Michael Collins
Cork South-West · Independent Ireland · Ireland
“This matter has been raised twice already this morning, but it is hugely important. I will make a personal appeal to the Taoiseach regarding Skyclarys and the further delay that has now arisen. Yesterday, Emma O'Shea came to Leinster House from west Cork with her mother, father and brother.”
“Another huge problem which normally arises in August is that relating to school buses. Parents have no way to get their children to school because of the nearest school rule. The current and previous programmes for Government contain promises that this will be done away with, but nothing has happened. The rule needs to be abolished.”
“Every parent knows that September has become one of the most expensive months of the year. While free schoolbooks are welcome, many families now face growing costs for other items. Parents are being asked to purchase laptops that cost €400 or more, make increased payments for school transport and pay charges to cover examination fees.”
“Either 25 children are left without a school place this September, or two senior infants classes are merged into one class of 34 children. Does the Minister of State agree that schools should not be punished for helping to solve an enrolment crisis? Will he immediately sanction the additional teaching posts required for St.”
“Education should not be measured by means of the distance someone lives from school, and school transport should not be measured on that basis either. I want to raise a matter that Councillor Bill Clear brought to my attention. It is a very serious issue regarding St. Corban’s National School in Naas in County Kildare.”
“I was chairperson of a board of management and know the difficulties that schools face just because they are one or two children short. That can be made up as the year goes on but it is a crisis that Councillor Clear finds unacceptable.”
The complete record
Every one of 1,574 lines we hold for Michael Collins, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 18 of 32.
“This is smart, fair and deeply necessary legislation that puts families first. For too long, the cost of school uniforms has placed an unfair burden on parents. According to Barnardos, back-to-school costs now average €725 for primary school pupils and €1,100 for secondary school. That is not just a statistic; it is a crisis. Families are dipping into savings, taking out loans and making impossible choices just to send their children to school. The Bill is a practical response to that reality. It requires schools to keep uniforms simple and affordable, allow parents to shop around and not be tied to one expensive supplier, offer second-hand options and show compassion when families are struggling. We must stop punishing families for sending their children to school. The cost of uniforms should never be a barrier to education.”
“This was one little bit of relief they got just before the previous election, with the promises and all of that. That was great, but now the election is over and it is time for people to suffer. That is not good enough.”
“It is fine to say we are investing in infrastructure, but the companies themselves are making a fortune out of ordinary, everyday people who work hard in this country and the Government does not seem to understand or sympathise with that, as can be proven by the last budget. We must act now to strengthen our infrastructure, cut through bureaucracy and ensure people can access support when they need it most because this is not just about energy. It is about dignity, fairness and whether we are building a country that works for everyone or just those at the top. I still ask the Government to reconsider the decision it made in the budget not to give energy credits to customers. These people come into my clinic every weekend. They are suffering in every way they can be hit by the Government with extra taxes.”
“He has already raised important concerns with me, including the need to simplify claim forms for those affected by storm damage in Galway West and in other areas affected by the serious storms that hit. These forms must be easy to understand and quick to complete, especially for older people and those under pressure. Councillor Noel Thomas told me that Storm Éowyn caused unbelievable damage in his own constituency, as it probably did in the Minister of State's constituency. That is a very serious concern for the constituents of Galway West and it is an issue the Government needs to take up.”
“We also need to acknowledge the people who are doing everything they can to keep the lights on, such as the ESB crews who go out in all kinds of weather, often in dangerous conditions, to restore power to homes and businesses. Their dedication deserves our thanks and our respect but they too need a system that works, one that is properly resourced, well planned and future-proofed. The recent storms have shown just how vulnerable our infrastructure is. Trees falling along roads have knocked out ESB poles, causing widespread outages. This is not just bad luck; it is a sign of poor planning and underinvestment. Red tape and outdated systems continue to hold us back. That is why I welcome the appointment of our Galway West councillor, Noel Thomas, as our spokesperson for planning reform.”
