Manus Boyle
Nominated by the Taoiseach · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I will raise an issue about small craft registration in Ireland. The Marine Survey Office is responsible for registering all vessels, from large cargo ships to small pleasure boats. Registration is essential for every ship travelling to ports in and out of the EU and other countries.”
“In the end, they had no choice but to register their boat in another EU country so they could continue their plans. They are proud Irish people and wanted to sail under the Irish flag but instead have been forced to fly the flag of another country because of the delays in our system.”
“Despite being approved for home care, the family was told there are simply not enough carers available to provide this woman the care she needs. Instead of receiving care at home her condition worsened to the point she had to be hospitalised in Letterkenny.”
“Many patients end up back in the hospital because the care they were promised never materialises. We need urgent investment in our home care services, recruitment and retention of carers and a guarantee that when carers are approved it actually is approved. Older people deserve dignity and families deserve support.”
“I will talk about home care for the elderly. I want to raise a heartbreaking case that highlights the deepening crisis in our healthcare for the elderly. I raised this last week and before on numerous occasions but nothing has improved. We are failing our older people.”
“I concur with my fellow Senators' comments on water safety. It is an important issue, especially in rural counties like my own county of Donegal. With the weather being so good, the beaches are going to be full this weekend. There will be large amounts of people at them. I ask people to be cautious and vigilant of what is going on.”
The complete record
Every one of 308 lines we hold for Manus Boyle, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 7.
“There was a near miss there after Christmas, which got people really concerned. I ask that Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, be requested to carry out a traffic survey at that junction at both drop-off and pick-up times. A serious accident is going to occur there before something is done. We really need TII to step up and carry out a survey during the period 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and at 3 p.m. Our children should be safe going to and coming home from school. In fact, all road users should be safe. Perhaps a sign or something of that nature could be put up at the junction, but TII really needs to take an in-depth look at it at the times to which I refer.”
“I wish to send my condolences to the McCahill family in Ardara on the sad loss of Stephen. Many of us had known Stephen for years. He was Mr. Donegal in 2000 and Donegal Person of the Year 2016. He will be a sad loss to the whole community in the county. I want to talk about Keelogs National school in Inver, County Donegal, which is located beside the N56 - the main road to both Donegal town and Killybegs. A great deal of heavy traffic uses that road, which is also part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The speed of some of the vehicles along the section of road adjacent to the school is, to be honest, frightening. Parents and staff are very concerned that there is a risk of a serious accident at morning drop-off and evening pick-up times at the junction where people turn off the N56 to enter the school.”
“We need to introduce a proper scheme that will help the people of Donegal and other counties. It has to be done. It needs to come soon. As my colleague said, when you can put your hand through the gable of your friend’s or your family’s house, it is too late.”
“These measures are only one part of what needs to be a much broader response that addresses not only the consequences but the causes. We owe it to the people of Donegal and other affected counties to ensure this never happens again. Remediation without prevention is not a solution, it is a cycle. Let this Bill be the moment where we not only help families rebuild their homes but rebuild trust in the systems that are meant to protect them. The issue of the 43 people who were left behind needs to be sorted. It really does. Donegal needs an end-to-end scheme. I am standing here and my heart is breaking. Members of my family live in homes affected by this. I see the stress they are under. I know what this is doing to families; it is tearing them apart.”
“The mandatory testing of aggregates during the manufacturing process must be written into Irish law and not left to voluntary practice. A national construction materials inspectorate must be established. Independent, unannounced inspections of quarries and block plants must become standard. There must be manufacturer accountability. Producers should be required to carry insurance or a bond guaranteeing the quality of their products. The owners of conjoined homes and homeowners in affected estates need to be treated fairly. Neighbours should not be trapped because one house meets the threshold and the other does not. Grant caps should rise automatically with construction inflation. Families should not end up short because costs rise faster than policy. Downsizing also needs to be looked at.”
