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.”
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“The imposition of 20% tariffs on EU exports by the United States is not only unjustified and regrettable, but also erroneous in its rationale and deeply flawed in its calculations. It marks a significant retrogressive step in rules-based international trade developed in the aftermath of the Second World War. It is remarkable that one officeholder, the President of the United States, has been able to appropriate such enormous power over international trade with an apparent absence of the normal congressional checks and balances. It is ironic because his power grab reeks of weakness. His previously stated principled stand on tariffs as a tool to repatriate American companies has been deconstructed by his willingness to consider negotiation by supplication. It creates a fertile field for corruption.”
“Traditional building companies are slow to adopt the idea of modular housing. It is seen as a threat or disruption to traditional building supply. We must look at the provision of modular housing or off-site housing construction in a different light. I am going to focus on the financial aspect. In a time when we are under threat from tariffs from Trump and we need to be counterintuitive and invest in our economy, especially in our indigenous industries and particularly where there is an identifiable need to provide homes, we must look at a different relationship between the State, including the Department of housing, the Department of Education and the OPW, and the modular construction industry. The financial model is different. It must be front-loaded. There must be cash flow because people are continuously employed on site.”
“One unfortunate phenomenon in recent years has been the conflation in people's minds of prefabricated housing and modular housing. High-quality modular housing is a permanent housing solution. Prefabricated models like the prefabs provided for Ukrainian refugees were expensive and had a poor BER rating of C. These modern modular housing units are permanent solutions and are extremely energy efficient. By setting up a supply and manufacturing line, it is possible to manufacture houses every day of the week for 12 months of the year. This is the beauty of this approach. One of these homes can be provided five times faster than producing an on-site house. I have looked at some of the research internationally and obstructions are pushed in the way of modular housing.”
“I spoke last night at the parliamentary party meeting and another Fianna Fáil TD from another part of the country identified the exact same issues around modular housing and its ability to get a foothold in the provision of housing.”
“Institutional leadership - that is us; standards in innovation - that is us; and the building industry are mentioned. Ambitious targets were also mentioned - that is us. Innovative finance must be us because a different financial model is required for modular housing. Much of the finance has to be front-loaded. Supply lines cannot be set up without predictability and consistency. Multi-annual planning is needed. I am talking about the Department of Education in this respect, but also the housing sector. We need to review our relationship with modular construction so we can bring on smaller Irish indigenous companies, especially in this climate, that offer high quality jobs in provincial towns throughout Ireland.”
“In my constituency, there is a company called Lidan Designs that has recruited 40 people into its manufacturing facility, including master carpenters, plumbers, electricians, architects and engineers. It has taken on 8 apprentices from the local school starting in September. It is a vibrant company with an investment in the region of €10 million, most of which came from its own resources and private equity with very little support from the State. It has built schools for the Department of Education, including St. Flannan's and a school in Birr and it is constructing a national school in Kildare. Its problems are crystalised in what was identified in this report. As modular housing is a disruption of the traditional methods of construction, it will require a different approach.”
“It is coming at a crucial time because it is clear that the traditional methods of construction will not meet the ambitious targets set out in the programme for Government so we need to involve all aspects and foster all areas of construction in Ireland, not just on-site, but off-site construction. One of the strengths of the report is that it adopted the UK's definition framework seven categories of modern methods of construction, which will bring much needed clarity to what constitutes modern methods of construction in Ireland. One hundred off-site manufacturing companies operate in this country with 27 providing complete housing solutions.”
“As we know, housing production is the number one priority for the Government as is reflected in the programme for Government. Ireland's housing need is real and we need to consider all methods of construction to deliver the targets we set out in the programme for Government. We have to increase housing supply, improve sustainability and boost construction productivity. A recent report by the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, published last autumn, which was welcomed by the Government and the industry, was the first critical review of modern methods of construction in the landscape in Ireland. It looked at a template for the forward planning for modern methods of construction, but today, I am specifically asking about modular housing.”
“According to the Centre of Justice Innovation, diversion can reduce the police burden by up to 35% while giving young people a genuine second chance. In neighbouring jurisdictions like England and Wales, 40% of point-of-arrest diversion schemes limit access to those with two or fewer prior offences. So, what must we do? Eligibility must be flexible and inclusive, based on more than just a one-shot approach. Diversion schemes must be accessible and timely. Schemes have to be tailored to individual needs and not one size fits all. Schemes need to feed back to An Garda Síochána. Diversion schemes should be seen as an evidence-based investment in young people and the State itself.”