“Budget 2026 has no new energy credits, no targeted reliefs and no plan to support more than 300,000 households now in arrears. Where is the fairness in this? Where is the urgency to protect the vulnerable? We are investing billions in the grid, yet schools are fundraising just to pay their ESB bills. Principals are forced to choose between heating classrooms and buying basic supplies. That is not sustainable. It is not fair and it is not the Ireland we should accept. If we can find €1.5 billion for capital stock, surely we can find the resources to restore energy credits and provide targeted supports for those most affected by energy poverty. I support investment in our energy future, but I cannot support a system that asks ordinary people to foot the bill while removing the very supports that helped them survive in the past few winters.”
“This Bill allows the ESB to borrow up to €17 billion and issue €1.5 billion in capital stock, much of it going to two Departments. It is framed as a step towards modernising our grid and preparing for future demand. Yes, investment in infrastructure is always vital but, let us be clear, the people of Ireland are already paying the price - literally. Electricity bills have soared. The average household now pays over €1,800 a year for electricity. Some suppliers have increased prices by up to 13.5%, adding €18 a month for an already stretched family. We are told this is due to network charges and wholesale price volatility but that is cold comfort to families who are choosing between heating and eating. Families were given two €125 energy credits, both issued early in the year, and nothing since.”
“All Bantry wants is a flood relief scheme, not promises of compensation packages that cannot be delivered. Bantry has had enough. Throughout these decades of flooding, Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael has been in government. Will they fast-track the flood relief scheme, deliver it in 2026 and not kick the can down the road as they have done for the past 50 years? Councillor Danny Collins told me this morning that there is great anger in Bantry and that there needs to be a meaningful compensation package for businesses and residents. Will that happen this week?”
“Last night, businesses and residents were once again flooded in Bantry after a night of heavy rain. Since I came into the Dáil in 2016, I have raised this issue monthly - the latest was two weeks ago. The answer I got a couple of weeks ago from the Minister was that a flood relief scheme would be delivered to Bantry in 2031. The people of Bantry have been destroyed by floods last night and for decades. The Southern Star carried a story last week which recalled that in 1983, people had to sit up in businesses in Bantry and put their feet up in the air as the businesses were surrounded by floods. The time for talking is over. The time for Ministers of State with responsibility for the OPW coming to Bantry time in and time out to talk to residents and businesses is over.”
“Next week sees the inauguration of our new President and I wish Catherine Connolly the very best in her presidency. This will mean a by-election in Galway West. We in Independent Ireland strongly believe that this by-election should take place immediately. To facilitate this we have already put forward our candidate Councillor Noel Thomas who is working on the ground as we speak. Can we debate-----”
“That is game over for them. People have invested in fishing. I have been down in Wexford and in different ports meeting with fishermen. It is the same down in west Cork. People have spent millions of euro investing in their boats, fleet and staff, and to think this is what is facing them. They are facing ruination. It is a serious crisis. I urge the Government to stand with us, fight for our fisherman, demand reform and if reform is denied then let us challenge the injustice in the courts of Europe.”
“Ninth, what is the Government’s position on ICES recommending zero TACs for key species in the Celtic and Irish Seas, effectively shutting down entire fleets? Tenth, what is the Government’s plan for succession and recruitment in the fishing industry to ensure its long-term survival? Eleventh, will the Government commit to a full review of Ireland’s share of blue whiting, given the massive biomass and the unfair allocation of just 59,000 tonnes from a TAC of over 1.4 million tonnes? Twelfth, are the Minister and Minister of State going to agree on the 70% proposed cuts on mackerel quotas? What is their plan for other quotas for these fishermen who want to work in the sea? I urge them to stand with these fishermen. I had a meeting with them. It is at crisis point. It was at crisis point without ever a worry of a 70% mackerel cut.”
“Fourth, will the Minister commit to pushing for the application of the Hague preferences to ensure Irish fishers can legally fish in their own waters? Fifth, why is Ireland being denied a dedicated quota for bluefin tuna despite a clear recovery in stock levels and historical fishing effort? Sixth, does the Minister accept that the Common Fisheries Policy and the Brexit trade and co-operation agreement have disproportionately harmed Ireland's fishing sector? Seventh, will the Government consider initiating a legal challenge under Articles 263, 265 or 340 of the TFEU to seek redress for these policy failures? Eighth, how does the Government explain the continued decline in fish stocks despite Irish fishermen reducing their catches over the past seven years?”
