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.”
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“It is because of a destructive combination of spiralling costs, suffocating regulations, a lack of political vision and meaningful support at home. Under the Common Fisheries Policy, Irish fishermen are allocated some of the smallest quotas in our own waters. Our fleets are effectively fishing under restriction in the waters they should be thriving in. It is hard to overstate how demoralising this is for the men and women who live on the sea and rely on it for their livelihoods. Fishing has become increasingly unworkable. In recent years, we have seen a dramatic fall in the number of young people who want to pursue a career in fishing. Why would they want that path forward when it is so uncertain? Regulations pile up and there are no incentives to get started.”
“The answer lies in striking the right balance between livelihoods and sustainability, tradition and innovation and economic needs and environmental responsibility. Fishing is more than just a job in this country. It is a way of life passed down from generation to generation. For many Irish fishing families, the sea runs in their blood. Important skills learned and handed down, like how to read the tides, mend nets and respect the unpredictable mood of the sea, can get lost. It is a heritage, a tradition, a career and a vocation all rolled into one, but that legacy is now hanging in jeopardy. Despite our island being surrounded by some of the richest fishing waters on earth, the very people who have fished these waters for centuries are now being forced out of the industry. Why is this?”
“I am thankful for the opportunity to speak on this issue that is vital not only for our coastal communities but to our national identity. I refer to the future of fishing in Ireland. Once the backbone of coastal communities, the fishing industry is now facing shrinking incomes, rising costs and dwindling fish stocks. At the same time, our oceans are coming under increasing pressure from overfishing, pollution and climate change. Marine life is disappearing faster than we can protect it and the health of the entire ecosystem is under serious threat. How do we balance this? How can we support the hard-working people who depend on the sea for their income to live and to feed their families while also ensuring the sea itself can be protected?”
“No more silence or pretending that neutrality in the face of genocide is anything but support for the State of Israel. We are complicit as we continue to hesitate to take the most basic measures to support the Palestinian people. Only by coming together in solidarity can we help move Israel off the current path of apartheid, displacement and mass murder. As we fight for peace let us remember what peace really means. I will finish by paraphrasing the words of Omar Barghouti, one of the founders of the BDS movement. Peace is not just bombs stopping, peace is not just not killing people, peace is quietness. Peace is no bombs, no gunshots, no mothers crying over the bodies of their dead children. Peace is safety - a community of people living without fear. Peace is freedom. Peace is justice. Until Gaza knows peace, we cannot.”
“Only one of her ten children survived. This is not just conflict or war; it is a ruthless campaign of bombardment designed to wipe out a people. Let us be clear - this is happening under the banner of an illegal occupation. Israel's actions are not defensive, they are oppressive and a direct violation of international law. Hospitals are being bombed and journalists and humanitarian workers are being killed while trying to do their jobs. The symbol of the Red Cross, a symbol of hope and relief, has become a target. Yet, the Government and the international community hesitate. We make statements but statements do not stop missiles, rebuild homes or bring back the dead. As a nation, Ireland has led the charge to stand up to say "no more" but this Government needs to take stronger action.”
“Roads, schools, hospitals, and homes: none of these exists in Gaza anymore. What was once a densely populated strip, already suffering from decades of siege and blockade, has now become a graveyard of rubble, broken lives and broken dreams. Entire families have been erased and communities have been turned to dust, yet the world continues to watch on. We have entered an era where genocide is not just happening in real time, but it is being livestreamed across social media platforms. The normalisation of mass murder and the casual strolling past images of lifeless children and bombed-out schools is a stain on our humanity. It is a complete dehumanisation. We saw over the weekend images of Dr. al-Najjar, a paediatrician who has dedicated her life to children, holding the bodies of her dead children, one just six months old.”
“We can all agree it is more than a bit of a mess. I appreciate the Minister of State’s intervention and him speaking to Uisce Éireann to try to get this sorted out. I welcome that Uisce Éireann will engage with the residents, and I am quite happy to follow up with them. I thank the Minister of State for his response.”
“Can we get a plan to have a proper connection made to the six houses, which, by proxy, would fix the water pressure in the adjacent Lady Cove apartments? These are not big asks. After nearly two and a half years since the residents moved in, it should be sorted at this stage.”
