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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“While we hope this is an ideal boast, we do not know when we are dealing with Donald Trump. It is also fair to ask the Government what it intends to do in relation to Mercosur and the fear of 100,000 tonnes of beef and 180,000 tonnes of poultry that are not up to the standard of European and Irish farm produce and what the Taoiseach hopes to do from here on in in relation to properly combatting the Mercosur deal, which is bad for Irish agriculture.”
“It would be fair to say that the world is not exactly where we would like it to be, whether we are talking about the draconian actions of the Iranian regime, the so-called "peace" in Palestine or the ongoing conflict in Sudan. We have seen Donald Trump tear to bits international law. Whatever people's view of President Maduro, nobody can stand up and state that America has the right to remove whichever leaders it does not like. This State has not been sufficiently strong in its reaction to this. I would also state the European Union has been particularly weak. Some of this is based on a weakness due to the need for American support for Ukraine but this is not good enough. Where does this end? As has been brought up by others, the fact is the threat is there in relation to Greenland.”
“We need to find a way and means of dealing with that, but we also need to find a way and means of dealing with those who have their foot on the neck of our communities, whether we are talking about drug debt intimidation or those who are running teenagers as drug mules and other such things. We have to have a real conversation on the resources and what is required.”
“It is about involving the community voluntary sector and youth justice projects. It is about ensuring that there is a holistic, comprehensive means of dealing with the issues that are out there. I have said before that we have to look at the powers the Garda and local authorities have and the resources and powers Tusla and others have. We are talking about the early interventions that are needed within families to give that support. We know that for an awful lot of the issues we are dealing with, whether we are talking about drugs, crime, organised crime and even sometimes disorganised crime, obviously inequality and poverty is at the root.”
“It does not matter what committee I am on, whether it is the Joint Committee on Children and Equality dealing directly with the Garda, the Joint Committee on Disability Matters or the Joint Committee on Drugs Use, which Deputy Gannon chairs. The fact is that the only thing people talk about when they are talking about best practice are resources and funding, but they particularly talk about inter-agency action. I did welcome some of the idea behind the community safety partnerships. We need to see them up and running. I do not think there is anyone who is particularly happy that TDs are not involved in relation to it, but I get the idea that it is above and beyond policing and it is about involving all the agencies. It is about involving the entire State apparatus.”
“The point has been made in relation to surveillance technology and the huge number of companies that would be engaged in what we can only have called, because that is what it was, a genocide in Gaza. We need to ensure we have no truck and no connection whatsoever with companies such as that. That would be particularly unacceptable for the Garda. It would not be okay to use the resources and tools of those who are involved in absolutely heinous crimes as we try to deal with criminal issues here. I rarely do not bring up that wider issue when I am dealing with justice. I have had the conversation with the Minister before that we are in a very different world and that there are huge risks.”
“We want to ensure we can deal with all the new-found difficulties that exist in this world. It was put very well in the sense that we need to make sure that we do not drift into a surveillance society and that we protect, where we can, people's information and data. It is absolutely necessary to have an element of trialling of such technologies. There is a particular worry when we are dealing with technology and particularly if we are talking about the use of third-party companies. It is about value for money, but it is also about ensuring data is secure and that we do not have people profiting above and beyond what is acceptable. I do not think that is any way acceptable.”
“That is it. I am getting it out of the way early. Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir. I hope it is an incredibly peaceful and safe time for everyone because we have seen far too much tragedy in the last while. Deputy Carthy dealt with a significant amount of the issues relating to this Bill. Some of those issues were brought up during pre-legislative scrutiny. Obviously, this is about that period where we question when it is biometric recognition and biometric categorisation. In the world we now live in, there are particular issues with regard to artificial intelligence. Even the bodies the State has put forward have spoken on the particular issues they see. We all want to see the gardaí given the tools, resources and numbers they require, which is an issue due to the abject failure of the Government in that regard.”
“I also take this opportunity to thank the Ceann Comhairle, her staff and the entire staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas. At this time, I usually apologise sometimes for the nuisance that I cause. Deputy Carthy has requested that I do that.”