“First, can the Minister confirm what emergency financial aid package is being considered to address the estimated €90 million to €100 million in losses suffered by the Irish fleet? Second, what is his response to the fact that 17 boats were removed from Castletownbere alone under the most recent decommissioning scheme? What continued support is being offered to those families and communities? Third, why does Ireland, which contributes 12% of EU waters, receive only 6% of the fish? What steps are being taken to correct this imbalance? I wish the Minister would take this down because these are very serious questions that come from the fishers, not from me. If the Minister can answer them, they and I would greatly appreciate it.”
“If our Government will not act, then we on this side of the House and the fishers must consider doing this ourselves. We also demand the application of the Hague preferences to allow our fishers to remain legal in their own waters. What of bluefin tuna? Despite a massive recovery in stock numbers, Ireland receives no quota, only a bycatch allowance. This is unacceptable. What about our fishing rights off Rockall? Have we got those rights back? Are we going to get them back? Is this another kick in the you-know-what for Irish fishers? This is not just about fish. It is about fairness. It is about the survival of our coastal communities. It is about Ireland's right to fish in Irish waters.”
“Where is the fairness? Where is the sovereignty? The Common Fisheries Policy, compounded by the Brexit trade and co-operation agreement, has failed Ireland. Stocks are declining even though our fishers have reduced their catches year after year. ICES now describes the situation in the Celtic and Irish seas as particularly concerning, with many stocks falling below critical biomass thresholds. We are being punished for our compliance. We need, first, immediate financial aid to support our fleet and communities, second, a succession plan to ensure the future of Irish fishing and, third, a legal challenge to the EU’s policy failure, if necessary. The legal mechanism exists, namely, Articles 263, 265 and 340 of the TFEU, to challenge unlawful conduct and the failure to act, and to seek damages.”
“Mackerel quotas have been slashed by 77%, costing us €66 million. Blue whiting is down by 41%, a €7.5 million blow. Prawns have been reduced by 12% to 13%, costing €4.8 million. Entire fleets are being shut down. The Celtic Sea fleet is effectively grounded. The Irish Sea fleet is barely operational. Ports like Castletownbere, Union Hall, Dunmore East, Clogherhead, Howth, Kilmore Quay, Killybegs and Greencastle are facing existential threats. Seventeen boats were taken from Castletownbere alone in the most recent decommissioning scheme. They are not just boats. They are our livelihoods, traditions and futures. Despite Ireland contributing 12% of EU waters, we receive just 6% of the fish. This is a grotesque imbalance. Our fishers are being asked to stop fishing in their own waters while foreign vessels continue to exploit these stocks.”
“It is from damage done by Spanish lorries going into Castletownbere numerous times weekly to load Irish fish on Spanish boats, while our Irish boats are tied up with empty tanks. Those trucks driving out of Castletownbere are causing a world of damage to the road. It is astonishing. You could not make it up in a cartoon or a comedy because no one would believe it. Today, I am not just a representative of my constituents. I am a voice for the coastal communities of Ireland that are being systematically dismantled by the failures of fishery policy at home and in Europe. The figures speak for themselves. In just the past seven years, the Irish fleet has suffered estimated losses of €90 million to €100 million. This is not just a financial crisis. It is a cultural and community catastrophe.”
“The word that was used when describing what was happening in the fishing industry was “Armageddon”, as Deputy Ward mentioned. In the fishers’ own words, they are saying it is a total collapse of the sector. If current trends continue, there will be irreparable damage to coastal communities, livelihoods and the marine economy. The fishers say it is a point of no return and that, without immediate and decisive intervention, recovery may be impossible. They use the word “Armageddon” to wake up policymakers, including the Minister, unless the policymakers want to see the end of an era for Irish fishing. My God, does the Minister know what is one of the biggest costs for Cork County Council at present? It is repairing the road into Castletownbere. From what?”