“This needs to be addressed for affected childcare facilities and schools. The amendment Bill improves the remediation process but does not address the root cause: defective materials entering the supply chain due to weak and outdated testing standards. Donegal homeowners deserve not just support after their homes fail but assurance that no family will suffer the same fate in the future. There needs to be strengthened testing during the manufacturing process. There also needs to be mandatory testing of all aggregate substances, as well as independent inspections and a Donegal-specific remediation approach. This is essential. The State must act not only to remediate but to prevent. Thousands of people, including children, are looking in from Donegal. The Government must now commit to a number of changes to prevent a repeat of this crisis.”
“A dedicated single point of contact would dramatically reduce delays, confusion and administrative pressures on families. Homeowners need flexibility to rebuild adjacent or relocate where required. For families with vulnerable members, or where the existing footprint is unsuitable, rebuilding on the exact location is not realistic. We need to recognise that communities have been displaced. When entire estates are demolished, families need support with relocation, schooling and services. Over the weekend, I received a number of distressing phone calls, emails and letters from homeowners, childcare providers and schools, in particular. The childcare providers have nowhere to go and will have to cease the care they provide for working parents who desperately need this service.”
“These changes will help, but support after the damage is only one part of the solution. We must now do the work to prevent this from ever happening again. What must be done next, especially for my native County Donegal? Donegal has been the epicentre of this crisis. The geology of the county and the scale of the problem means Donegal requires targeted action. If harmful minerals are found, start with demolition before any other work. Partial repair options simply do not work where pyrrhotite or sulphides are present. Unless engineers can prove otherwise, demolition should be the starting point. We also need the automatic retesting of Donegal homes under the revised IS 465. Many homes were assessed using earlier, weaker testing. Homeowners must get a fair chance under the new standard. A Donegal liaison unit must be established.”
“These standards do not require the testing needed to detect mica, pyrrhotite or harmful sulphides. Manufacturers were allowed to self-certify and local authorities had neither the power nor resources to carry out independent inspections. This is how defective blocks entered thousands of homes while complying on paper to outdated rules. The EN 771-3 testing standard does not require manufacturers to test for harmful sulphides. The same standard applies today. This failure is not a failure of the homeowners; it is a failure of the regulatory system. This Bill does include several improvements including increased grant caps and rates, extended eligibility, a technical review option when the revised IS 465 is published, more time for homeowners to complete works and a more flexible approach for vulnerable families and for conjoined homes.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the remediation of the dwellings damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks. I want to acknowledge the thousands of families, particularly those in my home county, Donegal, and those in Mayo, Clare, Limerick and Sligo, who continue to live with stress, uncertainty and financial hardship through no fault of their own. This Bill is an important step, but we also have to be honest about the fact that it does not address the root cause that created this crisis. Until the issues relating to the failures in the manufacturing of aggregates, testing and proper rules and oversight are addressed, we will face the same issues again and again. The system has failed homeowners for decades. Ireland relied on outdated EU harmonised standards for aggregates and concrete blocks.”
“I want to highlight an ongoing issue that is affecting the communities of Bruckless, The Five Points and Curraghfeehan in County Donegal. On nine separate occasions in the last while, the power has gone out and it is not all caused by storms. I want to thank the ESB crews that come out. On all occasions they turn out and get the electricity up and going again. They are great and it only takes a phone call. However, this is serious issue for vulnerable people and residents, particularly elderly people. I am calling on the Minister and the ESB to explain what is wrong with the line and whether we can get it fixed. Do we need a new line? At the end of the day, a community deserves a dependable electricity supply. Maybe the Leader could try to find out what is going on. The line needs to be upgraded for these parishes.”
“I am asking our Ministers and our team out there to hold the line. The next two days are crucial for our coastal communities, for the survival of employment and for everything that goes on in small towns like Killybegs, Castletownbere and Ros an Mhíl and all of our coastal communities. I am asking our Minister and our team to really dig in this time and try to get a deal for Ireland that we can live with and that will be sustainable moving forward. We cannot afford another bad deal.”
