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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“We have an outdoor system that is unique in Europe so we cannot be compared with other countries. It is like comparing apples with oranges. Reducing the derogation rate will also have a detrimental effect on tillage farmers. It will have a domino effect. We must remember that tillage farmers are already on their knees. They are getting the same prices they got 40 years ago. It is incredible that could happen. I am not talking about four years ago but 40. If dairy farmers are going to try to acquire more land, it will put pressure on tillage farmers, many of whom will be unable to compete. Farmers are finding it very hard to manage the bureaucracy involved in calculating phosphorous levels in animal feed. Even the farm advisers are finding this very difficult to manage.”
“Not a week goes by in which the media do not say Denmark is doing this or Denmark is doing that. However, it must be noted that Denmark has now reapplied for a derogation. That shows how important it is. Our water quality is on the up but it is a very slow process. We need to give it time. Despite having the greatest number of derogation farmers, the area I am from in west Cork is showing an increase in water quality, but this all takes time. At a time when generation renewal is being encouraged, it is very unlikely that any of our talented young men and women are going to come home to take over a farm if the first thing they will be told is that they have to reduce their herd or acquire more land. It is also very unfair for Ireland to be compared with other European countries.”
“Because of this, many farmers and processors went into large debt and now many farmers could be faced with the prospect of herd reduction or acquiring more land. Yet many of these farmers are already in debt. The discussions on the derogation rates are reaching a crucial stage. It is essential for our agricultural industry that the present rate is maintained. Otherwise, the consequences for individual farmers and the whole farming industry will be catastrophic. It is very unfair that farmers are getting such blame for the condition of our waterways when it is obvious that there are many other bodies contributing to these problems. I suggest that these bodies be asked to get their houses in order before our farmers are asked to take such drastic steps. Denmark is often used as an example of how farming should be done.”
“Cuirim fáilte ar ais roimh gach duine. Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo arís. I thank the Cathaoirleach for choosing this Commencement matter and I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae, for taking time out of his very busy schedule to come to us here in the Upper House today. I had requested last week that the Minister, Deputy Heydon, attend today to give us an update on the discussions about the rate of nitrates derogation in Ireland. To be fair, his office contacted me to say he is not available and I thank the Minister of State for taking up the baton. I will be asking the Minister of State for an update on the discussions and what he thinks is going to happen. It is not that long since the then Minister for agriculture encouraged farmers to expand.”
“Under present requirements, a person with a disability who wants to access a postal vote has to pay €25 for the GP to sign off on the request. I call the Minister for Health to get this covered, either by paying separately or get it covered under the medical card. A person with a disability, even if he or she has a medical card, has to pay the €25. In a recent study, it is proven that this prevents some people from accessing a postal vote. We have an amazing system of one person, one vote, rich or poor. Whoever a person votes for is between them and their maker. However, this section of the community are the only people who have to pay to vote. In essence, having to pay that €25 is making them pay to vote. I ask for that €25 fee to be waived.”
“I rise to welcome the announcement by the Minister, Deputy McEntee, of a commission of investigation into historic sexual abuse in day schools and boarding schools. When one thinks of abuse, one is inclined to think of the homes that were going at the time. They forget that it happened in boarding schools and schools, just because a child was going to school and going home at 3 p.m. Between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., in many schools, many bad things happened. I welcome that the Minister is doing this. I would like to bring her before the House so she can go through the terms of reference and what she intends doing with the whole thing. It is very important we get this right and acknowledge the awful things that did happen in regular schools and not just homes. I would like that she come before us, please.”
“At least there would be a lot of people on public transport. The excitement is at fever pitch, and that is when things can go wrong. I appeal to anyone who can get cars off the road to supply extra transport. I wish Cork all the best. I grew up at a time when Cork was in all-Ireland finals and winning them. It has been a bit of a desert for a long time. We have got close but not quite made it. We feel it is in our grasp this year. The fans are on fire. Good luck, Cork.”
