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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“This relates to the CFRAM flood risk management plan for County Louth. It is about progress, implementation and ensuring what is proposed will happen. The Minister of State is well aware of the issues that relate to Dundalk and the rest of County Louth. It is a case of ensuring we deal with them as soon as possible. During storms in the part of Dundalk in which I live, we have an issue with getting rid of wastewater. These are all issues that will need to be addressed.”
“The Minister of State does not need to respond to my next comment. I welcome what he has said. We just need to consider this in all senses. One would be doing something like what I propose only with agreement from a farmer or other relevant person. It would basically be to suit and protect the community overall. I believe I will get an opportunity to elaborate when dealing with the next question.”
“It is just about making sure that we are considering everything from an innovation perspective and using everything, realising that even if we do our absolute best from here on in, we will see rising water levels.”
“The reason I submitted this question is probably related to the programme with Richard Boucher-Hayes, which I am sure many of us saw. It referred to the use of absolutely natural protections, which have been used in many places. It is expected, with rising sea and river levels, that we will have flooding. Sometimes we need to accept this, ensure we flood the places where there are few or no houses and ensure dissipation afterwards. It is just a case of ensuring we are considering natural methods. We know there are some really innovative non-natural methods, which we have seen in the Netherlands and other places, that have to be put in place. We need to see the full delivery of the CFRAM protections. I have a further question on that but I will deal with it later.”
“I wish the Minister and the Minister of State the best in their Ministries. The first time I met the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, it was in Dundalk in a previous iteration when I was a councillor dealing with the major flood protection issues facing County Louth and in particular Dundalk itself. I am asking a specific question on natural flood management and other mitigations to protect property in the face of the estimated rising sea levels. We know we need to look at everything that can possibly be done in this regard. What is the OPW's position on this particular solution?”
“We have seen that in operation in several places and we know it is being rolled out across the State. We need to see more of this. The idea is to engage with those young people who have fallen into criminal activity and who are being used and abused by criminals and drug dealers and facilitate removing them from that situation. We all know of the high costs, both socially and from a monetary point of view, in relation to that. We have a particular issue in relation to safety. I refer here to disorganised, chaotic crime, often related to mental health issues, that sometimes falls to gardaí who do not have the capacity to deal with it. We do not necessarily have the framework to deal with this. I know this crosses into the jurisdiction of others but it is an issue that needs to be looked at in the context of safety.”
“While steps have been taken with regard to early intervention, from my point of view they are not early enough and there also have to be wider interventions involving families as well. We also need mental health and addiction supports, which are sadly lacking at this point in time. I would also commend the work that has been done lately by An Garda Síochána. I have played, very badly, in the Garda late night leagues, run in tandem with Dundalk FC. It is great for everyone, apart from anyone who got a bad tackle from me but I do not think there were cameras involved and nobody has made any complaints at this point in time. We are talking here about stuff that has a real impact on young people's lives and gives them an opportunity. Beyond that, we have the Greentown project.”
“First and foremost, they are about mobility but they are also about experience, opportunities and skills and can be particularly beneficial for those from disadvantaged areas. That is a piece of work that needs to be done, above and beyond this scheme. I would also highlight the fact that there is real work to be done on youth diversion. We are all aware of the huge issues of crime, drugs and youths becoming involved and anything that can be done from a diversion point of view should be done. In that context, I commend the work that is done by the High Voltage youth diversion team that works out of a house in Cox's Demesne and the diversion team working in Muirhevnamore, Dundalk.”
“I take the opportunity to wish the Minister well. There is no shortage of issues to deal with, whether we are talking about justice or migration. In fairness, the Minister has already said that there is much work to be done to put a proper migration management system in play. We are still dealing with the outworkings of Brexit and the outworkings for Ireland of partition, a constant evil that will not be dealt with until we have a united Ireland. We need a Government that is going to take the necessary moves or we will constantly be dealing with anomalies like this. I believe everyone here is supportive of opting into negotiations on a youth experience scheme. Everyone understands the idea behind these youth mobility and experience schemes.”
