Robbie Gallagher
Labour Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“I want to raise an issue that I feel is having a very detrimental and suffocating effect on rural Ireland. This is the declining number of taxis available. It is so bad now that it is causing an economic bottleneck and, in my opinion, is also acting as a social barrier.”
“This is killing the night-time economy especially. People would like to go out and socialise, which we would like to see, and go out for a bite to eat or a few drinks or whatever. It is important that we encourage this type of behaviour.”
“I join others in thanking all of the staff in the campus of Leinster House for their hospitality and the manner in which they look after us all year in, year out. I say to all of my colleagues in the Chamber that I enjoy their company, perhaps not all of the time but most of the time I am glad to say.”
“I too would like to raise the urgent case of the approximately 200 people in this country who are living with Friedreich's ataxia. It is a rare and progressive condition that gradually takes away a person's mobility and independence. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition but there is hope.”
“Unfortunately, they had to turn around and head home without getting that news. Ten other EU countries have already made this treatment available but Ireland continues to wait while this progressive condition for those who have it continues.”
“I will raise an issue that affects thousands of people in this country but, in my opinion, does not get the attention it deserves. That is the shockingly poor return Irish people are getting on their savings in Irish banks.”
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“The move did not actually result in the €400 million projected savings at the time, in 2019, and indeed, Labour's Brendan Howlin at the time called the restoration of town councils an admission that it had been a mistake to abolish them in the first instance. The Taoiseach has suggested bringing back town councils through a pilot scheme in the areas where town councils existed previously and in new locations where populations are increasing. Town councils were very effective entities that ensured that the needs of the urban areas were not forgotten. Former town councillors, of whom I am one myself, will say that town councils were efficient and accountable, because money raised in a town stayed in that town.”
“This shifted financial decisions from town councils to county councils, slashed the number of councillors by over 40% and introduced municipal districts. I understand that the plan is to reintroduce the councils on a phased, regional basis, starting with large towns as a way to improve local representation and accountability. The move has the potential to strengthen the powers of municipal districts and the area committees, providing towns with a dedicated body to raise concerns and co-ordinate actions. The abolition of town councils in 2014 was clearly not fully thought out at the time and has led to a loss of local leadership and accountability.”
“We also fall short when it comes to representation, with 5,196 people per councillor here in Ireland, compared with 412 in Finland and 620 in Spain. We have the second lowest number of elected representatives in the EU because of the abolition of town councils, which were very cost-efficient and represented the citizens and people of their areas. Now the re-establishment of town councils, abolished over a decade ago under the Local Government Reform Act 2014, is outlined in the programme for Government as a priority to provide a focus point for our towns and to co-ordinate activities. The Taoiseach has indicated a goal of having these re-established by 2029. Eighty town councils were abolished in 2014 under the Local Government Reform Act by the then Minister, Phil Hogan.”
“The last time the Minister of State was in the Chamber, he and I had a conversation about the delays in people getting driving tests. I take this opportunity to compliment him on his work in that area. He set out ambitious targets and I am delighted to congratulate him this afternoon on the work and the progress he has made there. Maith thú in that regard. Ireland's system of local government has been described as one of the weakest in the EU, with a 2023 Council of Europe report describing it as one of the most centralised countries in Europe. The EU average for tax revenue spent at local level is 23%. In Ireland, it is just 8%. Ireland scores just above Moldova and Hungary on the local authority index.”
“I respectfully request that we ask the Minister for agriculture to come into this House as soon as possible to have a discussion on TB. It is a pretty big issue and getting bigger in the part of the world where I live.”
“It is clearly a big issue and one we need to get a handle on. It is a hugely traumatic event on any farm. Many farmers say that it ranks next to a death. It is hugely frustrating for a farmer or family to see the stock they built up wiped out by TB. It is also very taxing mentally. At the moment, the compensation levels being paid out to farmers after outbreaks add another layer of hardship on top of that hardship. That is very unfair. The current compensation levels for cattle are capped. This is a particular sore point in relation to pedigree animals. Whether it is a dairy or suckler herd of high quality, that farmer is not being compensated fully. Whenever he or she goes to replace that stock, they do not have the money to do so. It is clearly a big issue and one that needs to be addressed.”
