Réada Cronin
Kildare North · Sinn Féin · Ireland
“A united Ireland will change that and unlock an all-island economy that would work for everyone who lives on this island. Every Irish county would finally have a government whose only priority is Ireland.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an díospóireacht seo inniu. Many myths exist about a united Ireland. I believe the biggest one is the alleged cost it will be to the Twenty-six Counties.”
“I always wonder why this was even cited as an issue because it is exactly what already happens to pension recipients in Spain, France, Ireland and wherever a retired British worker resides. The truth is that even if the economic case was more challenging than it is, Irish unity would still be the right thing to do.”
“It has already been made clear that a reunited Ireland would see the North automatically return to EU membership, creating enormous opportunities for growth across the entire island.”
“In doing the right thing, we also create a stronger economy and a better future for generations to come. Then it is not simply good economics, it is the fulfilment of our national potential. When I came across to the Chamber today I walked through the hall and I looked at the Proclamation again.”
“Molaim mo chomrádaí, an Teachta Aengus Ó Snodaigh, as an rún seo. An Teachta Ó Snodaigh has done Trojan work for the arts community for many years, and I am sure we have plenty more years to look forward to. Ireland is well-known around the globe for its music, arts and literature.”
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“In doing the right thing, we also create a stronger economy and a better future for generations to come. Then it is not simply good economics, it is the fulfilment of our national potential. When I came across to the Chamber today I walked through the hall and I looked at the Proclamation again. I was reminded of the aspiration of our heroes in 1916 to the unashamed "happiness and prosperity of the whole nation". We have that within our grasp now and we have to move forward.”
“I always wonder why this was even cited as an issue because it is exactly what already happens to pension recipients in Spain, France, Ireland and wherever a retired British worker resides. The truth is that even if the economic case was more challenging than it is, Irish unity would still be the right thing to do. It is said: tír gan teanga, is tír gan anam, but a country without a soul is only a vacuous place, and while partition was indeed a failure of our national soul, a failure of our spirit, and a failure to believe that all the people of this island deserve to share one future together, we can change that. A united Ireland is about more than balance sheets. It is about ending the injustice of partition, and finally allowing our country to become whole again.”
“It has already been made clear that a reunited Ireland would see the North automatically return to EU membership, creating enormous opportunities for growth across the entire island. This simple but important guarantee means, in economic terms, the potential difficulty faced by Scotland when planning its independence, which had to negotiate membership of the EU in the context of independence, does not apply to the Six Counties. The subvention is also incessantly cited as a reason we in the South would not be able to "afford" the North. However, a recent study showed that the deficit transferred to the Six Counties is closer to £1.5 billion per year. Pensions have also been mentioned.”
“A united Ireland will change that and unlock an all-island economy that would work for everyone who lives on this island. Every Irish county would finally have a government whose only priority is Ireland. We only need look to German reunification as an example of how planned economic integration and investment within the EU can substantially improve economic conditions in the smaller jurisdiction involved in unification. While the economic output and living standards of the former East Germany have not caught up with the former West German development, by any standards they have improved dramatically. The role of the EU would be even more central in the case of Irish reunification. It should be to the fore of the Irish Presidency in this term. We must remember that the Good Friday Agreement is an EU-endorsed treaty.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an díospóireacht seo inniu. Many myths exist about a united Ireland. I believe the biggest one is the alleged cost it will be to the Twenty-six Counties. Increasing amounts of research show that Irish unity would strengthen an all-island economy, creating more jobs, attracting investment and increasing tax revenue in addition to goodwill. Let us imagine every county on this island working towards the same economic future. At present, the economy of six counties of our country is controlled by the British Government. The people making decisions about investment and opportunity answer to voters in London, Manchester and Brighton, not Belfast, Derry or Newry. Why would Tory, Labour or Reform MPs prioritise communities to which they have no electoral responsibility?”