“Substance use often begins as a coping mechanism for anxiety and adverse life experiences. Without the right support, it can become the gateway to exclusion, addiction and contact with the justice system. This is why mental health in its widest possible definition must be central to our response. Young people today face enormous pressures online, in school and at home. Peer influence is another powerful force. Adolescents crave belonging and identity. When positive role models are absent or structured alternatives are lacking, they may find the sense of identity in peer groups where antisocial behaviour is normalised. Youth work, education, sport and community engagement must not just be available but also visible, inclusive and appealing. The Government’s youth strategy and the expansion of the diversion projects are a welcome step.”
“It is recognised as the age–crime curve, peaking in mid-adolescence. The most deleterious thing we could do to adolescents and ourselves as a State would be to formally criminalise them. Children diverted at the point of arrest are less likely to reoffend, more likely to stay in education and more likely to find employment in later life. If we are serious about diverting young people from criminal activity, we must address the broader context in which that activity emerges. Drug use, mental health challenges and peer pressure are key drivers but they rarely exist in isolation. Too often they are accompanied by poverty, early school leaving, family instability, exposure to trauma and a lack of access to safe and supportive environments. Drug use among adolescents is not just a health concern; it is often a red flag for deeper distress.”
“Some children come into contact with the law as a consequence of doing what comes naturally to them: pushing boundaries, acting without thought of consequence and establishing themselves in the mistaken judgment that they are impressing their peers. They may also be victims of criminal exploitation. However, research shows that where children are apprehended and convicted in the criminal justice system, lives are blighted in terms of educational and employment opportunities. In fact, a 35-year international meta-analysis found that formal court processing and even formal out-of-court disposals increase the risk of further criminal activity and are a marker for predicting criminal involvement into adulthood. Most adolescents grow out of criminal behaviour as they get older.”
“We cannot allow a precedent that confidence in the Chair is extended only where rulings are favourable. That is not democracy. It is subversion disguised as dissent. The behaviour last week was not about accountability. It was obstruction and performance. Shouting a cacophony of spittled invective down at the Chair and walking away from agreed procedure are not the actions of those who respect this Parliament. It is naked bullying and intimidation. It was ugly and unacceptable. It is time to move forward to form committees, progress legislation and focus on the work we were elected to do. The country faces serious challenges, including in regard to housing, Trump's tariffs, disability services, war in Europe, proposed EU reforms and regulation, and competitiveness. The people expect more than provocation and theatre.”
“This motion is about protecting democracy and securing the institution of the office of the Ceann Comhairle. The Opposition has been attempting to undermine the authority of this House and erode trust in its institutions. Members opposite have chosen the Ceann Comhairle as the sacrificial lamb after their attempt to subvert the Government and its ability to conduct its business failed. Let us be clear. The Ceann Comhairle has carried out her duties with fairness, consistency and full respect for the Standing Orders of the House. The recent amendments were passed by a significant majority of 21 votes, with 95 in favour and 74 against. Business is now conducted under those rules. To challenge the Ceann Comhairle's legitimacy for implementing what this House has democratically agreed is not principled; it is opportunistic.”
“The tradition of neutrality for other neutral countries has been investment in their defence and security because that is the mature and responsible approach to take. We must do that. We cannot have this unspoken reliance on third-party states for our defence and security.”
“I welcome the establishment of the national security council. It will give co-ordination, weight and urgency to our security requirements with increased risks because of the unstable international environment and the risk of hybrid cyberattacks and hybrid warfare. It is not as if we have not been attacked. The HSE was attacked a number of years ago, There are lots of private institutions and companies that are under-reported, so we are essentially at war with someone. We do not always know who those actors are but there is a suspicion that they are acting on behalf state actors. Our ability to secure our own air and territorial waters is also extremely important. Some people would have us be passive and supine and wait for something to happen to us.”
“I think the Taoiseach saw that first hand in Ballaghaderreen and in Kiltoom, in Athlone. We need to have a review of the humanitarian assistance scheme and outline how it is used, what the rules are around it and what the benefits are to people in situations of distress.”
“As regards people being without water for up to 21 days, we really have to ensure that Uisce Éireann makes sure that water supply is again more resilient and generator-ready and the same with water schemes. Telecommunications was another element that was not restored in quick time. Electricity came back and water came back, but some of the telecommunications companies did not re-establish proper telecommunications in our area for a considerable time after the storm. I think there was a lax attitude to that. It is simply not acceptable in this day and age, when we depend on telecommunications and Wi-Fi communication. The emergency hubs worked very well. We should continue to invest in our local infrastructure, whether it is in sports or community halls.”
