scrutiny it deserves. It is irresponsible to do business in this manner. Amendment No. 1, which was proposed by Deputy Carthy, very sensibly sought to set out a report in order to ensure we are actually prepared for this legislation and mistakes are not made in this legislation.”
“This is a bad deal for Irish farmers and the Minister needs to fight tooth and nail against these proposals. I was outside the office of Bord Bia today standing with Galway farmers who are continuing their protest against Larry Murrin’s position as chair of Bord Bia. This saga has gone on for far too long.”
“Under this new model, CAP would sit alongside a wide range of other EU policy areas, including cohesion, migration, climate and fisheries. The reality is that this reform would be a watering-down of CAP. This watering-down is also seen in the proposed cuts the Commission intends for the CAP budget. For Ireland, the indicative CAP allocation would mean a reduction of over €2.5 billion, leading to cuts to vital payments. We also saw the Commission’s proposal to end direct payments to farmers in receipt of pensions who have spent decades farming. All of this comes at a time when farmers are facing higher input costs, increased volatility, rising obligations and increased competition from low-standard imports, such as those from the Mercosur countries.”
“In advance of this year’s export season, progress needs to be made in lifting this export ban as the outbreak is now on both sides of our island. Clearly, there is a need for an all-island approach to this outbreak, in terms of both export procedures and vaccination. I call on the Minister to engage, on both a European and an all-island basis, to deliver this. This outbreak of bluetongue is not the only threat the farming sector faces. Issues such as the reforms to CAP, the Government’s failure to block the Mercosur trade deal and generational renewal are fundamental threats Irish farmers are facing. The European Commission’s recent proposals on the future of CAP represent a radical shift in how CAP is to be funded, governed and delivered.”
“The recent discovery of bluetongue cases across the island has been a major setback for the farming sector. While the number of confirmed cases to date has remained low, the consequences of this outbreak for the wider sector are significant. One of these consequences is the recent introduction of bans on the live export of animals between the North and South of this island, except in cases where the animal is intended for direct slaughter. This ban is having a huge effect on livestock farmers who depend on all-island trade, especially those who export animals for breeding or finishing purposes. Last year, the North represented one of the top five destinations for live exports from the Twenty-six Counties.”
“I want to raise the ongoing review of the 2006 wind energy guidelines. Revised guidelines have been promised for many years at this stage, as the Taoiseach is aware. In my constituency, and particularly in the north Galway area, we are facing a huge number of developments in communities such as Clonberne, Killimordaly, Barnaderg, Shancloon and Laurclavagh, to name but a few. The 2006 guidelines were brought forward when turbines were a fraction of the size of modern turbines. They do not protect communities from these developments. The guidelines are totally out of date. I ask that the Taoiseach provide an update on the work that has been undertaken to review these guidelines and a timeline for when updated guidelines will be in place.”
“Again, this is a fantastic school but it is a constant struggle for the teachers and SNAs to support children in the school and meet their needs when they do not receive adequate resources. I ask that these specific cases are looked into also, as well as ensuring we have adequate provision of special class places across the county.”
“The Minister of State mentioned that further information will be provided on this, but when is the question parents have and are coming to me with. They need certainty on this urgently. For children who are in mainstream schools, it is absolutely vital that appropriate SNA and special education teaching, SET, support is in place. I will give two examples. I recently visited Cahergal National School. In recent years, the number of students has increased from 86 to 124, yet the school's support teaching hours have actually decreased from 38 to 37. All the school staff there work exceptionally hard but they need appropriate teaching hours to be able to properly support their pupils, especially those who need a little extra support. Similarly, Castlehackett National School's recent review of SNA hours was unsuccessful.”
“There are a number of areas across east Galway, including the ones I mentioned, where there is significant demand and the schools are ready to accommodate those classes. As much as possible, we need to see delivery on the ground. Parents want certainty around what will be available in their local area. As I said, there is huge demand. It is absolutely critical that adequate places are provided. Far too many children are not being provided with the appropriate place for their needs. Again, I urge the Government to resolve the issue of eligibility letters. Our spokesperson, Deputy Darren O'Rourke, has been working on this and raising it tirelessly because parents need certainty for next September. Children should not be locked out of an appropriate school place because of an arbitrary deadline of 1 October.”
