Robert O'Donoghue
Dublin Fingal West · Labour Party · Ireland
“This is not an isolated incident. I hear it repeatedly from parents across my constituency. On top of that, the Government has brought back State examination fees. School transport charges have doubled, particularly for people going from zone 1 to zone 2, for kids in Rush and Lusk accessing the Loreto Secondary School in Balbriggan.”
“It is the airtex tops, the school trousers, the crested uniforms and the voluntary contributions that we know are not voluntary. Then comes secondary school and the bills get even bigger. Parents are expected to buy Chromebooks, laptops and iPads, often designated through one supplier at inflated prices.”
“There is an issue that has come to me in Dublin Fingal West, although it affects the country at large. I refer to the spiralling cost of summer camps and the financial burden it is placing on households earning lower to middle incomes. One parent told me that they were paying €160 a week for three hours over four days.”
“This motion could not have come at a better time. Last week, a constituent was on to me. She told me that her child had finished school on Tuesday, 30 June and the next day the first payment request from the school had landed in her inbox. That is not the end of it.”
“Education is supposed to be free but for too many families it no longer feels that way. The cost of sending a child to school has become one of the biggest financial pressures for working families. Parents are doing everything they can but they cannot keep being treated as the Department of education's funding model.”
“Horticulture is under enormous pressure. We are facing some of the most serious challenges we have seen in years, including increased input costs, energy costs and labour costs. We are still importing fruit and vegetables that we could grow ourselves. I live in north County Dublin, the market garden capital of Ireland.”
The complete record
Every one of 499 lines we hold for Robert O'Donoghue, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 10.
“In 2023, RTÉ received some funding certainty via Government funds, but it becomes more clear year by year and month by month that in the long term a reformed funding model will have to be introduced. We need to begin to have the serious conversations about a sustainable funding settlement for RTÉ and TG4. Those conversations must not only recognise how vital good public service broadcasting is to our democracy and society; they must also take cognisance of the responsibility to ensure public finances are used responsibly and ensure that consumers' interests are taken into account. It is disappointing to see that the Bill puts the stamp on the Minister’s move to stall a levy on streaming services. A European works levy will now require ministerial sign-off.”
“Regardless of political perspective, I believe that everyone in this House accepts that reform has become unavoidable and is absolutely necessary. This Bill responds to that reality by strengthening board responsibilities, clarifying the role of directors general, increasing transparency around remuneration and allowing greater scrutiny. It puts into effect the recommendation of the independent review that the Comptroller and Auditor General be appointed as auditor of the station. These are reasonable and sensible reforms. Publicly funded media organisations must be accountable for the use of public money. I do not think that is controversial. However, what is not in this Bill is a fix to the fundamental problem that faces public service media in this country, namely that of funding.”
“TG4 was proudly launched by former Labour Party Minister for the arts and former President Michael D. Higgins. The latter played a fundamental role in the establishment of the station. It was originally launched in 1996 as Teilifís na Gaeilge, which is what I knew it as, so I am showing my age. TG4 has consistently delivered innovation and cultural value beyond its size and budget, and this legislation rightly recognises that. Another welcome aspect of the Bill is the strengthening of transparency and governance standards. In recent years, including just last week, we have seen serious controversies surrounding governance and financial oversight within RTÉ. Public confidence has been badly damaged and eroded.”
“There are many communities in Ireland that do not see themselves adequately represented in media output, whether this is due to disability, geography, language, socio-economic background, ethnicity or other factors. Public service media cannot simply serve the majority. It must serve the public in all its diversity. In that regard, the Government is right to place inclusion and accessibility at the centre of broadcasting policy via the Bill. I also welcome the stronger recognition of the Irish language and Gaeltacht communities that is contained in the legislation. The provisions relating to TG4 are particularly important. Requiring stronger Irish-language competency among board and audience council members reflects the unique cultural role TG4 plays in Irish society.”
“One of the strongest features of this legislation is its recognition that public service broadcasting must evolve into public service media. For too long, legislation focused narrowly on traditional broadcasting while public debate and cultural engagement migrated online. This Bill acknowledges that public service content now exists not only on television and radio but also through digital publications and platform-based services like podcasts. That is an important shift. The Bill recognises that Irish public service content should reflect the full diversity of life in this country, including our culture, language, history, sport, the arts, environment, science, education and communities at home and abroad. Importantly, it also introduces the concept of underserved audiences. That matters greatly.”