“Will the new teams ensure there is a greater level of communication? As I have said before, I am worried about recruiting to all the bodies need to recruit to. Will they be able to deal with the huge cohort that are on the waiting list now and the parents who have suffered because they did not have the supports they should have?”
“If we are talking about the first quarter for the education piece, it could be as far away as March before we have clarity on it. It needs to happen as soon as possible. When will we see delivery on the single point of access? I think Bernard Gloster said that those who have the best things to say about the CDNTs are those who have a contact person they can engage with because then they know the ins and outs. That is where some of this falls apart. Sometimes there needs to be a straight conversation about supports and about the future trajectory for children and parents. When that is lacking, obviously it does not work. The Minister of State is saying that in January or at least some point in the first quarter of next year, the autism protocol will operate. As that waiting list becomes populated, will we have capacity to deliver on it?”
“As I said, I have no particular issue if we are accepting that 45% of those who go through assessments of need have autism and if we can find the means whereby people can get a proper assessment in relation to autism and then can get the therapies. However, I ask again about recruitment as we try to recruit to the CDNTs and directly to schools and these new teams. Can the Minister of State go into the detail of how things will change in these things given the huge amount of work and the huge cohort they have to deal with?”
“Will the Minister of State give some detail on what that engagement has been? I get that it is the early stages but unfortunately it has led to some unease. We all accept there are huge issues in relation to those who have been on the assessment of need waiting list. None of it has been great for the families and children. People are looking for adequate and correct therapies and supports. I have heard many times that the Department does not require an assessment of need to deliver supports and therapies, but unfortunately parents operate in a slightly different world and at this time the schools require assessments of need. While that is being dealt with, we need clarity.”
“What engagement has there been with the Department of Education and Youth? There are proposals around the autism protocol. We spoke earlier about the very specific proposal to remove the requirement for an assessment of need in order for a child to find an appropriate school place, whether that is in a special class, in a mainstream setting with supports or in a special school. There has been huge unease among the teaching unions and others in relation to who will make this assessment. It is very important that we bring clarity to this particular case. We all want to see streamlining of the assessment of need process. I have always said I have no particular issue with that, but clarity is needed at this time.”
“They also speak about their need for increased resourcing to ensure we have something that is more fit for purpose for looking after children and particularly the most vulnerable.”
“What the Minister referred to is vital whether we are talking about putting the NRP on a statutory footing or following through on all the recommendations. Could I have a notion of what the general timeline is? I understand that due diligence had to be done on the legislative process. The issues around the tracking of pupils, particularly whatever cross-border directive is needed, should be addressed straight away. We should be overcoming whatever issues there are with GDPR. I would also like an update on the Tusla-Garda protocol. Kate Duggan and others spoke about the increase in complex cases, the new model of care Tusla is looking to bring in and the need for it to increase its staff. We frequently hear from those in the community and voluntary sector who get referrals from Tusla.”
“The Minister will have an opportunity to follow on regarding what she envisages changing legislatively. Her comments recognise the need to update legislation and ensure a framework for child protection. Our thoughts are on Kyran Durnin and the other tragic cases I have mentioned. We need to put whatever protections we can in place. I ask that the Minister engage with Tusla and other agencies to ensure the recommendations will be acted on. Could she give a timeline on the other reports and recommendations arising from them regarding the cases of Vadym Davydenko, Daniel Aruebose and the ten-year-old girl who was assaulted while in the care of the State? It is vital that we do all and sundry, that due diligence be done and that we have a framework that works. Tusla is not sufficiently resourced in respect of staffing and other areas.”
“What engagement has there been with relevant Departments and agencies, including Tusla? I am talking about the recommendations following the national review panel, NRP, report on Kyran Durnin. We have had a large number of child protection issues, including in respect of Vadym Davydenko and Daniel Aruebose, and the shocking events surrounding the brutal assault on a ten-year-old girl who had been in care. What I am looking for is information specifically on the NRP report and assurance that the recommendations will be acted upon. Beyond that, I seek the timeline for the rest of the reports and assurance that we have the proper framework in play. I am aware that the Minister has legislation and other measures planned.”