“I am well aware that the Taoiseach visited the Roscommon-Galway constituency in the aftermath of the storm and witnessed first hand the devastation that was caused. I think he was taken aback by the level of devastation caused by Storm Éowyn. It is clear that up to 80% of the power outages were caused by forestry falls. We really have to learn the lesson about the establishment of tree corridors and proper forestry husbandry. Even in the aftermath of that, in many places in my constituency there are still trees causing hazard to telecommunication lines and electricity poles. I pay due respect to the ESB network crews who worked on the ground, but the ESB has to plan better to make its system more resilient. It is in the national interest.”
“Could the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Butler, indicate when the Mental Health Bill 2024 will proceed to Committee Stage for examination? It is critical that we get the legislation right. While strong safeguards are essential, we must also ensure timely and appropriate access to treatment for people who are seriously ill and cannot make that decision for themselves. Thankfully, involuntary admission is in a minority of cases and for a short period, but it is critical that those people have access to intervention in a timely and accessible manner.”
“It means championing reforms that reduce bureaucracy, accelerate growth and make Ireland a leader in business dynamism within Europe. Let us seize this moment to align with Europe's momentum for reform. Let us give our SMEs the freedom to thrive, innovate and compete, not only across Europe, but globally. Competitiveness is not just an economic goal but the foundation of sustainable prosperity for Ireland and the EU.”
“The competitiveness compass outlines a clear path to turning these priorities into tangible outcomes, offering both direction and accountability. This broader vision matters because competitiveness is not just about reducing paperwork. It is about enabling Europe to lead in technologies, industry and energy systems of the future. The EU's renewed focus on completing the Single Market, improving access to capital and removing unnecessary barriers is both timely and essential. However, ambition alone will not be enough. It must be backed by real delivery. As legislators, we have a responsibility to support this agenda at home. In Ireland that means making sure our businesses, especially SMEs, feel the impact of this drive for simplicity and efficiency.”
“It is about smarter regulation and rules that support, rather than stifle, innovation; and simplification that boosts transparency without compromising standards. We need a system that recognises our businesses, not as boxes to be ticked, but as engines of growth. In January 2025, the Commission introduced the competitiveness compass, a new roadmap to restore Europe's dynamism and accelerate economic growth. It builds on the insights of Mario Draghi's report on the future of European competitiveness and provides a strategic framework for the Commission's work during this mandate. The Draghi report identified three core imperatives: closing the innovation gap, developing a joint strategy for decarbonisation and competitiveness and increasing security while reducing excessive dependencies outside Europe.”
“The European Commission is responding with specific targets aiming to reduce reporting requirements by at least 25% for all companies and at least 35% for SMEs. This is a necessary and welcome step. If fully achieved, these simplification measures could deliver €37.5 billion in annual savings across the European Union. This is not just a statistic. It is money that can be reinvested in job creation, innovation and productivity instead of being lost in red tape. For far too long, our SMEs have been weighed down by layers of overlapping and complex regulation. These are the very businesses that power our local economies, create jobs and drive entrepreneurship. If we want to keep up in a competitive global market we need to ensure they can operate with clarity, confidence and agility. Let us be clear, this is not about abandoning regulation.”
“As we reflect on the outcomes of the recent European Council meeting, it is vital we in this House consider and respond to the key priorities raised, including Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, migration and the European Union's next multi-annual financial framework. Each of these issues is significant. I made a statement on security last week, emphasising Ireland's need as a mature, militarily neutral but politically aligned State to invest in its security and defence. Today I will focus on the theme at the heart of our long-term prosperity, namely, Europe's competitiveness. European businesses, especially SMEs, are facing an excessive regulatory burden which slows down growth, holds back innovation and weakens our global competitiveness.”
“It is not tenable that Ireland lacks a mature security and defence infrastructure. Strengthening our security will not diminish our ethical and moral commitment to human rights and international aid. It is not a binary choice. Ireland has built a strong reputation for peace and diplomacy but political and economic stability is a privilege that must be protected. We have benefited greatly from EU support, most recently evidenced during the Brexit process. We have to ask ourselves where Ireland would stand if Russia invaded the Baltic states or Poland - fellow EU member states. There is a growing sense of scepticism in Europe of Ireland's underinvestment in security. That is why the steps taken by this Government mark an important start of a long-term commitment to building Ireland's security capabilities in partnership with the EU.”