“Amid a fracturing media and information environment, we need to support our public service broadcasters all the more. However, public service media bodies rely on public trust and accountability. In recent years, we have seen worrying signs of that trust beginning to fray. Against that backdrop, this Bill represents an attempt to address three core issues. First, it strengthens governance and accountability at RTÉ and TG4. Second, it broadens and modernises the definition of public service media to include a framework for public service content. Third, it seeks to protect editorial independence and democratic discourse in accordance with emerging European standards. These are worthy objectives, and many aspects of the Bill deserve support across this House.”
“The Bill is important because it brings together lots of different pieces of work that have been ongoing for a number of years. We can all agree that the media landscape today is unrecognisable from what it was even 15 years ago. Public discourse increasingly happens online. Audiences consume content not only through traditional television and radio, but through streaming platforms, social media, podcasts, digital publications, and on-demand services. Alongside these changes, public trust in institutions, including media institutions, has been challenged. In that context, the place of public service media in our society can be fragile but that makes it all the more vital. We in the Labour Party believe that an effective public service media is a central pillar of our democracy.”
“I welcome the Minister of State and am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important Second Stage debate on the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2026. This is significant and necessary legislation that seeks to modernise Ireland’s broadcasting and public service media framework for a digital age that has changed fundamentally since the Broadcasting Act 2009 was first enacted. This Bill has long been in the making. It puts into effect many of the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission and of the independent review of the governance and culture of RTÉ. It also complements the Media Regulation Bill that was debated recently in this House by implementing the remaining pieces of the European Media Freedom Act.”
“It is a rapidly growing area and yet the reality is that rising rents, old buildings, utility costs and operational pressures are eating away at their already stretched resources. Increasing funding on paper means little if organisations are spending more on rent and upkeep. I welcome some of what the Minister of State said. I urge him to champion sustained and long-term investment in family resource centres like Aster so they can continue to provide essential care, support and stability for the many families who rely on them.”
“I want to take a moment to appeal directly to the Minister of State to recognise the importance of this. Some of that funding is greatly welcomed for centres like the Aster resource centre in Balbriggan, the only family support service based in north County Dublin. It serves mainly Balbriggan, but also covers Rush, Lusk and Skerries. Those are smaller towns but there is no similar service there. It is not just a service provider; it is a lifeline to countless people across Balbriggan and the wider community. Every day, staff and volunteers support people facing housing insecurity, poverty, domestic violence, mental health challenges and pressure for caring responsibilities. The demands for these supports have never been greater.”
“If we are serious about supporting families, tackling inequality, and improving community well-being, then sustained investment in family resource centres must be a priority in budget 2027. The reality is simply that when communities are supported, families are stronger and when families are stronger, society as a whole benefits.”
“In my constituency of Dublin Fingal West, Aster family resource centre in Balbriggan is a vital pillar of the community’s social infrastructure. However, as demand continues to grow, it urgently needs sustained investment in both its premises and front-line services. Every day, it is supporting a record number of families facing housing insecurity, poverty, domestic violence, caring pressures, and serious mental health challenges. Its work is indispensable. While funding has increased, much of this progress has been wiped out by soaring rents, rising utility bills, and escalating operating costs. Without meaningful and sustained support, centres like Aster family resource centre will struggle to keep pace with the growing needs of the communities they serve.”
“Many parents and young people are now presenting with more complex needs, and communities are relying heavily on family resource centres to respond. Despite their importance, many centres are operating under severe strain. Staff are working tirelessly, but waiting lists for counselling, therapeutic supports, family programmes, and youth services continue to grow. Rising operational costs, staffing shortages, and limited space are restricting the ability of centres to meet the growing demand. These centres save the State money in the long term by providing support early, before problems become more serious and require costly statutory interventions. They strengthen communities, support vulnerable families, and create safe, inclusive spaces for people of all ages.”
“I would like to highlight the vital role family resource centres play in communities across the country, particularly at a time when more and more families are struggling and looking for support close to home. Family resource centres are often the first place people turn to when they are facing difficulties. They provide practical help, emotional support, family services, youth programmes, counselling, and community connections. Most importantly, they offer early intervention and prevention supports that help stop problems from snowballing into crisis situations. In recent years, centres have seen a significant increase in demand. Families are dealing with rising living costs, housing insecurity, mental health challenges, social isolation, and increasing financial pressure.”
“I am calling on the Government to urgently bring forward the proposed €3 million safe fund put forward by Labour Women for victims and survivors of domestic violence. This must be prioritised in the next budget cycle. I acknowledge the Minister's work with Willow Meath refuge.”
