Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Labour Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“The next card is the “Just a Minute” card and is used by people with hidden disabilities who may need just a minute longer than other people to get their stuff together or maybe realise what they are being asked. It is particularly used in banks, post offices and shops and means the person does not have to say they do not understand.”
“I wish to raise awareness of two cards that people who have a lot going on in their lives use. The first one is called a "No Wait" card and it is used by people who need access to a toilet, often very often, but always very quickly. They show this card to business so that they can get access to toilets.”
“No one goes out on a pitch to lose and the commentary, particularly on social media, is just shocking. In a world where you can be anything, be kind. These lads and lassies are feeling it already without people rubbing it in.”
“I dtosach báire, déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Seanadóir Garret Ahearn mar Threoraí nua an tSeanaid agus leis an Seanadóir Cathal Byrne mar Príomh-Aoire an tSeanaid. Tá súil agam go mbeidh an t-ádh leo beirt. Sport is very topical at the moment. There is a lot going on in the GAA and also in the world of soccer.”
“I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Licensing of Outdoor Events) Regulations 2026 Regulations 2026, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 2nd July, 2026, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, i…”
“I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.5) Regulations 2026, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 2nd July, 2026, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in a…”
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“A 7% increase is not a luxury; it is a necessary adjustment that would make a genuine and immediate difference to the pensioners' daily lives. Despite being fully entitled to this increase, they still have no clarity on when it will be paid. When An Post was established in 1984, pensioners were given a firm commitment that their pension entitlements would not be less favourable than those of civil servants. This was not a vague aspiration; it was a statutory guarantee under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983. That promise must carry weight. It must be honoured in practice, not merely acknowledged in theory. An Post began the internal process to implement the increases in October 2025.”
“I would like the relevant Minister to come to the Chamber to provide a clear and comprehensive update on the implementation of the pension increase due to retired An Post workers and to explain the continued application of the 2% cap on the pension increase under the 2013 pension accord. Two core issues now require urgent attention. The first is the 7% increase owed to An Post pensioners, comprising 6% from 1 January 2025 and a further 1% from 1 June 2025. The second is the rationale for maintaining the restrictive 2% cap on the pension increase, a cap that is increasingly out of step with the realities faced by pensioners today. Like so many older and retired people across the country, An Post pensioners are living longer, managing higher fuel costs and struggling with persistent increases in the cost of living.”
“I would like to open a discussion on foreign direct investment and how we, as a country, can entice more of this investment. There was a slot on the radio the other morning during which the lack of office space for big companies wanting to set up here was discussed. Cork city in particular was talked about. Cork city is a brilliant place to set up a business. We have a talented workforce, and it is good for family life. We have a good university and there is proximity to the airport and train station. It was highlighted that the lack of office space for any company interested in setting up here is a big deterrent.”
“In the new year, I ask that we bring in the relevant Minister to talk about what can be done once and for all? I know there are two by-elections due but, other than that, the local elections are a good bit away, as is the general election, please God. Now is the time to do it. I also wish everybody a happy Christmas. It is important that we all look out for each other over Christmas. It is not always a happy time. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
“The issue I raise today is the register of electors. After every election, people say the register needs to be reviewed and updated but it never happens. There has not been any sizeable work done on it for years. People who have passed away are getting polling cards, which is obviously upsetting for families, especially if it is a recent bereavement. It is hard to get people off the register. We must remember these families are mourning and have an awful lot on their plates besides ringing the county hall to explain their case. Something needs to be done. The register of electors also results in false figures for turnout because many of the people on it are deceased. There are duplicate and triplicate entries. When we hear turnout was a certain percentage it cannot be accurate.”
“I know many schools have excellent career guidance but for many reasons students may not wish to interact with a careers guidance teacher. Obviously, parents could also contact the helpline. It is very important that students realise the importance of these decisions.”
