Séamus McGrath
Cork South-Central · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“I thank the Taoiseach for the update about the Cork city futures group. As he mentioned, transport is a key theme within that reference. As the Taoiseach probably knows, I have been calling for a strategic integrated transportation office to be established in Cork.”
“To do that, we need local decision-making in a powerful transportation office established in Cork which can engage with the relevant stakeholders at a local level. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, seems positive about this idea. I ask the Taoiseach to try to support it. I am sure he would, given that it is Cork.”
“Budget preparations will be intensifying over the summer period. With that in mind, I want to take this opportunity to raise the issue of stamp duty and first-time buyers. As the Taoiseach knows, first-time buyers have to pay 1% in stamp duty when they are purchasing a new or second-hand home.”
“When I raised this matter as a Topical Issue just over six months ago in December 2025, the reply at the time was very much focused on the fact that there was an issue with the site. I reiterate that there is absolutely no issue with the site.”
“I do not want to be disingenuous, and I hope work is progressing on the tender process, but the reply seems to be the exact same, which is very frustrating. To reiterate, the project is vital for these two school communities. The conditions they operate in at present are not acceptable. It has been promised for many years.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here to take this Topical Issue debate. I want to raise the matter of the proposed amalgamation of two schools in the lower harbour area of Cork. These are Ringaskiddy national school and Shanbally National School.”
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“To do that, we need local decision-making in a powerful transportation office established in Cork which can engage with the relevant stakeholders at a local level. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, seems positive about this idea. I ask the Taoiseach to try to support it. I am sure he would, given that it is Cork. An additional point relates to Cork Airport. It has issues with its transportation and connectivity. Having a locally based, integrated transportation office would also assist in ensuring that Cork Airport gets the transport services it deserves.”
“I thank the Taoiseach for the update about the Cork city futures group. As he mentioned, transport is a key theme within that reference. As the Taoiseach probably knows, I have been calling for a strategic integrated transportation office to be established in Cork. It is critically important that we have all the State agencies under one roof, such as Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, the National Transport Authority, NTA, Irish Rail, Bus Éireann and the local authorities, driving the key projects for Cork. As the Taoiseach knows, we have multi-billion euro projects in the pipeline, including BusConnects, Luas Cork, the commuter rail projects, as well as road and sustainable travel projects. We need to see delivery at the earliest possible opportunity.”
“Budget preparations will be intensifying over the summer period. With that in mind, I want to take this opportunity to raise the issue of stamp duty and first-time buyers. As the Taoiseach knows, first-time buyers have to pay 1% in stamp duty when they are purchasing a new or second-hand home. This is unfair and unjustifiable, and I ask that it be reviewed. There was waiver in place previously. At a time when house prices are so high and when it is such a challenge for first-time buyers to secure home ownership, we should not be charging them extra in the form of stamp duty. I ask the Taoiseach to please take up this matter in preparation for budget 2027.”
“I do not want to be disingenuous, and I hope work is progressing on the tender process, but the reply seems to be the exact same, which is very frustrating. To reiterate, the project is vital for these two school communities. The conditions they operate in at present are not acceptable. It has been promised for many years. This project has been in the pipeline for in excess of 15 years. There was an issue with the original site not being available because of the motorway project, which was facilitated. I plead with the Minister of State to go back to the Department and ensure that we progress the project once and for all and that the school communities - students, parents, families, teaching staff, principals and everyone else - have buildings that are suitable for the educational requirements of these children.”
“There is no reason whatsoever that the land issue should cause any delay. I notice from the reply this evening, which is deeply disappointing, that we do not appear to have progressed in the tender process since December last year. It is the exact same update, stating that the project manager was appointed in the third quarter of 2023 and was in the process of preparing documentation for the tender process for the appointment of an integrated project team. That is the exact same language as in the reply I received in December 2025. This is deeply frustrating and it is very difficult for me as a public representative to go back to the communities, principals, parents and teaching staff and say that this project has not moved forward.”
“I thank the Minister of State. I want to put on the record my appreciation for the Minister of State taking the time to visit the school. He visited Shanbally National School and heard about Ringaskiddy national school and the conditions there, and about how critical this project was. I want to be absolutely clear about the land and I can furnish documentation to the Minister of State. A response from a senior person in Cork County Council states that, while finalisation of the acquisition is taking place and in advance of the formal transfer of land subject to section 183, Cork County Council will support any planning application submitted in respect of the new school and will also provide a letter of consent to accompany the planning submission at the appropriate time.”