“Too often, we speak about domestic abuse as if leaving is a simple choice when for many, it is not. Coercive control and financial abuse mean survivors may have no safe access to money, even if they are in employment themselves. The safe fund policy launched recently by the Labour Party and Labour Women would provide a once-off, non-means-tested and rapid payment delivered in times of emergency and to help people to leave or to help with essential needs for those who have to stay. We already know this model works because front-line services have been delivering it through donations. The existing supports in situ are vital but, at times, they are too slow and complex in emergencies. This is a practical, life-saving measure.”
“I appreciate what the Minister has told me already and I believe what we need is a targeted intervention and clear financial package, and policies that genuinely support and sustain Irish horticulture.”
“I appreciate that response. To recap, Irish growers are expected to compete with those in other countries in which gas costs are significantly lower. That creates an uneven playing field, as the Minister knows. Our growers have been asked to meet the highest environmental, quality and labour yet they are not always receiving the supports they might need. If this trajectory continues we will see a loss of more grower's jobs and family-run businesses. Officially, we have 73 growers left in the country. If you speak to some of the growers, it is questionable as to whether the figure of 73 is accurate. Once those growers are gone, they are gone.”
“Growers simply cannot continue if they are forced to operate on a month-to-month survival basis, constantly exposed to cash-flow pressures and squeezed further by supermarket pricing dynamics. It is a small sector, but it is certainly an important sector in north County Dublin. It is specifically those using gas to power their glasshouses. I see an ethical dilemma for some people, but there are not many growers left. We would like to keep them.”
“As the Minister knows, commercial growers across the country are under enormous and sustained pressure. I am specifically talking about a very small subset of those growers who use gas to heat their greenhouses in order to grow certain vegetables. The soaring energy bills, higher fertiliser prices and transport costs they are facing due to the Middle East crisis are pushing them to the brink. We are not talking here about abstract figures on a spreadsheet. These are family-run businesses that employ local people, produce Irish food and sustain our food security. Even as energy costs continue to spiral, we need supports that reflect the reality on the ground.”
“Supports have been provided to farmers in the main budget already. I have addressed this issue before but want to highlight again that the commercial growers have largely been left out of this. Unlike farmers who benefit for supports for green diesel, growers are facing significant increases in gas and energy prices, particularly those in horticulture sector. Given the rising cost pressures on growers and the vital role they play in our food supply chain, will the Minister consider introducing a targeted support package to assist them with escalating gas and energy prices?”
“The Government should be embarrassed that parents stand at checkout queues having to figure out what they are going to send back because they simply cannot afford it. Working people are one break away from financial disaster. Perhaps a car needs repairs, dental work needs to be done or a washing machine breaks down. Any one of those events can completely clear a family's savings. There is no safety net; just constant pressure and worry of what is going to come next. Urgent action is needed because carers, disabled people, lone parents and working people across the country are at breaking point. Where are the €200 a month fees that were promised for childcare? That was to be part of the cost-of-living package also.”
“She received a notice to quit but she was lucky, and I mean she was really lucky, to get a rental property a week before she was to go into emergency accommodation with her children and dog. She told me that she can afford to rent or she can afford to eat, so she will go without food because that means her children do not have to suffer the trauma of going into emergency accommodation, and she did not want to lose their dog. Think about that for a moment. In one of the richest countries in Europe a mother is prepared to go without food to keep a roof over her head. She felt embarrassed by this but it is not her who should feel embarrassed. The Government should feel embarrassed that in a rich country, renting a home or having a hot shower is becoming a luxury.”
“Within my office in the last few weeks we have been discussing the emails that have been coming in. These are from ordinary working people who are living with fear, desperation and pressure because of the cost-of-living crisis. We wonder whether the Government gets the same emails we do and whether it can be dealing with the same issues we are. If it was, the Minister of State would not be standing across from the Opposition benches pretending that everything is fine and pretending that there is nothing to see. The Minister of State would be acting on at least some of the measures that have been brought forward here today. I wonder if the Minister of State has ever lain awake wondering how he is going to get to the next pay cheque. I will tell the story of one of my constituents in Dublin Fingal West.”
“It is through working together that we enhance our sovereignty and Europe's by deepening the pool together. As we look to the future, the importance of Ireland's place in Europe remains clear. In a world of uncertainty, co-operation matters more than ever. The European Union gives us a platform to face challenges collectively, whether climate change, economic stability, or global security. Europe Day is a reminder that unity is not about losing identity, but is about strengthening it through partnership. Ireland's story within Europe shows what is possible when countries choose collaboration over isolation. On Saturday, we celebrate not just what Europe has given us, but what we contribute in return, our ideas, our values, and our commitment to a shared future.”