“In January there will be many TY students throughout the country choosing subjects for their leaving certificate. Choosing subjects for the leaving certificate is one of the most important decisions students make and it is often underrated how important these decisions are. These choices shape academic pathways. They can open some doors and close others. The importance of choosing the correct subjects is often underrated. I would like a helpline to be set up, even just for the month of January, that students could ring to ask questions such as, "If I do physics what does it open for me? If I do not do it, what does it close for me?" Parents could also get involved and just seek a bit of help. It would show the importance of these choices.”
“I would like to invite the Minister to the House so that we might know exactly what the plans are to ensure this does not spread and to give more information about the whole thing.”
“I look forward to working with her and progressing the whole field of disabilities. I have congratulated her personally but would like to do so publicly today. It is very important that there is a plan going ahead and that we in this House are aware of what it is. In the small time I have left, I ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Heydon, to come in to discuss the whole issue of bluetongue. There are a couple of cases in Northern Ireland. Thankfully, it is not spread from person to person or animal to animal. It is insect spread and, thankfully, there are no fears about human life. However, if it came south, it would have huge consequences for our agricultural industry.”
“On behalf of Fianna Fáil, I express our sympathy to the family of the late Donal Carey on his passing. I never had the privilege to meet Donal but everything I have heard about him shows he epitomised all that was very good in politics. He was a Member of both Houses and went on to be a Minister of State. He obviously had great taste because he often holidayed in the most beautiful constituency in Ireland, Cork South-West. On behalf of my party, I extend our sympathy to Leonora, Donal, and our former colleague Joe, who is a friend to many in both Houses. God rest Donal's soul. I would like to officially congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Emer Higgins, on her recent appointment as Minister of State for disabilities. I would like to ask her to come to the House to lay out exactly what her plans are.”
“I speak about the recent fatal road traffic accidents. It is all so upsetting. Young people were going for a night out. There was a man at work and a man going to work doing ordinary everyday things and they never came home. I pass on my sympathies to their families, friends and those who will always be affected by what happened. I ask that the Minister would come in to discuss his plans for road safety. Something has to change and, if we can save one life, it would be fantastic. I would like the Deputy Leader to invite the Minister to the House to discuss the subject of road safety.”
“As legislators, we should take every opportunity we can to help children to make sure there is funding for any programmes which, as I say, will allow a child to be a child.”
“I start by wishing my good friend and colleague, Senator Wilson, a very happy birthday. I think we all agree he is looking very well for 70. Today is World Children's Day. On this date in 1959, the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child was adopted and on this date in 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted. This day, 20 November, is a very important day with regard to children. I have just come out of a meeting of the committee on children and equality at which we discussed child poverty and child deprivation. I think we can all agree that a child should be allowed to be a child. Children should have happy, carefree days and enjoy the world while they can. Unfortunately, poverty and deprivation prevent many children from doing that.”
“Maybe there could be something like a publicity campaign, especially for older people, to tip them off not to give out their details, no matter what, and to check with the company or whatever on behalf of which the scammers are pretending to contact them. I would like the Minister to come in to discuss the whole subject of scamming.”
“Scams have been so prevalent lately that many people are losing an awful lot of money. I feel particularly sorry for older people who have obviously saved money and who can lose it so fast. Many older people are losing confidence in life as a result. They are getting depressed and sad and feel foolish. It is not only old people. We must remember that these scammers are really professional. I came close to falling for a couple of scams. Thank God I did not. Some of these scams so professional and elaborate. It is probably serious enough that we should ask the Minister to come before the House to outline his plans in this area going forward.”
“We must also respond to demographic realities. Disability is increasing among children and older adults. ERSI research shows that 36% of 13-year-olds born in 2008 have some degree of disability. Our service must evolve to meet this growing and diverse need, with mainstream first delivery and universal design at the core. This strategy is a step change and a chance to do better. It is an opportunity to be better and to ensure that disabled people are seen, heard and respected. It is a chance to build a society in which equal voices lead to equal actions and equal futures. Let us honour the voices that shape the strategy and deliver on the commitments that we make here today. Let us ensure that by working together, the disabled people of Ireland will by 2030 be able to say with confidence that they are equal and feel included.”