“No contractor has been on site since, and the residents have no answers as to when the issue will be resolved. There have been two, if not three, cases opened with Uisce Éireann, looking for the case to be resolved – two by me and one by a previous Minister in a previous term of Government. The residents would like to know why it has taken nearly two and a half years for the estate to be fully and properly connected to water services. Why are the residents’ concerns being ignored and kicked down the line by Uisce Éireann? Why can no one from Uisce Éireann come out to address the problem or meet one of the residents so they can walk through the problem thoroughly? Can we get commitment from Uisce Éireann that someone will come out and engage with the residents to help fix the issue?”
“Brett reports now there is a hose connection between the adjacent apartment block running into Ellen’s Court, supplying water to the houses in Ellen’s Court. I have pictures of a Qualpex hose pipe coming over the wall between the two developments, which has been a problem because it freezes over in the winter and they had to put lagging on it last year on one occasion. Ellen’s Court is at the end of the water supply line, so its water pressure is low, and the water pressure in the adjacent Lady Cove apartment block is probably even lower, with some of the residents reporting that they cannot take showers from time to time. In April 2024, a contractor was on site to install meters, and he was surprised to discover that there was no branch connection.”
“I have been going back and forth on this with Uisce Éireann since I was a councillor. I appreciate that it checked the system for an update prior to this coming to the floor, but there is still no update available for the residents, and the residents have now moved it on to the CRU also. For background, there are six homes in Ellen’s Court in Rush. Arthur Brett was the first to move in on 19 September 2022, and the other residents moved in over the following months. As with all developments, services need to be signed off before the build is completed and residents move in. Mr. Brett was told the day he moved in that there was a slight issue with Uisce Éireann and that the water connection would be worked on in the next couple of weeks and everything would be sorted out. Mr.”
“One of the core issues is how land is being mapped. Farmers are reporting that productive land is being wrongly classified as peatland with very little consultation or clarity coming towards them. Once land is labelled under GAEC 2, strict restrictions apply. There can be no drainage, no receding and limited grazing, which can have a major impact on farm income, especially in the midlands and the west. There is also a real worry about the retrospective impact and fears that this could lead to future land designations. There has been a lack of clarity from the Department and farmers feel environmental demands are rising without adequate support or compensation. Representative groups are calling for a pause on the implementation until these issues are resolved. That is a fair and reasonable ask.”
“Will the Minister outline Ireland's stance on the European Commission's new proposals to allow the payment for farmers who meet GAEC 2 requirements under the CAP simplification package? Will he push for strong support measures for Irish farmers who are managing peatlands and wetlands, given the challenges that they face?”
“Exploring a tillage incentive scheme to reverse the decline in serial crops and their production alongside a further horticultural incentive would ensure the vital sector has the supports it needs to continue to thrive. We need to build a food system that is secure, sustainable and fair for producers, communities and future generations. Our farmers play a crucial role in rural Ireland in our food production and in environmental stewardship. It is imperative we support them through policies that recognise their contributions and provide the stability they need to continue their vital work.”
“We need a commitment to developing a new food strategy that ensures every person in the country can access a healthy, nutritious and affordable diet. We should support initiatives such as farmers’ market incentive programmes, investing in local food networks and market infrastructure. This will give producers more opportunity to sell their high-end produce to local communities while reducing reliance on imports and strengthening our food resilience. We need to recognise the growing importance of horticultural and plant-based farming. This will become a stronger focus on the areas as part of strategy for a more sustainable and secure food system. Furthermore, we need to support the growth of our domestic horticulture and tillage sector with a renewed emphasis on grains and pulses.”
“The region supports a mixture of traditional farming families and modern high-end agribusinesses and plays a significant role in supplying fresh produce to the Dublin market and beyond. With its proximity to Dublin Airport and key transport routes Fingal is well-positioned for both domestic distribution and export, thereby further enhancing the importance of the agrifood sector. We must act now to ensure the sector’s long-term viability. This means fair prices, strong supports and policies that value sustainability and tradition hand in hand. Supporting family farms is not just about food production, but about protecting the vital part of who we are as a nation. We need to make food security a national priority.”
“A principle of no retroactive rule changes should be enforced. Once a scheme is in place, farmers should not face new rules introduced part way through their implementation these changes are not only about reducing bureaucracy but about respecting the time, effort and investment our farmers make every day. I urge the Minister to take these recommendations forward. In my area of north County Dublin, the horticultural sector is a vital component of both the local and national economy. Often referred to as the market garden of Ireland, Fingal boasts some of the most fertile land in the country. This makes it ideal for the production of high-value crops, including vegetables, salads and soft fruits. I have picked and packed every one of them over my lifetime.”
