Martin Daly
Roscommon-Galway · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“The relationship between Ireland and Spain is hugely important with €15 billion in total in trade, including €10 billion in goods and services from Ireland to Spain, a country that is in the European Union and has shared our values, culture and history. It was a hugely important meeting and is a hugely important relationship.”
“I accept that answer and I thank the Minister very much for that update. It is important because people sometimes equate healthcare with hospital beds, but that is not reality. In isolation, beds cannot provide for the healthcare needs of the public.”
“I thank the Minister very much. We had the excellent Professor Rose Anne Kenny, co-ordinator of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, TILDA, in recently with the health committee. She pointed out the demographic challenge we are facing in health.”
“I ask the Minister for an update on the plan to increase the capacity of inpatient beds by 4,000 or 4,500 across the country and if she will make a statement on the matter. We know we currently have 12,000 public beds and 2,500 private beds, which is about 2.9 beds per thousand of the population.”
“We will probably start with proper screening programmes at the age of 50, with the whole population moving into better-resourced primary care, step-down beds and rehabilitation beds. I also support Deputy Seán Kyne’s call for the Minister to press for the 300 additional beds in UHG.”
“I wish to ask if the Government has or is developing a policy for the development of industrial hemp production in Ireland. Industrial hemp is a remarkable plant.”
The complete record
Every one of 376 lines we hold for Martin Daly, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 6 of 8.
“I support the Minister on this. Language is important. Trying to come up with language that pleases everyone is difficult, but the terms "mental health difficulties" and "psychosocial disability" are too broad for some of the conditions we are talking about. My understanding of the term "mental health disorder" is someone who has a clinically diagnosed condition that is persistent and causing ongoing disability for that person. We are talking about people with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, or with persistent anxiety and depression. "Mental health difficulties" is just too broad a term. It encompasses things that may well be transient that affect mental well-being or health. For example, if people have a bad day or are stressed, that is a mental health difficulty.”
“Today's announcements form part of a succession of measures they will take to deliver on the commitments in the programme for Government.”
“Offsite or modular construction is vital. I have been assured production can be scaled up once there are predictable supply lines from the State. I welcome the modern methods of construction action plan published by the Minister, Deputy Lawless, in the past few days. It provides a roadmap to a sustainable industry that will help us to meet our targets. Balanced regional development is essential. In Roscommon-Galway, thriving communities are ready to grow but the lack of affordable housing stands in the way. The status quo cannot hold. This crisis affects families, the economy and essential services as workers such as teachers, gardaí and nurses struggle to afford homes. I know the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy Browne, understand that. We must continue to deliver sustainable solutions.”
“The Opposition has offered no credible and coherent solutions. Opposition Deputies are excellent at enunciating the problems but they do not provide solutions. Across my constituency of Roscommon-Galway, limited serviced sites and poor planning have stalled housing supply in places like Ballinasloe, Boyle, Castlerea and Roscommon. Rent and private housing options have dwindled, leading to a demographic shift as young people remain longer at home or leave the country. In my town, Ballygar, a decade passed without the provision of any new homes. Now, a new wastewater treatment plant has gone to tender, providing hope. This is the type of infrastructural development that must be expedited, as I know the Minister of State and Minister recognise. We must use all available technologies to ensure delivery.”
“Planning is a major frustration, especially in the Roscommon-Galway constituency, where slow processes and inconsistent decisions hinder development. The planning Bill 2024 and the planning framework of 2025 allow local authorities to rezone where there is critical need. Ministerial leadership is needed to maintain that momentum. We must insist on a proactive planning culture in our local authorities. Private investment is vital. A total of €6 billion to €7 billion is committed by the Government this year but it cannot carry the entire estimated investment requirement of €20 billion, especially in apartment construction. Private equity is critical. Striking the right balance between security of tenure, rent controls and supply is critical. The rent pressure zone reforms align with the Housing Commission's recommendations.”