“These pillars are not isolated. Rather, they reflect a whole-of-life perspective because, as one disabled person said so eloquently, and as quoted by the Minister, a person's life is not divided into Government Departments. That is why the strategy adopts a whole-of-government approach, with every Department and State agency responsible for delivering on its commitments. It is important that every Department works together and every law that is passed is disability-proofed. Oversight and accountability are built in. The Taoiseach will chair the delivery committee - that is how important this is to our party – which will report every six months. Disabled people will sit on implementation groups. This is not tokenism; it is co-leadership. It is a case of nothing about us without us. That will be put into action.”
“It will promote safeguarding, dignity and well-being, and it will make sure disabled people are aware of and can access screening services and health promotion programmes. The fifth pillar is transport and mobility. Mobility is freedom. The strategy takes a whole-of-journey approach, applying universal design principles to infrastructure and services. It will reduce the notice required for public transport and support those who need personal mobility options. We have all seen people at train stations, etc., waiting to be put on a train or bus and it is very degrading. It would be great if a person with a disability could decide to go on any bus or train like the rest of us. Whether by bus, train, car or on foot, disabled people must be able to move freely and confidently in environments designed with inclusion in mind.”
“Disabled people must have the right and the means to live where and how they choose, not where anyone else chooses for them. That means better access to housing, personal assistance and support services. It also means full participation in arts, culture, sport and civic life, including political engagement. The strategy commits to improving access to justice and ensuring disabled people are not unnecessarily drawn into the criminal justice system. The fourth pillar is health and well-being. This strategy will improve access to inclusive, integrated health services, from early intervention to mental health supports and from oral health to audiology. It will ensure that disabled children and their families receive timely services based on need.”
“We have made progress by doubling the special classes, expanding special schools and increasing support staff, but we must go further. By 2030, we want to see higher achievement rates and better outcomes for disabled learners. The second pillar is employment. The disability employment gap remains stubbornly persistent. This strategy aims to close that gap. It expands programmes like the work and access programme and doubles the number of dedicated disability employment advisers in Intreo offices. It promotes hiring in both the public and private sectors and ensures that disabled people receive the right supports at the right time to access or return to work, if that is what they so choose. The third pillar is independent living and active participation in society. This pillar puts autonomy, choice and community at the heart of the policy.”
“As Fianna Fáil Seanad spokesperson on children, disability and equality, I welcome this strategy wholeheartedly. It is ambitious, inclusive and grounded in the principle that disabled people must be treated the same as everyone else, not differently, better or worse but equally. As the Minister stated, this strategy is structured around five key pillars, each addressing a critical area of life. I will briefly touch on each of them. The first is inclusive learning and education. We know that education is the foundation of opportunity. This strategy commits to creating a more inclusive education system that respects the rights of every child and young person to access the learning environment that suits his or her needs best. It will improve transitions, support educators and ensure that disabled learners are not left behind.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire agus gabhaim buíochas léi as a bheith anseo tráthnóna. Today, we mark a transformative moment in our national journey towards equality, dignity and inclusion. The launch of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 is not just a policy milestone; it is a statement of values, a commitment to justice and a recognition of the lived experiences of disabled people in Ireland. This is the first strategy published since Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and it is deeply significant that disabled people themselves have led its development. From the motto, "Equal voices, equal actions, equal futures", to the priorities identified, this strategy reflects what disabled people have told us they need and not what others think they need.”
“This is the power of public investment. While challenges do remain, the pathway is clear. We are building a system that is affordable, high quality and accessible. We are investing in our children. We are supporting our educators and we are strengthening our communities. Let us continue this journey together with ambition, compassion and determination. When we invest in our children, we invest in the future of Ireland.”