“The investment in primary radar for airspace monitoring is welcome but it must be part of a broader sustained effort. Increased funding for the Defence Forces, for recruitment and retention initiatives and for enhancements to the Naval Service and Air Corps are all steps in the right direction. Greater engagement in the European Union's common security and defence policy, PESCO and NATO's Partnership for Peace offers Ireland avenues to build security through co-operation. We need to repeal the triple lock and allow the Dáil to take back control of the deployment of our armed forces. The European Defence Fund presents an opportunity to develop our infrastructure and consider an indigenous defence industry - something Sweden, Finland and Austria, all neutral, have successfully done.”
“Our inability to patrol our airspace and territorial waters was humiliatingly exposed in terms of the international gaze when the Russian navy operated off our south-west coast near critical undersea fibre-optic infrastructure. Any disruption to this network would have devastating economic consequences. In this context, I welcome the establishment of the national security council, which will bring together key Government, Garda and Defence Forces leaders. This is a necessary step in ensuring that strategic security and defence policy will be treated as a national priority. Ireland's military neutrality is well understood, but neutrality must not mean vulnerability. Our security and the security of the European Union are our responsibility too.”
“Though we are not engaged in direct conflict, we are already facing serious security threats, particularly in the context of cyber and hybrid warfare. The large-scale cyberattack on the HSE was a stark warning. That attack caused severe disruption, personal data exposure risk and significant financial damage. Attacks such as these, which are often backed by hostile states, are increasing in both the public and private sectors. I know of a health centre that was forced to pay a €10,000 ransom in bitcoin plus an additional €25,000 to restore operations. That was an enormous burden for a small business after a hack. These are not isolated incidents. This is low-intensity warfare by another name. Beyond cyberspace, our vulnerabilities are clear.”
“The issue of national security has never been more pressing. International trade and security are deeply connected. Without a strong security policy, our political and economic stability are at risk. For far too long Ireland has relied on the security frameworks of our European, UK and transatlantic partners, as well as our remote geographical location. This has bred complacency, often clouded by confusion over the status of our neutrality. However, the global landscape has shifted. Russian aggression in Ukraine, evolving geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in US foreign policy have made it clear that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security. Ireland cannot be an outlier.”
“Auschwitz is a reminder of an extreme racism that allows the categorisation of whole populations of people, who become dehumanised and are then exterminated. I have not been to Auschwitz but my family have been there and they said it is a very sombre event. We need to remember not just the Jewish 6 million who were killed but also the gypsies, the disabled and many other categories of people who were exterminated by the Nazis. It is extremely important that Ireland has announced its endorsement of the global guidelines for countering antisemitism and has agreed to that definition. It is important to remember racism, antisemitism, fascism and extreme ideology but, at the same time, to retain the right to criticise Israel without being confused as being antisemitic. It is extremely important for Ireland to retain that view.”
“Most neutral countries, or countries that were neutral, such as Finland and Sweden, took their neutrality seriously and developed proper defence systems in their countries. We have been complacent and we need to grow up, mature and take our defence and security seriously. I am delighted that the Government is continuing the policy of co-operating with the European Union and strengthening that relationship.”
“We realise that we are militarily neutral, but we are not a neutral country. We need to have this debate. We need to strengthen our own defences, both in the sea and in the air. We also need to strengthen our capability with radar. We also need to invest heavily in countering cybersecurity. For people who feel that Ireland is not at war with anyone, we have been attacked repeatedly by Russia. We have been clear about the attack on the HSE. I know a practice in the west of Ireland, a small business, that was attacked and hacked. It cost the business thousands of euro in ransom and in putting its systems right. We are, unfortunately, in a hybrid warfare situation where Ireland is under attack. We need to take our position seriously.”
“I do not want to repeat what Deputy Ó Cearúil has said but the meeting of 3 February is part of a series of meetings that are extremely important for Ireland with regard to planning our security and defence. It is a changed world. We have an unstable Europe and an aggressive Russia. Unfortunately, we have evidence since 3 February that perhaps the US is not going to be a reliable security partner in the future. There are concerns that the future of Europe is being discussed over the heads of European partners in the European Union and the UK by Russia and the United States. That is of increasing concern. It is extremely important that Ireland increases and strengthens its co-operation with the European Union under the common security and defence policy and under PESCO.”