“If the Leader had one guess, he would guess what I am going to speak about today. I congratulate the Cork hurlers on a fantastic win on Saturday. We are absolutely thrilled. I also say "Well done" to Dublin on getting to the semi-final. The fact that Dublin hurlers made it so far has opened up the whole game. Fair play to them for getting so far. I also say "Well done" to Tipperary on beating Kilkenny. That was an excellent game. I am concerned about safety on the roads for the All-Ireland final on Sunday week and for the football final to follow. Two Munster counties will play in the hurling final, so the roads from Tipperary are going to be crazy, as are the roads leaving Cork. I appeal to Iarnród Éireann, Citylink and Aircoach to do whatever they can to get people from cars into buses and trains.”
“It believes personalised budgets offer a path forward, not just to better services but also to a more equal society where people with disabilities have the power to decide what happens in their own lives. Yes, let us proceed with ambition, but also with care. Let us build a system that works not just in theory but also in people's day-to-day reality. We support this Bill's intention and the time amendment of 18 months and we commit to working constructively with our colleagues across the House, service providers and, most of all, disabled people and their advocates to make this vision a reality. Again, we must be very conscious that the person with the disability is the main person. It is important that we never lose sight of that.”
“It gives us space to digest the findings of the pilot and to develop robust structures so that when we do enshrine personalised budgets into law, we do so in a way that lasts and works. Let us not forget the Government's clear commitment in the programme for Government to support the roll-out of personalised projects nationally. This is not a question of whether we support personalisation – we do – but of how we make it real, accessible and sustainable for thousands of individuals and their families across the country. As spokesperson, I want to emphasise that Fianna Fáil believes deeply in the principles of equality, inclusion and choice.”
“It has offered the first real chance to learn directly from participants to see what works and what does not, and to see what empowers people and what gets in the way and in their way. We are now in the final phase of evaluating that pilot, and its findings will be vital in informing a national roll-out. Already, we know that implementing personalised budgets involves significant cultural and administrative change. For service providers, it means a shift from managing groups to supporting individuals. For families and budget holders, it means new levels of responsibility that must be backed by clear support, clear training and clear advice. For policymakers, it means careful evidence-based planning. That is why the time amendment of 18 months is not a delay but a necessity.”
“Ireland's current system of disability funding is rooted in a model of block grants whereby services receive funding based on the number of people they serve, not on the actual needs or preferences of the individual. We must remember that the individual is the most important person. This arrangement inevitably limits flexibility. It means that to implement personalised budgets effectively, we must unbundle the costs of services – that is, break down the funding assigned to each person and redirect it in a way that follows the individual and not the institution. This is where the promise of the personalised budget demonstrator pilot becomes so critical. Launched in 2019, this pilot program has provided a valuable testing ground.”
“This legislation seeks to amend and extend the Disability Act 2005 in a meaningful way to make it a legal obligation for the State to provide the option of a personalised budget to eligible disabled adults. This is not simply about funding; it is also about freedom, dignity and self-determination. At its heart, a personalised budget enables a person to take control of how their support needs are met. Rather than being slotted into a one-size-fits-all service package, individuals can design the support that best suits their lives, choosing who delivers their care, when it is delivered and how it is delivered. In short, it is a step towards true autonomy for disabled people in this country. That is a vision that Fianna Fáil shares. However, we also understand the complexity of turning this vision into a reality.”
“I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "That" and substitute the following: "Seanad Éireann resolves that the Disability (Personalised Budgets) Bill 2024 be read a second time this day 18 months, to allow for the completion of a Personalised Budget Demonstrator Pilot which is expected to conclude at the end of the year." I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this important Bill and contribute as Fianna Fáil spokesperson for disability, children and equality. Fianna Fáil welcomes this debate. We support the intention behind the Bill and the time amendment of 18 months proposed by the Minister, Deputy Foley, to ensure we proceed in a thoughtful, informed and effective manner.”
“Many people aged 70 and over are in better fettle than myself and are very obviously healthy. I call on Bus Éireann to reconsider this rule. It makes no sense. Once drivers have proven that they are healthy and able to drive, I can see no reason they should not be allowed to do so. It would definitely free up spaces. Many people have recently turned 70 who have had to retire. We all know what is ahead of us from the middle of August. It would put a good hole in the appeals and help with allocations if those drivers were allowed to continue to drive.”