“I really do not want the Department to use the site as a delaying tactic because there is no reason whatsoever that the project cannot proceed through the design and planning phase. The school site will be fully acquired and in the possession of the diocesan office so that it can progress with this project. I would like an update on the overall project. The Minister of State visited the school in Shanbally and saw at first hand its condition. He will accept that the schools are not acceptable, given the standard of education we expect for our children and the standard of the environment and school buildings they attend.”
“When I raised this matter as a Topical Issue just over six months ago in December 2025, the reply at the time was very much focused on the fact that there was an issue with the site. I reiterate that there is absolutely no issue with the site. To give the history briefly, a site was acquired a number of years ago but it was then acquired for the M28 project and the construction of the motorway. A different site has now been identified and IDA Ireland is in the process of transferring it to the council, which will then transfer it to the diocesan office. This is at an advanced stage and the council is finalising the acquisition of the site. I have it in writing from the council that it will fully co-operate with any planning application and any design work. The site itself will not be an issue and there will not be a delay.”
“The teaching staff are outstanding and the school communities, atmospheres and learning environments are second to none. As I have outlined, the project seems to be stalled. It is to be delivered under phase 2 of the Department's accelerated delivery of architectural planning and tendering, ADAPT, 4 programme. A project manager was appointed in the third quarter of 2023, which is more than three years ago. This person had the task of preparing documentation for the tender process and the appointment of an integrated project team. I am anxious to get an update on the tender process. As the Minister of State can appreciate, there is deep frustration that it has taken so long after the appointment of the project manager to progress with the tender phase of the project.”
“Similar significant issues arise in Ringaskiddy. Neither school got much investment in recent years because this amalgamation was proposed and supposedly happening. The teachers, principals, students, parents and communities have to put up with two schools that are simply not fit for purpose in terms of the educational needs of today. In terms of size, Shanbally National School has just under 200 students and Ringaskiddy national school is smaller, with about 60 students. Despite all I have outlined about the conditions of the buildings, they are fantastic schools that provide an outstanding educational service. They provide a very strong emphasis on special education, also. They are wonderful schools for any child to go to despite the issues with the physical buildings.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here to take this Topical Issue debate. I want to raise the matter of the proposed amalgamation of two schools in the lower harbour area of Cork. These are Ringaskiddy national school and Shanbally National School. This is a project that has been in the pipeline for many years but, unfortunately, remains effectively stalled and has been so for the past number of years. There is very little progress to show. I thank the Minister of State for visiting the school in Shanbally in recent months and seeing at first hand the condition of the school building. It is a school with nine classrooms, six of them prefabs. Many of these prefabs are old and in very poor condition with sagging ceilings, collapsing floors, dampness, electrical issues, and health and safety issues.”
“I raise the offence of spiking. As we know, this is where a drug is administered to somebody, without their consent, in a drink or an injection in a busy night-time scene. It is a gross invasion of an individual and it can result in catastrophic consequences such as serious sexual assault. The programme for Government states that we will impose stronger laws in relation to spiking. Currently, spiking is dealt with under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act through an offence of poisoning. Stand-alone legislation is required to make this a dedicated and stand-alone offence. Will the Taoiseach take this matter up with the Department of justice to ensure the Government fulfils its commitment under the programme for Government?”
“As the Tánaiste knows, teachers and SNAs need to be sourced for home-based provision. Parents are in a very difficult position. I ask the Tánaiste to please take this matter back to the Department and ask him to inject some urgency into this and get information back to parents and schools.”
“I also want to raise summer provision, something I raised a number of weeks ago. I welcome that the application process reopened and thank the Tánaiste for that. I want to raise concerns brought to my attention by schools in respect of delays with approvals and information from the Department regarding staffing requirements, in particular for schools which are seeking additional staffing requirements to deal with children with higher needs. There is a total lack of certainty. These schools are under intense pressure as they try to prepare for the summer programme in the coming weeks. I ask the Minister to take the matter up with the Department as a matter of urgency. There are further delays in terms of approvals for home-based provision. Many parents across the country are in the dark as to what approvals they will get.”