“I, too, wish my learned colleague, Senator Wilson, a very happy birthday. I sit beside him as sometimes he needs assistance to go from A to B, but Members can rest assured that I am always here for him. On a more serious note, I ask the Leader to arrange for the Minister for agriculture to come into the Chamber so we can have a discussion on TB incidents in our country. TB has been around almost as long as Senator Wilson. Unfortunately, we cannot seem to get a handle on it. To be honest, that baffles me. Unfortunately, in the part of the world where I live, the incidence of TB in Monaghan, Cavan and even Meath is particularly high. We are scratching our heads as to why that is. During the first six months of this year, I think as a country we have spent €55 million on compensation and so on in relation to TB.”
“We must be very cognisant of what is going on there, bearing in mind the number of people coming in through the UK. We must remain nimble and agile. I am glad that both Ministers have stated publicly that the Government is keeping a very close eye on that, as it is hugely important. We must also welcome all those who come here on work permits. They are coming to do work that is vital to the economy. We need to look at the reunification part of that, which allows family members to come here. We must get a handle on that as well. I very much welcome this debate. I have no doubt that everybody will make their contribution in a very fair-minded manner. That is a space we do not often see. I very much welcome the debate.”
“The whole system is still too slow. We have increased the number of safe countries to something like 15 and we are turning around applications in the first instance in about three to four months, which is huge progress. The number of people working in the International Protection Office has increased significantly, by more than 300%, to over 600 now. We still have issues with appeals and judicial reviews. It could take up to 12 months or longer to deal with those. The Minister might elaborate in his contribution to the legislation that is being considered for the setting up of a new entity to deal with those applications and perhaps fast-track them. I will finish on this point. The most significant development in this space recently has been the plans of the UK Government.”
“The most recent data available to us - the Minister of State can correct me if I am wrong - indicates that in excess of 87% of applicants coming here are coming via the UK. That is a serious problem. None of us here are going to advocate to close the borders. However, we have a serious problem in that regard. We need to speak and stay close to the UK in relation to that to try to bring that figure down because it is hugely problematic. Another issue we have here is that of secondary movements, which is where somebody flees their country of origin, arrives in some other EU state and then hops from there to Ireland. I do not know the most recent statistics in that regard but I contend that it is very high. The Government has made progress but more progress must be made in dealing with international protection applicants.”
“They are clogging up the system and doing a disservice to the genuine applicants who are coming here fleeing war and persecution and so on. There is a 40% reduction in the number of international protection applicants this year compared with last year. A total of 80% of applicants had their applications rejected in the first instance. That highlights what is going on here. Some 67% of those who appealed have had their appeals rejected. Clearly, we can see that our system is being abused. That is putting a huge pressure on the system, housing and so on. The vast majority of international protection applicants are not coming through our ports or airports; they are coming through from Northern Ireland.”
“Our medical services would come to a halt if we did not have these people coming here. Senator Byrne mentioned the doctors in his contribution. Something like over 40% of all doctors operating here, which is over 21,000 or so, trained outside of Ireland. Similarly, over 54% of the nurses working in our hospitals trained outside of Ireland. That is over 77,000 nurses. It is clear to see that without people coming in our economy, which is hugely successful, would grind to a halt. It is important to make that point. In relation to the international protection applications of those coming here, it is important that we have a rule-based system that is fair but firm. We have to face up to the fact that too many people are coming to our country who are not entitled to be here. That is a fact.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach inniu. I commend my colleagues on the Fine Gael benches for bringing forward this motion. It is vitally important that we can have a calm and fact-based discussion on this particular issue. Often, unfortunately, particularly on social media, that space is not available to us. Looking at the figures for last year, we can see how Ireland as we have known it, and as I knew it as a young person, has changed. There were 125,300 immigrants in Ireland in the past 12 months. That is a 16% decrease on 2024. A total of 31,500, or 25%, were returning Irish citizens. Some 25,300, or 20%, were from other EU counties and 4,900, or 4%, were UK citizens, while 63,000, or 51%, were from other countries. If we look at where the vast majority of these people are, most of them are working.”
“On behalf of all Members of the House, I would just like to let the families know we are thinking about them at this hugely difficult time. We will pray for them in the many tough days that lie ahead.”