“That unity ensured that Ireland's concerns were not sidelined, but prioritised. In a moment of uncertainty, EU membership provided stability, support, and strength. We reject that very British concept of euroscepticism. I said it last year and I stand by it. For young people in Ireland, EU membership means opportunity. The freedom to live, study, and work abroad has broadened horizons of both young people and the country, and created connections that span cultures and countries. It has made Europe not just a place on a map, but a shared home. Of course, membership is not without its challenges. Being part of a union requires compromise, responsibility, and engagement. The institutions of Europe need fundamental reform. I think the Minister of State would agree with me on that.”
“Perhaps even more importantly, the European Union has amplified Ireland’s voice in the world as a small nation. At the European table, Ireland helps to shape decisions on climate action, digital innovation, workers’ rights and global trade. We are not just participants; we are contributors to our collective future. The value of that solidarity became especially clear during Brexit. I thank the Minister of State for mentioning that. When the United Kingdom decided to leave the European Union, Ireland faced unique challenges, politically, socially and economically yet through that process EU member states stood shoulder to shoulder with us. It recognised the importance of peace on this island, that we needed not to have a hard border on the island, and it safeguarded the economy in the long term.”
“It has shaped our economy, strengthened our voice in the world and helped to define the kind of country we are today. When Ireland joined the European project in 1973, we were a very different nation. We were economically limited and we depended heavily on a small number of trading partners. Membership opened doors. It connected us to the Single Market, one of the greatest achievements of the European Union and something that needs to be finished. Through it, Irish businesses can trade freely across Europe without tariffs or barriers, giving companies access to hundreds of millions of consumers. For a country of our size, that access has been vital, driving growth, creating jobs and helping to transform Ireland into one of the most open and successful economies in the world. That is more important than ever now, given Trump's tariffs.”
“I am glad the Minister of State mentioned the Schuman Declaration from more than 70 years ago. I always feel like Jean Monnet always gets hard done by. It was the diplomat who did most of the work but the politician got his name on it. The EU is unique. It is the longest lasting confederation of states probably in the history of the world. Is it perfect? No. Is it the best we have got in the world we have? Yes. The European Movement study published this week showed that 82% of Irish people believe being in Europe is where we should be, as do I. We should be at the heart of it. On Saturday, as we mark Europe Day, we celebrate not just a union of countries, but a shared vision that is based on co-operation, peace and opportunity. For Ireland, membership of the EU has been nothing short of transformative.”
“A Government campaign could explain what the copper switch-off means, when it will happen, how to prepare, and where people can get help and support should they need it. If the Government informs people early and clearly, the transition will be smoother, less stressful and more successful for everyone.”
“I thank the Minister. I will claim some for myself. I believe the project is coming in under budget. It goes back to maybe Pat Rabbite's days and that is over 10 years ago, so it is a long time coming. While the copper switch-off is an important step forward, many people still do not understand what it means for them. This goes back to the vulnerable end users. That is why the Government should run a public awareness campaign once the time comes. Many households, especially older people and those in rural areas, still rely on traditional landlines and older systems connected through copper networks. Some might not realise they need to upgrade equipment or switch services before the change happens when it eventually comes. Without clear communication, people could become confused or worried about losing phone or broadband services.”
“I thank the Minister. I look forward to the progress report in 2026. That is good news. I agree that the move to fibre will improve Internet speeds, reduce connectivity problems and support modern services such as online learning, remote working, streaming and digital healthcare. I think that is what the Minister means by end users and vulnerable users. It is especially important for rural Ireland, where better broadband can create new opportunities. Copper networks are also old and expensive to maintain. Fibre is more durable, efficient and better prepared for the future demands of technology. As Ireland becomes more digital, we need infrastructure that can support future generations. The copper switch-off is not about taking something away; it is about replacing outdated technology with a stronger and more reliable system.”
“The truth is that a resilient economy is not just one where supply chains survive, it is one where workers, families and communities survive also. If the crisis teaches us anything, it should be that protecting our economy and protecting our people goes hand-in-hand while moving towards energy and food security.”