“I rise to talk about the discussions on our coastal communities and the fishing sector that are starting in Brussels this evening. The next few days are crucial for our coastal communities. It really is decision time and the decisions made will affect them for years to come. Over the past few years, other countries have not adhered to policy, yet Ireland is holding the can. During the Brexit negotiations, 26% of our mackerel quota was transferred to the UK. Our coastal communities cannot lose anymore. I know our POs are out there as of now and our Minister is going out. I am asking our Minister to hold the line. Ireland has got so many bad deals on fishing that you would not believe it, to be honest. No deal is better for us than a bad deal. We have got enough bad deals down through the years.”
“Their teeth are in great shape because from an early age, they were looked after and cared for. Their teeth were brushed every night. The dentist in Killybegs was second to none. She was a real lady and looked after the children. She made them feel safe if they had to get an extraction or anything like that. She went beyond the call of duty. I ask the Minister of State to take the issue back to the Minister and ask her to look at the situation again.”
“I thank the Minister of State for all she is doing for Donegal. It does not go unnoticed. I really appreciate what she and other Ministers are doing for Donegal. I do not want to be coming in here to give out all the time. I see what is being done in Donegal and am grateful. The Minister of State referred to the fact that we have a large county. It makes no sense for a parent to have to take a half day from work to take a child to Donegal town. We had something that was working well. Can the Department upgrade the premises in Killybegs or acquire a new premises there? There are places available in Killybegs that would be more than happy to accommodate the likes of a dental service. It is vital for children. I know that myself. I have two children, one of whom is a teenager.”
“This should not be seen as an issue with Donegal town; this is not. I wish that service all the best. It is great to have it. I wish we had the same in Killybegs. For fair treatment, there was no consultation about this at all. This was taken away from under people's noses and it is really affecting parents and families in my area. They are coming to me in their droves about it and it needs to be sorted out. Perhaps the Minister of State will help me out with this.”
“Everyone was happy with it. Let us consider the time parents will now have to take off. My children attended the dental service in Killybegs, which was first class. I could pick them up from school and bring them back and would normally be gone for an hour or an hour and a half. Now, when I have to travel to Donegal town, I will be away for perhaps half a day if I take them out of school and bring them back. There was no consultation I know of with anyone in the local area. This just happened overnight and the people of the area feel disadvantaged. When we had something that was working very well in a rural community, it should have been kept, enhanced and reinforced, because parents just do not have the time to be running here, there and everywhere. I have nothing against Donegal town. It has a first class, state-of-the-art service.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming. Since I have been in the House, I have been calling for more dentists and dental hygienists. For decades, we had a school dental service, which played a vital role in ensuring early detection and through which children from first class, to fourth and sixth class typically received oral health treatment. The Killybegs dental service played a vital role in the areas of Glencolumbkille, Carrick, Kilcar, Bruckless and Dunkineely for decades. This surgery had a patient list of more than 500 children. People are now being forced to travel long distances to Donegal town. The point furthest away, Glencolumbkille, is 54 km from Donegal town. If people have to go for emergency treatment to Ballyshannon, it is 72.6 km or an hour and ten minutes of travel. We had a service that was working well.”
“I urge everyone to speak to their loved ones about dangerous driving habits before it is too late. A simple talk could save a loved one's life. I commend the joint initiative and call on all Members of this House to highlight this message. Everybody comes out when there is an accident. Let us have a talk with our loved ones before they have an accident and get them to slow down. Road safety is everybody's responsibility. Let us make this Christmas a season of joy and care, not a season of tragedy.”
“Today, I want to draw the attention of the Leader and Members to a vital cross-Border road safety initiative that was launched in Donegal yesterday by An Garda Síochána and the PSNI. This campaign will run until 5 January and comes at a crucial time as we approach the festive season. The focus from the PSNI is on "the fatal five" behaviours, which the Garda refers to as "key lifesaver offences". They are driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, using mobile phones while driving, speeding and failure to wear seat belts. These behaviours are not minor infringements, they are the leading cause of deaths on the road. So far this year, 168 lives have been lost on Irish roads, including ten in my own county of Donegal. Behind each statistic, a family is grieving and a community is shattered.”
“At the moment, the court is sitting in Ballyshannon. I have no problem with that but local businesses are really feeling the pinch with the courthouse being closed. Will the Minister come in and give us an idea of what is going on, which we can relay back to the people of Donegal? They are very worried the courthouse will be closed for good. I would welcome a statement from him in the House to let the people of Donegal town know what is happening.”