“If a farmer has been inspected and found to be compliant, there should be no need for a further inspection unless there has been a material change in his or her circumstances. In addition, I stress the importance of eliminating double penalties. Farmers should not face CAP funding cuts if they have already been penalised by another State agency for the same issue. This involves clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies to ensure CAP inspections do not overlap with the work of bodies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service. We need to reform the young farmer payments to make it more attractive and feasible for new entrants to take up farming also and to ensure consistency and predictable communication so farmers clearly understand their requirements and expectations.”
“I ask the Minister to outline how these priorities will be reflected in Ireland's position as the CAP reform discussions progress. I also wish to highlight the urgent need for a single, unified farmland mapping system to be used consistently across both CAP Pillars 1 and 2. The current duplication of the systems is causing unnecessary delays, creating administrative burdens and leading to confusion for farmers and administrators alike. Farm families are the backbone of rural Ireland. They are not just economic units but living traditions passed on from one generation to the next. They preserve our landscapes, communities and way of life but today this model is under threat from rising costs, market pressures and climate challenges. I am also calling for an end to redundant inspections.”
“Furthermore, I ask him to seek greater national flexibility within the next CAP framework, enabling Ireland to design and implement agri-environmental measures tailored to our specific conditions, including the integration of emerging funding streams outside of the CAP. Finally, the Labour Party emphasises the critical importance of generational renewal in Irish agriculture. The next CAP must include strengthened and targeted supports for young farmers. As I have said here previously, in my area of Fingal west, the horticultural heartland of the country, I can only think of two farmers who are under the age of 30. We must ensure that young farmers can access the tools, land and capital they need to build a viable future in farming.”
“He should also engage directly with farming representatives to understand their concerns and incorporate their feedback into the reform process. He should ensure that any environmental measures introduced are accompanied by adequate support and do not disproportionately burden farmers financially. I urge him to advocate strongly for a more ambitious and flexible CAP post 2027, one that fully reflects Ireland's unique needs and evolving priorities. In particular, I ask him to support the potential establishment of a third pillar within CAP, distinct from the existing structures, to recognise and reward farmers who voluntarily engage in sustainable initiatives beyond the regulatory requirements.”
“The proposed merger could exacerbate these issues, leading to further income instability and uncertainty around future support mechanisms. Moreover, the lack of clarity surrounding the implementation and funding of these reforms adds to the anxiety within the farming community. Farmers need assurances that their livelihoods will not be compromised and that the essential support that they rely on remains robust and accessible. In light of these concerns, I urge the Minister to maintain the distinct two pillar structure within CAP to ensure targeted and effective supports for both income stability and rural development remain. I also urge him to provide clear and detailed information on how any proposed reforms will be implemented, including funding allocations and eligibility criteria.”
“I wish to raise with the Minister the deep concerns of Ireland's farming community regarding some of the proposed CAP reforms. The suggestion to merge Pillars I and 2 into a single fund has been met with significant apprehension across the farming sector. The current two-pillar structure in CAP serves a distinct purpose. Pillar 1 provides direct payments to support farmers' incomes while Pillar 2 focuses on rural development and environmental initiatives. Merging these two pillars risks diluting the targeted supports that each provides, potentially undermining the effectiveness of both income support and environmental measures. Farmers are already facing challenges due to increased environmental requirements and the introduction of eco schemes which, while well intentioned, have led to reductions in direct payments and added complexity.”
“I welcome the IFA president, Mr. Gorman, to the House. The Labour Party's mission, echoing the Tom Johnson minority report from the 1924 Agricultural Commission, is to achieve greater food security by ensuring that everybody has access to healthy, nutritious and sustainable food at an affordable price while also safeguarding our natural environment. Labour is committed to supporting farmers in diversifying and adopting sustainable practices. We also support the sustainable development of farming, fisheries and forestry to protect existing jobs and generate new opportunities across all regions of Ireland. We back CAP reforms and agricultural policies that uphold the family farm and provide meaningful support to small farmers.”
“I welcome the Minister's actions and look forward to the review. I urge him to consider establishing the night-time economy commission or advisory group in each of the major cities. Our cultural life does not end at 5 p.m. as he knows, and neither should our planning. By grounding these commissions in local research and consumer feedback we ensure that we reflect on the unique needs and opportunities for each community, from live music to theatre to hospitality, and transport the night-time economy as a powerful driver of jobs, tourism and well-being. Cities that nurture it see not only economic growth but safer, more vibrant public spaces. The Labour Party is happy to support this so we can shape a more inclusive, creative and sustainable cultural future, one that shines after dark.”