“As the Minister of State knows, as does the Minister, housing is the most pressing challenge facing the State today and will define the Government's success. While the previous Government met its targets under the Housing for All policy, rising demand means we are now acting swiftly to further increase supply and improve affordability. The public, especially younger generations, expect urgency, but the Government must ensure solutions are effective and do not create unintended consequences. Tough decisions are being made by the Minister of State and the Minister and will continue to be made. The rationale for those decisions must be communicated to the public to build confidence and expose the paucity of the Opposition's solutions.”
“I want to acknowledge the ongoing communication from the Minister of State and his team with communities along the Shannon and sub-Callows who continue to face real and difficult challenges. Those engagements matter deeply to the people affected, including farmers, homeowners and business owners. I know they greatly appreciate the respect and seriousness with which the Minister of State approaches those discussions. Continued dialogue and follow-through will be key to ensuring that they too see progress. Flood relief is not just about engineering and planning but also about safeguarding homes, protecting livelihoods and restoring confidence in the future. It is something that I know the Minister of State takes seriously and I will continue to work with him on it in the future.”
“His ongoing attention and support are invaluable as we work together to secure meaningful, long-lasting flood protection across Roscommon and Galway. The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes under the national development plan out to 2030. This is a significant and welcome investment that reflects the scale of the challenge we face. It is aimed at protecting approximately 23,000 homes, farms and businesses in communities threatened by both river and coastal flooding. This level of commitment demonstrates that flood relief is no longer seen as a short-term fix but as a long-term infrastructural priority that is essential to protecting people's lives and livelihoods.”
“That will mark a major milestone and I know the Minister of State will continue to support that process every step of the way. This same focus on long-term sustainable solutions is just as important elsewhere in the constituency. In Ballinasloe, particularly Derrymullan, we know all too well the devastating impact of recurring flooding. That is why I warmly welcome the news that a statutory public exhibition of the proposed scheme for Ballinasloe is scheduled for quarter 3 this year, with a full planning application expected in 2026. It represents long-overdue progress for a community that has waited with patience and resilience for action. We also look forward to welcoming the Minister of State to Ballinasloe in the coming weeks to assess the situation on the ground and to meet residents directly.”
“The reduction in water levels has significantly eased pressures on families and residents around the lough, people who have lived for years under the constant threat of flooding, evacuations and property damage. The emotional and mental toll of that kind of uncertainty cannot be overstated. For some, this was the third time since 2016 that they were forced to leave their homes. What we are seeing now is relief stability and some well-earned peace of mind. That is not just the result of engineering; it is the result of political will, partnership and the Minister of State's determination to act. This is, of course, an interim solution. While it is working well, we are under no allusion that the job is done. I am delighted to hear that planning for the flood relief scheme will be lodged in quarter 4 of this year.”
“I begin by sincerely acknowledging the Minister of State's continued commitment to tackling flood risk across the country. I have worked closely with him in my own constituency of Roscommon-Galway and I have first-hand knowledge of his deep engagement with local communities and his determination to deliver real, practical outcomes. His leadership has been instrumental in progressing key projects that matter to people on the ground. These are projects that do not just promise change, but deliver it. One such project is the interim pumping solution at Lough Funshinagh, an area that has faced enormous pressures from flooding for far too long. Since the system was activated earlier this year, it has been operating efficiently and effectively and it has already made a tangible difference to people's lives.”
“It appears there is a shift of opinion in Europe and now Germany itself is questioning the strategy of this war. It has a particular psychological issue relating to its support for Israel, which was blind until now. We need to push that opening and force Europe to take action against Israel as a collective. We cannot have the stain of genocide on our side without speaking out. While Ireland has done its bit, it needs to do more through that bigger bloc of the European Union. I implore the Minister of State to use all of our influence to bring change to this war and change Israel’s course of action against the Palestinian people.”