“These kinds of situations are desperately unfair on these children and their families because they are being left in limbo. It needs to be sorted urgently.”
“For example, St. Oliver's Special School in Tuam is totally oversubscribed. Many children are not getting the places they need. Again, the Minister of State has been at that school and is aware of the pressure they are under. I also raise the 1 October deadline for letters of eligibility. This has left in limbo hundreds of children who missed that deadline. They cannot be considered for a special class or special school place because they do not have this letter of eligibility from the National Council for Special Education, NCSE. I have come across a situation locally where the child's professionals and his existing school have all stated that his current school place does not meet his complex needs, yet he cannot be considered for an alternative place. I have raised this situation with the Minister of State's office.”
“I will give a couple of examples. In Esker National School, a number of children there have applied for a special class place. Having a class in that school would enable them to remain in their locality. The Minister of State visited that school not too long ago. He knows the needs that are there, the pressure they are under and the difference this and any other additional supports that can be forthcoming to that school would make, as was discussed during that visit. In St. Vincent's in Coolarne, there is demand in the local area. The school has the appropriate space and facilities to provide inclusive education. It has been engaging on this for a number of years. I also met with Ability West recently. One of the key issues for it and the families it works with is the provision of special class places and places in special schools.”
“Every child is entitled to an education and an appropriate school place. Sadly, many children are being denied this right across County Galway and the State. Children are being left in unsuitable places, not having their needs met and being denied equal opportunities and the chance to realise their full potential. I have been contacted by many parents and schools in relation to the urgent need for increased provision of special school places and special classes locally. I welcome the recent announcements of special classes in places like Clarin College in Athenry, Cummer National School, Corrandrum National School and Killeeneen National School, but there is clear demand for additional classes across Galway East. There are a huge number of areas and schools. Every corner of the county needs increased provision.”
“The Government had the option to only enter the aspects of the EU migration pact which made sense for Ireland. However, it has instead decided to sign up to the full pact, against the recommendations of the justice committee. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have failed for many years to bring order to our international protection system. I fear that this will continue to be the case for the years ahead.”
“For example, last year we saw the Comptroller and Auditor General's review into IPAS providers set out the staggering profiteering and cost over-runs that are taking place within the IPAS system. The report outlined evidence of private operators overcharging for the provision of accommodation, including companies charging for beds that were not provided and charging VAT in circumstances where accommodation is exempt from VAT. The focus of the Government should be on ending this abuse of taxpayers' money and getting our own house in order rather than binding ourselves to EU regulations in this area that will make us liable to EU infringement proceedings. There are clear flaws within the International Protection Bill. Many Members across this Chamber have outlined these flaws, yet the Minister continues to push this Bill through.”
“This report recommended that the Government reconsider opting out of the majority of the EU migration and asylum pact. Officials from the Minister's Department acknowledged that they were unsure how much the State will be liable to pay in infringement proceedings for our inability to meet the requirements of the pact. Even the Minister has indicated that a number of amendments will need to be brought forward by him on Committee Stage on many critical aspects of this Bill. It is the case that the Government has decided to plough on with a deeply flawed Bill that will need wholesale changes. This approach is reflective of the wider mismanagement of the international protection system.”
“This includes all stages in how applications are processed, in granting leave to remain where the case for asylum has been proven, and in enforcing deportations where that is the outcome of the process. Sinn Féin has been clear that migration must be managed in the best interests of the people of Ireland, taking into account our needs in terms of workers for key sectors such as health, capacity of public services and a humanitarian response to those fleeing war and persecution. The Government's decision to sign up to all aspects of the EU asylum and migration pact is not the way to fix the international protection system, nor is it in Ireland's best interest. This sentiment was also reflected in the report from the justice committee's pre-legislative scrutiny of the International Protection Bill.”
“Over the past number of years, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have failed to effectively manage the international protection system. We have seen decisions and appeals taking too long, profiteering from IPAS accommodation providers and a wider loss of confidence from the public that the Government can manage the system. Through this International Protection Bill today, we see that the Government's new strategy on migration is to hand powers over to the EU in the hope that it can avoid blame for its own failures. For an international protection system to work, the public must have confidence that the rules of the system are followed and enforced.”