“With €36 million in capital funding we will begin acquiring buildings for State-led childcare, which is an historic step forward. This will allow us to respond to gaps in provision and ensure that no child is left behind due to geography or affordability. We remain focused on affordability. Our goal is to reduce fees to €200 per month. Budget 2026 introduces new maximum fee caps to help families facing the highest costs. This is a key step forward towards the target. For many families this could mean the difference between struggling and thriving. We also continue to support the early childhood care and education programme, which benefits more than 105,000 children annually. Uptake rates exceed 96% and data shows that more than 40% of families would not have been able to send their child to a preschool without it.”
“This will ensure that every child, regardless of ability, can participate meaningfully in early education. Inclusion is not luxury; it is a necessity. Our equal start programme is another pillar of progress. It targets disadvantage with universal and tailored supports, including nutrition programmes, language development and inclusion training. In 2026 the number of priority settings receiving targeted supports will rise to 820. This means more Traveller and Roma children, more children with language delays and more families facing hardship will be supported in a meaningful way. We are not stopping there. The Government is developing a forward planning and delivery unit to explore public provision alongside private and community providers.”
“These will raise minimum hourly wages for early years educators and school age childcare practitioners, some by as much as €2 per hour. Approximately 67% of staff will see their wages increase. This is not only about fairness, it is about recognising the vital role these professionals play in shaping our children's futures. Let me pause here to acknowledge the educators, the people who every morning greet our children, nurture their curiosity and help them to grow socially and emotionally. They are not just workers, they are builders of our futures and they deserve to be valued, respected and fairly compensated. We are also expanding support for children with disabilities through the award-winning access and inclusion model, AIM. In 2026 up to 9,000 children will benefit, with AIM now extending beyond the ECCE hours.”
“Families now pay 36% less for early learning and childcare than they did in 2022. This is real relief for parents and real support for providers. It means more children can access quality care and more parents can return to work or education with peace of mind, if they wish to do so. In budget 2026 we have allocated €1.48 billion to the sector. This funding will support an additional 35,000 children under the national childcare scheme, bringing the total to more than 286,000. This is a 14% increase. This is proof of our commitment to access, affordability and quality. We know that investment alone is not enough. Pay and conditions in the sector have long been a challenge. This is why we warmly welcome the adoption of the new employment regulation orders.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire chun an tSeanaid. Tá mé an-bhuíoch di as a bheith anseo anocht. I am honoured to speak today on a matter that touches the heart of every community in Ireland, which is early learning and childcare. Fianna Fáil welcomes this debate and our commitment is clear. It is to make Ireland a great place to raise a family, where every child is given an equal start in life and equal opportunities throughout their journey. We all know the early years of a child's life are the most formative. They shape not only the child's future but the future of our society. This is why investing in early learning and childcare is not just a policy decision, it is a moral imperative. Since 2020 we have doubled State investment in childcare. This is not only a statistic, it is a transformation.”
“The Action Plan will set out plans to achieve Programme for Government commitments, including the commitment to reduce maximum monthly fees to €200 over the lifetime of the Government. While noting that further developments and investment are required, Seanad Éireann recognises that there are many positive and progressive elements to the current early learning and childcare sector and acknowledges the pathway for improving access, affordability and quality is set out in the new Programme for Government."”
“Seanad Éireann welcomes: - the commitment by Government to a reduction in fees paid by parents to €200 per month over its lifetime; - the Budget 2026 announcement of new maximum fee caps in 2026 that will reduce costs for families paying the highest fees across the country as a key step towards that €200 per month target; - enhancements in Year 5 of the scheme to improve pay for educators and school age childcare practitioners with implementation of new Employment Regulation Orders; - the work underway to develop an Action Plan to ‘ build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early education and care system with State-led facilities adding capacity ', with the Action Plan to be published in two phases, with the second phase to follow after undertaking a broad public consultation, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government.”
“Seanad Éireann also: acknowledges that there continues to be evidence of some families having difficulty finding appropriate places at a cost that is affordable and that despite progress in recent years, owing to intervention by the State, the workforce in the sector remains a low-paid one; acknowledges and welcomes the development of a Forward Planning and Delivery Unit, with important work underway in that Unit to develop a forward planning model and explore options to introduce public provision to operate alongside private and community providers where there are shortfalls in capacity, supported by €36 million in capital funding in 2026, which will enable for the first time the acquisition of buildings by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to begin an element of State-led early learning and childcare.”