“How do we get that recruitment process done while we are recruiting to all these bodies at the same time because many advocates have said there are difficulties in relation to this?”
“We all support the idea of a single point of access. My understanding is there will be 11 teams delivered in 2026 and then nine teams in 2027. That all sounds grand but I would follow up on what Deputy Quinlivan said. At this point I imagine, because we cannot always get the updated figures, we are looking at 300 or so positions unfilled in the CDNTs. I would like if that figure was lower but how do we recruit the OTs, SLTs and psychologists to those teams? How do we recruit to these new teams? How will these new teams work? We are all supportive of therapies within schools and involving the schools, the parents and everyone involved in the child's life. Assistive technology is absolutely important at that point.”
“The Minister of State has said previously that there is not always a need for an assessment of need to access the child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, or primary care but we all know the issues. Children get bounced back and there is a real need to deal with that. The problem with primary care is that the service that was once there is not there at the moment.”
“It goes without saying that the issue of assessments of need has been a disaster for a considerable time. There is much unease about the proposals that were put forward. One of the issues with the proposals is that they are only an indication of a proposal. We had an engagement earlier in the week and if we are talking about removing the need for assessments of need in schools, it is a fact that we are talking about something that is a few months away from being completed. Will the Minister of State give an indication of how she and the Department of education will come up with a process and by which means children will be assessed for the appropriate class, special class or mainstream education with supports? That is vital.”
“The local authorities, Tusla and the Garda will put their hands up and say they do not have the tools or powers to deal with the issues that exist at this point. What Deputy Ward has proposed is a means of ensuring we can take back what has been taken by criminals who have put their foot on the neck of our communities for far too long. We must put the money and resources back into those communities and provide resilience. We are talking about very good, very strong communities. It can be a lot better, and we would all benefit from that.”
“We need to deal with that. We need to make sure the supports are there and that we do what we can for those who are being groomed by criminal gangs. The legislation we see in this House must be put out in the world and enforced in respect of those who bring young people into criminal gangs and force them to do things, bringing them into a world that only brings negativity. We must put in place whatever supports are necessary to prevent that. We have all seen youth diversion projects that do spectacular work. I have seen it in my own constituency. They have worked a hell of a lot better since the interventions have been happening at an earlier stage. We need to see more of that. That is a more comprehensive conversation. It is about us getting down to the issues in respect of criminality and supports.”
“People who have worked in those sorts of project are aware that they are sometimes dealing with the fourth generation in families, so there is an element of failure. That is not to take away from the good work they have done or the harm reduction. How bad would it be if those projects did not exist? We have not got real about the issues. Included in that is drug debt intimidation, where the mother, father, granny or granddad gets the call and somebody has to cash in a pension, if they are lucky enough to have one, or go to the credit union. Once that tap is open, the drug dealer will be back to it again. We need to be able to shut these people down. The communities generally welcome it when they see action taken. I have welcomed the change of rules about being able to go after criminals for smaller amounts but it is not enough.”
“We also know that, given the need that is out there, the bodies in question and the community voluntary sector they deal with do not have the resources to address this. It involves interagency work. That is all that Tusla, the local authorities and the Garda will talk about. I will welcome it on some level when the community safety partnerships are eventually up and running. I am not sure they are the entire answer or that we have the suite of resources required. We need to be able to deal with the outright criminality and bad examples that kids see. We have to have a conversation about identifying what supports and early interventions are needed. We have seen it work with the likes of the Greentown Project.”
“At the children's committee, the drugs committee and even the disability committee to some degree, it is all about early intervention and putting in those supports. At the children's committee recently, we had the area-based childhood, ABC, programme, Archways, The House in Cox's Demesne from my own constituency, Northside Partnership and even the ISPCC. They all spoke about the number of referrals seeking supports that were coming directly from Tusla. We had Ms Kate Duggan from Tusla before the committee on a different occasion. We all know there are issues around child protection. There are many issues we want to see resolved as well as a framework for protecting the most vulnerable.”