“It is genuine, authentic, human experience, which cannot be replicated by machines, algorithms or systems. It is imperative that we protect this experience and ensure that those who give voice to our great culture are shielded from the threat of AI. We have to make sure that we respect them and their creative talents deserve that protection. They have to be protected by their Government. Artists deserve to be paid. Caithfimid ealaíontóirí na hÉireann a chosaint.”
“That spirit is so often invoked by our own Government politicians when they travel on official duty, dining out on poets such as Yeats and Heaney. I am glad to hear today that the Minister of State will not be opposing our motion. Now is the time for action because, today, Irish artists are being ripped off. Their work is being stolen by AI to build systems that spew out AI art, which directly competes with them, and their copyright is completely disrespected. This is making it increasingly difficult for them to make a living. This is why we in Sinn Féin believe it is essential to recognise that art is the product of the labour of artists, informed by their unique human experience, creativity, and skill, because this is what separates our artists from AI.”
“Irish artists are to the forefront in not only creating, writing and performing incredible music but they are also the vanguard of pushing boundaries and creating their own genres. In creating new genres, some are honouring our traditional music heritage by adding electronic rock, such as Huartan and the Scratch, while many others, like the Mary Wallopers, give new life to songs from Percy French, Dominic Behan and the Clancy Brothers. Our beloved Irish rap group, Kneecap, is a band that has stood up time and again to threats from the British state while inspiring a generation to re-engage with our native language. I could name so many more, each of which are a testament to the spirit of this island.”
“Molaim mo chomrádaí, an Teachta Aengus Ó Snodaigh, as an rún seo. An Teachta Ó Snodaigh has done Trojan work for the arts community for many years, and I am sure we have plenty more years to look forward to. Ireland is well-known around the globe for its music, arts and literature. For a country so small, we have produced countless names that are known and loved all across the world. That tradition continues to this day, as we continue to produce many incredible poets, singers, performers and writers. Each year, Nialler9, the popular and influential music blogger publishes a list of the best Irish albums from the calendar year. Last year, his list contained country pop music, punk jazz, electronic trad, underground connections, Goth shoegaze, tin whistles, freak folk, and more.”
“Together we will right the historic wrong done to our Irish nation, in particular our people of all persuasions in the North. We have spent too long defined by old wounds, missed chances and shame but the day is coming when this island will not be defined by that and will instead be defined by the people of Ireland who inspire us. Our best days are yet to come.”
“We saw the generosity of the people of Derry and beyond when Arlene Foster was warmly welcomed to the funeral to the late First Minister, Martin McGuinness. We saw it in Dublin when a courageous woman, who attended the Stardust inquest, stood between the injured assailant and an angry crowd because despite being failed by the institutions of this State, she still believed in justice and Ireland's innate sense of justice. These are the forward-looking and hopeful people of Ireland that I know and love. Our island has carried the burden of division for far too long but no line drawn on a map can ever divide the generosity and humanity of the Irish people. We will unite the whole island, the whole people of Ireland, and heal old wounds with respect, generosity and equality.”
“One man's mean-spirited attempt to set the ne plus ultra to the progress of Ireland's nationhood has prevailed this time but better men and women than he will gain Irish unity while he is still muttering about the smoking ban because Ireland is full of generous, forward-looking people.”
“I cannot express how disappointed I am in the Taoiseach and that this Government has decided to vote against our Bill. Regardless of whether you are a united-Irelander or not, our Bill simply seeks to ensure we are prepared for the constitutional change that is knocking on the door. Preparing for unity is sensible and responsible, voting against this Bill, rejecting the simple premise of preparation, is reckless and irresponsible. Sinn Féin has said repeatedly that Irish unity is bigger than us, and I have spoken to enough Fianna Fáilers in north Kildare to know they feel that way too.”