“I also think of the three people who were injured and wish them a speedy recovery. If I may, I will go back to the families. The country is numb at this moment in time but the country will have to move on. Life can sometimes be cruel and throw a grenade at us. Those five families have now been handed a life sentence they will have to live with every day of their lives from here on out. If it is in order, I propose that the House stand for a moment's silence as a small token of our solidarity with the five families to let them know, in a small way, that we are thinking about them and that they will be in our prayers, not just in the days to come but in the weeks and years ahead. As I have said, they have been handed a life sentence.”
“I, too, express my sincere sympathy to the family, friends and wider community of the five young people who tragically lost their lives in an horrific traffic accident in Dundalk last Saturday night. My thoughts are especially with the families of 23-year-old Chloe McGee and 21-year-old Shay Duffy, both from Carrickmacross in County Monaghan, and the families of 23-year-old Dylan Commins from Ardee, Alan McCluskey from Drumconrath in County Meath and 21-year-old Chloe Hipson from Scotland. I can only imagine the sense of loss and devastation those poor families are feeling at the moment. I express a special word of thanks to the first responders, the gardaí, the paramedics and fire service personnel who attended the scene. I think about them too because I am sure that scene will stay with all of them for many a long day to come.”
“These people need to be compensated. We are talking about families at Christmas. It is a very sensitive time. People are under financial pressure, like many of us, but particularly these people. They need to be looked after.”
“What impact will these outbreaks have on our poultry trade in the medium and long term? I come back to the farmers in the 3 km zone who are not down but who are in that zone because their neighbours are down. They are sitting on their hands, unfortunately, and cannot take in birds. They understand why that is the case and have no problem with that but they have no income at the moment. They need to keep houses warm in the event of getting some flock in. There is a cost attached to that. They cannot live on fresh air. Those people need to be compensated and it is my understanding that a fund was to be set up between the relevant stakeholders, including farmers, producers and the Department, so compensation would already be there in the event of a disease outbreak like this or some other outbreak. Where are we in relation to that fund?”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response. I have a number of questions, the answers to which the Minister of State may not have but I would appreciate if he could get them for me as quickly as possible. Have the turkeys at the Clontibret site been culled yet? If not, when will that take place? What assurance can the Minister of State give regarding adequate and secure supply of CO2 gas to support humane culling operations, particularly if further outbreaks occur? Will the Minister of State share the evaluation tables with the industry? Which contractor gas-culling company currently holds the Department contract for emergency response in this instance? Will post mortem reviews from recent outbreaks be shared with industry stakeholders to ensure transparency and learnings from the response?”
“They are sitting there at the moment and cannot restock. They fully accept why they cannot restock but they have bills to pay and houses to keep warm in the event of stock coming in. We need to know what is available for those farmers.”
“I understand that if the funding was announced in budget 2026 for the Department of agriculture to include a provision for a disease fund. This is vitally important. When will this fund be established? How will it benefit poultry farmers? A farmer whose flock level gets influenza will get some compensation but other farmers within the 3 km zone are afraid they will be left empty-handed, with no income and no ability to generate income with the restrictions. They need to be looked after. These farmers have repayments to make and families to support, particularly at this time of year. I would also be grateful if some solace could be provided for these farmers and the poultry industry. What much-needed measures can we look forward to being in place, particularly for the farmers in the 3 km zone?”
“First, farmers want to know when poultry keepers can restock if they are within a 3 km protection zone and what procedures must be followed, including any required inspections or testing. They need to know whether restocking is permitted, how long the restrictions will remain in place and what compensation will be made available to affected farmers. Farmers in a 3 km and 10 km protected zone need to know when to expect a phone call from the local regional veterinary office and whether they will receive advice on-site and what level of follow-up will be there for them. Given the recent increase of outbreaks, what contingency measures are in place to deal with potential staffing or resourcing shortages in the Department or among veterinary contractors? What measures are in place if the number of affected sites increases further?”
“We can only hope that the stringent biosecurity measures in place will mitigate further outbreaks going forward. The highly pathogenic avian influenza situation is distressing not just because of the measures affected farmers must take, but also because the financial worry and upset to the business, to the livelihood and to the family, especially at this time of year. Most poultry farms are family farms and as such there is a wider human factor to these outbreaks for both the families and local communities. I have spoken to local farmers and their representatives about their concerns and they had many questions that need to be answered urgently. In dealing with the situation, clarity is vitally important. Clarity will reduce stress not only for those involved, but also for the poultry farmers in general.”