“Schools should encourage female participation in debates, student councils and mock parliaments, providing young women with opportunities to voice their opinions and develop critical thinking. Representation is key, bringing female political leaders into schools as mentors or speakers to inspire students to see politics as a viable path for them. Some women experience compounded inequalities including those with disabilities, migrant women and survivors of abuse. Our policies must reflect the diversity of women's experiences and ensure progress is measured not just in policy but in real change. International Women's Day is not just about recognising inequality; it is about actively dismantling it.”
“Many women struggle to balance work and medical appointments with the lack of home help and public transport creating further barriers to accessing care. Achieving true gender equality requires valuing and redistributing care work by improving childcare, expanding paid family leave and encouraging men to take on caring roles. I am acutely aware that I speak as a male politician but I am also a father and an uncle to many wonderful nieces. We need more women in politics. Encouraging political aspirations among young women should start in schools where leadership and confidence can be fostered early. Programmes that promote civic engagement are essential.”
“For women in rural Ireland, escaping violence is even more challenging due to limited access to support services such as rape crisis centres and Safe Ireland, often exacerbated by inadequate public transport. The establishment of Cuan is a positive step but without proper funding, accessibility and awareness it will not be enough. Women cannot achieve equality if they do not feel safe in their homes, communities or workplaces. In Ireland, women continue to shoulder the majority of unpaid care work, limiting their career progression, financial independence and access to healthcare. Census 2022 found that women make up about 61% of unpaid carers and 90% of those caring full time at home. This extends beyond childcare to include elderly care, supporting disabled family members and emotional labour.”
“Today, on International Women's Day, we celebrate progress, acknowledge ongoing inequalities and renew our commitment to a world free from gender bias, discrimination and violence. As a TD and GP, I see at first hand how gender inequality affects women in the workplace, at home and in healthcare. While Ireland has made significant strides in advancing women's rights, many barriers to full equality remain. Gender-based violence continues to be a national crisis. The CSO's 2022 survey revealed that 52% of women have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. In 2023, Women's Aid recorded more than 40,000 disclosures of abuse, an increase of nearly 18% from the previous year. There have been 273 violent deaths of women since 1996, usually at the hands of someone they knew.”
“Ballaghaderreen Garda station - in a town of 3,000 people with rapid population growth due to international protection applicants and vulnerable to mobile crime gangs - has closed. They have shouldered their responsibility; the State must shoulder its share. Their Garda station is more than just a building; it is a deterrent to crime and a reassurance to the community. It must be reopened. Another trend is the increase in arson. These attacks are deliberate, targeted and designed to create fear. They threaten the stability of rural communities and even the will of the State. A strong forensic-led investigation strategy is required. Government has committed to recruiting 5,000 new gardaí in its term. Recognition must be given to rural communities left to manage with overstretched Garda units covering wide geographical areas.”
“We need to strengthen our response in two key areas: enforcement and prevention. Criminals are more organised, exploiting gaps in policing and the lack of deterrence in rural areas. We must ensure An Garda Síochána has the resources to monitor key access routes, disrupt networks and prevent crime before it happens. Increased patrols on the roads over the Shannon into Roscommon-Galway would send a clear signal that law enforcement is proactive, supplemented by an intelligence-led approach. Equally, we must recognise the complex factors that contribute to crime. Community deprivation, lack of balanced development and lack of educational opportunities deepen the challenges faced by law enforcement. Garda station closures remain a serious concern.”
“I would like to remember the late rural crime activist and Roscommon independent councillor, Tony Waldron of Ballintubber, as I make these comments. The safety and security of our rural communities must be a top priority. Across Roscommon-Galway, we are seeing a rise in serious criminal activity. There must be a response that matches the scale of the challenge. People in villages like Oran, Glinsk, Ballygar and Knockcroghery are living in fear of mobile crime groups. They deserve to feel safe in their homes and to be able to conduct their businesses. There have been raids by the Garda armed response unit, discharging of firearms and increased antisocial behaviour linked to organised crime in Ballinasloe in the past month alone. Crime is evolving and so must our approach to tackling it.”
“In addition, elderly and frail people are going to memory and frailty clinics but cannot park on the grounds of Roscommon hospital. They have to walk from the local GAA grounds, which are about 500 m away, in spite of there being adequate space around Roscommon University Hospital. The people of Roscommon need to be reassured that in the deal proposed to them after the reconfiguration of the hospital, which deeply disappointed people in the area, the State will not forget investment in what is a critical piece of infrastructure in the delivery of healthcare in the west. I am happy the Minister of State has confirmed that the rehabilitation unit has not been removed from the planning of health services in Roscommon.”