“I would like to be associated with the words of sympathy on Donal Carey to his family on this sad occasion. I wish to raise an issue I previously raised in early October, that being, the Donegal courthouse on Tyrconnell Street in Donegal. The building dates back to the early 19th century. People in Donegal are very concerned about what is happening with the courthouse and how long it is taking. What assessments have been carried out and what are the plans to refurbish and reopen it? Is there any funding available to preserve this civic building? It is an old building with a designated place at the heart of Donegal. People see it as they drive through the town. I ask that the Minister for Justice come to the House to give an update on what is happening and whether another place is available in Donegal town.”
“A theme of DEIS is to target disadvantaged areas, and Meentinadea National School should definitely fit the bill in that regard. The Department needs to review the criteria and the way the rules are applied. I ask the Minister to take an urgent look at this to ensure the system is fair. Hopefully, Meentinadea can be added to the DEIS plan moving forward. It is a really good, hard-working school. Down through 90 years, so many people have passed through its doors. The Irish language has been kept alive in the parish of Ardara and the surrounding areas. Will the Leader ask the Minister to look at Meentinadea National School? There is a really proud tradition of the Irish language there. It deserves the DEIS plan.”
“I thank everyone who was involved today. It has been an historic day, and a great day to be here. I want to raise the issue of Meentinadea National School. It is a lovely, hard-working school, just off the main Ardaghey to Ardara road. The Cathaoirleach probably knows it. He has probably passed it once or twice. Meentinadea has been the cornerstone of Irish education in the parish of Ardara for over 90 years. It was built in 1932 to replace the old school. In fact, my father and his siblings attended the school. It has served generations of families in the rural Gaeltacht community, keeping the Irish language alive. Despite a proud history of cultural significance, it was excluded from DEIS, even though other schools in the area qualify.”
“Finally, I wonder how to put this nicely. We really need to strengthen our hand in Brussels. It is one of the most important things. My colleague Senator O'Donovan was with me last time. It is important that we get a strong team there.”
“We have a good team, in fairness, but compared with the eighties, when we were winning all around us, it is a big difference. You see the difference, even in the school numbers, because people are leaving. They are going to offshore wind farms and to Australia. They really have to because you cannot stay around. At one time, the fishing industry would work in Killybegs from September to May. Now you are lucky if you get a month's work out of it. It is devastating for coastal communities. The Minister of State talked about the Tánaiste. We need to be looking down the road of Government supports if things go very wrong. It is the last thing any fisherman wants to hear or see. All we want is fish. We are happy if we get the quota and can fish away, but the Government has to look at supports down the line.”
“The Minister of State, since the moment I met him, has said he would stand up for it and he is standing up, as is the whole Government, but we really need everybody to stand up. There are 17,000 jobs in the fishing industry. If we lost 17,000 jobs anywhere, it would leave an enormous hole. As the Minister of State said, the service industry has grown up around these places, in Killybegs, Castletown and Howth. They are all part of the industry, including net makers, engineering companies, hydraulic companies and boat builders. They all employ people. Those people's jobs will be in jeopardy. If they go, our communities will be decimated. In the eighties, Killybegs had a football team and it was top of the division. Now, we are struggling to get a team.”
“It is hard for the Irish people to look at the ship automatic identification system, SIS, and see that there are Belgians, French, Spanish and Dutch off the Irish coast, fishing away, yet our boats are tied to the pier. Our coastal communities are decimated by it. We can talk to the inshore fishermen. They are feeling the pain. So are the island fishermen, who are getting cut too. They really need support. I cannot understand how the EEC can let Norway come in and fish in exclusive economic zone waters, as the Minister of State said, without a contribution to Ireland. We got a deal a couple of years ago where we let them in for 150,000 tonnes and Ireland got 10,000 tonnes. I do not know who is doing the maths but there was a bad deal. That needs to be stopped.”