“There has been a failure to have a conversation not only about how we deal with organised crime and the deprivation that feeds it, but also the chaos that has been caused and how we give supports to families and communities. Beyond that, we must build a better society and a community that facilitate everyone. We can literally make this a better place. I was in the drugs committee lately. The experts know what to do and have always known the supports and projects that work and the pilots that failed to be expanded, but we have not done that. A massive increase in those elements of support could see us needing a lot less down the road. I think that is it. This is almost the single transferable speech that everybody has.”
“We have all known for a considerable time that they are the areas that suffer from what has been a scourge, particularly in relation to drugs and drug gangs. We have all seen the bad examples in estates that have remained for far too long. Like many others, I have said it is not just about a policing solution. I get that does not work. There is a need for it but we have seen the war on drugs fail in America and here. We need something better holistically. We have to look after those who are suffering under addiction. We have insufficient addiction services and do not have the supports that are necessary when we want to bring people away from that life.”
“I support Deputy Mark Ward's amendment. He has already spoken about the legislation we proposed earlier. It is about ensuring that, for those communities that pay the greatest price for organised crime and all the chaos that comes with it, there is some sort of payback. We know none of that is going to be enough. What is needed is something far more comprehensive. I have spoken to the Minister about this. We constantly talk about early interventions, whole-of-government responses and interagency work. We really need to bring those about. We know those areas that are most disadvantaged. It is very simple to get the information from the Pobal index. All of this information is freely to hand in respect of those who suffer from the greatest levels of poverty and disadvantage.”
“Whether I am talking about those who fish out of Dundalk or those in Clogherhead, we are looking at absolute disaster. This is ground zero and we need an answer. There has been abject failure by the European Union and the Government needs to stand up. At this point, these people's backs are to the wall and they need some element of support.”
“They created this crisis. Ireland fished responsibly, yet we now carry what are proportionately the heaviest losses." Another said that "less quota means less fish and less work" and that "many plants may not survive this blow without raw material” while another stated that "we now have a situation when our fleet of fishing vessels are left with 28 tonnes of sole to catch in 2026 on the south coast of Ireland, when Belgium has 450 tonnes." The alliance statement concluded by saying: "Once again as in Brexit, Ireland has been left carrying a burden created by others. This is unjust and shows the European Union in a very bad light in its failure to protect the interests of small Member States." Deputy Conway-Walsh asked what the Minister of State is going to do. What we have here is abject failure.”
“The Irish fishing industry and coastal communities are well-used to being the whipping boy over many years and much of this has been put on record. Taking the statement from the Seafood Ireland Alliance, it states that the EU Fisheries Council deal was "a betrayal of Ireland's fishing industry". One of the alliance members said that "the failure delivers a €94 million hit and threatens the survival of many Irish vessels and seafood businesses" and that "the consequences will be catastrophic". The alliance reports that the Irish fishing industry will have 57,000 tonnes less quota to fish in 2026 and is now at risk. It said over 2,300 jobs in costal communities face immediate danger and the wider impacts could reach €200 million loss next year. As another of its members stated: "Non-EU states ignored science and inflated their catches.”
“We have to make it somewhat better from the point of view of these being not as readily available, particularly to children, to whom they should not be sold in any way, shape or form. We need to make sure we have sufficient leverage to deal with that. We need to make sure single-use vapes, which are an absolute disaster even from an environmental point of view, are dealt with, and we need to make sure we do everything from the point of view of looking after those who use vaping as a means of staying off cigarettes. We know a greater level of support is required for that but we need to make sure we do not allow big tobacco to sell to another cohort of people and get them addicted. It is particularly unacceptable that children would suffer as a result of this. Therefore, we have to put the supports in.”