“I want to put on record my horror at the actions of Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza. It has been a totally disproportionate reaction to the 7 October attacks. Those were despicable but the killing of 54,000 people and deliberately targeting by hunger and total war a whole population of people is inexplicable and unforgivable. We have to use our best influence through the European Union because this dial will not shift until the big countries of Europe and the United States force Israel to change this course of action. Ireland has been to the fore by bringing the Israeli Government to the International Court of Justice, recognising the State of Palestine and also advocating within Europe for a change in trade policy.”
“The health committee should explore these matters to clarify the management culture and governance of CHI and Cappagh hospital and the practices of individual surgeons. As I have said, it gives me no pleasure to make this statement but we are obliged to act. The failures highlighted in the report by Mr. Simon Thomas on the apparent governance vacuum at Temple Street and Cappagh hospitals serve no one well, not the children, not their families, not the medical profession, and certainly not the State. We must learn from those mistakes.”
“The key issues are managerial culture and governance, clinical culture and governance and the process of clinical decision making at Temple Street and Cappagh. In many hospitals, critical robust collegial peer review of cases is standard before any treatments are carried out. We need to understand why some surgeons deviated so sharply from accepted practice. Mr. Thomas suggests a small subgroup of surgeons carried out a significant number of pelvic osteotomy procedures and an unusual number of bilateral pelvic osteotomy procedures in particular. These must prompt professional reflection, remediation and accountability to the appropriate bodies. Informed consent must also be addressed. Mr. Thomas details what adequate consent looks like and highlights poor record keeping, underlining the urgent need for hospital digitalisation.”
“This is especially urgent in light of reports alleging unethical and irregular referral practices by a consultant in an internal CHI report and the alleged toxic work environment for junior staff. The non-action by management in response to that report is simply incredible but our immediate concern must be the care of affected children and families. Proper follow-up must be carried out to skeletal maturity. This is standard best practice that was lacking at Temple Street and Cappagh. Every case back to 2010 must now be independently reviewed. This is a major undertaking but it is essential. We must ensure this does not further delay care for children awaiting surgery. It is incumbent upon the Government and this House to tease out the systemic failures this DDH debacle has revealed.”
“Thomas notes that, while some variance in DDH management could be expected, the variance of pelvic osteotomy rates across CHI at Temple Street, CHI at Crumlin and Cappagh hospital, which is in the order of 60% to 80%, is inexplicable. No plausible explanation was offered. I acknowledge the Minister's swift response to the official audit report and welcome the appointment of two HSE board members to the board of CHI, the increased operational oversight of CHI by way of an enhanced service-level agreement, the cross-hospital interdepartmental peer review group for consideration of any further surgeries and the commitment by the Minister and the Taoiseach to establish an independent external review process. However, broader questions remain regarding CHI's culture and governance and its relationship with the HSE.”
“These were not marginal decisions. Another hospital in the same group of hospitals in the same small city - the hospital at Crumlin - followed a starkly different standard of practice and is vindicated in the Thomas audit. The Thomas audit into the management of DDH in children has brought clarity within the limitations of its terms of reference. However, it raises many new questions about governance, ethics, consent, clinical judgment and decision making. This is more than clinical misjudgment. It shows some surgeons strayed far from evidence-based practice and ignored internationally accepted protocols. While Mr.”
“It is with significant regret that I have to speak today. I am a member of the medical profession. I am not an orthopaedic specialist but I am a doctor of nearly 40 years' standing. The Thomas audit of the management of developmental dysplasia of hips in children in CHI at Temple Street and Crumlin and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh is deeply disappointing and unsettling, most especially as it follows on from the use of non-medical grade springs in spinal surgery in CHI. My thoughts are primarily with the children whom Mr. Simon Thomas states clearly should not have been operated upon and with their families. The trust patients and families place in doctors is the bedrock of our profession. That trust has been ruptured by some surgeons in the hospitals at Temple Street and Cappagh and these must now explain their actions.”