“Cuirim fáilte mhór roimh an Aire Stáit chuig an Teach seo ar maidin. I thank the Minister of State for his presence. Earlier this week, as he knows, a case of avian influenza was confirmed on a commercial turkey farm in Clontibret, County Monaghan. This case comes after two last week, one in County Meath and one in County Carlow. There was also one in Northern Ireland. As the Minister of State may be aware, around three quarters of poultry produced in Ireland comes from the Cavan-Monaghan area. This is therefore a huge issue for us and one of major concern. It is a particularly stressful time for farmers involved in poultry. I express my sympathies and support to those who have been affected by these outbreaks. This is already the most stressful time of year, particularly for turkey producers, with the seasonal nature of their market.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response. I welcome the fact that progress has been made on the recruitment of recruitment of staff and the necessary equipment. It does seem to take an awfully long time, which he outlined in his response, not just in this country but in different jurisdictions as well. As he rightly outlined, this is a terrible, stressful situation for parents who find themselves in such in such a position, and it is vital that we move to get this up and running as soon as we can. I would like the Minister of State to bring the message back to the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill that we should not delay and should expedite the roll-out of this as soon as is practically possible.”
“Some €1.4 million of new development funding was provided back in 2024 to export the expansion of a newborn screening programme. The funding covered areas such as new equipment, staff, recruitment, validation, quality assurance and training of staff. Recommendations from the NSAC on the addition of spinal muscular atrophy and severe combined immunodeficiency, SCID, to the national newborn bloodspot screening programme, NNBSP, have been approved. I raise this issue today in this House, as I have done on a number of occasions, and I am hopeful the Minister of State will be able to give us some information as to when we can expect this test to be rolled out and in operation.”
“SMA affects the cells in the spinal cord, making muscles weaker and causing problems with movement, breathing and swallowing. It is a rare genetic disease where early detection is crucial because symptoms typically appear at three or four months, when irreversible neurological damage has already occurred. Without early intervention, SMA can be fatal up to the age of two but several treatments are available in Ireland that can significantly alter prognosis if there is early diagnosis. In 2023, the then Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, accepted the recommendations of the national screening advisory committee to increase the number of conditions to be screened to include the implementation of early screening for spinal muscular atrophy. However, unfortunately, this has yet to materialise.”
“Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach inniu. The newborn bloodspot screening, NBS, programme, commonly known as the heel prick test, is carried out on babies in their first 70-120 hours of life and currently screens for nine rare but serious conditions. Approximately 120 babies with these conditions are identified per year through this test. However, parents are still calling for the urgent roll-out of the potentially life-changing heel prick test for spinal muscular atrophy, SMA, nearly two years after it was approved for the newborn screening programme. It is estimated that six or seven babies are born in Ireland every year with SMA. If it is not treated, 90% of children born with this most severe type of SMA do not live past their second birthday.”
“The Garda and the PSNI are continuing their investigations. However, Breege Quinn and the Quinn family know there are people in the community who have information and have not yet come forward. Yesterday, the Quinn family renewed that appeal for anybody with information to please come forward and pass that information on to Castleblayney Garda station or any Garda station or to the confidential Garda telephone line, 1800 666 111. I echo the appeal from the Quinn family and the Garda for anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant they may feel it is, to please come forward.”
“Yesterday marked the 18th anniversary of the murder of 21-year-old Paul Quinn near Oram in County Monaghan. This young man from Cullyhanna in County Armagh was murdered after being lured to a shed by a number of men. He suffered a horrible, violent death and the perpetrators showed no mercy. Up to ten individuals were involved in beating him with iron and nail-studded bars for upwards of 30 minutes. He was a 21-year-old lad and they broke every single bone in his body. His mother Breege, father Stephen and the extended Quinn family are appealing for information and begging for answers. Breege Quinn has said there is “no justice, no convictions, no accountability” and that “the silence is unbearable.” In the course of the investigation, 23 people have been arrested, including 14 people by the Garda and nine by the PSNI.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her response. I am delighted that a preferred end user has been identified and that the HSE will now progress to finalising matters with that preferred provider. Has the Minister of State any idea of the timelines involved in that or when that process will conclude? Can she give us any idea as to when approximately - I do not expect her to give the exact date - the people can expect this facility to be up and running? It is very much needed and in many instances long overdue.”