“I can take it that the Minister of State is confirming that the rehabilitation unit in Roscommon University Hospital is still planned for the area and is undergoing review in the spatial assessment he described. The people of Roscommon have reason to be suspicious. They feel that, after reconfiguration, for which a whole host of new services were developed, including a successful medical assessment unit and injuries and endoscopy units, things in the hospital have been left in abeyance. As I have pointed out, the outpatients department is not fit for purpose. It was built in 1947. The endoscopy unit cannot expand to ENT and neurological endoscopy for want of a decontamination unit. The injuries unit cannot expand its service because of a shortage of advanced nurse practitioners.”
“However, the outpatient department, built in 1947, lacks a disabled toilet and adequate wheelchair access, which is astonishing. Given the current emphasis on disability in the programme for Government, one would expect all outpatient departments to be disability-proofed infrastructure. I urge the Minister of State to expedite this long overdue project and ensure this regional rehabilitation infrastructure is delivered as planned in Roscommon University Hospital. The reasons for choosing Roscommon University Hospital in 2015 could not have changed substantially in the intervening years. The people of Roscommon-Galway deserve a transparent explanation as to why this piece of critical infrastructure appears to have been mothballed.”
“Investing in a dedicated rehabilitation unit in Roscommon University Hospital would be a proven, evidence-based solution that will improve accessibility and patients' outcomes, reduce long-term healthcare dependency and ultimately save the State millions in avoidable disability and ongoing care costs. In spite of the deep disappointment at the reconfiguration in 2011, Roscommon University Hospital has reimagined itself as a very successful model 2 hospital. It has a successful medical assessment unit, which is a unit of choice for older people in the area. It has a successful regional gastrointestinal endoscopy unit and a minor injuries unit that serves not just Roscommon, but east Galway, Mayo, Longford and Westmeath. The people of Roscommon-Galway were promised a model 2 hospital that would be developed to its maximum potential.”
“This is resulting in unsuitable care settings and long-term dependency. This is both clinically inappropriate and economically unsustainable. The evidence is clear that specialised rehabilitation is the most cost-effective intervention. Data from intervention trials for sudden-onset neurological conditions, progressive or intermittent neurological conditions or limb absence show a significant reduction in dependency and ongoing care cost. The greatest savings are in the high-dependency group and the cost of intervention is recouped after only 16 months. This is in stark contrast to late intervention in non-specialised environments, which leads to significantly higher costs for the State. This is not simply a healthcare issue but an economic one.”
“I wish to highlight the urgent need for the long-promised rehabilitation unit at Roscommon University Hospital. In 2015 a commitment was made for a €7.8 million investment to provide 20 dedicated rehabilitation beds, yet despite entering detailed design phase in 2021, the appointment of a design team in 2022 and further design assessments in 2023, the rehab unit was abruptly omitted from the HSE Capital Plan 2024 without explanation. We face a 50% shortfall in neurorehabilitation beds nationwide with huge geographical disparities in bed availability, which ranges from 6.4 beds per 100,000 people to 45 beds per 100,000 people. I assume the latter applies in the Dublin area. Patients in the west of Ireland are left with limited or delayed access to specialist rehabilitation at a centre remote from them in Dublin.”
“I welcome the Minister's reply. I also welcome the increases in the income rates to allow people to qualify for the carer's allowance. I recognise and welcome the commitment of the Government to a phasing out of the means test for the carer's allowance. I welcome the improved benefits under the carer's allowance scheme, the extension of the allowance to the self-employed and the provision of access to the State pension. It is absolutely important that we continue to support carers in their very onerous tasks. Many of them do it without any complaint because of their commitment to their loved ones. It is very important that the State continues to recognise their contribution to society in this regard.”
“I thank the Minister. In Fianna Fáil, we recognise the major contribution carers make to this society, many giving up careers and job opportunities and often providing full-time care to their loved ones. They take away a huge burden that would otherwise have to be met by the State by means of the use of third-party residences and institutional care for people who are disabled or had special or additional needs is something we moved away form many years ago. Fianna Fáil has been the party of the carer's allowance. It introduced the carer's allowance and the half-rate carer's allowance, and it is important that we take a lead on this. Will the Minister comment on the programme for Government pledge regarding parents who are over 66 and receiving both the carer's allowance and a pension?”
“The future of healthcare is about ensuring that every person, no matter where he or she lives, has access to timely, high-quality care. By investing in community services, embracing technology and prioritising prevention, we can build a system that truly supports longer, healthier lives.”