Ruairí Ó Murchú
Louth · Sinn Féin · Ireland
“It was hardly a shock to me and many others that he decided that the simplicity that was asked for by Sinn Féin last week, such that we would consider preparations for Irish unity, was not acceptable. Most people would see this as a possibility, even those who do not necessarily like the idea.”
“I welcome that. I have spoken previously to the Minister about the necessity of providing Mr. Delaney's report on the incident to Natasha and the wider family.”
“We will all be very interested to see what the new circular is. The Minister of State said it will be announced in September. A needs-based system is what we need. I would like to think the young boy I talked about would be able to avail of this. I will use him as an example. The correct assessments were carried out.”
“We just need to make sure that the circular is fit for purpose and that the young primary school child to whom I refer will be given the supports he requires. I will just finish reading from the communication to which I referred earlier.”
“We need to ensure that the engagement with Lebanon is ongoing. Are we happy with the interaction with the UN? There had been some issues relating to the coroner's court. Everyone needs to do everything that can be done to ensure truth and justice for the family of Private Seán Rooney.”
“I thank the Ceann Comhairle for all the flexibility she allows in this Chamber, and hopefully that will continue as we speak. I welcome an awful lot of what Deputy Devlin said.”
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“We must ensure that element of innovation while offering protection and remaining agile in relation to changes in the jobs market caused by AI.”
“It is absolutely necessary that we track the changes in the jobs market. We are all aware of jobs that have been displaced and replaced. It is a matter of being able to react and being agile. That is something that goes without saying. We have already discussed issues around the regulation of artificial intelligence, which is absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, I have to agree with Deputy Byrne. We need training - and we could do with starting in here - on what AI can do. In this entire conversation, we need to ensure we do not lose out on the possible benefits and innovation. If we talk about the health sector, we have seen in many other states that huge improvements and streamlining can be introduced. That is a necessity.”
“The reasonable accommodation funding provided through the work and access programme is also not fit for purpose. All of that needs to be looked at. Even with the wage subsidy scheme, we probably need to look at the self-employed and entrepreneurs. All of that is necessary.”
“Many of us have spoken in here about the low level of employment among those with disabilities. I get that, to a large degree and particularly with some of the schemes, this falls into the ambit of the Minister for Social Protection. However, a holistic approach is needed. While we have seen decent work and decent schemes such as WorkAbility, EmployAbility and the work of the Trinity centre and others in engaging with employers, I do not think these are sufficient. It is too ad hoc . We need to see a greater level of engagement. With regard to the wage subsidy scheme, a number of employers, particularly those who employ more than one person with disabilities or a considerable number of them, say the scheme does not take sufficient account of the added costs of doing so.”
“It is also about taking on those who allow the app to be put up and provide the app stores where it can be downloaded. They cannot be let off the hook in any way.”
“We have been dealing with big tech in a very different way. If we were just relying on good manners and decency, we would not need to have this conversation. It is difficult to see how anybody thought it was an okay idea to produce an application that would allow for the creation of child pornography. That is what we are talking about. I agree with my party colleague Deputy Joanna Byrne that we need to see the operation of the online safety and media regulation legislation here. We need action to be taken from our point of view while pressure obviously needs to be maintained on the European Commission to ensure the DSA is operated. Are we sure the legislative gaps are going to be dealt with in the sense that a tool like this should be absolutely illegal?”
“We had Gerry Hone before the children's committee not that long ago. He explicitly stated that Tusla needs at least 300 more social workers and at least 100 more social care workers, and that is before we talk about the lack of foster parents. That is to deal with the issues in front of Tusla now, never mind what this legislation is going to put in front of the agency afterwards. The Minister and Minister of State may not want to accept the amendment from Deputy Carthy, but I beg them to find a means to have proper, decent interaction with communities and to do a proper assessment of resources and a needs analysis. This would be necessary even if we were not dealing with the issue of international protection. I fear that this abject failure will continue.”
“I do not see any solution to that because we have had promise after promise from the Government, but we have not seen clarity on delivery. We heard earlier that we do not even know what the solution will be, what relationship there will be and whether there will be a bilateral agreement with Britain in which we deal with the reality of the common travel area. That shows everything that is wrong in relation to this matter. Deputy Carthy spoke about the need to ensure we have all the services required in communities. Anyone who talks to members of any community will realise where the deficits are. In deprived communities, the deficits have been there for generation after generation. There has been abject failure. I agree with Deputy Carthy on the question marks concerning Tusla.”