“I raise the ongoing problem with allowing people to drive for Bus Éireann beyond the age of 70. By today or tomorrow, every secondary school child and nearly every primary school child will be on their holidays. Every level of public representative - councillor, Senator and TD - knows what is coming around the corner. We will be inundated with people who have been refused school bus places and are waiting to see if they will get on the school bus. People over the age of 70 who are able to do so should be allowed to continue to drive for Bus Éireann. It is not just those who drive for it directly, but also those who are subcontracted, who must retire. We are all for child safety. I recommend that there would be a driving test and obviously a medical, even if it was on an annual basis.”
“The work of reform is never finished, but with resolve, compassion and action, we can deliver a future worthy of those we failed in the past.”
“Before I conclude, I offer a final word of thanks to the Farrelly commission for its work which was handled in a very sensitive way; to the families and individuals who bravely participated in the investigation; to the whistleblowers whose courage must never be taken for granted; and to the Minister, Deputy Foley, and her Department for their continued commitment to safeguarding reform. Let us not close the book on this chapter too quickly. Let us ensure the legacy of the wonderful Grace is not one of silence or sorrow but one of progress, protection and persistent vigilance. Fianna Fáil remains steadfast in our belief that every person, regardless of ability, background or circumstances deserves safety, dignity and respect.”
“We must never forget why the Farrelly commission was convened in the first place. We must bring the memory of what Grace and others went through into every discussion about care, protection and safeguarding. This is not just about correcting past failures; it is about building trust in the system and ensuring that, when families place faith in the State, that faith is not betrayed. That is the essence of public service and the foundation of democracy. That is what we in Fianna Fáil stand for - governance with compassion, policies with purpose and care systems which dignify every individual.”
“Critically, the seven individuals referred to in part X, or their representatives, are being invited to participate to share their lived experience should they so wish. And let us be clear: lived experience is expertise. It brings a depth of understanding that no policy paper ever could. Learning directly from those most impacted by these events makes the process not only inclusive but truly transformative. It is essential that this safeguarding review operates transparently and with empathy and urgency. It should be resourced adequately and treated as a priority because the stakes are too high and the cost of failure is too great. Let us also acknowledge the courage it takes to step forward to relive trauma in order to help others. Their bravery is not something we can repay but we can honour it through real and lasting change.”
“This is not a substitute for justice; it is a continuation of it, a future-facing commitment that recognises the responsibility of the State not only to examine the past but to future-proof care. This initiative will draw on expert insight to identify how policies and systems can be fortified. It will critically examine where vulnerabilities remain and ensure that the insides of the Farrelly commission report, painful as they are, do not gather dust on a shelf but take root in reform. This is what meaningful accountability looks like. We especially welcome the collaborative nature of this safeguarding exercise. Department officials are actively working to identify appropriate experts in the field of safeguarding, professionals who will bring both experience and empathy to the process.”
“That determination is one that Fianna Fáil respects, grounded as it is in independence and legal integrity, but our commitment does not end with a report or a legal boundary. Justice is not static; accountability is not one-dimensional. Our focus now shifts from investigation to reflection and, most importantly, to action. We must ask ourselves, what are the lessons? How can we ensure that the systems we rely on to protect the most vulnerable are working not just on paper but also in practice? To that end, we commend the initiative taken by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Deputy Norma Foley, in launching an expert-led, non-statutory safeguarding review.”
“The report also revisits the treatment of protected disclosures, those courageous efforts by individuals who dare to speak out. The commission found no further basis to justify deeper investigation into how those disclosures were handled or how the individuals making them were treated. While this finding offers some reassurance, it must not lead to complacency. We must still honour and protect those who come forward. Whistleblowers perform an essential public function, often at personal risk, and they must feel confident that the system has their back not just in word but in action. Following detailed consideration and consultation with the Attorney General, the conclusion is clear: there is no legal or evidentiary basis to initiate phase 2 of the commission.”
“The report, published on 15 April 2025, marks a conclusion of phase 1 and addresses significant elements under part X. Notably, the commission concluded that there is an absence of information warranting further investigation into the conduct of public authorities in seven identified cases - cases akin to Grace's except for two. These are already examined and reported on by the commission. It is important to understand that these findings do not imply the absence of hardship, injustice or pain in any of those cases. Rather, they reflect the commission's careful approach to determining whether statutory thresholds for further inquiry were met. That is a sobering distinction because even in the absence of legal fault we must remain conscious of our moral obligation to guard against failure in care.”