“I move amendment No. 2: To delete all words after "Seanad Éireann" and substitute the following: "welcomes the significant prioritisation by the Government of measures designed to: - reduce out-of-pocket costs of early learning and childcare for families; - better align the supply of State-subsidised early learning and childcare with demand; and - increase the pay and improve the working conditions of early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners, as well as develop career pathways and promote careers in the sector, in line with Nurturing Skills, the Workforce Plan (2021-2028); acknowledges the unprecedented growth in State funding in the sector, which has increased by 161 per cent since 2020, with the Budget 2026 allocation to be €1.48 billion; acknowledges and welcomes the major achievements of the funding model recommended in the Partnership for Public Good to deliver increased investment accompanied by increased public management, in particular: - the continued implementation of the National Childcare Scheme, with approximately 35,000 additional children or 286,000 children in total set to benefit from subsidies in 2026, including children in childminding settings; - the continuation of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme that will benefit more than 105,000 children in 2026 – which enjoys uptakes rates in excess of 96 per cent and has removed barriers to accessing pre-school education, with data from a recent review showing that more than 40 per cent of families would not have been able to send their child to pre-school without this programme; - the award-winning Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), that will support up to 9,000 children with a disability to access the ECCE programme in 2026, with AIM now expanded beyond the ECCE programme, where ECCE children are benefitting from AIM support outside the ECCE programme hours – both in term and out, and AIM capitation increasing by 10 per cent to bring rates into line with new rates of pay for early years educators under the updated Employment Regulation Orders; - Equal Start – the funding model and set of universal and targeted measures to support access to, and participation in, early learning and childcare for children and their families who experience disadvantage, with the number of settings designated as priority settings in receipt of targeted supports to rise from 787 to 820 in 2026; - Core Funding – with the allocation of €393 million in year 4 of the scheme (September 2025-August 2026) set to rise by at least 11 per cent in year 5 (September 2026-August 2027) to at least €437 million - to support a range of important priorities, including: - accessibility for families through funding for growth in the sector at 4.2 per cent; - affordability to support services to sustainably maintain fee management conditions, including new maximum fee caps benefitting parents facing the highest fees across the country; - quality through support with the costs of the new Employment Regulation Orders that commenced on 13 October through which approximately 67 per cent of staff working in the sector will see an increase in pay; acknowledges and welcomes the major progress in implementation of the National Action Plan for Childminding (2021-2028), with the commencement of Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Childminding Services) Regulations 2024 and relevant sections of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 making it possible for childminders to start applying to Tusla to go through the registration process, and once registered by Tusla, to apply to take part in the National Childcare Scheme; acknowledges and welcomes the latest data from a range of sources that shows capacity in the early learning and childcare sector is increasing in terms of the number of places and hours of provision that services are offering, the number of places opening and the number of staff in the early learning and childcare workforce, with: - data from the Early Years Sector Profile Survey showing that, between 2021/22 and 2023/24, the estimated number of enrolments in services rose by 19 per cent from 197,185 to 234,597; - data from Tusla on service closures and new service registrations showing a net increase of 226 in the overall number of services in 2024 and a six-year low in the number of service closures; - data from the Early Years Sector Profile Survey showing that, between 2021/22 and 2022/23, the estimated number of staff in the early learning and childcare workforce rose by 8 per cent from 34,357 to 37,060.”
“Democracy would not exist without them, or it would not work as well as it does. I would like to discuss that further with the Taoiseach.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Taoiseach chuig Seanad Éireann. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil sé an-ghnóthach agus mar sin, tá mé an-bhuíoch dó as a bheith anseo. Tá mé féin an-bhródúil a bheith anseo mar Sheanadóir Fhianna Fáil cuibheasach nua. In my very brief time, I want to discuss our local councillors. By "our", I mean from all parties and none. I acknowledge the presence of one of our very good councillors, Councillor Caroline O'Reilly, in the Public Gallery. As the Taoiseach is aware, our councillors are the bread and butter of democracy. They work really hard. They are at the face of everything. I have discussed this with him before. I would really like if there was another review, discussion group or working group on the pay, conditions and pensions of, and the support system for, councillors.”