“People saw an opportunity and jumped in to make a profit, which is what did they did. I accept that some people ran reasonable businesses, but some chancers made a complete fortune. The way they operated businesses, if that is what we want to call them, was no addition to the people living in the accommodation and caused disaster in the communities where this happened. Deputy Carthy has stated explicitly the terrible history. We also know that where immigration has happened, it has happened well. People have been brought into the community and into people's homes and there has been integration. That has happened, both naturally and facilitated. None of this, however, is happening in the circumstances I have described. The situation has been made worse by the absence of a fit-for-purpose for dealing with processing.”
“Táim críochnaithe. Go raibh maith agat. I imagine a considerable number of people are going to speak to this amendment. Many of us have had to deal with the circumstances this Government has caused by not dealing with the issue of accommodation over many years. Deputy Carthy is correct that at times we have taken flak in relation to this. While there are a number of really bad actors out there, circumstances were created that they could use and abuse. It is right that we talk about the D Hotel in Drogheda. It was not good enough that the people of Drogheda lost that amenity. Proper due diligence was not on the contract and there were issues with fire certificates and all the rest of it. As we have always seen, this State and the Government rely on the private sector.”
“I know the supporters and sponsors of Drogheda United and the good people of Drogheda stand solidly behind Deputy Joanna Byrne. This is very difficult for someone from Dundalk to say. I ask that there be a rethink by Drogheda United, because it is an absolute disgrace-----”
“We have just heard Deputy Joanna Byrne do what she does, which is to look after the needs and wants of Drogheda. If the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach will allow me a bit of flexibility, I will commend her on to the rightful position she took in calling on the FAI to ensure no Irish team plays against genocidal Israel.”
“On some level this is being presented as the Government getting its act together, which it has failed to do over many years in relation to processing and the absolute disaster - and we will deal with amendments specifically related to this late - where those in communities lost resources. For those who were out to make a profit in a private capacity, though, it was left to the market and they made a fortune. These issues should have been dealt with long before now. To present this as some sort of solution is a farce. It is not good enough for the Minister of State to say that the Government will look at this afterwards.”
“This is the whole problem with what is being dealt with here. The only reason we are operating on this timeline is the EU migration and asylum pact and the deadlines that have been set for us. We have all stated one of the major issues is the common travel area. Unfortunately, partition continues to cause problems no matter what the issue is. This common travel area is not taken into account. There is no detail on how the relationship with Britain regarding safe returns is going to evolve. The Government is going to look at it afterwards but that just is not good enough and nobody from the Opposition could sign off on that. I would have expected a greater level of due diligence from Government but this is no shock.”
“There is a lot of talk about a shared island, but we need to facilitate those in Border areas, in particular, and throughout this island who should be able to work remotely. As has been said before, a right to request remote working is not much of a right if it is always refused.”
“I assume that costs have not gone up at all in the last while. I would ask the Minister of State to convey to his Government partners that a request has been submitted by Louth County Council for €1.2 million to address damage done to roads from flooding. We all know about this. LMFM and everybody else has a pothole search at the minute, and it is not a very hard competition to engage in. Regarding remote working, there is no facilitation for cross-Border workers. Companies, employers and individuals, North or South, cannot now work from home. It is not allowed. We all saw that when PayPal closed its offices. There is a necessity for cross-Border engagement on this matter. A bilateral agreement then needs to be made with the British Government to facilitate this.”
“We all know about the gridlock that is happening, whether it is everybody leaving my town of Dundalk on the M1, with Google Maps on, not because they do not know the way to Dublin but because they want to check where there are going to be hold-ups, accidents or whatever else. People get forced to use the Port Tunnel for €14 just because they have run out of time on the road because there are too many people on it. It could also be anyone trying to drive round Dundalk on a Friday afternoon, because they will find that very difficult. Government TDs, however, have absolutely celebrated the amount of money that has been provided to Louth County Council. It is €10,810,650, and that is welcome, although it would be a lot more welcome if it was more than what the county council was given last year, which was €10,992,550.”
“Everyone has spoken about and will continue to speak about the absolute advantages we have all seen and heard from those who have the capacity and ability to work remotey. There are huge logistical savings for people in relation to childcare when they are working from home, as Deputy Gould said. As Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh said, it is also about facilitating those with disabilities. A lot of work has to be done regarding access and facilitating people into work, but in certain circumstances, it would facilitate an awful lot of people going into employment. In fairness to the Deputy, she pointed out that one thing missing from Mayo in relation to its road to all-Ireland glory is remote working. I think the Minister of State, therefore, should have a particular interest in it.”
“Before we continue, I would like to recognise Brendan and Maura Neal, and Maura's children, from Springfield, Massachusetts. They are here with Deputy James O'Connor. They are the son, daughter and grandchildren of Representative Richard Neal, who is known to many in the House.”