“It is high time the Government finally delivered on its €200 a month childcare promise and increased the pay and respect for the professionals in early years education and childcare practitioners from September. It is mainly women who work in this sector. The women on both sides of this know that their Government does not seem to care about women. The Government does not need to copy Deputy Kerrane's homework tonight. She is handing it the solution, if only it would take it.”
“During the last general election campaign, Deputy Kerrane outlined a detailed plan of how Sinn Féin would deliver early childcare for €10 a day while increasing the pay and respect for the workers in the sector. The Government, after scoffing at it at first, subsequently promised to deliver it for €200 a month, which is a roundabout way of saying €10 a day, copying the Deputy's homework. However, the Government still did not get it right because it has failed in its promise to deliver €200 per month childcare within the first 100 days of Government. Furthermore, the cost of what it is promising now is more like €200 a week, which is completely unaffordable for many families throughout the State. While affordability is key, accessibility is just as important because that is not there either.”
“The lack of childcare facilities is truly reaching breaking point. In my own constituency in north Kildare I hear from families who are constantly frustrated in trying to find childcare for their child. In every town in north Kildare the population is growing rapidly but the critical infrastructure for childcare facilities is not being provided. I am dealing with one in Kilcock at the moment. The impact of this failure is devastating, especially for women, who bear the brunt of it. Every day women are forced to make the impossible choice to step away from their careers, ambitions and financial independence. I hear story after story of women who feel that the study and hard work they did to get a good job goes down the drain if they cannot get childcare. It is unacceptable that women are thinking like this in 2026.”
“We have to focus on temporary and emergency use of the emergency reserves. They cannot become a permanent feature of our energy supply. We have to prevent the normalisation of the use of fossil fuels to keep the lights on. Our amendments will guarantee that.”
“I will take it up with the Ceann Comhairle but we did offer alternatives around battery storage. We knew we were facing these energy emergencies and the Government did nothing other than bring forward this Bill, which only ties us into more fossil fuel use. Our amendment provides clear legal definitions of "temporary". We have to outline what "temporary" is. "Temporary" could mean ten years to one person. We are proposing a ten-year limit on operations with a review every three years and with a clear expiry clause renewed by the Oireachtas. Our amendment No. 9 also seeks plans for maintenance and plans for decommissioning the unit if it is going to be temporary and for emergency use only. We want the Minister to bring a report to the Houses of the Oireachtas every year, so that we can make sure this is temporary.”
“The only reason we need this Bill is due to the short-sightedness of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael which made sure we were left in this situation where we now need this in an emergency. The Minister can throw his eyes up to heaven but if I had been in government for the past 100 years, I would be embarrassed too, so there you go. We cannot use these kinds of things as an excuse for a day-to-day operation. That is what we are worried about. The signs the Minister has given us so far are certainly making us realise that we cannot be relying on fossil fuels. We were here last week talking about this. I never saw as many Members waiting to speak come in early. They were enjoying the air conditioning in the Chamber. Climate change is real and we have to be ready for it. We had amendments ruled out of order.”
“Amendments Nos. 2, 5 and 9 are in my name and Deputy Pa Daly's. This Bill is a bit of a Trojan horse - I think most of us in the Opposition see it as that - around getting commercial LNG and more fossil fuel into the system. Amendment No. 2 inserts a provision to make sure this is for emergency use only. Amendment No. 5 attempts to provide a definition for "temporary" in the Bill. The Minister dropped "emergency" from the Title of the Bill and that really shows that the cloak is falling from the eyes here. People used to say, "Build it and they will come". That is certainly what we think this is. Amendment No. 9 seeks to insert a provision for "Temporary emergency use". This Bill is supposed to be a temporary measure to keep the lights on in an emergency.”
“Also, we cannot afford merely to develop our grid and ensure energy supply, as this Bill does, to keep data centres on stream. As part of our amendments to the Bill, we ask that a fully independent assessment of the impact of data centres on energy demand and security be carried out. We cannot have a situation where households are asked to pay more, as they will be because of this Bill, while data centres suck up the energy that is vital to build the infrastructure we desperately need. As my colleague Deputy Pa Daly has previously outlined, we urge the Minister to consider the amendments put forward by Sinn Féin, support them and put the public good at the centre of our energy policy.”