“Will the Minister consider establishing a night-time economy commission or advisory group in each major city to provide expert guidance and recommendations informed by local research and consumer feedback, to support those operating in the creative arts and culture space, and to offer more people to enjoy the night time and help cultural institutions to extend their opening hours into the evening?”
“I hear every day from women in my constituency in particular that they cannot find childcare. I hear mostly from women about being forced to give up their careers, to defer returning to education and to delay starting and expanding their families. We have moved from the marriage bar of the past to what can only be described as a modern-day family bar where the costs and unavailability of childcare are dictating deeply personal life choices. Some €1.37 billion could be far better used to begin nationalising the wages in the sector and starting the transition to a public system of early education and school-age childcare that is accessible for all.”
“It will always need to be refined and reformed. At a meeting with the delegation of Denmark today we, along with Deputy Lahart, discussed how it is necessary that others not pre-empt or dictate the future of Europe based on the unanimity rule. Despite all of its detractors, the EU has kept peace between member states since 1945. Further co-operation, as outlined under the Treaty of Rome, and the promises contained in the Treaty of Rome need to be fulfilled so that we can ensure the sustainability of Ireland and the European Union into the future.”
“It seemed to me that the attitude was that we would cross that bridge when we got to it. We no longer have to wonder what would have happened. We can look at what happened with our nearest neighbours following Brexit. There was no plan and the British Office for National Statistics has said that in the long term the UK will experience a 15% reduction in trade as a consequence of the barriers it put up post Brexit. A number of Members of the House and Irish MEPs still question whether it was a good idea to join the euro. I look at their position and the damage it would cause Ireland with the same withering scepticism that they seem to look at the European project. I am not dogmatic enough to believe that everything is perfect and rosy in the European system. Europe is a story of two steps forward and one step back.”
“Negotiations need to open on the harmonisation of these regulations particularly in the digital space. It was Europe and the promises that it can hold that actually got me into politics. It was the revised Lisbon treaty that got me to stop hurling on the ditch, get out the street and get involved as I fundamentally believed, and still do, that European solidarity is something to celebrate. That solidarity served Ireland well during the Brexit negotiations to ensure that there were no checkpoints put on this island. Without EU backing, it is hard to say that we would have had the same outcome if it was us negotiating directly with our neighbours. I found it hugely concerning that those who opposed the likes of the Nice and Lisbon treaties did not put forward an alternative vision of how Ireland would trade without Single Market access.”
“We went from rural and agricultural economy to a high-tech services-based economy. We often forget that regardless of what we do with corporation tax, the fundamental reason for economic growth in the past 30 years is our access to the EU Single Market, a single market that we have yet to fully implement. In a world where the Trump Administration is looking to put tariff barriers up, we, as member states, should be looking to remove barriers among ourselves, particularly in the service sector to create a truly integrated market so we can increase trade among the member states. We can no longer have 27 separate regulation systems for 27 member states and wonder why Europe cannot produce a Google or an Apple, something that can be worldwide.”
“I am sharing time with Deputy Duncan Smith. Europe Day is one of the forgotten holidays. Many people do not know what or why it is, or even that it is being celebrated on 9 May. There is some idea that there is a vague connection with the Ode to Joy all right, but that is where the interest stops. I was lucky that at my old school the German teacher, Anita Irwin, makes a point of celebrating and highlighting Europe Day every year. She has had two MEPs in to meet the students in the past two years based on her passion for the day and the importance of celebrating our shared goals and values. In a world that is as it has been in the past couple of months, Ireland's membership of the European Union is more critical to our future than it ever has been. We have benefited almost uniquely from our membership since 1973.”
“I acknowledge everyone who provides unpaid care work. This work is essential to the way our society functions yet is often overlooked and undervalued. It is time the state steps up to properly support and recognise this vital role.”
“Across Europe, countries which have implemented a truly public childcare system have seen women participate more fully in every part of society whether it is in the workplace, education, in arts and sports or in politics. In my own constituency of Fingal West, I hear daily from families who are struggling with lack of childcare options, lack of flexibility and the impossible costs. I acknowledge the early years educators who are some of the lowest paid workers in our country. Without them, Ireland would cease to function. It is time to begin the transition to a truly public model of early years and school-age childcare. This starts with nationalising wages and paying early educators fairly just like we do with other educators in our system. They deserve recognition, fair pay and our full support.”