“We all agree that we want to see the release of all hostages and that we want to ensure the ceasefire is maintained. Whatever happens, we are incredibly afraid that we are getting further and further away from the room and space for a two-state solution for peace, freedom and democracy, which basically will both benefit the Palestinians and provide real security, as Israel often talks about. We recall in our own peace process and earlier stages of the Middle East peace process that there was, at times, beneficial American involvement. There is nothing to be seen in that sense at the minute and our fears are that circumstances are going to get worse. We have spoken many times on the EU-Israel association agreement. What are the chances and possibilities of moving this on?”
“We cannot have people profiting from modern-day colonisation and genocide. It is just not acceptable in any way, shape or form. I would like to know how the communication with our European partners goes on. I understand they are coming from a different place.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Tánaiste. Obviously, anything that helps the people who have been under absolute genocidal slaughter is to be welcomed. I accept that the Government has spoken strongly and probably, at times, has been among very few with regard to the plight of the Palestinian people. We have stated explicitly that we believe we have to do everything we can as a State. We would much prefer that action was taken at a European level, particularly when you talk about holding Israel to account. I do not think there is any doubt but that we need to follow through with the occupied territories Bill. I am somewhat worried, with regard to the Tánaiste's commentary, in the sense that the only promise at this point in time is on goods but we have to look at services.”
“I wish the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, well in their roles. Sinn Féin will hold them to account. When we see what is happening geopolitically, there is no shortage of issues that need to be dealt with. The Tánaiste spoke earlier about Sudan and the issues Donald Trump has spoken about that relate to tariffs. I am asking specifically about governmental engagement on the ongoing issues in Palestine. We know about the dangers in relation to the ceasefire, the commentary from America that has not been helpful and the attacks that are ongoing in the West Bank at this time.”
“The matters raised by Deputies Marie Sherlock, Colm Burke, David Cullinane and Conor D. McGuinness, and Richard Boyd Barrett and Ruth Coppinger have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Brian Stanley - To discuss the need for additional school accommodation for St. Francis Special School, Portlaoise. Deputies David Cullinane and Conor D. McGuinness - To discuss the provision of special education in Waterford city and county and to discuss special school spaces in Waterford city and county. Deputy Pa Daly - To discuss the cancellation of elective surgeries at University Hospital Kerry. Deputy Cathy Bennett - To discuss the provision of domestic violence refuge services for women in counties Cavan and Monaghan. Deputy Matt Carthy - To discuss the opening of a special school in County Monaghan. Deputies Richard Boyd Barrett and Ruth Coppinger - To discuss the ongoing dispute at BIMM Music Institute and to discuss the strike taking place at BIMM Music Institute.”
“Deputy Danny Healy-Rae - To discuss the management of trees within falling distance of electrical wires. Deputy Colm Burke - To discuss the establishment of a centralised system for the timely reporting and analysis of child deaths. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore - To discuss the roll-out of BusConnects for Wicklow. Deputy Paul Donnelly - To discuss the lack of a regular postal service to Kilmartin Grove in Hollystown, Dublin 15. Deputy Catherine Connolly - To discuss the need to restore the tenant in situ scheme. Deputy Michael Collins - To discuss speed limit reductions on regional roads in Cork. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss the provision of an autism spectrum disorder, ASD, class at Scoil Eoin, Ballincollig. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman - To discuss the regulation of commercial airborne drones used for delivery purposes.”
“Deputy Maurice Quinlivan - To discuss overcrowding and capacity at University Hospital Limerick. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty - To discuss the need to abolish or stagger tolls on the M50. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the progress of a new primary care centre to be located in Gorey, County Wexford. Deputy Donna McGettigan - To discuss the number of Clare adults in emergency accommodation. Deputy Edward Timmins - To discuss the number of air traffic controllers at our airports. Deputy Liam Quaide - To discuss water supply and pressure issues in Ballyhooly, County Cork. Deputy Pat Buckley - To discuss the long-term boil water notice on the Whitegate water scheme in east Cork. Deputy James O'Connor - To discuss the need for special schools in east Cork.”