“I welcome the investment by Uisce Éireann in a new wastewater treatment plant in Ballygar, my town, but there are many small towns and villages that just cannot grow because they do not have serviced sites and because of an inconsistency among the authorities with regard to planning. In this regard, I specifically mention Roscommon–Galway.”
“I welcome the commendable year-on-year investment by the Government in rural towns and villages, both under the CLÁR scheme, as the Taoiseach pointed out, and the RRDF scheme. One of the challenges that remains is that we need to retain our people in our villages. Some 30 or 40 years ago, people were emigrating because of a lack of employment. Now young people want to come back to our villages to live in them but there is a problem with the inconsistency regarding planning and infrastructure such as wastewater treatment plants to allow small towns and villages to grow.”
“If the Minister is in Galway, I invite him to visit both of those factories with me. I think he will be highly impressed.”
“Of course, the solution to all of this is to drive the provision of housing right through the different sectors - social, affordable and private. I welcome the new planning framework which will hopefully drive and allow local authorities to redraw their county development plans and deliver that housing. I visited two modular factories during the week. One was in Lidan in Roscommon that produces schools for the Department of education. It will also be able to produce housing. I also visited GreenFrame, a steel-framed modular housing factory between Ballinasloe and Ballyforan which is in south Roscommon and is in a rural area. These people have assured me they can scale up and produce as many houses as we need but we have to address the whole planning issue and the provision of serviced lands.”
“I thank the Minister for that answer. I understand that the tenant in situ scheme was a temporary scheme. It was a safety net for people who were given a notification of termination of their tenancy to avoid homelessness. It is important to address the anxiety of people right around the country - not just in Roscommon or in Ballinasloe, which is also part of my constituency - about the possibility of people becoming homeless because of the anxiety around the tenant in situ scheme. As we know, we do not want the tenant in situ scheme to abrogate the responsibilities of the local authorities to build social housing. It is not a permanent solution and I understand that clearly but we are trying to deal with this in the interregnum before we deliver adequate social housing for people as a permanent solution.”
“The elective hospitals are absolutely critical health infrastructure. In the past, acute and emergency cases have had to compete with elective cases, with people who had waited long periods having their elective surgery deferred. We often talk about the emergency room as being the focus point but it is really just a symptom of lack of capacity within our health services. I am very happy with what the Minister has outlined in terms of developing capacity in the health service. We need to alleviate demand and separate out acute care from elective care.”
“We are entering a more fragmented global economy, with rising protectionism, trade tensions and tariffs. History shows these types of measures often lead to a decline in international competition. When competition drops so too does the incentive to innovate. This is the danger for Ireland. A fall in global competition could trigger a slowdown in research and development investment at home. We cannot let this happen. At a time when other economies may be turning inwards, Ireland must go in the opposite direction by doubling down on investment, knowledge, research and people.”
“Academic researchers are increasingly bringing their skills to the heart of industry, working in the research and development departments of leading companies to drive innovation, product development and long-term strategic thinking. In fact, more than half of all full-time researchers in the EU now work in industry. Companies understand the value of this work. Take Apple, which spends more in research and development in a year than the entire UK Government. This is not a coincidence. It is recognition that investing in knowledge, creativity and experimentation pays dividends in future products, competitiveness and growth. The data backs this up. OECD research shows that a 1% increase in research and development investment is linked to a 0.13% rise in economic growth. That is a powerful return on investment.”
“Today's PhD graduates are fuelling Ireland's burgeoning innovation ecosystem. They are solving real-world problems in industry, public policy, climate and health. They are building our country's future. They are exactly the kind of minds we need to compete globally. In a world rocked by geopolitical uncertainty and economic upheaval, with US tariffs looming and the US retreat from international scientific leadership, Ireland stands at a crossroads. As the United States turns inwards, we have the opportunity to turn outwards and upwards to become a global hub for ideas, innovation and research. This is why I welcome the announcement today by the Minister, Deputy Lawless, of the new global talent initiative.”