“Its solution is a double-edged sword, as proven by the two wars started by Russia and by America and Israel. Any form of gas that we import will be susceptible to market price shocks. An LNG terminal will be much the same. It will also further lock us into fossil fuel infrastructure and increase our emissions output. This would come at a time when we are seeing some of the highest temperatures ever recorded. Just yesterday, France recorded its hottest day since records began in 1947, breaking the record of the previous day. As many as 40 people drowned in that country in the past few days as they tried to cool themselves down in the scorching heat. Today, we in Ireland expect to record historic highs in temperatures. This must be a stark warning for us. We cannot keep going down the path of fossil fuels.”
“It is even more investment in fossil fuel and imported gas, and all to placate Trump. It is glaringly obvious to most people that the simple solution to our energy crisis issues is to invest in indigenous sources of energy, such as wind and solar, something that could have been ramped up immediately following the energy crisis in 2022. The Government failed to act then and this is the solution it has arrived at now. The lack of intervention and meaningful attempts to try to get a handle on household bills means one in three is now in energy arrears. This is why Sinn Féin tabled amendments to the current Bill to ensure that ordinary people do not have to foot the bill for this daft attempt at protecting Ireland’s energy security. It is the Government which has completely butchered our energy security. It is entirely its responsibility.”
“This Bill is a damning indictment of this Government’s failure to properly address our energy security, and this is absolutely essential in a functioning democracy. Two geopolitical events have landed and given us ample warning about the need for energy independence. Yet this is the Government's solution. It has done nothing else. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the American-Israeli war on Iran this year have shown us that we simply cannot continue to rely on imports to keep the lights on and our energy going. This is what is ultimately driving up the cost of our electricity bills, which are now the highest in Europe. A total of 80% of our energy is currently fuelled by imports. Realising that this is probably not the best way to guarantee energy security, the Government thinks this is a good idea to solve the problem.”
“I often feel very sorry for the man who goes out on "Prime Time" to explain why they cannot cover this drug or the delay, particularly when drug companies make so much money. When you think about the people and the scientists who work in those laboratories, they are not doing it for the money; they are doing it for the recognition and because there is a drive in them. It is really important that we financially support the research into this. Maybe it is for legacy that they want to do it but they do want our interest. The motivation is not always money but they do need the support.”
“Adults with NF struggle to access neurologists, psychologists and pain and other specialists who understand their condition. Over the years, I have submitted many questions in regard to all these areas and I hope the Minister will continue to work with me on this issue so we can provide better services for those who are affected. I had two children in with me on work experience last year, Paul and Charlotte, twins who both suffer from NF. They were a joy to have in the office for the few days. Their two younger siblings, Rafael and Roman-Jean, also have NF, as does their mam, Gillian. Gillian lives in Maynooth and she really is a great advocate in campaigning to get a neurofibromatosis centre in Ireland. We talked about orphan drugs.”
“Despite the seriousness of this condition, neurofibromatosis remains under-recognised and under-resourced within our health service. For those with the condition, one of the biggest obstacles to care is delayed diagnosis, and many families spend years trying to obtain that diagnosis. If they do eventually get it, access to specialist care is extremely limited. An early diagnosis is essential for issues such as medical management, psychological care and educational supports. Of equal concern is that there is no neurofibromatosis centre in Ireland, meaning patients rely on fragmented services spread across multiple hospitals and healthcare settings. Children may receive good paediatric support but once they turn 18, they face many difficulties in accessing the care they need.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak about rare diseases today. One of my constituents has a rare disease and is a great advocate. Today, I wish to speak about a condition that affects thousands of people across Ireland, yet remains widely misunderstood and too often invisible, and that is neurofibromatosis, NF. Neurofibromatosis is classified as a rare disease. It is a genetic disorder that causes tumours to grow on nerves anywhere on the body. These tumours are usually benign but their impact is anything but. This can lead to chronic pain, disfigurement, hearing and vision loss, mobility issues, learning difficulties and, in some cases, life-threatening complications. As NF varies so wildly from person to person, no two journeys look the same.”