“We acknowledge the extraordinary work carried out over several years under the statutory independence of the Farrelly commission, established in 2017. Its remit was as vital as it was painful: to investigate the care and protection of Grace and others in a former foster home in the south east, in an environment that has been the subject of deeply troubling abuse allegations. We use a pseudonym, Grace, not only in recognition of her right to privacy and dignity but also in deep respect for the resilience she and others have shown. Her name has become part of a wider reckoning. The commission's efforts represent a pivotal milestone in our collective responsibility as lawmakers, as public servants and as a nation to bring light to past wrongs and learn how to prevent them from ever happening again.”
“The Minister is very welcome to the Upper House, and fair play to her, she is always available to us, a sign of a great Minister. Gabhaim buíochas léi. I would like to take a moment to think of the woman we know only as Grace. Grace was let down. There is no doubt about that. She was a non-verbal girl whose dental hygiene and dental health were allowed to deteriorate and who was sent to daycare not as often as she should have been and shabbily dressed. One can only imagine how she felt. I think of her today. Today we rise in solemn reflection but also in unwavering determination. I speak on behalf of Fianna Fáil to welcome the publication of the final substantive report of the Farrelly commission, including the commission's statement on part X of its terms of reference.”
“People who can walk but are a bit compromised can also use it because it is very even. It is funded by local authorities. I call on all local authorities responsible for Blue Flag beaches to use these blue mats. I also ask the Minister to ensure there is adequate funding for this because everyone deserves a day out at the beach.”
“The Leader is aware that this country is very blessed with many beautiful beaches, many of which are in both our constituencies. For anyone who can get to a beach, there is a big feeling of well-being so it is very important. I rise today to talk about accessibility on a beach - not necessarily to it. Many beaches have a buggy service, which is way better than nothing, but, unfortunately, some people with a disability find it hard to get on buggies. They have to get out of their wheelchairs and on to the buggies. This often requires a hoist, which, obviously, are not at beaches There is now a new initiative for Blue Flag beaches, namely, the blue path or blue mat. It is a blue mat on which people can use their own wheelchair that runs from the car park right down to the beach. It is absolutely brilliant.”
“Even though it went Cork's way on Saturday, for which I am very grateful, the pure mental and physical exhaustion when it came to the penalties was very tough to look at from all sides. I would like the GAA to extend the season and to look at the price of the tickets. Will the Minister with responsibility for sport come before the House and speak about the issue of amateur sports? These are volunteers. Perhaps we could look at ways to help them in pursuit of their sport.”
“I congratulate the Cork team on a fantastic win on Saturday. Up the Rebels. I am wearing red today in support of them. I thank the team, the officials and the backroom team for giving Cork city and county such a magnificent lift. Go raibh maith agaibh. It does lead to the issue of amateur sports, the commitment involved and the pure exhaustion the match last Saturday led to for the players and the officials. There are several things I would like the GAA to look at. One is the ongoing issue of the price of tickets. They are in great demand and I know supply is low. Even people who can access the tickets often cannot pay for them. It is a shame if money comes against young people in particular attending our national game. The length of the GAA season does not allow for replays at this stage.”
“I thank the Minister of State for the update. She will agree that it is a case of "a lot done, a lot more to do". I ask her to keep the House informed as we approach those deadlines and I thank her for her commitment.”
“This is not just a question of efficiency or modernisation; it is a test of our commitment to providing world-class detection, treatment and care for every patient in a timely and effective manner.”
“We have a moment here to act decisively to put in place a system that ensures equality of access to high-quality genomic testing for patients across the country. This requires full deployment of the service offering in accredited laboratories, public or commercial. Will the Minister of State please update the House on the status of the national genomic processing service, tell us when a host for the national genomic processing service will be appointed and set out the Government's intentions for ensuring the deployment of appropriate accredited commercial laboratory services in Ireland in order to build this critical healthcare infrastructure capacity without further delay?”