“Will the Minister indicate whether there are plans - because there should be plans - to revise the Army Pensions Act and ensure fair treatment for families? There is a very particular issue that I have dealt with before. I know there is interaction between the man's family and the Department. I will not get into the specifics of that but in the long term we need to update that legislation to ensure we do right by the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“This is about ensuring that all families are treated right, particularly of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. That is the piece we need to do in both life and death.”
“I agree with the Minister. I certainly hope that we do not have to deal with many more cases like that of Private Seán Rooney, who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is necessary that the State would follow through on that sacrifice. I accept what the Minister has said about there being many strands in operation. Perhaps I could be updated on where that independent investigation is and be given whatever information can be provided on the engagement with and progress by, or lack thereof, the Lebanese. That can be provided in writing. While I am here, and although I will be following up on this with the Minister later, are there any plans for updating the Army Pensions Act? I know there is a particular issue that is being dealt with and there is engagement with the Department at the minute.”
“It is vital that we have learnings from what happened to Private Seán Rooney, Trooper Shane Kearney and all those involved. We need to ensure that we have best practice, that we have truth and justice for the family, especially for Seán's mother, Natasha, and that we learn what we can from what was a dreadful incident. It would have been a lot worse had it not been for the bravery of Private Seán Rooney.”
“I appreciate the sentiment and the promises the Minister has made. It is very important that we engage with the Lebanese. They made a number of promises, first of all to do everything they could with regard to apprehending Mohammad Ayyad, who was found guilty of the murder of Private Seán Rooney, and to appeal those other cases. I do not think anybody within this entire building or anyone you were to talk to throughout Ireland would be happy with the results. Some of the sentences were particularly disgraceful. What is the update in that regard? If the Minister does not have it, perhaps I can get it in writing. There is an engagement with the UN. Beyond that, we had the independent inquiry by Mr. Michael Delaney SC. Where is that at?”
“What progress has been made in relation to those investigations that fall under the Minister's remit? I refer to the huge loss of Private Seán Rooney to his community, family, friends and comrades. I am talking about everybody in Newtowncunningham and across Dundalk. It is a matter of ensuring that we see the State playing its part in delivering truth and justice for the family of Private Seán Rooney.”
“I would be grateful if I could get an update in relation to the Minister's engagements with the Lebanese and in relation to the necessity of finding justice for the late Private Rooney.”
“We have already spoken about the issues in relation to retention and recruitment. It is necessary that resourcing, training, and particularly buildings, barracks and living accommodation would be up to scratch and we need to ensure that we see delivery in relation to Aiken Barracks. Aiken Barracks has huge history. It has huge connection with Dundalk, and particularly that area in The Quay, where it is situated, and the 27th Infantry Battalion. There is a huge level of respect for those in the Defence Forces. I have a question, obviously, for Dundalk and those involved with the military in Dundalk, and family particularly, on the sad loss of Private Seán Rooney.”
“They were very difficult times and these are very difficult times. Nobody needs Ireland to be a military superpower. We do not have the capacity to be one. We do need to make sure we have an up-to-date, upgraded Defence Forces that are fit for purpose, but we also need to protect independent foreign policy and that is the reason why we have been respected as peacekeepers throughout the world.”
“I get there is not going to be agreement. That could be taken from the first question, never mind some of the latter questions that were asked on this. I get that there is no constitutional requirement for the Government to call a referendum. I am just stating that asking the Irish people is the right thing to do. What engagement has there been in relation to changes to the triple lock? I will again ask the Minister to explain these checks and balances on what a peacekeeping mission is. The Minister spoke about how this is only updating legislation, how it is absolutely necessary and that we are in a much different place from the 1960s. I accept that, but it is not like in the 1960s there was not the possibility of nuclear war. As far as I know, the Cuban missile crisis happened on 28 October,1962.”
“How is that going to operate on a day-to-day basis? In relation to the triple lock and what the Minister has proposed as regards checks and balances, how would they actually work?”
“We start from the point of view of the UNDOF mission to the Golan Heights and the fact that it was a governmental decision to step aside and remove us from that operation that we have been engaged in for a huge period of time. That is down to the fact that there was a run-down allowed of the Defence Forces. The one thing the Minister will get agreement on throughout the Chamber and throughout the campus is that there has been a long-term failure to invest in the Defence Forces and that when we even spoke of neutrality we did not have the capacity to actually operate as many other neutral countries or states did. That is a failing that needs to be addressed and I am not quite sure that is happening. We are hearing statements from the Minister about how she is going to deal with the Russian shadow fleet.”