“I start by welcoming my colleague Senator Andrews back. I am glad he is back. As they would say in Cork, fair play to you, boy, for what you did. I wish to raise the issue of farm safety. Already this year there have been 16 confirmed deaths following accidents on farmyards and in fields, and obviously others could be added to that list. This number is higher than the figure for the whole of 2024 and so obviously there is a problem there. Nine out of those 16 were people over the age of 65. Decisions taken with regard to machinery, livestock and heights have led to these people's deaths. I would like the Minister to come to the House to explain his plans to highlight safe procedures in agriculture.”
“I was little disappointed with the motion in that there is no mention of encouraging women into farming. Perhaps in future if a similar motion is tabled we could include something to encourage women to go into farming. Thank God the day when a farmer would only pass on his farm to a son is well and truly gone, but an extra incentive might bring some fine women back to farming.”
“It is also unfair that farmers are getting the blame for the condition of our waterways when other bodies are doing more harm. They should be asked to get their houses in order before farmers are asked to take huge steps. Our waterways are improving, but this needs time. Denmark is held up as a great example of anything agricultural. Not a week goes by that we do not hear Denmark this and Denmark that with regard to agriculture, but it must be noted that it is now trying to get back to the derogation system. I want to mention tillage farmers. It is very hard to believe that they are getting the same income they did 40 years ago. It is unbelievable. If the derogation is reduced, it will put more pressure on tillage farmers because they will have to compete with large dairy farmers when acquiring land.”
“On derogation, last week I had a Commencement matter on this on the very day the Minister, Deputy Heydon, went to Brussels to discuss it. I jokingly took credit on the day and said when he heard I was coming in there he ran to Brussels. Whether that is true or not, I am taking the credit. It is important that the rate stays the same. A change would be detrimental to individual farmers and the whole farming sector. It would be very hard to see young talented boys and girls coming home to farm when the first thing they will have to do is reduce the size of their herd or acquire more land. We cannot compare Ireland to other European countries. We have a unique outside system and it is unfair to compare us to any other European country.”
“When farmers faced difficulties in recent years, the Government ensured direct and timely supports were introduced, such as the €32.3 million in support earlier this year for tillage farmers. Previous supports included fodder transport and schemes to support farmers during adverse weather events. From mid-September to the end of 2025, payments totalling over €1.7 billion will issue to farm families and, by extension, rural communities throughout the country. Moving forward, protecting family incomes will remain an absolute priority for my party, Fianna Fáil. We want Irish agriculture to be a world leader in terms of innovation, sustainability and value and we want Irish farmers and their families to thrive.”
“I thank my Fine Gael colleagues for bringing forward this motion. I welcome the debate and Fianna Fáil will not oppose the motion. Our farmers are world-class food producers. They are the social, economic and cultural pillars of our rural communities and Irish society. From 2020 to 2024, with the leadership of the then Minister, Deputy Charlie McConalogue, Fianna Fáil worked hard to deliver investment on farms and in industry and provide financial support for farmers. This work included a new €1.5 billion agri-environmental scheme, ACRES, a new agrifood regulator, supports of €225 per suckler cow and €25 per ewe and a projected geographic indicator, PGI, for grass-fed beef.”
“Particularly moving to a new class, many students and parents are worried that the ticket will not come through. Is it possible to have the closing date much earlier? In an ideal world, one would want to know a year in advance if one was going to get the school bus the following year or not. It would cut out an awful lot of anxiety. It is not rocket science. We all know the number of pupils who will need tickets. The issue could be worked on to make life easier on students and their families. Behind every worried student are parents and siblings who are also worried. It is causing a lot of upset.”