“Those attending, the service users, and the staff deserve much better. I hope now that we have got to a point where we are ready to progress this. I look forward to the Minister of State's response.”
“An initial timeline was set out for the eTenders process and signed off from HSE property, with detailed design, planning permission and, finally, construction, commissioning and equipping. In November of last year, stage 1 of the procurement process to identify a suitable provider to deliver a facility for the HSE in Cavan town was concluded and stage 2 of the procurement process had commenced. I understand that the HSE has invested in a number of initiatives at the existing premises, and that is very much welcome, but it is clear that a new premises is what is required. I look forward to the Minister of State outlining this morning where exactly this project is at. Needless to say, everyone would like to see it delivered yesterday because the premises where the service is currently located, as I said earlier, leaves a lot to be desired.”
“That in no way diminishes the quality of service that those attending receive from the staff there. The submission in question was supported by the development of a new day activation unit in County Cavan and I was very happy last year when €4.6 million was allocated to progress the project. I understand there is a process to go through. A greenfield site, in line with national policy standards, was identified and deemed suitable in Cavan town, to provide services for a new day-activation unit and a lease option was explored. The property review group advised that the submission was classed as a works contract and, therefore, would need to be advertised in line with public procurement guidelines and eTenders.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit chuig an Teach. Before I outline my case, I thank the Minister of State for taking time out of her very busy schedule recently to visit County Monaghan and the Errigal Truagh Special Needs Parents and Friends CLG. We look forward to that project and many others in the region progressing. I raise once again the issue of the much-needed replacement facility for day services at Clogher House in Cavan. Last year the area's disability services, supported by HSE estates' north east department, completed a comprehensive submission for capital funding for a new day service premises to replace the premises based in Rathcorrick. With the best will in the world, the premises there, unfortunately, leaves a lot to be desired.”
“I am happy to share. I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive response on behalf of the Minister, Deputy McEntee. Clearly, there is urgency attached to this. The last thing we want to do is turn 37 local people away from the secondary school in Cootehill come September next year. As I see it, there are two strands to this. There is the new build, which, as the Minister of State knows well, will take a considerable length of time. In the meantime, additional accommodation is required by way of modular or whatever. That is what needs to happen to get them out of the current maze. I will be grateful if the Minister of State would take that message back to the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and stress to her the urgency of addressing this situation.”
“The issue of accommodation needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. I look forward to the response of the Minister of State so that the school can look forward to sending out letters of offer to all students who wish to attend. I understand the enrolment process will conclude on 17 October and the school hopes to send out letters of offer on 31 October. The clock is ticking. I acknowledge the latitude of the Acting Chair in this regard.”
“Unfortunately, due to a lack of space, unless things improve between now and then, 37 of those students will have the doors of the school closed to them. That is an awful pity because they are all local students from local feeder schools. I would like to commend the principal, Angela Flanagan, and the entire teaching staff and school team on the superb learning environment they have created in the school, which is manifesting itself in the results the students are getting and their academic achievements but also the numbers who hope to attend the school. The numbers speak for themselves. There will be over 700 students there next year. Unfortunately, the lack of accommodation is affecting the school's ability to provide educational attainment to the children who attend in a safe manner.”
“Cuirim fáilte mhór go dtí an Teach roimh an Aire Stáit. Gabhaim buíochas léi as an obair an-mhaith atá á déanamh aici. The Minister of State is welcome to the House to discuss the urgent need for additional accommodation at St. Aidan's Comprehensive School in Cootehill, County Cavan. The school has been a huge success and has grown exponentially. It now suffers from a serious lack of space which is affecting its ability to operate safely and effectively on behalf of its staff and students. There are 654 students on the books, a figure which is due to increase in the new academic year beginning in September 2026. I understand the school has 90 leaving certificate students departing this year, but so far, with enrolment not having closed, 135 students are seeking to enter the school for the academic year beginning September 2026.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his work. It is clear that the issue is being tackled and taken seriously. I thank him for his work on that.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I will take this opportunity to compliment him.. Since he came into office, he has grabbed this issue by the scruff of the neck and it is clear that progress is being made. I am disappointed, however, in the times for Monaghan. It just seems to be a bit of an outlier in that regard. I ask that the Minister of State would give particular focus to Monaghan to bring it to a level similar to the national average and to that of the neighbouring county of Cavan. That would be our ambition. Is there a particular focus on Monaghan bearing in mind that the wait time seems to be abnormally high there compared to elsewhere? Is there a specific reason for that? The ten-week average by September and the fact that the Minister of State is getting fortnightly reports is very positive.”