“Low- and middle-income workers are carrying enormous pressure while feeling the Government response is too little, too late. Many of these people are simply too exhausted to advocate for themselves. That is why we must advocate for them here. While the supports announced for sectors like haulage are welcome, there are also genuine working people, working families, disabled people and carers who are just about getting by day-to-day and desperately need targeted supports during this crisis. The Government cannot continue to rely on piecemeal and reactive measures. What we need now is a transparent targeted package of supports that prioritises ordinary people as much as industry. We need measures that genuinely reduce the cost of living, strengthen energy security and protect vulnerable households from being left behind.”
“Many simply cannot shoulder the upfront costs alone. They need to be supported. That is why Government leadership matters. While we discuss supports for industries and businesses, we must never lose sight of the people behind the headlines. Ordinary workers are suffering too. Families across Ireland are under sustained pressure from rising energy bills, rising rents and mortgages, rising grocery costs and rising childcare costs. For many households, every week has become a struggle to just make it through. Increasingly people feel exhausted. Working families who do everything right still find themselves falling behind. Carers are stretched beyond breaking point. Disabled people are trying to survive on inadequate supports while dealing with rising daily living costs.”
“Here in Ireland, the Department of Transport's zero emissions heavy duty scheme, which is welcome, is supposed to be the key tool for supporting this transition. While it is welcome, it could be working more effectively. If we are serious about modernising our haulage sector and protecting it from future crises, then we need to see a far greater investment in this scheme and stronger incentives for businesses to make the switch. At present, the pace of progress simply does not match the scale of the challenge. Yet we know that where governments take the issue seriously and provide the right supports, businesses respond positively. Hauliers understand the long-term advantages of electrification, such as lower operational costs, reduced exposure to fuel price shocks and greater sustainability.”
“That is why we must strategically invest in the haulage sector and support a just transition for workers and businesses in the industry. We need to support hauliers in shielding themselves from fossil fuel shocks by accelerating the decarbonisation of the haulage fleet. At the moment, Ireland remains heavily dependent on diesel-powered heavy good vehicles. That leaves our supply chains extremely vulnerable, and businesses exposed every time there is volatility in the international energy market. However, this does not have to be the case. Countries across Europe and around the world are moving rapidly to electrify their haulage fleets. They understand that doing so is not just good for the environment but it is good for economic resilience, supply chain security and long-term affordability.”
“What this crisis has shown us very clearly is that we cannot continue stumbling from one emergency package to another while leaving the underlying problems unresolved. Whether we are talking about hard-pressed households or exposed industries, the lesson is the same. Short-term supports matter but long-term change is more important. The crisis has illustrated just how important investment in clean renewable energy really is, not just as a climate measure but, more importantly, at this point as an energy security measure and a cost-of-living measure. If we continue to depend so heavily on imported fossil fuels, then workers, farmers, families and businesses will continue to pay the price every time global instability raises its head and drives up the cost of energy.”
“Without intervention, many operators, particularly small and medium-sized firms, will be pushed to the brink. The Irish haulage industry is overwhelmingly made up small and medium enterprises. Some are family run businesses, local employers and owner-drivers who are deeply embedded in their communities. They are also highly fuel intensive by nature, which means they have been among the sectors hardest hit by the rising energy costs. The Labour Party has called for and welcomed the supports to keep exposed sectors operating during this crisis, including support for hauliers who are absolutely essential to our economy and supply chains. While immediate relief is essential, we also have to ask ourselves a bigger question. How do we stop Ireland from being exposed to these shocks in the future?”
“They raised the alarm early about the spiralling fuel costs and the growing pressures facing families, businesses and workers alike. I raised this in the Chamber before the protests as in my constituency of Dublin Fingal West, I have been contacted by growers who are rapidly facing increasing financial costs. I ask the Minister and Minister of State to consider supports for our growers who use gas to heat their glasshouses. For example, the heating bill of Welgro Produce in Rush will go from €200,000 to €400,000 this year, based on gas prices, which puts their survival in jeopardy. A small number of growers use it and we do not have a large community of growers left. From a food security point of view, we cannot afford to lose them. The Government's announcement of fuel supports for the sector was necessary and welcome.”
“I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on the supports needed for hauliers and supply chains but also the wider reality facing working people across Ireland. We cannot underestimate how vital the haulage industry is in keeping our society running. Hauliers are the backbone of our economy. They keep food on the shelves, medicines in the pharmacies and goods moving in every town, village and community across the country. When crises hit, it is often the hauliers who are the first to feel it. When global effects of illegal wars and the instability associated with the Trump and Netanyahu started war began to be felt in Ireland in recent weeks, it was the hauliers who were at the cutting edge of the crisis along with the agricultural sector.”