“We should not treat these as optional extras. They are our economic engine and in a changing world, our economic competitive advantage. Research is key. Collaboration between universities and industry must be fostered, driven and funded. PhD programmes are the fulcrum of such collaboration. A quiet but important transformation is already under way. Census 2022 showed that more than 38,000 people in Ireland held a doctorate degree, up 33% since 2016. In 2023, PhD enrolments increased by 5% compared to the previous academic year, and by 26% since 2016. These numbers tell a story of progress but they also hint at an untapped opportunity. We need to build a culture in Ireland that sees the pursuit of research and development and a PhD as a vital path for individuals and our national economy.”
“Countries that increase research and development spending consistently see long-term gains in GDP, productivity and global competitiveness. Skills are just as vital. As industries evolve, so must our workforce. That means investing in further education, digital upskilling and lifelong learning. A flexible, skilled population is what allows a small nation to compete on a global stage. Higher education is the foundation. It attracts international talent, creates partnerships with industry and helps anchor high-value jobs here at home. In this uncertain global climate, Ireland must be bold. The most resilient economies will be those that invest in people, knowledge and innovation. That is how we future-proof our prosperity, not by looking inward, but by committing fully to education, research and skills.”
“In a world being reshaped by technology, climate change and shifting geopolitics, one truth remains constant: knowledge drives prosperity. In this rapidly changing landscape, higher education, research and skills are not luxuries. They are economic necessities. Ireland's competitive edge will not come from natural resources or low costs; it will come from talent and from the people we educate, the research we fund and the skills we foster. Every lecture hall, every lab and every apprenticeship is an investment in the future of our economy. Research and innovation do not happen in silos. They fuel growth across every sector, from artificial intelligence to agriculture, and from clean technology to healthcare. When we support researchers, we are not just funding ideas; we are building industries.”
“We should be committed to a Europe that is strong, united and principled, and delivers real results for people while staying true to the ideals inspired by the foundation. Europe Day is a time to celebrate what we have built together and recommit to what lies ahead.”
“The EU's united response has been a powerful statement of solidarity and resolve. However, it also highlights the importance of strengthening our capacity in defence, achieving greater energy independence and enhancing strategic autonomy. We face other tests too, from climate change and the cost-of-living crisis to the pressures of migration and the risks posed by disinformation and authoritarian influence. These require not just shared policies but also a shared spirit of responsibility. Constructive dialogue is vital. The EU must continue to evolve and must become more agile, more responsive and closer to its citizens. Enlargement, institutional reform and economic competitiveness must be approached with vision and balance. Ireland should continue to be a voice for inclusivity, sustainability and fair opportunity within the Union.”
“The EU provided a political forum that allowed Irish and British politicians to meet regularly and build relationships, a forum that had not previously existed even in times of crisis. People as diverse as John Hume and Ian Paisley worked on common interests in the European Parliament. The slow and not always linear progress that was created as a result built up the confidence and trust that would culminate in the Belfast Agreement. It was the decisive support from the EU and also the US that brought momentum and weight to the process, underwrote the final agreement and helped to sustain it through difficult times. It is ironic that this year's commemoration comes at a time of profound challenge. Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine has shaken Europe's security landscape.”
“On this Europe Day, I pause to reflect on a remarkable journey that began more than 74 years ago with the simple but transformative idea that peace and co-operation could replace conflict and division on our continent. Today, the European Union is more than a political and economic project. It is a symbol of shared values, democracy, the rule of law, solidarity and a commitment to human dignity. Ireland has benefited enormously from our EU membership, socially and economically. As a full member of the EU we achieved a parity of political status that was not possible formerly as a small country. Perhaps one of the greatest legacies has been the securing of lasting peace on the island of Ireland.”