“I am very aware of the whole thing. I will touch on the issue of drivers over the age of 70. I know it is not within the remit of the Minister of State to fix the situation, but it is crazy. Many 70-year-olds are in much better fettle than myself. They obviously must do driving tests and get certificates, but if it would be safe, I think they should be allowed to drive a school bus. That would save an awful lot of hassle. I agree with the proposal made by my colleague, Senator Curley. It may be a good idea to have one ticket for students in junior infants to sixth class and another for students from first year until their leaving certificates. That might cut out a lot of hassle. The problems around getting school tickets can be hard on students, many of whom already suffer from stress.”
“Transport for a primary level student is €50 and at second level it is €75, with an upper limit of €125 for families. To be fair, that is very good value, especially when each place is costing €1,100. It is a very good rate. I want to acknowledge the funding, which has doubled since 2018, and has gone from €200 million to €512 million. School transport has always been of interest to me. I was fortunate enough to live in the town where I went to school so I never had to use school transport. When I was in secondary school, I remember the girls in my class often talking about the craic, romances and so on that happened on the school bus. It was always of interest to me to listen to all those stories. As a former TD and councillor, and now as a Senator, I work with people who have problems gaining school transport tickets.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit to the Upper House. I thank him for taking time out of his very busy schedule. Fair play to him, he is always very available to us here. As the Minister of State knows, Donogh O'Malley, who was Minister for Education from 1966 to 1968, introduced free secondary school education for all in 1967. 1967 was a big year for mankind. Not only was free second level education introduced, it was also the year I was born. There is no going back from either event. The world has changed on both fronts. When Donogh O'Malley introduced free education, there was also free transport supplied. This was changed under the summary of accounting arrangements in 1975, which allowed for a fee to be introduced. Many people give out about school transport but very few give out about the price that has to be paid.”
“I would like to see a national campaign to increase the number of public toilets throughout the country. A lot of people just want to meet to have a walk around. Again, they may not wish to purchase a coffee and use the facilities in a coffee shop. In this day and age when there is so much talk about mental health, it is important that people can meet up for a walk, but the lack of facilities is stopping this throughout the country.”
“Today I wish to raise the subject of the lack of public toilets nationally. A lot of councillors have been on to me on behalf of their constituents, members of the public have been on to me, and people who own bars throughout the country have been on to me. It is a no-brainer really that people should be able to relieve themselves when they want to and not have to go into the premises of hardworking publicans who have to pay to clean their bathrooms and clean their facilities. It is not fair. Often these people just wish to use the bathroom and not spend money, for various reasons. Maybe they do not have it on the day or maybe they do not feel like having a drink or a coffee or whatever. Publicans are finding it very hard to say "No", especially to the older generation.”
“I pass condolences to his brothers, Mike and Noel, and his nephews Cory and Jake, whom he adored. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.”
“Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a ghabháil le Martin - fáilte, Martin - agus comhghairdeas agus buíochas mór le Martin eile agus le Bridget. It is with great sadness I rise here today to mark the passing of our good friend and colleague Councillor Patrick Gerard Murphy. Anyone who knew Patrick knows that words cannot describe the lovely person he was. He served in the Bantry local electoral area. He was also mayor of Cork. He was an expert on planning. If you ever had any planning question, Patrick would have it on the top of his head. He also did great work for people with disabilities. Patrick faced many challenges in his life, and he faced them all very well. He was a fantastic colleague and friend, and it is very important that we remember him today in this House.”
“I thank the Minister of State and the other Ministers for their commitment to the retention of the derogation rate. I pointed out, and I know he is very aware, how important this is to the Irish farmer. It is important not only to the dairy farmer; it has a huge domino effect across all farming sectors and therefore to the local economy. I ask the Minister of State to continue to do his best and acknowledge the work he and others have done.”
“One solution would be to allow dairy farmers to export their slurry but there needs to be a financial incentive for tillage farmers to take part in this. This would also reduce the use of chemical fertilisers.”