“I know there has been much discussion on this already. I ask the Minister to commit to a public plebiscite on the question of the removal of the triple lock. Many have spoken in here, including Deputy Crowe, to the Irish people's belief in relation to an independent foreign policy, our neutrality and how they are completely against any movements away from this. They feel and believe the triple lock is that. It was offered previously as a protection and now it is being taken away.”
“In fairness this was brought up earlier as regards energy poverty. There is an acceptance by Government that there is a need for a payment relating to the cost of disability. It was provided for last year. A review process is ongoing. It is unfortunate that it is necessary for the Affordable Ireland Campaign coalition to come together and for that protest to happen on 28 February but we need action now. It is not much good for people who cannot afford to pay for heating at this point in time. They cannot afford to get a wheelchair charged and have to make decisions like that. We really need a short-term measure before we get the other one, and that is before we deal with the CRU and dealing with energy issues.”
“It is dealing with the Office of Public Works, OPW, and the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, was in the constituency lately. We need to make sure Uisce Éireann plays its part. There is an infrastructural deficit impacting even where I live myself, in the Bay Estate and Cluan Enda area in Dundalk.”
“I want to bring up once again the issue of Carlinn Hall in Dundalk and its communal heating system. There are approximately 200 homes there. I have met the SEAI and third-party operators that are looking at a possible renewable solution involving heat pumps. I have spoken to the local authority. A huge piece of work needs to be done with the management committee and the residents. They are only putting the proposal together. The fact is that we would need to make sure there is flexibility from the SEAI and the Government from the point of view of funding, whether that is the support scheme for renewable heat or the heat pump grant that is available. I would think that is absolutely necessary. We have dealt with flood protection multiple times in the last two weeks. I welcome the promises from Louth County Council.”
“Ba mhaith liom déileáil le fadhb atá ann maidir le Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan. Tá sé mar scoil satailíte de chuid Choláiste Ghlór na Mara i mBaile Brigín. Tá fadhb sa scoil maidir leis an gcóras iompair. Nílimid sásta leis an bhfreagra atá faighte againn ón Roinn. Níl córas iompair á chur ar fáil fá choinne na scoile. Ba cheart go mbeidh sé sin déanta. Chomh maith leis sin, tá fadhb ann maidir le scrúduithe. Tá uimhir scrúdaithe de dhíth ón scoil fá choinne na scrúduithe móra Stáit. It is fairly straightforward. There is a particular issue with the Gaelcholáiste. It is trying to grow its numbers. It is a project to try to grow a Gaelcholáiste at secondary level in Dundalk through Irish and it really needs facilitation in relation to transport. The answer at the minute from the Department is not good enough.”
“There was a bun fight with OPW around cleaning the Blackwater river but, according to the Louth local authority, it has found a way through that and it looks like it is willing to clean it, which should have happened previously. However, we also need a conversation with Uisce Éireann to keep the pressure on because we have an infrastructure deficit, with the joint system that is not going to be operated for years. Where I live, we get flooded on the basis that we cannot clear stormwaters and sewage at the same time.”
“Le do thoil. The Minister of State will not be shocked when I raise the issues we have had recently in County Louth, particularly in the Dundalk area. In fairness, the Minister of State visited Blackrock. The local authorities stated minor works schemes could be implemented in Dundalk, more so even than Blackrock. The Minister of State has spoken of the need for a personal property scheme to be implemented. He might give some detail on that. Obviously, we need works done. We have seen coastal erosion recently on the Carlingford Lough greenway. Ballagan has had huge issues, and Antóin Watters and Fiona Mhic Conchoille have been on to me multiple times about that.”
“I refer to the issue with CFRAM and the issue with the Coes Road pumping station, where everything from WuXi Biologics comes right through. It is a joint sewage and storm water facility. The fact is it is not going to upgraded completely. Works will start in about 2027 but will not finish until 2029 or 2030, according to the council. Even worse, the wastewater treatment plant is not due to be upgraded until 2033. There is no capacity and we are lucky we did not have hundreds of houses flooded.”
“Councillor Antóin Watters is one of many who brought up these issues with me and others. When I talk about Dundalk, I can talk about the Ardee Road and the fact we have issues that are caused by the River Blackwater. We have finally received promises to clean the River Blackwater and The Ramparts. We have seen the introduction of pumps. We need to ensure that Louth County Council has access to them always, uses tankers and that we do the best we can in the disaster scenario. I am talking about Bay Estate, where I live, Cluan Enda, Greeenwood Drive, Blackwater Court, Ashbrook or basically anywhere around Red Barns Road and St. Alphonsus Road. We have those issues of high tides and huge rains. However, at this point in time the reason we have flooding there is that the Uisce Éireann infrastructure is not up to scratch.”