“Significant additional funding for spinal surgeries for scoliosis and spina bifida, public health initiatives, including national immunisation programmes, neonatal supports and early developmental interventions, and the extension of GP service eligibility have led to measurable improvements in child outcomes. These gains are a credit to front line professionals and to sustained Government commitment. The new national children's hospital is emblematic of the Government's commitment to children's medicine and well-being in Ireland, but ultimately the success of CHI will be judged not by its buildings but by the quality of care delivered within those buildings. We must continue to work to ensure that every child in Ireland receives safe, timely and compassionate treatment.”
“Only when the audit is complete can we truly understand what has happened, why it has happened and what needs to be done next. If unnecessary surgeries are found to have been carried out, then we need to know why that happened and for what reason. Was it poor clinical judgment or were there other reasons? Accountability at a professional and corporate level will have to be sought. We owe that to the children affected and the parents who put their trust in our health service. While it is crucial that we discover poor practices and learn lessons, we must also acknowledge the progress that has been achieved.”
“Multidisciplinary decision-making and systemic safety netting are important in that process so that there is a combined professional approach to decision-making. It is a necessary safeguard that would have helped the children who had springs inserted into their spines and perhaps unnecessary surgeries carried out on their hips. An action plan is also being developed to address any additional patient groups not covered by the original audit sample, which is also to be welcomed. Clinical follow-up will be offered, where appropriate, and clear communications issued to families as the situation evolves. We are learning. I have heard concerns that not enough has been done or progress has been too slow, and I understand those frustrations. It is essential that this process be thorough, clinically sound and focused on facts.”
“While it is a relief that no patient safety incidents have been reported to date, that does not diminish the seriousness of what is being examined. At its core, this audit is about whether the clinical thresholds for surgery adhered to international standards and whether there was consistency across our natural national paediatric orthopaedic service. The audit is now in its final stages. Feedback on the draft report has been received and is currently under review. Once that report has been completed, CHI and Cappagh have committed to publishing its findings. That is as it should be. Families deserve clarity, accountability and full transparency. In the meantime, steps have been taken to ensure that no child is offered surgery without a unified cross-site decision-making process, and I welcome that.”
“As a doctor and public representative, I find any suggestion that children may have undergone unnecessary or inappropriate procedures deeply unsettling. This is a matter that strikes at the heart of trust in our health system. We owe it to families to deal with this transparently and responsibly. The Department of Health was formally notified in May 2024. A clinical audit was commissioned to examine the matter, led by Mr. Simon Thomas, an experienced international paediatric orthopaedic surgeon based in Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. That audit has reviewed a random anonymised sample of children between one and seven years of age who underwent pelvic osteotomy procedures for DDH between 2021 and 2023.”
“I want to address a very serious matter concerning developmental dysplasia of the hip, DDH, and the ongoing clinical audit examining surgical practices at CHI and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh. The issue was brought to light through a protected disclosure in September 23, and it centres on concerns that different thresholds for corrective surgery were being applied across sites. In practical terms, this means that a child presenting with the same clinical condition might have been offered surgery in one hospital but not another. Surgery may have been promoted in one hospital but not recommended in another. This kind of inconsistency raises questions about the standards of care, clinical decision-making and, ultimately, patient safety.”
“I welcome that CHI has accepted fully the HIQA report, is committed to implementing its recommendations with a quality improvement plan, is working with the Minister for Health proactively and is improving all aspects of the delivery of orthopaedic and spinal care at Temple Street and CHI more widely. I also welcome the comprehensive patient safety review and the assurance process into the paediatric orthopaedic surgery services under the independent expert, Mr. Nayagam. That review is in two parts, with a review of the work of surgeon A and a comprehensive review of the governance of the paediatric outpatient service at CHI. I also welcome the unqualified regret and apologies from CHI, the HSE and the Minister. It is the least we can do.”