“I thank the Taoiseach for his update. I want to raise the issue of the qualifying income limits for social housing. The Minister for housing has indicated a willingness to examine these limits but I am raising it because I believe they urgently need to be increased. An increasing number of working people are finding themselves outside the social housing income limits and outside the social housing support bracket. This is increasing the cohort of people who are effectively receiving no support from the State. Traditionally, social housing was available to working people. We need to get back to that place. I ask the Taoiseach to please take this issue back and increase the limits as soon as possible.”
“I want to raise the issue of July provision. The summer programme is very important, providing additional educational supports to students during the summer months. Unfortunately, issues have arisen this year in relation to the application process. A very short window was open for schools to apply. Many received no notification and were not aware of the application process. Schools that have benefited from this provision in recent years have not had the opportunity to apply. This needs to be reviewed and schools need to be given the opportunity to apply. I ask that the Tánaiste take this message back to the Department and try to open up the application process again.”
“I thank the Taoiseach. I raise the issue of Cork BusConnects project. As the Taoiseach knows, Cork is a growing city but every day people are facing long commutes, unreliable journey times, whether that is in a private car or on public transport, and we have roads that simply cannot take additional capacity. BusConnects offers a real choice but unfortunately it is almost stagnant in terms of its delivery and implementation. If it is moving, it is at a glacial pace. It was first mooted in July 2021 with the first concept consultation. It is now almost five years later and the process has been extremely frustrating. I seriously question the use of the €75 million the NTA has spent on BusConnects to date. It needs to be driven towards delivery and I ask the Taoiseach to please take this matter up.”
“They want to be able to fully engage in employment while also qualifying for social housing. As a State, that is what we should be doing, and it is what we did decades ago. People were working and still qualified for social housing. We need to go back to that model. I welcome the Minister's words here this evening but I emphasise the urgency of this. It needs to happen.”
“I again thank the Minister for that. I am encouraged by his words. I ask that this happen as quickly as possible. If a broader review is required, the Minister might increase the limits initially while that review is undertaken, because as public representatives we are all dealing with people who are on very low incomes but find themselves outside the limits. It is a disincentive to work; that is the reality of the situation. If people find themselves pulling back on their working hours, their working week and so on so that they stay within the limits, that is not good enough at a time when we need everybody engaging in employment to the best of their ability. This is currently a disincentive for people to work or to gain additional employment and so on. People do not want to find themselves in that position; that is my experience.”
“We need to try to capture as many as possible of that group who have been left behind . The Minister alluded to that in his reply, so I encourage him to be bold and brave with this, and to try to do something that will capture as many of that group who have been left behind as possible.”
“I thank the Minister and welcome his reply. As he said, the limits were last revised over three years ago, and as I understand it, they went up by €5,000 in the basic change. Unfortunately, that was not sufficient at the time, but it was a welcome increase. We certainly need to look at that group who find themselves outside the social housing qualifying limit but do not find themselves within reach of any other support scheme, whether that is cost rental, affordable purchase or any other scheme. We need to try to address the needs of that particular cohort of people - those individuals, couples and families. I also ask that this be more than just keeping in line with inflation, general growth or the need for an adjustment. This needs to be a fairly significant reform of the system.”
“There is a wide range of them. It is important we develop a degree of consistency around our pedestrian crossings and that in itself will help with road safety and pedestrian safety. The final point I wish to make is the importance of having raised tables at pedestrian crossings to deter offences and slow down vehicles. This is critically important. It is an essential safety element. In terms of the core issue of cameras, it is a modern technology we need to be using to greater effect to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads, particularly in the interest of pedestrian safety. That is one of the key tools we can use. We have not used it yet as a country. Other countries are using it. We need to step up to the plate to do that.”
“I want to focus on the use of cameras at signalised junctions and pedestrian crossings to address the breaking of red lights, which is a very serious offence that can have catastrophic consequences for pedestrians. The benefits of introducing further the roll-out of cameras to reduce the incidence of this offence is very important. I ask the Minister of State to move to introduce cameras as quickly as possible at signalised junctions and pedestrian crossings to act as a deterrent and detect offences of red-light breaking when they take place at crossings. In addition, I ask that we consider our approach in terms of the consistency of pedestrian crossings because we have a myriad of different types of pedestrian crossings. We have controlled crossings, uncontrolled crossings, signalised crossings and zebra crossings.”