“They want the remediation process to be delivered as quickly, fairly and efficiently as possible. They also want assurances that rapidly rising construction costs will be fully taken into consideration in order that families will not left out of pocket while trying to rebuild both their homes and their lives. They have waited long enough. This is the ask that came through to me from four or five of them this afternoon. They want a timeline regarding when they can apply to Fingal County Council and when they can avail of this scheme.”
“The least we can do is move this process forward as quickly as possible and provide clarity, certainty and support. I would like to take a second to acknowledge the campaigners in my constituency, many of whom I stood with outside the gates of Leinster House at the start of this year. These homeowners never gave up hope despite the frustration and delays they faced. They continued to engage by means of Zoom meetings that I organised, stayed connected through WhatsApp groups and consistently informed and supported each other throughout their campaign for action and recognition. Their persistence and determination brought us to this point. I thank them very much for that. I support this motion. The homeowners I deal with have made one thing abundantly clear to me.”
“Many are uninsurable. Yet, the same families continue to face mortgages, bills and liability for property tax in respect of homes that are fundamentally defective. The emotional and financial toll this takes on these families cannot be underestimated. For too long, these families have felt ignored and left behind. They have spent years fighting for recognition and inclusion and simply to be treated fairly. Today's motion is important, and a necessary step for the affected homeowners in my constituency and in Wexford. However, I must send a clear message that there is an urgency involved. People cannot continue to live in limbo. Every month of delay means more damage, stress and uncertainty for families who have been pushed to the limit.”
“I am happy that this motion has been brought forward today. I urge the Minister to progress it without delay. Homeowners in my constituency have waited far too long. In the context of Rush, Lusk, Ballyboghil and Skerries in Dublin Fingal West, I have been dealing with this issue for years, dating back to my time as a councillor. I have submitted numerous parliamentary questions and direct emails to the relevant Ministers. I have met with families and some older homeowners who are living with constant stress and uncertainty as they watch their homes deteriorate before their eyes. These are investment properties, holiday homes and family homes, built on the basis of years of hard work and sacrifice. Homeowners have found themselves trapped in impossible circumstances with homes crumbling around them. Their homes are effectively unsellable.”
“Every child should have the right to attend school in their local area with their siblings and friends and in their own community. In my own constituency of Dublin Fingal West, parents come to me who are desperately trying to secure appropriate places for children with Down's syndrome. Parents were recently told there were three places available in one school but there were 57 applications. That is the stark reality that families are facing. I thank Ruth and Fidelma from Down Syndrome Ireland, who met with me on this issue last month. I will try to put forward a solution. I raised this last year with the Tánaiste. Children in early education are in ASD pre-school settings where the access and inclusion model, AIM, is in use. Those figures can be used to plan ahead and ensure that supports are in place for primary schools.”
“I agree with Deputy O'Rourke. He said that every week his office is contacted by parents who simply cannot secure appropriate special education places for their children. It is the same in my office. I had such a contact just an hour and a half ago. When parents cannot access local provision within Dublin Fingal West, they are told to go into Dublin or to the adjacent counties of Meath and Louth. I would love to see the emails the Ministers receive. I am sure that people around the country are in similar situations to those I hear about in Dublin Fingal West. It is simply not acceptable that parents are asked to put children with special needs on a bus for 90 minutes in the morning and in the afternoon just to access education.”
“I would be happy to invite the Minister, Deputy Naughton, to the school and would be happy to facilitate such a meeting with the school community and board, should that be necessary.”
“I accept that due diligence needs to be carried out, that everything needs to be ticked off and that the boxes need to be ticked. The year 2028 would mean a long time waiting for the next tranche, so I thank the Minister of State for clarifying that additional projects may be taken on in the interim if the school reaches significant progression within the project stages. In the spirit of moving this on, the school has recently requested a meeting between the Minister, Deputy Naughton, and the board of management. While an agenda was sought by the Minister's office, a meeting has yet to be confirmed. I would strongly urge that this engagement takes place without further delay.”
“I also want to acknowledge and thank those who have been supporting the school and advocating on its behalf. I am asking for two things. The first is that the Department acknowledge the reality that the accommodation currently being provided at St. Mary’s Oldtown is substandard and not acceptable for any child or staff member. The second is that urgent action be taken. This means progressing the long-delayed building project to the next stage without further delay, and in the interim, providing funding for essential works to address the most immediate issues, such as heating, safety and basic infrastructure in the school. Ultimately, this is about fairness. It is about dignity. It is about ensuring that every child, regardless of where they live, has access to a safe, warm and supportive learning environment. St.”