“I thank the Chief Whip for making the statements possible today. Deputy Mac Lochlainn and I pushed hard for this debate, which is of huge importance at the present time. I would like this to be an honest debate. I do not want to stand here speaking and not getting answers. I would like to get answers to the questions I am putting to the Minister. I want us to work together to save our fishing industry. This is where we are at. The proposed 70% cut in the European Union’s mackerel fishing quota will wipe out the industry in Ireland. I was at a meeting of TDs and Senators the other night. I will tell the Minister that the fishers of Ireland are well pissed off - pardon my language - with successive Governments hanging them out to dry.”
“It also supports national health campaigns such as sheds for life, which brings health checks, mental health, workshops and lifestyle advice directly into the shed. I give a shout-out to the men's sheds in west Cork, including in Bantry, Bandon, Castletownbere, Dunmanway, Clonakilty, Kinsale and Skibbereen. If people are in west Cork, I encourage them to pop into these men's sheds for a cuppa and a chat. They are great places for people who need to get out. I also commend the people who deliver meals on wheels services in rural communities because a lot of people who get the dinners tell me that is the only person they meet during the day. The postman is also a gift from God. These are people who are delivering to people in different ways and they need to be commended.”
“He was told he could be waiting weeks for the scan and he knew it was urgent. We worked with him to go to Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast and he rang me after he had contacted the Belfast hospital, which had him up within a week, with a treatment plan started. It is not good enough, whether it is men's or women's health. However, we are talking about men's health and it is hard enough to get most men to doctors or hospitals. For them then to be told that they could be waiting weeks or months for a scan could cause unknown torment to their mental health. The Irish Men's Sheds Association describes the sheds as places where the greatest tool is a kettle, emphasising the power of a chat over a cup of tea.”
“Most of us in this House have been touched by suicide and those of us who have know the devastating effect it has on those left behind. We need to do more for men who feel they cannot talk and that they have nowhere to go. These are preventable deaths. There needs to be more investment in services for men. Too many are dying by suicide. This is not just about men. It is about families, communities and the future of our nation. We must act now. Movember calls for €10 million investment to implement the national men's health action plan and a cross-government strategy to address this crisis. Recently, a man who is not from my constituency, contacted me. His doctor told him he had a tumour in his head but he could not get a scan. This man pays for private health insurance, believe it or not.”
“Today, for the first time in the history of the Dáil, we are giving men's health the attention it urgently deserves. Ireland led the world in 2009 with the first national men's health policy but the latest version of the report, The Real Face of Men's Health, shows we are at a crossroads. In 2022, 40.2% of all male deaths were premature. Men in the most deprived areas are 150% more likely to die before the age of 75 than those in affluent areas. The leading causes of this - heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, suicide and chronic respiratory diseases - are largely preventable. The economic cost of men's ill health exceeds €1 billion annually, of which €760 million is considered preventable. Heartbreakingly, four out of five deaths by suicides in Ireland involve males.”
“Let us open up Áras an Uachtaráin to public scrutiny and, finally, give all Irish citizens, North and South, the right to vote for their President. That is what real democracy looks like. That is what an Ireland that respects all its people looks like.”
“This motion is about fairness, transparency and the basic democratic right of our citizens. It is about saying that everyone on the island should have a choice in choosing our President. It is about breaking the grip of the old political system that keeps new candidates and fresh ideas out. It is about holding every single one of our institutions to the same standards of openness and accountability. Independent Ireland fully supports the spirit of this motion. We will work with anyone who is serious about reforming our democracy and giving power back to the people. We have been talking about these issues for years. It is now time for action. Let us see legislation brought forward within the two-year period proposed. Let us make it easier to run for President.”