“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 Marie Sherlock - To discuss the resourcing of early years services. Deputy Séamus McGrath - To discuss Garda resources and station opening hours in the south Cork city division. Deputy Conor Sheehan - To discuss issues with the bus network in Limerick and the roll-out of BusConnects. Deputy Aidan Farrelly - To discuss a shortfall of school places in both primary and secondary in County Kildare. Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss legislation to tackle online catfishing. Deputy Seamus Healy - To discuss the need to reopen St. Brigid's Hospital, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary. Deputy James Geoghegan - To discuss funding mechanisms suggested by the Dublin city task force.”
“I was not sure and would not like to have gone over time. In fairness, there is no shortage of issues that could be brought up regarding the programme for Government. We all know about the issues the Government spoke about and the abject failure to deliver 40,000 houses and the many promises that have been made. Unfortunately, we are dealing with those families and the people who cannot afford rent or houses even in supposedly affordable housing schemes. Sufficient work has not been done. I have not seen any promises from this Government that I can believe. We need to movement in this matter.”
“We have seen where the school inclusion model has operated. It should be a holistic system so that we are offering best practice to teachers, SNAs, staff and parents. It relates to the entire life of the child. Unless we get down to that issue and deliver it across the board, we will constantly just be dealing in our constituency offices with parents who are being failed by the State, particularly parents of children with autism and many other disabilities.”
“We need to see that lessons are learned, rather than just talking about learning lessons in dealing with the situation. I think of the families of the at least 22 people who died in tragic circumstances. However, I want to deal with the reply to a parliamentary question I tabled, which stated there are approximately 530 positions unfilled in children’s disability network teams, CDNTs. I would say I am shocked but I do not believe anyone dealing with families who cannot access services is shocked. We know that everything should be done from the point of view of recruitment, retention, workforce planning and training, but even if that is done, we will not be able to fill all those gaps straight away. We need to deal with the issue at hand, namely, putting the service where it is required.”
“I am sure I could do what an awful lot of other people have done and literally go through a list of every issue in the constituency but I would probably need an hour and a half. I noticed my constituency colleague got through a fair amount. I suppose I could be smart and state her party has been in government for a considerable period. We will see what delivery there will be from this Government because many promises have been put down in the programme for Government. We need to deal with the particular issue of the Covid inquiry. We know of those families who lost loved ones in Dealgan House. I do not believe anyone is particularly happy with what has been in the public domain in regard to a Covid-19 inquiry and the lack of compellability.”
“Before we start, I want to mention the retirement of Tony Maher as an usher. He had a full career in An Garda Síochána and joined the Houses of the Oireachtas as an usher 13 years ago. Tony's charm and helpful personality will be missed around the Houses and by all his colleagues. Tony rides into the sunset to become a full-time grandfather. We wish Tony health, happiness and a very long retirement. Anyone who knows Tony knows that he is always really helpful and a really good guy, so we all wish him very well. I now call on the Minister, Deputy Chambers, to make his opening statement under Standing Order 55. He is sharing the slot with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, and they have 35 minutes in total.”
“I raise a specific issue in my constituency concerning a water system in Hackballscross. It is a pump system that has always had difficulties. It is the end of the line. Not only were the monitoring system and pumping station knocked out, but even when water was resupplied and the power came back to a degree there were issues with airlocking and whatever. This is an issue that has been ongoing for a long time and it needs to be addressed. Like many other issues, whether we are talking about forestry, the resilience of the grid or that we have not anywhere next to near what is needed in relation to renewables or any of this, we have an opportunity now to take a look at where we have failed and to see where we can do better. This must be done.”