“It is important to ensure that the design and roll-out of any national genomics service align with the principles of open competition and accessibility, allowing both public and commercial laboratories that meet appropriate clinical standards to participate. This approach not only supports value for money but also ensures equal access by all suitably accredited providers, helping to build a resilient and scalable testing infrastructure. Patients and clinicians are waiting in the public system. Genetics counsellors are overstretched. Meanwhile, demand for genetic testing continues to rise, driven by developments in cancer care, prenatal screening and the growing understanding of rare conditions. This demand will only increase as we are in transition towards a model of care centred on early intervention and prevention.”
“While the establishment of the national genetics and genomics office was a welcome step, it must now be matched with real investment and action. We need a physical, nationally co-ordinated service that is resourced to deliver testing within Ireland to the highest clinical and ethical standards. One critical milestone in this regard was the anticipated appointment of an interim host for the national genomic processing service, which was due to take place by March of this year. That milestone has now been missed. When will this happen? Without clarity on timelines, we risk further delays to what is already an overdue reform.”
“There is a deficit of suitably qualified people and facilities which are necessary to provide clinical genetic testing within our own public health system. At present, the majority of clinical genetic tests, including those for cancer and rare conditions, are sent abroad to laboratories in the UK, the US and across Europe. Concerns have been expressed that this is not just inefficient but risky. There are significant implications for patient safety, sample integrity, data privacy and health equity. Moreover, many public hospitals lack the accreditation and technological infrastructure to offer comprehensive genetic testing at scale. This results in long delays and inconsistent access, neither of which serve the interests of patients or clinicians.”
“I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, for coming to the House to take this Commencement matter on the urgent need for the development of a comprehensive national genomic and genetic testing service which is publicly governed, clinically robust and capable of delivering timely and advanced diagnostics in areas such as oncology, rare diseases and inherited conditions. We are at a critical juncture in Irish healthcare. The advances in personalised medicine, early detection and preventative care increasingly rely on genomic data, but Ireland, despite its world-class clinicians and ambitions in the life sciences sector, remains alarmingly behind when it comes to the local laboratory infrastructure.”
“I stand here to speak about the worry of the farming community now. There are mixed messages coming from Europe regarding potential changes in the CAP system. The rumour is that Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 structures will be changed. This is money that is totally allocated for agriculture. There is talk at the moment that, instead of having its own ring-fenced budget, it will be thrown in with a bigger budget, as it were. Obviously, this will cause huge worry and have consequences, particularly for small farmers and for food security. It is important and the farmers are right to be worried. I ask that we invite the Minister, Deputy Heydon, to the House to ask him what he knows, if these changes are to come about and what are his plans and ours to fight this.”
“The Government is committed to ensuring this process is well researched and comprehensive, bringing forward strong legal protections that will help to address socioeconomic disadvantage in a meaningful and lasting way. Fianna Fáil supports this measured approach, allowing time for thorough reflection, refinement and careful implementation. Let us work together to ensure Ireland continues to lead on equality and inclusion, thereby creating a society where opportunity is available to all regardless of our background.”
“Further to this commitment, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Deputy Foley, will bring forward her proposals within the equality and family leaves (miscellaneous provisions) Bill 2025. These proposals are designed to strengthen protections for individuals facing socioeconomic disadvantage, reinforcing our national commitment to fairness and equality. The timed amendment allowing the Bill to return for a debate in 12 months is critical in ensuring the Government's proposals are fully developed, thoroughly examined and properly finalised. We must take the time to get this right and ensure the legislation introduced is effective, clear and enforceable. This is more than just a legislative discussion. It is an opportunity to build a fairer, stronger and more inclusive Ireland.”
“Advancing equality is not the task of one Department alone; it is a whole-of-government issue. We must address inequality from multiple angles, through education, social policy, employment initiatives and legal protections. Progress has been made across several fronts but challenges persist. We still see disparities in access to education, employment opportunities and public services. We still hear stories of individuals who face barriers due to their economic background, whether in hiring practices, treatment by institutions or access to essential resources. Fianna Fáil believes social mobility and inclusion must be central to our policies. The Government remains committed to driving progress and ensuring that Ireland continues to grow as a welcoming, fair and inclusive society.”