“While it is far from perfect to be vaping, it is a lot better than to be engaging in smoking, as regards carbon monoxide and all the other poisons that are delivered by cigarettes. If we were being serious about this, we would tackle the whole sphere. We would start with the issue that exists around this normalisation and the fact a huge number of kids and others have been impacted by HHC. We know the huge impact that has had on some and, unfortunately, as a gateway to other drugs beyond. We know the health implications in general in relation to regular vapes. I do not think there is any parent who has not done an inspection around their own house to make sure there is not a plentiful supply there, and I cannot say that has always been successful either. That is the world we are living in.”
“The idea of banning single-use vapes and finding a framework to do this is something we support, but it would be fair to say the way this issue of regulating vapes has been tackled by the Government has been slipshod. We have had numerous pieces of legislation and dealt with all these issues on a piecemeal basis. We should just get our act together on this. We know the issues that exist around advertising as regard flavourings. I am not talking about an outright ban, with the only thing allowed being a tobacco flavouring, but we need to look at this. I do not think the Government deciding to jack up the taxation on vapes was particularly helpful. It has created an issue for those people I spoke about earlier who are using vapes as a means of staying off cigarettes. We can all see the benefits there from a health point of view.”
“We have all seen the huge upsurge in the use of vapes. We have seen them normalised. An awful lot of us would have probably been happy in the initial period. At this stage, we know an awful lot of people who have used vaping as a means of getting off cigarettes and that is the piece that needs to be protected. However, anybody who has walked around any town or city will have seen the place absolutely littered with single-use vapes and, as has been said previously, you do not have to put your head into the bins to see them. They are multicoloured. The attempt to sell them to a younger audience is absolutely huge and it is no shock that big tobacco is behind a huge amount of this. It needs to get a number of new clients hooked because that is the history of what it is has done. We need to protect against this.”
“I have asked previously whether an interim solution is possible and I have spoken about the need to ensure any provision is retrospective. It is vital the change happens as fast as possible.”
“I really appreciate the Minister's answer. It is absolutely vital that we follow through on the promise that was made that no stone will be left unturned in delivering justice for Private Seán Rooney. It is essential that we look after the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I understand the Tánaiste briefed the Minister on the issue, of which she may already have been aware, regarding John McNeela and the non-transfer of a pension to him on the death of his wife. His son Michael McNeela died in Lebanon while on peacekeeping duty. The Army Pensions Act is really unfair legislation that needs to be updated. I understand the Minister's Secretary General is looking at progressing legislation on the back of other legislation. Is there a timeline for that?”
“My question relates to the investigations into the tragedy of the loss of Private Seán Rooney, who was killed on 14 December 2022 while on active service in Lebanon. Trooper Shane Kearney and a number of others were injured in the incident. This shows us the reality of peacekeeping. It is absolutely vital that we engage with the Lebanese authorities on this matter. None of us could be happy with the lenient sentences for those responsible. I understand Mohammad Ayyad is still free. We must ensure the Lebanese authorities follow through on their promise of appealing the overly lenient sentences. We also must see publication of the investigation by Mr. Michael Delaney SC into operational protocols.”
“-----but there needs to be movement from Government and the Department. The problem is there are too many people responsible for this, so no one is responsible. We need to see delivery on this. It is not good enough.”
“We have a new school build of €7.6 million and this has been an ongoing project since 2012. We are looking at 34 staff and at best, there will be 21 parking spaces, of which three will be disabled parking bays. You are also looking at a place that has minibuses delivering to five ASD classes, for which there are only two parking bays. These are issues that need to be delivered on. I spoke to Louth County Council which is one of the facilitators in relation to this. I spoke to the planning department which said we could look at anything in relation to retention and whatever-----”
“I brought up the issue of CFRAM earlier with the Taoiseach and Minister of State, Deputy Moran. We have several projects throughout Louth but let us talk about the Dundalk-Blackrock south project. We are looking at quarter 4 of 2027 for submission of planning permission. That is a long way from what we need to protect the homes CFRAM was designed for. In fairness, the Minister has agreed to look at Blackrock and the likes from the point of view of whether there could be flood mitigations introduced before the proper flood mitigations but none of this is good enough. I have brought up the issue of schools, including Ardee Educate Together National School. We have to improve the planning process and the Ceann Comhairle will have heard me speaking about this before.”