“The motion also touches on something that does not get talked about enough, which is the need for greater transparency around the Office of the President and Áras an Uachtaráin. The President does an important job. We all respect the office. However, that does not mean it should be above scrutiny. Every other public body has to account for its spending and make public reports. Áras an Uachtaráin should be no different. Repealing the section of the Freedom of Information Act that exempts the President is the right move. The public should know what the costs are for travel, for hosting dignitaries and for refurbishments. There is nothing wrong with that. It is just good governance. When people see that their money is being used wisely it builds trust.”
“We proposed that a number of councillors could back a candidate that would open the door to genuine competition and give the people real choice. Another thing that must change is the age requirement. You have to be 35 to run for President. Why? If a person is old enough to vote at 18, can serve in the Defence Forces, pay taxes and contribute to society, he or she should be old enough to stand for office. As I have said previously, the age requirement should be brought down to 21 years. We need to get young people back into politics and make them feel that their voices matter and they can help to shape this country's future. Are they too young at a certain age? Let the people decide. The truth is that too many people have switched off. I fear we are, sadly, going to see one of the lowest turnouts ever in a national election this Friday.”
“The current presidential nomination process is a shambles. We saw that again recently. Only three people got through in a country of 5 million. I know people who worked their socks off to gather support and do everything right only to be blocked by a rigid system that suits the establishment. Good people, such as Maria Steen and others, put their names forward but were told, "No, thanks", before the public ever had a say. That is not democracy. That is a stitch-up. Independent Ireland has already called for big changes to that process. We have a Bill to do that with the Bills Office, as we said we would following the recent nomination process. We want a fairer, wider system that allows Oireachtas Members, MEPs and councillors to have a role in nominating.”
“That is madness, plain and simple. If we are serious about inclusion and recognising all Irish citizens, this wrong has to be put right. Giving people in the North the vote does not take a single thing away from anyone else. It just means that 700,000 Irish citizens living in the North, who are part of this country, finally get to take part in choosing their head of State. That is what equality looks like in practice. It is not just about the North. It is about the health of our democracy across the board. Independent Ireland has been clear that we need a system that gets people involved, values their vote and makes it easier for good, genuine candidates to put themselves forward. We do not want a system that is locked up by the big parties or controlled by old-style political gatekeepers.”
“We in Independent Ireland welcome this motion. This is the kind of genuine, sensible proposal that speaks to ordinary Irish people, North and South. It is a motion about fairness, inclusion and democracy, which have been missing to date from too much of the operation of our political system. The presidential election has brought that into sharp focus in recent weeks. Independent Ireland supports the motion. We believe it is long past time that all Irish citizens on this island, whether they live in Bantry or Belfast, had the right to vote for the President of Ireland. It is ridiculous that someone born and living in the North of Ireland, an Irish citizen with an Irish passport recognised under the Good Friday Agreement, can run for President, be elected as President and be the President, but cannot vote for the President.”
“It must be built on trust, respect and shared purpose. We cannot in any way return to the horrible bloodshed that almost destroyed this island, but certainly destroyed many lives on both sides of the Troubles over many years. As a country, we can show to the world what peace means and what it can deliver. Let us take this a step further together.”
“I look forward to meeting her and engaging with her on behalf of the people of this Irish Republic. Independent Ireland has been building relations with Northern Ireland in the last number of years in the area of health delivery. Thousands of people going blind or in terrible pain seeking surgery are being treated by Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast. Never once has someone's address meant they could not get care in that hospital in Northern Ireland, where the patient comes first. The reason I raise this is that this can happen both North and South on so many levels because the cross-Border scheme works on both sides. I express a huge thanks to the CEO of Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Belfast, Mark Regan, and all the hospital's staff. I call on all parties to approach this issue with humility. Unity cannot be imposed.”
“This is in the area of sport where the GAA and rugby teams have successfully played together in peace and harmony. Only last week, Independent Ireland called for a united Ireland, North and South, soccer team, and why not? If we are to have unity, let us start with sport as something people can celebrate as one, going forward, in peace and harmony. I also extend a warm welcome to the new British ambassador to Ireland, Ms Kara Owen, who took up her role and seal of office last week, with our President. Ms Owen has been praised for her efforts to engage with Irish culture, including speaking Irish fluently during her credentials ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin. She will play a vital role in building strong relations between North and South in the months and years ahead.”