“The reality is that discrimination, whether intentional or unconscious, creates significant barriers for individuals in accessing opportunities and services. We have seen the positive impact of existing equality legislation, which has helped to reduce discrimination and change perceptions over the years. When we send a strong legislative message it forces reflection and promotes change, not just in individual attitudes but in the structures and systems that shape our society. Making socioeconomic disadvantage a recognised ground for discrimination will not eliminate inequality overnight. It will, however, create a foundation upon which further protections can be built, thereby ensuring equal access to employment and essential services regardless of people's backgrounds.”
“These laws protect individuals based on nine grounds, sending a clear signal that discrimination on these bases will not be tolerated. While enforcement can sometimes be difficult, the existence of this legislation is powerful. It sets the tone for how employers, institutions and service providers interact with individuals right across all sectors. Expanding this framework to prohibit discrimination on the ground of socioeconomic disadvantage would be a natural progression in strengthening protections for those most vulnerable. We must, however, do so thoughtfully. We must ensure the legislative language is clear, the enforcement mechanisms strong and the protections genuinely impactful. Some may ask why legal protections matter when tackling discrimination.”
“We must consider the impact on workers, employers, service providers and individuals alike. Legal protection is only meaningful when it is workable and ensures businesses, institutions and society at large understand their obligations and responsibilities. This time will allow us to assess how best to embed this new ground without ambiguity to ensure effective enforcement and real impact for those most impacted by socioeconomic inequalities. Ireland has long been a leader in enshrining equality protections in law. The Employment Equality Acts and Equal Status Acts, first introduced by Fianna Fáil in 1998 and 2000 respectively, have shaped our legal and social landscape, prohibiting discrimination in employment and in the provision of goods and services.”
“Fianna Fáil welcomes this debate and supports the request from the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Deputy Foley, who is with us today, to introduce an amendment providing that this Bill be returned for debate in 12 months. This is not a delay; it is an opportunity to ensure the introduction of disadvantaged socioeconomic status as a new ground in the Employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status Act 2000 is done thoroughly, responsibly and effectively. The proposal to expand our equality laws is a significant step forward. Such a change must be approached with clarity and precision, however. The additional time for review will allow us to define "socioeconomic disadvantage" properly, thereby ensuring its inclusion as a protected ground is legally robust and practically implementable.”
“I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after “That” and substitute the following: - “Seanad Éireann resolves that the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 be read a second time on this day 12 months, to allow for further consideration of issues arising in the Bill.” I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important issue today. Equality is one of the fundamental principles upon which our society is built. It is not just a legal concept. It is a societal aspiration, one that demands vigilance, commitment and action. As legislators, we have a duty to ensure fairness and opportunity for all, particularly for those who face barriers due to their socioeconomic status.”
“It is important that men are there for one another, and that we as females are there for our male friends. Well done to the Minister of State. There is work to be done, as in every Department, but we can all help in the area of mental health, by asking someone how they are doing.”
“Irish people have a great habit of asking, “how are you?” instead of saying hello. They do not even listen to what the reply is. Often a person might be tempted to say they are actually not great, but the person is gone. They are not listening. There should be a societal change on that. I reference suicide, in particular. I have a few friends who have a direct family member who has taken their own lives in that way, and they are devastated. There are so many questions left unanswered and so much sadness left behind. It truly is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Maybe something could be done on suicide prevention because it is such a sad affair that someone can see no way out. Men are not great at opening up to one another in the same way as women are. In that respect, we are polar opposites.”
“The Minister of State is very welcome to the House and she is doing a great job. She is empathetic, sympathetic and totally on top of her brief. The proof on how well she is doing is that budget after budget, the allocation for mental health is increasing. In fact, it stands at 44% since 2020. Mental health is no longer the poor relation in the whole health budget. Maith thú for that. Many a broken heart is hidden behind a smiling face. It behoves us all, both public representatives and the public, to reach out to one another. Even with regard to people that are perceived to be in good form, there is no harm in asking how they are or if they want to go for a cup of coffee. Particularly when we feel someone is feeling down, we must reach out and ask if they are okay.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his acknowledgment of the importance of this issue and for his commitment to looking into it and working on it. I look forward to working with him on this. These spaces are slightly wider than the usual disability space. There is a lovely sunflower on the space so it is different from the bare cold look of the normal disability space. The words "invisible disability" are also written on the space. I thank the Minister of State for his commitment and I acknowledge again the work of Councillor Patrick Donovan on this issue.”