“Not only are data centres increasing household bills, they also directly impact the state of our environment. They will continue to contribute to our carbon footprint and our nation's emissions as they expand. Fines could be as much as €28 billion. We need a moratorium on data centres immediately and for the Government to properly tackle energy costs.”
“This is particularly concerning my constituency in north Kildare where the Herbata data centre proposed for Naas will create serious difficulties for future housing developments in the area and water quality. The truth is AI completely outpaces energy planning. We have to be concerned about the growth of data centres increasingly being driven by AI and numerous social media bots that spread disinformation and manipulate public debate. At a time when households are struggling with high energy costs and we, as a State, are striving to reduce emissions, serious questions must be asked about why we are dedicating so much energy infrastructure to activities that undermine the people's democracy in a Republic. Expecting the people in my constituency to pay to subsidise it beggars belief.”
“Speaking at the climate committee in March this year during a session on private wires, ICTU noted a scarce resource of labour, giving us a stark warning that we can either throw our resources at housing, reinforcing the grid and protecting our infrastructure or we throw those resources at data centres. Expanding grid capacity to facilitate data centre expansion is not only costing households more in electricity bills, it is also leapfrogging housing for electric connections. We are at a crossroads. A recent UN report on the environmental cost of AI's energy use cited Ireland specifically as a cautionary tale of energy demand running ahead of infrastructure. AI's growth completely outpaces energy planning.”
“Ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil leis an Teachta Ahern as an rún Chomhaltaí Príobháideacha seo a chur chun cinn. Over 22% of the electricity we currently use is used by data centres. That is up from 5% in 2015, a rise of 531% over that period, the equivalent of almost 400,000 households. This is set to rise to over 30% by 2030 and 55% if projected growth continues. All the while, our grid is creaking at the seams. Major upgrades are needed immediately and well into the future if we are to build the houses and infrastructure we so desperately need to support our citizens.”
“Some claim it leads to fewer abortions, but as the Minister of State said herself, that is simply not the case. There are examples of some women actually suffering a miscarriage during the three-day wait. This is a time when they need care and not to be hanging on. The truth is that a woman can take as many days as she needs herself to make that decision. She does not need to mark off a date with a medical professional and then come back three days later. However many days she takes to decide within the law, that is up to her. I implore TDs to vote in favour of our motion and show that Ireland trusts and listens to women. Bíodh muinín againn as mná na hÉireann.”
“The removal of this rule is critical if we are to honour the repeal of the eighth amendment. Sinn Féin has always been against the three-day rule. The citizens' assembly and the Oireachtas committee did not look for it. This rule neither trusts nor listens to women. In fact, the three-day rule treats women with suspicion, suggesting we cannot come to conclusions on our own. All it does is make access to healthcare harder for all of us, and this is not what women need, especially not those who have extremely difficult circumstances, including women who have suffered from domestic violence, coercive control by a partner or rape. A three-day wait is the very last thing a woman in those circumstances needs. This is a time when they need to be listened to and shown compassion. Let us be honest about the three-day rule itself.”
“Repeal was a movement built by women for women. It was a movement built to trust women, to listen to women and, ultimately, to care for women. It was a proud moment for the women of Ireland who fought tirelessly to ensure equal access and healthcare for all. I remember that we did great work in north Kildare and in the Kildare Coalition for Repeal. I think we knew after the first canvass that this referendum was going to be won. It inspired hope in so many of us and truly turned the page for progressive politics here in Ireland. This is only the beginning, though. We are still fighting and legislating for healthcare services for women. The three-day wait rule should never have been introduced following the repeal referendum. I would go so far as to say that women's healthcare should never have even been in the Constitution at all.”