“Even though a large part of my county did not suffer the same as some neighbouring counties and, obviously, parts of the west, there are still people who do not have electricity or water now. We know people are very reliant on electricity these days. Many have electricity-fed water systems. This creates its own difficulties. We all know that, as per normal, the community voluntary sector groups, including the GAA and others, all stepped up to the mark. This must be welcomed. We have all welcomed the humanitarian assistance scheme, but we have had major issues in respect of the flexibilities that need to be put into the scheme and the fact that there has been a lack of clarity. I agree with many of my colleagues that we could have been here at an earlier stage when we could have brought up these issues and brought this to a conclusion.”
“I commend the huge amount of work done by people in Uisce Éireann, the local authorities, the ESB and the foreign teams that have come in to help to restore electricity. A huge body of work has been done. Anybody who has witnessed any of it or seen people literally going in for some food and then back out at ridiculous times of the night, and all the rest of it, will realise they are actually doing everything. The fact is that we are dealing with some of the capacity issues we have all known about for a long time. I also add that all our feelings are with the family of Kacper Dudek. This reminds me of the case of Fintan Goss, who tragically lost his life in 2017 during Storm Ophelia. We all know the dangers these circumstances cause. We have all been contacted by families that have been in dreadful sets of circumstances.”
“I have to agree with Deputy O'Reilly. I do not know how many times we have come in here and heard about learnings and that lessons will be learned. We all accept this storm was what we now say was a "once in a lifetime" event, although they seem to be happening a hell of a lot more frequently than they did previously. I think we can accept we will be dealing with more situations and circumstances like this in future. It is not like we were unaware we were going to have this circumstance. There are things that could have been put in place previously and preparations that could have been made. A new term we have decided we are going to talk about is "resilience building" and that we are going to check in relation to our capacity, but we must actually do this.”
“The matters raised by Deputies Danny Healy-Rae, Frankie Feighan, Paul Murphy and Pat Buckley have been selected for discussion”
“Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire - To discuss the challenges facing public transport in Cork. Deputy James Geoghegan - To discuss funding mechanisms suggested by the Dublin City Taskforce. Deputy Edward Timmins - To discuss the staffing of airports with air traffic controllers. Deputy Conor Sheehan - To discuss issues with the bus network in Limerick. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae - To discuss the policy of removing chimneys from houses. Deputy Marie Sherlock - To discuss the resourcing of early years services. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan - To discuss overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick. Deputy Thomas Gould - To discuss the public health emergency caused by water discolouration on Cork's northside. Deputy Colm Burke - To discuss the establishment of a centralised system for the reporting and analysis of child deaths.”
“Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss the need for legislation to tackle online catfishing. Deputy Mattie McGrath - To discuss plans to transfer homes and businesses in Clonmel to a hardwater public supply. Deputy Paul Murphy - To discuss the deterioration in bus services provided by Go-Ahead Ireland. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman - To discuss regulation of airborne drones operated for commercial delivery purposes in Dublin 15. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss the provision of an ASD class at Scoil Eoin, Ballincollig. Deputy Marian Harkin - To discuss the impact of Storm Éowyn in Sligo, Leitrim and south Donegal. Deputy Seamus Healy - To discuss the need to reopen St. Brigid's Hospital, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary. Deputy Pat Buckley - To discuss enactment of the social welfare (bereaved partner's pension) Bill 2024.”
“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 Seán Ó Fearghaíl - To discuss a new management structure for the Curragh plains. Deputy Frankie Feighan - To discuss the forestry by laws around set-back of trees from power lines. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness - To discuss children in Dungarvan being left without a special school place. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the new primary care centre to be located in Gorey, County Wexford. Deputy Catherine Connolly - To discuss the ongoing damage following Storm Éowyn in Galway. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore - To discuss the roll-out of BusConnects in Wicklow. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett - To discuss problems with bus services and routes in Dublin.”
“Seanad Éireann has passed the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2024 without amendment. Seanad Éireann has accepted the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Bill 2024 without recommendation. Seanad Éireann has accepted the Appropriation Bill 2024 without recommendation. Seanad Éireann has passed the Family Courts Bill 2022 without amendment.”