“To date, not enough has been done here to kick-start a process that could be sometimes difficult but meaningful in discussions. The establishment of a dedicated Oireachtas committee is a constructive step, but this must be balanced with a commitment to transparency and neutrality. Planning for unity must not become a political campaign; it must be a national conversation. Furthermore, a committee made up of politicians from the North and the South must be set up to discuss this issue. They must be respectful of views from all sides. I also urge the Government to ensure that cross-Border projects like the A5 road are not politicised but prioritised for their economic and social value. Infrastructure should unite us in practice, not just in principle. We must also look towards areas towards areas that have unified us already.”
“I thank Sinn Féin for bringing this motion on Irish unity before us. I am not afraid of unity. The Independent Ireland party is not afraid of unity. However, I speak with both caution and conviction on this motion. The question of Irish unity is not just a constitutional matter; it is a deeply personal and emotional issue for many across this island. It deserves thoughtful, inclusive and respectful engagement. While I welcome the spirit of planning and dialogue proposed in this motion, I must also raise concerns. We cannot afford to rush into structures or referendums without first ensuring that every community, North and South, nationalist and unionist, rural and urban, is genuinely heard and represented. This does not mean, however, that moves, both North and South, towards unity can go without discussion by our leaders.”
“That hard-working PAYE taxpayer was hit hard. He got little or nothing from the budget and may even have come out of it worse off. He works almost seven days per week to make money. He said this is very unfair and he is suffering after the budget.”
“They rightly question why, under the PAYE system, they should be hit with a tax bill after the fact. This payment is predictable and reoccurring. Why is it not factored into their tax credits from the outset? One individual worked in a government job for 36 years and recalls that such small tax liabilities were not pursued. Now, Revenue intends to recover €25 annually. This is not about the money; it is, she believes, about the principle. This practice contradicts the spirit of the PAYE system and possibly the Constitution. I urge the Minister to review this matter and ensure fairness and transparency for pensioners under the PAYE system. The big issue here is that these are hard-working people. I spoke to a gentleman the other day who has a child. He said he does not get a chance to see his child.”
“The new rules could force more small, mixed-income farms into full VAT registration, adding paperwork, stress and costs. If a farmer earns from activities such as contracting or a farm shop, that income now counts towards the VAT threshold. That is a bureaucratic trap for small, diversified farms trying to stay afloat. I also raise an issue that is affecting constituents of mine who are furious at the way they have been treated. They receive both a widow's pension and, as PAYE taxpayers, a Government pension. They receive their annual tax credit certificate and pay their taxes accordingly. However, each year, due to the Christmas double payment of the widow's pension, which is a long-standing practice, they become liable for an additional tax bill of €100 to €200.”
“Cinemas already lost out on the second payment of the increased cost of business grant and the subsequent power up grant. I would be grateful if the Minister could look at this. As I said, I contacted him and while I know it is late in the game, I hope he will be able to do something for some of these struggling cinemas, especially the rural ones. On the flat-rate scheme for farmers, this VAT change is unfair. It hits small farmers hardest. From 1 January 2026, the flat-rate top-up drops from 5.1% to 4.5%. That is €600 less per €100,000 in sales. This is money that farmers rely on to cover the VAT they cannot reclaim for small farms. That is not just a number; it is feed, fencing, diesel and vet bills. It is a cut to farmers' bottom line, and it does not stop there.”
“While the 9% reduction supports food, catering and hairdresser businesses, cinemas face many of the same pressures, such as rising energy and wage costs, incomplete recovery from the pandemic and increased competition from global streaming platforms for many independent and rural cinemas. These challenges are making selling the operations increasingly difficult. My local cinema in Bantry serves west Cork and is a key local employer and community hub, driving footfall for nearby cafés, restaurants and shops. The fiscal cost of extending the 9% VAT rate to cinemas is modest, at around €4 million per year. Yet, it would make a major difference in protecting jobs, keeping venues opens and sustaining cultural access across the country.”