“Perhaps he could update us on the latest waiting times for counties Monaghan and Cavan, and indeed elsewhere. What is the position on staff recruitment and new driving test centres? What is the plan to ensure a properly functioning system once we get over the current hump?”
“I would be delighted to hear his comments on it. I understand that about 100,000 people are waiting for a driving test. I wonder how practical the target of the RSA, while welcome, is. There is a need for more staff and for staff to work additional hours at weekends. In fairness to the Minister of State, I have heard him saying all these things. We also need more driving test centres. We have a problem with the system in that there are crazy delays. We need to address this immediately. We need a system that works properly for people and that will, I hope, make the frustration that many are enduring a thing of the past. I acknowledge and welcome that the Minister of State has grabbed this matter by the scruff of the neck since entering his Department.”
“While I compliment everybody involved on the progress, including the Minister of State, the waiting period is still too long. The Minister of State does not need me to tell him that a person from rural Ireland faces public transport challenges that those from other parts of the country do not have to endure, and that the car is the only show in town for somebody in a rural area who wishes to get from A to B. The delay is very frustrating for those waiting on driving tests, some of whom might have jobs that hang on a successful test. There is a very frustrating experience all around. I welcome the fact that the RSA has issued a ten-week waiting-time target. This is to be achieved by September, which is only six weeks away. I welcome the Minister of State’s ambition but just wonder how realistic the target is.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. The Minister of State, Deputy Canney, is very welcome to the House. This is the first opportunity I have had to debate him in his new role. I congratulate him on his appointment and wish him every success with it. The subject I am going to discuss, driving test waiting times, is nothing new to the Minister of State. The average waiting time for counties Monaghan and Cavan is approximately 28 weeks, with the national average having stood at approximately 18.4 weeks. Granted, the figures are significantly lower than the crazy high at the end of April, 27 weeks. I acknowledge progress is being made by the Road Safety Authority, RSA, but the waiting period is still too long. I believe 16.3 weeks is now the national average.”
“This debate gives us a chance to get a good look at it. There will be an opportunity for people to bring forward amendments as they see fit. For now, I am happy, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil grouping, to give our full support to this. I thank the Minister for outlining the contents of the Bill in great detail.”
“I am glad that many people have had their say. This legislation's introduction is overdue. It covers a wide range of headings, all of which are in need of reform. Unfortunately, we have a reputation in this country for defamation that puts us in a league of our own with regard to legal cases. Unfortunately, that has knock-on effects on the insurance premiums that individuals pay. It is important that we strike the right balance. We seem to be out of kilter with our neighbours on this aspect of legislation. The Minister outlined the cost of insurance for small businesses and the claims, which seem to be endless. I hope that this legislation will go some way towards addressing their concerns. There will be opportunities later for amendments to be introduced. I will not delay the House this afternoon. I welcome the legislation.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire ar ais go dtí an Teach seo tráthnóna. The Minister is very welcome back to the House this afternoon. I thank him for his comprehensive outline of the background of the Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024. As he said, freedom of speech is important and is something that we must protect at all costs. I know journalists are powerful individuals but it is important that they be held to account at the same time. It is imperative that people have a right to respond. I think a balance has been struck well in this Bill. Defamation and the cost of insurance comprise a big issue. I understand the Alliance for Insurance Reform has written to the Minister about a number of concerns it has taken on board. I know the Minister outlined some of them. There has been significant consultation about this legislation over a period.”
“As long as those three pillars are being addressed and we can see progress, I welcome it and I look forward to continued progress being made on this issue.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response to my question. I acknowledge the great strides being made on heart care in the State. I note the developments regarding this area as well. Unfortunately, as I said earlier, this condition is rapidly on the increase. It affects almost 150,000 people in the country. We need to be aware of it. Those affected have to endure physical constraints daily, and the psychological effects of having to live with that are immeasurable. There are also financial hardships associated with this condition, never mind the treatment of it, as Teresa O'Hanlon outlined in her contribution. This young lady was a schoolteacher who had to give up work because of this condition because she did not have the energy.”