“I must credit the now Tánaiste, Simon Harris. Since the minute he rang me, he has given me 100% support for the fishing industry. We need that. We really do, because we got so many bad deals over the years. As the Minister of State said, Brexit introduced a cut of 26%. It beggars belief how we could give away so much to other countries. The nearest only gives 6%. Ireland was done over with that. We all heard in Killybegs at that time that we should not worry about it because burden-sharing was coming and it would be sorted. It was never sorted. We are only feeling it now in our ports. Standing on the pier, you see the boats tied to the pier, and every other nation is fishing.”
“I met my father on the pier and said to him that the boys were in bad humour because nothing was being done. Senator Blaney knows him well. He said to me, "Manus, one thing you have to do is stand up for things that you think are wrong." That evening, I decided to call a meeting in Killybegs. That was a Thursday evening. On a Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock, we had more than 300 people in the Tara Hotel. I wanted to take a stand for what is right. The fishing industry has been decimated for years upon years. Nobody cared. When I first came to this House four years ago, it was very hard to even get a meeting. In fairness to the then Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, he was the only one who opened the door. I spent weeks coming here, along with fish processors and everything, trying to get meetings, but in fairness to him, he took a lead on it.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming in. I thank all my fellow Senators, cross-party. When the Minister of State is going to Europe, he knows there is one united voice behind the fishing industry in Ireland. It is important that we get a deal for our fishermen. For far too long, as a fellow Senator said, we have been the poor relation at the table. It is time that we got a good deal for Ireland and stood up for our people. A fellow Senator said it is a bit too late. Maybe it is. I do not know. I started on his journey four years ago when we were sitting in a canteen and a couple of my men asked me what I was going to do about it, because nobody was doing anything. We were loading a freezer boat that day and I was asking myself what we could do.”
“In essence, it is a call for fairness, sustainability and a future vision for Ireland’s fishing industry that will bring new opportunities. For generations, our coastal communities have lived with the sea. They have respected and relied on the sea and have contributed immensely to our national identity. We owe them not only respect but also action. This motion is a step forward towards action. I call for fairness, a fair balance and for the protection of the sector that has shaped Ireland for centuries. We must stand together and united. I am pleased to support the motion and I encourage all members of this House to do likewise.”
“We must insist that we get patrol capacity, surveillance technology, data systems and intelligence sharing. The regulatory framework for the sustainability of our marine resources depends on this. This is not an abstract policy debate. These issues are felt deeply and personally in the homes of fishing families across the country. The motion recognises the challenges facing the fishing industry and its members, the need for stronger advocacy within the EU, the importance of defending our waters from disproportionate access, the role of the shore-based services in our coastal economies, the need for modern safe vessels, the vulnerability of our small-scale fishing enterprises, and the importance of robust enforcement to protect the fishing stock.”
“It is a necessity for survival in competitive European and world markets. We must target support for small-scale inshore fishing enterprises. These people are often the backbone of rural communities. They maintain the tradition, supplying local markets, and they have a minimal environmental footprint, yet they are also the most vulnerable to cuts and rising costs. Government support must be tailored to their needs. The sustainability of our coastline depends on the survival of these small enterprises. This motion calls for enhanced enforcement and monitoring to protect Irish waters from illegal or extensive fishing activities by non-EU vessels. That is essential. Ireland must defend its maritime sovereignty. We must ensure that vessels operating in our narrow waters adhere strictly to quotas, conservation rules and safety standards.”
“If we want to maintain competitive, sustainable communities, we must ensure that fish caught in Irish waters are also processed, stored, distributed and, ideally, branded and marketed in Ireland. We should not accept the trend whereby raw product leaves our shore only to return as a more valuable imported product. This is not a vision of a modern, resilient seafood sector. This motion calls for investment, modernisation and safety for the fishing fleet. Our fishermen and women undertake one of the most dangerous professions in the world. They deserve vessels that are safe, efficient and compliant with evolving standards. They deserve access to grant schemes to support engine upgrades, fuel efficient technology, improved safety equipment and vessel modernisation. Modernisation is not a luxury.”