“To put it lightly, it would be fair to say we had serious rains and serious flooding. There are issues that need to be dealt with in north Louth. In fairness to the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, he was in Blackrock recently. We need to make sure that catchment-based flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, is driven ahead. For Dundalk and Blackrock south we are only talking about the application going in probably around June 2027. However, we need to make sure there are no hold-ups and that any short-term mitigations can be introduced. The Cathaoirleach Gníomhach, Deputy McGreehan, will well know the issues that have happened and constantly happen in north County Louth, particularly out by the Cooley Peninsula out to the Border. There is a considerable amount of works that should and can be done.”
“We also have the issues raised by the child law project and the terrible case of a serious assault of a ten-year-old girl in Citywest. While we have heard from Tusla that it is reorientating and we know that there are legislative changes on the way, a big issue remains. Mr. Gerry Hone, the national director of services and integration for Tusla, appeared before an Oireachtas committee recently and said that we are missing or we need 300 more social workers and 100 more social care workers.”
“I do not think any of the backbenchers could have been particularly happy with his answers at the agriculture committee. Mr. Murrin has to go. There is an unacceptable conflict of interest and it is doing damage to Irish farming.”
“Commissioners Hansen and Serafin were here last week. We all had an opportunity to engage with them. We had them in at the EU affairs committee. The fear I have is that they did not rule out the ability, the capacity and, maybe, the willingness to introduce provisional application of the Mercosur agreement before the European Court of Justice carries out its due diligence of the legality of the deal. Our big fear relates to imports of 100,000 tonnes of Brazilian beef and 180,000 tonnes of poultry that will not be up to the standard of European and, in particular, Irish farming. I want to know what the Government is going to do to make sure there is not provisional application. This is happening in the context of the issue with Larry Murrin.”
“Deputies Ruth Coppinger, Paul Murphy, Roderic O'Gorman and Marie Sherlock - To discuss the need for legislative change to protect workers during extreme weather events. Deputy Gillian Toole - The steps being taken by the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive and the national immunisation advisory council to investigate vaccine hesitancy. The matters raised by Deputies Louise O'Reilly, Colm Burke, Ruth Coppinger, Paul Murphy, Roderic O'Gorman and Marie Sherlock, and Louis O'Hara have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Albert Dolan - To discuss the allocation of SET and SNA hours for primary schools. Deputy Colm Burke - To discuss the Blackpool, River Bride, flood relief scheme. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the review of the Garda vetting process and planned measures for simplification. Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the need for additional school infrastructure in Fingal West. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan - To discuss the misuse of e-scooter vehicles in urban areas. Deputy Louis O'Hara - To discuss the provision of special education classes across Galway East. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú - To discussion provision of additional accommodation at St. Mochta's National School, Louth.”
“I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil - To discuss schools infrastructure in Kildare North. Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss an update on settlements with south Kerry CAMHS victims. Deputy Jen Cummins - To discuss insurance protections for people impacted by flooding. Deputy Darren O'Rourke - To discuss provision of special classes for children in County Meath. Deputy Barry Heneghan - To discuss community engagement and traffic management in relation to the north city arterial watermain works commencing in north Dublin. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss the provision of childcare facilities in Cork North-Central.”
“We have no solutions and no cost-of-living package from the Government. There was no difficulty with cost-of-disability payments and cost-of-living payments before an election, but there is a problem with them now. There is a problem for people out there at the minute. We need to see action and we have seen nothing but bluster.”
“We have had huge promises from the Government and we have had a huge amount of energy in relation to what was going to be done about the absolutely spiralling cost of groceries, not that anybody outside needs to be told about that. They literally can tell us on a day-to-day basis how the price of milk, rashers or anything has gone through the roof. Beef is a particular issue this week. Let us be clear: there is no solution for the absolutely drastic energy costs. As said by many, whatever about not improving the circumstances, at least the Government should do no harm; it should not increase the pain. What do we get? We get carbon taxes thrown on those who can least afford them. We have huge energy costs, huge rental costs and huge mortgage costs. We have no cost-of-disability payments.”
“The other reason I know the Government believes there is a need for a cost-of-disability payment is because there is a review process ongoing at the minute to provide one for next year. The only problem with that is that it is no good for those who have to decide whether to eat or heat. We all heard from those in the audiovisual room who spoke about the issues over deciding whether to charge their wheelchair and that is before we get into the logistics in relation to travel and the added costs. Even at times when they have free travel, they still have to pay a booking cost because they have to use the Internet when booking within Iarnród Éireann. None of this is good enough and I do not see any solutions. Deputy O'Reilly stated it explicitly.”