“That ballot will be counted this week. If the deal is accepted by the workers we cannot let it stop there. There is still work to be done. Section 39 workers are 14 years without a pay increase and there is a pay gap. As soon as the independent review of section 39 pay is done in the first quarter of next year, we must move to close that gap and put section 39 workers on the same pay as HSE workers who are doing the same job. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the Together for Public Alliance, which was outside the gates today campaigning for a public model of early education and school-age childcare. We know public childcare is about far more than just labour activation for women but we also cannot ignore that it remains a barrier for women’s equality.”
“Today, just over 30% of people with disabilities are in work. That compares with a European average of 52%. The gap is even wider for women, with only 15% in full-time employment. That is not just a statistic; it is a clear sign that our labour market is not inclusive. We urgently need a new comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities, one that tackles the barriers they face and actively supports access to meaningful and sustainable work. Legislating the right to flexible working is just one example of how we can build, or begin to build, a more inclusive employment landscape. Flexibility opens doors. It is time we ensure those doors are open to everybody, including the section 39 workers who provide crucial health and disability services in our communities and who voted on the WRC proposal.”
“Age should not be used as the reason to undervalue someone’s labour. This policy sends a harmful message that young people’s time, effort and dignity are worthless. It deepens inequality, especially for those trying to find education, support families or gain independence. With the rising cost of living, these lower wages are not just unfair, they are unsustainable. Young people are the future of the Irish workforce. Instead of exploiting them, we should empower them. By abolishing sub-minimum wage rates, we affirm the principle that fair work deserves fair pay, regardless of a person’s age. Let us be clear – ending this practice is not just about economics but about respect, equality and justice. Despite Ireland’s strong economic performance, we continue to have one of the lowest disability employment rates in Europe.”
“Now is the time to strengthen that bond and to legislate for the basic protections that workers in many other European countries already enjoy. No more excuses, no more delays. Let us not underestimate the real power of the EU directive on the adequate minimum wage which demands transposition into Irish law. I would like to speak out against the outdated and unjust policy of sub-minimum pay rates for workers under the age of 20 in Ireland. A campaign on this has been spearheaded by Labour Youth activists. Right now, young workers can be paid significantly less than the minimum wage simply because of their age. This is not only discriminatory, it is unfair. A 19-year-old doing the same job with the same responsibilities and hours as a 25-year-old deserves equal pay. Work of equal value deserves equal reward.”
“Their voices help shape Labour’s policies, ensuring that the concerns of every teacher, nurse, retail worker, care assistant, construction worker and so many more stand in solidarity and are heard at the highest levels. As we face modern challenges like job insecurity and the cost-of-living crisis, this partnership is more important than ever because when working people stand together in the workplace and in Dáil Éireann, we can build a fairer and more just society. It is time to enshrine essential workers' rights in law. These are the rights that guarantee every worker in Ireland the freedom to organise and negotiate collectively. Let us be clear that workers rights are human rights. Without strong collective bargaining laws and trade union recognition, those rights are weakened and inequality deepens.”
“It was 30 years ago that the Labour Party, while in government and supported by the Dublin Council of Trade Unions and Irish Congress of Trade Unions, made May Day a bank holiday, but its roots go much deeper than that. The Labour Party has always stood by the trade union movement. The connection is not symbolic - it is practical, principled and rooted in the shared belief deserve power, voice and respect. The alliance has given rise to a political force that championed decent pay, safe conditions and dignity in the workplace. To this day, trade unions remain a foundational part of the Labour Party’s structure and identity.”
“I mentioned this to the Tánaiste about two or three weeks ago, but the access and inclusion model has supported more than 7,000 children annually in accessing early childhood care and education programmes. However, due to inadequate data sharing between the Department of children and the Department of Education, crucial information is lost when children move to primary school. Establishing a data sharing mechanism would give the Department of Education up to two years' notice to plan for SNAs, ASD classes and resource teachers, ensuring a smoother transition and better outcomes for all. Finally, we need a publicly-funded ASD preschool in every town so families are not forced to travel long distances. Education begins at birth. By investing in inclusive care and early education, we can give children the fair and equal start they deserve.”