“This is no longer a hypothetical question today. Ireland must send a clear message that we believe "never again" means never again. Including services in the Bill will not end the genocide - that is true - but years from now, when people look back on history, when our kids are reading their history books, they will see that Ireland did not just choose the bare minimum. Let it be said that when we were confronted with a genocide, Ireland gave it 100%. This partial Bill the Government is bringing forward brings dishonour on Senator Black's original intent.”
“Airbnb cannot list properties in the occupied territories under the occupied territories Bill. It is not just advertising. Our Taoiseach downplaying that to mere advertising is disgraceful. Spain has not seen any kind of financial or economic backlash from the United States, as so many have said would happen to us here. Nobody has lost their job in Spain over this and no company has moved abroad. This genocide is not hidden from us; it is unfolding in front of us in real time, before the eyes of the world. Every day we witness unimaginable suffering. Future generations, including our children and grandchildren, will ask who spoke out, who acted and who cowered when courage was called out for. My generation often ask what we would have done if we had seen the Nazi Holocaust. Would we have remained silent and looked away?”
“These 300 properties represent only a fraction of the more than 8 million properties available worldwide on Airbnb, but for Palestinians whose homes have been stolen and who had lived in those homes for several generations, the sick thing is that they would not be allowed to lease those houses because they would not be allowed to use the apartheid roads to get to these places, as Conor O'Neill from Christian Aid told us yesterday. To suggest that Ireland blocking Airbnb from renting these properties will threaten jobs is farcical. The properties account for less than 0.00004% of the industry but it is 100% the right thing to do. Including services in the Bill now also has a precedent, thanks to the Spanish Government. The Government should not try to mislead us that Spain banned only advertising services.”
“How can the Minister justify banning trade with Israel without including services? Services are such an essential part of the occupied territories Bill, yet the Government continues to downplay their importance. Take Airbnb, for example, on which there are roughly 300 properties listed for rent in the occupied West Bank, homes stolen from Palestinians by Israeli settler thugs who then lease them out for profit. That is utterly depraved and completely illegal.”
“We have to work towards zero tolerance in this House. In addition, could the Minister detail how Tusla will operate robustly given its overburdened workload? It is a fact that mishaps occur from time to time and "mishaps" is a word that puts it lightly. I welcome this legislation but we need to know that Tusla will be resourced and held accountable when it is needed.”
“I am happy that Sinn Féin is supporting this Bill on its way through the Houses. I also want to remember Valerie. I have an older brother, and I am sure that Valerie's three sisters are very proud of the fact that their big brother has led on this. I am sure that it means a lot to Valerie, wherever she is, and to her children as well knowing that they have an uncle who went out to bat for them like this. Regarding the legislation to protect children, it is going to take ongoing efforts from the Members in these Houses and from our communities. Lifting the lid on the scourge of femicide uncovers layers and layers of needed legislation. I know that my colleague an Teachta Devine will continue to work with SiSi and others in drafting legislation for femicide given that every ten minutes across the world a woman is killed by her partner.”
“As pollinators, they contribute significantly to producing fruit, vegetables and crops. The Native Irish Honey Bee Society is urging the Government to pass the Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, which would drastically help their dire situation.”
“Critically, it claims that ecosystem degradation or collapse will challenge England’s food security. We share a climate with England so it is something this State has to get serious about as well. Some 40% of our food comes from overseas too, meaning we are currently unable to be food self-sufficient at present. Collapse of production in two or more breadbasket regions would have detrimental impacts. I have written twice to the Minister about this security assessment asking if it has been seen by his Department and whether any action has been taken in acknowledgement of its findings. Can the Minister of State confirm whether his Department is across it? Finally, ahead of World Bee Day tomorrow, it is important to mention their importance to biodiversity and our quality of life.”