“Any procedure, most especially an experimental procedure, must be explained fully to the parents or guardians. The fundamental principle of informed consent must not be fudged or circumvented, most especially in complex high-risk surgery. The sense of failure, hurt, anger and helplessness on the part of parents is compounded by the lack of full disclosure of surgical intervention and its attendant risks. HIQA also found that the management of the issues, once disclosed, could have been better. We need to remember at all times that the health service exists for patients and their families and they, not the organisation, are the centre of the service. Self-preservation of the organisation over the individual, something we have seen in many organisations, compounds the insult and never serves us well.”
“HIQA identified cultural differences in the orthopaedic department that mitigated against peer review and multidisciplinary decision-making for proposed surgeries. In effect, HIQA said the surgeons in the unit were not getting along and there was very little communication or peer review as a result. This is simply unacceptable. Teamwork in the interests of the patient should be a primary ethical and contractual obligation. These are systematic failures that allow individual failures in judgment to flourish. In summary, there was a failure in regulatory and ethical procedures, clinical governance, medical device approval, the sourcing and procurement of medical devices, decontamination, traceability and consent. Consent is critical to this issue.”
“In addition, HIQA found that while corporate and clinical governance procedures were in place in the CHI group, they were overly complex and difficult to understand for management and staff at site-specific hospitals and within the overall CHI group. With the changes from 2019 onwards, there was a loss of experienced management and staff at Temple Street, resulting in a breakdown in communication and governance pathways. While there were a number of controls in place, these did not provide adequate safeguards at each stage of the end-to-end process for the introduction and use of the springs. This occurred across a number of stages in the process, including approvals processes, multidisciplinary teams, procurement, decontamination and use in theatre.”
“As a Deputy and practising GP, I must begin by expressing my profound concern at the findings of the recent HIQA report on the use of non-medical grade springs in three children's complex spinal surgeries. The unauthorised use of non-approved implants in complex spinal surgeries, absent of ethical approval and appropriate clinical governance, is truly alarming. It is very difficult to comprehend how such a practice was allowed to occur. HIQA's report states that there were no overarching CHI-wide standardised governance structures and supporting policies and procedures in place for the introduction and use of medical devices. That is an astounding fact.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to make a statement on Children's Health Ireland, CHI, and to reflect on the recent deeply troubling revelations about the insertion of non-medical grade springs into the spines of children undergoing complex spinal surgery and the emergence of a divergence in clinical decision-making for the threshold for pelvic osteotomies for developmental dysplasia of the hip in children between separate sites in the CHI hospital group, comprising Crumlin, Temple Street and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh. These are distinct issues, but they raise the most serious questions about clinical governance and patient safety in the CHI group of hospitals.”
“It is also a moment to invest in long-term resilience in energy, housing, transport and innovation to future-proof our economy and pursue competitiveness. We are in a changing global landscape and must respond with clarity, unity and ambition, ensuring Ireland remains a strong advocate for open, fair and sustainable international trade.”
“I heard a former Fianna Fáil press secretary, Mandy Johnston, recall asking Brian Lenihan Snr. how to react in a political crisis. The wise political brain advised doing nothing for an interval to allow for a natural resolution. There is merit in that. The Americans might have to take care of this themselves if the market falls further, inflation rises and employment falters. As we know, trade is not a national competence and Ireland must pursue its interests through the European Commission, with constructive dialogue with other member states and understanding their specific exposure to these tariffs. We also need to monitor closely the specific implications for the all-Ireland economy and North-South trade. This is a time for measured strategic action and not panic.”
“Tariffs of this nature are economically counterproductive. They disrupt integrated supply chains, drive inflation and hurt consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Increased protectionism is counterintuitive. It reduces consumer choice and stifles international investment and innovation. It is an experiment that failed miserably in 1930 with the Smoot-Hawley tariffs, widely credited with deepening the Great Depression and the subsequent collapse in world trade. We must remain clear in our position. Every opportunity for negotiation must be pursued, even under grievous insult. However, if tariffs remain or are extended, a proportionate and co-ordinated response from the European Union is essential to defend our economic interests, protect jobs and support our exporters, under the guiding principle of festina lente .”