“The Department, the NCSE and relevant Ministers should conduct a full reassessment of the national demand for special schools with a view to establishing ones where necessary. We often talk about lifelong learning. The same principle must apply to special education. Traditional supports between early years, primary, post-primary and third level are inconsistent and this harms long-term outcomes. A centralised admissions system like the successful pilot in Dublin 15 should be rolled out nationally at both primary and post-primary levels. There is also a continuing shortage of qualified special education teachers and SNAs. Localised training hubs co-ordinated by the NCSE could support schools with strong SEN experience to train others, creating local communities of practice and reducing the need for travel.”
“I welcome the parents and activists in the Gallery and thank my colleague, Deputy Eoghan Kenny, for bringing this important motion forward. In my constituency, Fingal West, I regularly hear, like all Members do, from families deeply concerned about the severe shortage of appropriate education placements and supports for children with special needs. Accessing school settings remains a major challenge in my area, compounded by long waiting times for psychological assessments and interventions. These delays often leave children without a formal diagnosis or the support they urgently need. We must act with urgency to ensure that every child gets the right support in the right place. Inclusive accessible learning environments must be supported from early years right through to adulthood.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response. This is a good scheme but there are idiosyncrasies in it that need to be ironed out so the constituents of Dublin Fingal West will be encouraged to use public transport. I understand that distance travelled is one of the criteria in establishing zones, but it seems incredibly unfair that the fares of students travelling two stops from Rush-Lusk over the zone border to Balbriggan have increased threefold since last week. I would be quite happy to meet and work with the Minister, who knows the area quite well, to try to work towards a resolution on this. I thank the Minister of State for his time this morning.”
“I put up a petition yesterday – I am not one for petitions generally – to test the waters on this and ask for Skerries and Balbriggan to be moved back into zone 1. The route used to be in the short-hop zone. After 24 hours, there have been up to 1,100 responses, despite my not being known for my social media wizardry. Could we tease this out? Can we examine again the inclusion of Skerries and Balbriggan stations in zone 1, rather than zone 2, where they are now, and at fare structures for students who travel across zones 1 and 2 – say, from Rush-Lusk to Balbriggan – who are being charged three times the rate they were charged a week ago for a two-station station journey? Can serious consideration be given to restoring across zones 1 and 2 the student fares that applied last week?”
“This is similar to what obtains for students going the opposite way, crossing zone 2 to zone 1, from Skerries and Balbriggan into town. While it might not seem significant in isolation, over a school week or year it adds up and places unnecessary burdens on families who are already struggling with food costs and utility bills. A father called me last night over his daughter, whose Leap card ran out of money. Her friends were able to sort her out but there was unnecessary stress and panic while they figured out a way to get back from Balbriggan to Rush-Lusk. The hikes are not compatible with the Government's commitments to affordability and encouraging people to use public transport, despite this being the goal.”
“The decision seems unfair to the residents of the two towns, who are still part of north County Dublin, but also counterproductive from a climate action point of view by making train travel more expensive in the outer areas, which are often under-utilised. This encourages car use, resulting in more cars on the M50, leading to an increase in air pollution and additional barriers to promoting active travel. I read last night an e-mail from a constituent who has been using the train since 1983. Her fare for her journey from Skerries, which is now being moved into zone 2, has increased by 30%. Another constituent, a student who goes from the Rush-Lusk station to Balbriggan for school, has seen her fare rise, under the new fare structure, from 65 cent to €1.95 – a threefold increase in a week.”
“Good morning, Minister of State. It has always been the Labour Party's vision to invest in public transport, to continue to progressively reduce the cost of public transport and to focus on increasing the reliability of our train services. In general, it is great to see the fare reductions and the expansion of the commuter zones that have come in this week. This is a positive step forward in making transport accessible and affordable for everybody and helping to ease the cost of living and encourage more sustainable travel choices. However, can the Minister of State please explain the rationale behind grouping the Skerries and Balbriggan train stations in commuter zone 2 alongside towns in Kildare, Wicklow and Louth rather than in zone 1 with the other Dublin stations?”
“Can these figures be used to inform the Department of Education when planning necessary supports, easing the transition and reducing the chaos of school places that we are seeing?”
“Yesterday was World Autism Awareness Day. It cannot just have been another day of empty promises while families continue to struggle. Last night, families slept out for a second time, pleading for support. We must acknowledge their challenges every day. With this in mind, I acknowledge in my constituency of Dublin Fingal West there are 539 children who have waited for more than 12 months for their first contact with Balbriggan CDNT. This is the highest waiting time in CHO 9. I would imagine it is well up there in the country. We know children with needs benefit significantly from the access and inclusion model in early education up to two years before they enter primary school.”