“They must serve the interest of the Irish people, first and foremost. Any further agreements must be generally reciprocal and negotiated with transparency and demonstrate the benefits to the Irish fishing sector. There is no justification for granting expanded access to countries that already benefit from arrangements the Irish regard as excessive. Third, this motion rightly emphasises the need to safeguard and develop our shore-based services, such as processing facilities, cold storage, freezing capacity, transport, logistics infrastructure, repair and maintenance service, and in value-added seafood enterprises. These services are the lifeblood of coastal employment. Without them, fish simply pass through our ports and leave no economic footprint behind them.”
“For that reason, this motion calls on the Government to advocate for fairer quota allocations for Ireland at EU level. I wholeheartedly support this. This motion continues to press the European Commission, the Council of Ministers and our fellow member states to address the problems created by Brexit and other negotiations. Ireland should not carry a disproportionate burden of the loss. We must insist on a review mechanism of the Common Fisheries Policy, CFP, a rebalancing of the shares and a future framework that recognises the scale Ireland has contributed to the EU, EU waters and conservation. This motion calls on the Government to oppose any further concessions that allow third countries disproportionate access into Irish waters. We must speak with clarity on this and with fairness. Our waters are a natural resource.”
“One issue that has become deeply contentious is the access granted to third countries, most notably Norway, to fish Irish waters under current arrangements. Let me be clear: Ireland is not opposed to an equal, balanced international agreement. We understand that fishery management is a shared responsibility and co-operation is essential for sustainability, but the perception and the reality is that Ireland has given far too much and received little or nothing in return. Irish waters are among the richest fishing grounds in Europe, yet fishermen and women are being squeezed from both sides by reduced EU quotas and the arrangement that allows non-EU states to fish species they themselves have limited or no access to inside their own jurisdiction. This is not defensible. It is not fair and it is not sustainable.”
“This investment has delivered upgraded piers, improved safety features, enhanced berthing facilities, and vital modifications across the fishery harbour centres and numerous small community harbours. Infrastructure investment is more than concrete and steel. It is the foundation of an economic activity. Modern ports are essential if we expect our fleets to operate safely, efficiently and competently. They also are the backbone of our shore-based services, such as processing facilities, cold storage, ice plants and service industries, such as net makers and engineering companies. While the programme for Government is welcome, we cannot be complacent. Investment must continue, and in some cases be accelerated, if we are to sustain our fishing industry's future long term.”
“For many of our coastal communities, fishing is the backbone of our local employment, an anchor in our social activity and the source of our inherent identity. Fishing is not only a job; it is our heritage. It is a culture built on skills, courage and respect for the sea. Places such as Killybegs, Castletown, Kilmore Quay, Howth, Union Hall and Greencastle are not simply points on a map; they are living communities that define their relationship with the ocean. The loss or decline of fishing activities in these towns is not merely an economic blow that threatens our very existence. We also must acknowledge the substantial investment undertaken by the Government through the fishery harbour and coastal infrastructure development programme.”
“For some small-scale inshore fishermen and women, the pressures are magnified even further. Many are operating on tight margins and in some cases below the threshold of viability. If these structural pressures were not enough, the impact of international agreements, including those granting access to non-EU states, have left many feeling devastated. They see others fishing in Irish waters while they themselves are constrained by reduced quotas. The question arises: how can this be fair? How can Europe allow this? It is impossible to overstate the importance of the Irish fishing industry. Economically, it contributes hundreds of millions of euro annually, but the true value of the industry cannot be captured in figures alone.”
“However, we all know that the existence of a dedicated Minister does not on its own resolve the mounting difficulties faced by Ireland or its fishing communities when Ireland's industry is operating in one of the most challenging environments in decades. Quota reductions agreed at EU level, influenced by international negotiations, have cut deeply into the viability of the fishing enterprise. Brexit, in particular, has had devastating consequences. Ireland handed back far more quota proportionally than any EU member state. This imbalance is still being felt in our ports, on our piers and in our households and fishing families from Donegal to Cork, Howth, Dunmore East, Dingle, Castletown and many others. Rising operational costs, fuel prices, increased insurance, maintenance and regulatory compliance are pushing stakeholders to the brink.”