“The VAT reduction to 9% for hairdressers, cafés and restaurants is very welcome. I thank the Government for doing that and delivering for these people who were practically on their knees. I cannot understand that some parties in here are crying that the Government should not have done that. They obviously do not talk to the restaurant or café owners who are in a desperate situation. Cinemas also want to be included in the recent VAT reduction. I have been in contact with the Minister about that and I ask him to look at it at some stage. It will not happen this time, but maybe in the next budget.”
“Last night, a ten-year-old Irish girl under Tusla care was allegedly sexually assaulted on the grounds of the Citywest Hotel, a facility housing asylum seekers. The suspect, an asylum applicant with a deportation order, had remained in the country despite being refused protection earlier this year, making the attacker here an illegal immigrant. The people are rightly alarmed. We need an urgent and honest debate here today on immigration policy, or as soon as possible.”
“Ava passed away in May 2023 and at her inquest the jury recommended a national policy, now known as Ava's protocol, to oversee the administration of essential but unlicensed medicines. I ask the Government to formally adopt Ava's protocol and integrate it into national healthcare policy.”
“Today, I speak on behalf of Vera Twomey and her late daughter, Ava Barry. This is a story that embodies the courage of Irish families and the urgent need for compassionate healthcare reform. Ava suffered from Dravet syndrome and endured up to 500 seizures per month. When conventional treatments failed, Vera fought tirelessly for access to medicinal cannabis. She walked from Cork to Leinster House on two occasions, became a medical exile in the Netherlands and, ultimately, secured a licence for medication that reduced Ava's seizures by 70%, which allowed her to live with dignity. Even in hospital, Vera was the only person permitted to administer Ava's medication. This highlights a dangerous gap in our healthcare system.”
“We are depending on migrant workers to build these houses. These workers have come from Poland, Latvia, Moldova, Bolivia, South Africa and other places across the world. As I said, there are 300,000 new homes needed by 2030 and there are 170,000 people working in construction, but 30,000 to 40,000 is a lot of people to be found between now and 2030. All these workers need to be trained. How many years will it take to achieve the number of qualified craftspeople necessary to meet the demand for housing supply?”
“I welcome the recent announcement of funding of €339 million for craft apprenticeships for 2025. It is my understanding that this funding will be used to support the expansion of training places, the recruitment and retention of instructors, and the provision of more places, especially in trades needed for housing infrastructure, including, as the Minister of State said, plumbers and electricians. The recent documentary "Who's Building Ireland?" explored the construction industry and who is building the 300,000 new homes needed by 2030. There are 170,000 people working in the construction industry in Ireland. We need between 30,000 and 40,000 skilled workers to build these homes. How does the Minister of State propose to incentivise the fully trained craftspeople to remain in Ireland once they have finished their apprenticeships?”
“For now, we need the tillage farmers to be protected. The Minister is the only one who can do it and I would appreciate if he would make that effort.”
“I urge the Government to deliver the full €60 million annual support as pledged, introduce a €250 per hectare subsidy to ensure viability, create incentives for millers and feed companies to prioritise Irish grain and expand environmental schemes that reward sustainable practices. We need to give these farmers the funds they need to survive. That is the long and the short of it. I have serious concern for farmers in Clonakilty, Bandon, Kilbrittain, Ballinadee, Ballinspittle, Kinsale, Innishannon, Halfway and out the Airport Road. These are farmers in my constituency, but I also have serious concern for farmers throughout the country who are fighting for their very survival. We have a serious problem in the dairy sector with the drop in the price of meat. This is just another issue that needs to be addressed.”
“Moreover, Irish grain offers exclusive sourcing and is traceable and sustainable, yet millers and feed compounders continue to rely heavily on imports with 4 million to 5 million tonnes of feed ingredients imported annually, compared with 2 million tonnes of native grain produced. We must incentivise the use of Irish grain to reduce our carbon footprint and support local producers. If we fail to act now, we risk losing a generation of tillage farmers. The consequences will be severe, including increased reliance on inferior imports, loss of rural employment and a setback in our climate ambitions.”