“People do not pull up dandelions the moment they see them any more and it is making a difference, but they alone cannot fully tackle this crisis. Recently, the British Government published a national security assessment of the risks of biodiversity loss to water, food, clean air and critical resources. The impacts of biodiversity loss will range from crop failures, intensified natural disasters and infectious disease outbreaks to conflict within and between states, political instability and erosion of global economic prosperity, the report said. Increasingly scarce natural resources will become the focus of greater competition between state and non-state actors, exacerbating existing conflicts, starting new ones and threatening global security and prosperity.”
“This lagoon is a place of pilgrimage for many and is one of the crown jewels of tourism in the area, but it cannot be swum in, and certainly not drunk from. These issues were first identified as far back as 1983. What have successive Fianna Fáil- and Fine Gael-led Governments done to address the issue? Nothing is the long and short of it. They have left much of the important work to keep our local areas clean to the likes of local authorities and Tidy Towns committees. The committees do huge work nationwide, incredible work in promoting biodiversity and keeping our towns clean. They help to bring the importance of biodiversity down into communities. It can be seen in how areas are now left to go wild. There is the No Mow May campaign.”
“Can we drink from our rivers without vomiting? Can we swim in them without getting diarrhoea? These are simple things we should be able to do to judge whether a river is healthy. The truth is our rivers are becoming less drinkable every year. One need only look at last year’s EPA report on the state of Lady’s Island Lake in Wexford, which the climate committee visited last week. It is designated as both a special protection area and a special area of conservation, but an ecological disaster is unfolding there, according to experts. The deterioration is due to an excessive growth of algae blocking the sun from reaching the lake bed, which has been attributed to agricultural run-off entering the lagoon.”
“The Environmental Protection Agency’s, EPA's, Water Quality in Ireland 2019-2024 report found that just 52% of our surface waters meet minimum legal standards, meaning that 48% are failing. Those figures were in a piece written by Ella McSweeney in The Irish Times a few weeks ago in which she rightly claimed: "It is a shameful failure of governance and policy and a collective acceptance of shockingly low standards." She also highlighted some of the language that is used when discussing water quality and how it can alienate people from understanding just how poor the standard of water is in our country. Terms like "achieving water framework directive objectives” and "river basin management plan” can be off-putting for ordinary people. What does a river with a moderate status mean? McSweeney offers an alternative measurement.”
“Another biodiversity week is coming and after all the accolades we gave the Minister of State last year on his appointment, there is a lot his Department still has to address in the twin crises of climate and biodiversity we face. The longer we wait to finally move on this biodiversity crisis, the worse it will get. The biodiversity emergency declared in 2019 was recognition by the State of our rivers, natural habitats and the ongoing extinction of many different species. Little action has been taken to seriously address the twin crises. In the 1980s, about 500 Irish rivers were classed as the very best of quality. Today, there are only around 20, which is a 96% collapse in the space of 40 years.”
“Irish citizens are sailing into danger carrying aid, abiding by international law, because the Government has failed in his moral duty by allowing this horror to continue. What is the Taoiseach to protect these Irish citizens and to make sure that we finally act against this genocide?”
“Colm Byrne, my Sallins constituent, has just been kidnapped an hour ago on a flotilla in international waters on a peaceful mission to deliver aid, medical supplies and food to the Palestinian people. It is a non-violent humanitarian expedition yet the IDF is treating them savagely and illegally. Amidst his mistreatment, in a voice message he sent to me, all Colm can think about is not what the IDF is going to do to them, but imagining what they do to Palestinians - the cruelty, torture and sexual abuse that Palestinians, including children, suffer. He wants me to give a clear message to the Government to stop being so spineless when it comes to Israel. Colm is urging every single Teachta to remember what the State of Israel is doing when they vote for the sanctions against Israel Bill tomorrow night.”