“This is not merely a procedural development but a symbolic gesture that reflects the recognition at the high level of the Government that the marine sector, our fisheries, our coastal infrastructure, aquaculture and offshore require focused leadership, a clear strategic voice and a consistent voice at the Cabinet table. For far too long, marine issues were dispersed across multiple Departments, diluting accountability and slowing progress. The Minister of State for the marine is a welcome step towards better co-ordination, stronger policy delivery and a deeper appreciation of what the sea means for Ireland, not only economically but environmentally, culturally and societally.”
“I thank the Acting Chairperson, the Minister of State and my esteemed colleagues for coming in. I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important motion tonight. It goes to the heart of the matter. It is not only strategic, but economic and deeply cultural and profoundly human, for the future of the Irish fishing industry and coastal communities depend on it. I acknowledge the appointment of a dedicated Minister of State with responsibility for the marine, Deputy Dooley, as part of the programme for Government commitments.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann: - acknowledges the appointment of a Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries, and for the Marine, as part of Programme for Government commitments; - acknowledges the challenges faced by Irish fishermen and women due to anticipated quota reductions driven by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) scientific advice, rising operational costs, and the impact of international agreements on the sustainability of the sector; - notes the vital economic, cultural, and social importance of the fishing industry to coastal communities across Ireland; - notes the investment by Government in our ports, under the Fisheries Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme; - expresses concern that third countries, including Norway, refuse to set total allowable catches in line with the ICES advice; - considers that this irresponsible behaviour demonstrates that these third countries do not see the EU as an equal partner in managing our stocks of shared interest; - expresses concern about the access granted to third countries, including Norway, to fish in Irish waters under current arrangements; calls on the Government to: - invoke the relevant Hague Preferences, at the appropriate time; - oppose any further concessions that allow third countries disproportionate access to Irish waters, while showing disregard for ICES scientific advice; - safeguard and develop shore-based services, including fish processing, storage, and transport infrastructure, to maintain employment and economic activity in coastal regions; - increase investment in modernisation and safety measures for the fishing fleet; - provide targeted supports for small-scale and inshore fishers to ensure the viability of traditional fishing communities; and - enhance enforcement and monitoring to protect Irish waters from illegal or excessive fishing activities by non-EU vessels.”
“I ask for an update from the Minister on what is happening with Bridge Street, what has been done and what will be done in the future so these people can go to bed at night and be reassured the river is not going to come into their houses once more. This was the second time it happened. It can never happen again.”
“I ask that the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, OPW, give an update on Bridge Street in Killybegs in County Donegal. The street was flooded in November 2024 and the devastating scenes were seen worldwide. People on Bridge Street lost everything that day. Businesses closed and never reopened. We are coming up to the one-year anniversary. Over the weekend, with the heavy rain warning and heavy rain in Donegal, residents rang me about what has happened. They say very little has been done. They do not see any emergency measures being taken. They feel left behind and neglected.”
“They are saving the country a fortune by looking after people with special needs. I urge the Minister for Social Protection to review and simplify the forms, provide clear guidance and ensure families can receive assistance when filling out these forms. One mother said she spent two weeks gathering information and filling out this form and there was nobody to help her. She is looking after her child at the same time. Surely, we can put something in place when these forms come out. I saw one of them. They are so long and technical. Somebody should be available to give a hand to the mother or father to fill out these forms and take the stress out of this.”
“I raise an issue that is causing real hardship for families, namely, the filling out of the domiciliary care application forms. These forms are far too long and technical. A couple of families who contacted me in County Donegal described the process as overwhelming. One mother told me she spent weeks gathering and filling out paperwork only to have her application rejected. Nothing changed on her appeal but it was granted. This is crazy. Parents feel they are begging for an allowance to which they are rightly entitled. These families are exhausted caring for children with significant needs. They should not have to fight for access to essential supports to which they should be entitled. The stress and anxiety this is causing are unacceptable. We need to be supporting these people.”
“Hopefully, when the Minister of State goes back to the other Minister of State, the latter will make a call to Donegal County Council to find out what is going on and whether we can push it on.”