“I ask for a review in relation to this particular issue. We could look at there being some element of sense and sensibility here. Like many others, we could go on about Uisce Éireann. In my part of the world, we are forced into the scenario of the delivery of interim wastewater schemes as new housing schemes are built. This will obviously lead to added cost. I know the Minister has dealt with some of these issues previously, or is at least aware of them. This just tells you where wastewater capacity is in Louth. In certain parts of Dundalk, it leads to real fear of flooding, even in the part of the world I live in. I mention Dundalk south, anywhere from Cluan Enda right through to Bay Estate and beyond. These are very particular issues that need to be looked at.”
“I call on the Minister and Government to do what they can on this because we have all seen greenways delivered, and very delivered well. We need to see proper engagement with people and it cannot be under the fear of CPO. I do not think there is anyone who believes that is, in any way, justified, particularly when we are talking about such a project. Like many others, I am absolutely aghast at what I heard yesterday on rail prioritisation and the fact it looks like it will not be prioritised where I am from. I am speaking specifically about the idea of the new line from Clongriffin to Drogheda. This was to allow for further express services to Dundalk, Drogheda, Newry and Belfast. We know the vital importance of this to that part of the world I am talking about, not just for population but for cross-Border reasons and everything else.”
“Obviously, this is a technical Bill. We have it every year and it is an absolute requirement. We will be supporting it on that basis but it gives us an opportunity to speak on capital projects. To follow on from the previous Deputy, it is fair to say there is a considerable amount of anger in the Cooley Peninsula. I was at the meeting in Cooley Hall. The fact is there is absolute fear that people's homes or farms could be CPOd and there is an element of Louth County Council and TII having lost the dressing room too early. There is a need for a greater level of engagement but I know Anton Waters and many other elected representatives have looked for almost a postponement of the review process that is ongoing on the delivery of CPOs.”
“It is difficult to believe that we are talking about rail services being cancelled. These are proposed new services that make complete sense because we want people to move to public transport. We know the advantages that exist in that regard. One of the new rail services that was being proposed between Clongriffin and Drogheda has been mothballed. This would have allowed for further express services to Dundalk, Drogheda, Newry and Belfast. Such services are absolutely necessary because they are allowed to skip slower services. What is happening does not make any sense at this point. Will the Taoiseach seek some clarity in respect of this matter? I other colleagues in expressing absolute anger if this is the road we are going to take. No pun intended.”
“I have worked alongside the Louth local authority, the Garda and others in dealing with some situations and we have attempted to move people sideways to deal with the issue. Some very good work has been done, but we do not have the necessary tools, and that is the problem.”
“We all know the issue that exists in relation to housing, whether it is homelessness, the lack of supply, those who cannot get houses, whether from a rental point of view or a purchase point of view, and those languishing on social housing lists. However, we also have to look at the issue of estate management. I do not believe the local authorities, like Louth County Council, have the necessary powers when dealing with chaotic tenants. They may need supports, but even beyond that, we have seen outright criminality and drug-dealing. We know that AHBs have greater levels of power even in relation to the nuclear action of eviction. That should be the last thing that is looked at but, at the end of the day, it is a requirement.”
“I revisit the issue of catchment flood risk assessment management, CFRAM, and flooding, which I brought up earlier. I would be delighted if the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, could take the question. We have had significant flooding in County Louth. Many people will have seen the footage of Blackrock. We also had flooding at the quays in Dundalk and Drogheda and other areas, such as Fair Green. Dundalk is very much exposed. That is why big CFRAM projects are promised. I am very worried about the delivery time. It will be quarter 4 of 2027 for a planning permission application for south Blackrock and Dundalk. This is all much later than anticipated. I ask the Minister of State to make a visit. When we talk about the likes of Blackrock, in particular, we could be looking at interim solutions.”