“I thank the Minister of State for facilitating the statements here today in relation to road safety and the use of cameras to deter and detect traffic offences. The number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads is far too high. I am sure the major progress we made as a country over recent decades to reduce the carnage on our roads has been mentioned many times today already. Unfortunately, we have seen a reversal of that in recent years, with 190 deaths in 2025. As a Government we need to work with all stakeholders, including the Garda, the Road Safety Authority and local authorities, to reduce the injuries and deaths on our roads in every way possible. I want to focus on pedestrian safety, which is very important. In total, 41 pedestrians lost their lives on Irish roads last year. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable road users.”
“We all know the importance of ensuring we meet our targets, as a Government, in increasing the number personnel. The issue of vetting in particular is one that needs to be reviewed, and I ask the Minister of State to convey that message back to the Minister for Defence, Deputy McEntee.”
“Of course, I understand the importance of vetting, but I do not see why it should take nine months to carry out that vetting process. I accept that nine months is at the upper end but, at the same time, that is probably the period where people feel the process is letting them down and where they are not receiving any communication, updates or contact. People have alternatives in life. Thankfully, we are a country with high standards of education and people have alternative careers; we have a strong economy. If we genuinely want to encourage people into our Defence Forces, we have to have a system in place that works for them, is user-friendly and efficient and brings them from the point of application to the point of induction as quickly as possible.”
“I thank the Minister of State for outlining the facts. To reiterate, the increase in personnel in the Defence Forces is very welcome, with 780 inductions in 2025. That brought an overall net increase of 200 in the Defence Forces complement, which is welcome. The intention to have 850 inductions this year is also very welcome. However, I repeat what I said earlier about the importance of having a fair and user-friendly application process in place. When you look at the stages of that process outlined in the reply, from the shortlisting to the psychometric testing and so on, it appears as if it is reasonable up to the point of the vetting. It takes maybe three months to get to the point of vetting and, from there on, there can be a delay of anything up to nine months. That is the area on which I ask for some focus.”
“As I said, if this is a genuine commitment of this Government, which I believe it is, we need to review this system urgently so that we put a recruitment process in place that will genuinely achieve the kind of numbers we want and which our Defence Forces and citizens deserve as regards the strength of the overall force.”
“We have individuals in this country who are absolutely determined to have a career in the Defence Forces and, of course, they will stay the course, but there are others who may be marginally considering a career and if we have a recruitment process that does not stand up to scrutiny, is not transparent or efficient, does not keep them informed and is not user-friendly, we will not achieve the numbers we should for recruitment to the Defence Forces. I put it to the Minister of State that this needs to be reviewed. It has taken far too long from the date of application to the point of induction into the Defence Forces.”
“They applied initially in July of 2025, took an aptitude test in August and a fitness test in November but nine months on that individual has still not heard whether they will be allowed to join. This is not consistent with the thinking of a Government that says it is a top priority to increase the strength of our Defence Forces. We need an efficient and fair recruitment process that encourages individuals to apply and ensures they are communicated with and updated on their application status. This is very concerning and we need to show our genuine commitment to strengthening the Defence Forces. Hearing about situations like this where individuals are facing these kinds of difficulties in the application process, this needs to be reviewed urgently. Why would somebody put themselves through that?”
“Every branch of the Defence Forces, such as the Air Corps, plays a critical role in many operations, such as humanitarian operations. In this regard, I want to particularly mention the essential role of the Naval Service, whose headquarters are based close to my own constituency in Cork, in our maritime security, which is receiving increasing attention given the importance of protecting our sub-sea utilities and infrastructure. We all agree we need to increase the strength of our Defence Forces. I want to outline this morning a troubling communication I received from an individual who applied to join the Defence Forces and the difficulties they encountered in that regard over the past nine months or so.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here this morning. The Government, including the Minister for Defence, has clearly stated its intention to increase the strength of the Defence Forces, which is badly needed and very welcome. At the end of 2025, there were 7,756 personnel in our Defence Forces, an increase of 200 on the previous 12 months. It is great to see that trajectory. In response to a recent parliamentary question I submitted, the Minister stated her intention to increase the strength of the Defence Forces by 850 in 2026. Again, that is very welcome. We all know the importance of the Defence Forces and of ensuring they are fully resourced. They play a critical role in our national security. We are renowned internationally for our peacekeeping role.”
“The pupil-teacher ratio currently stands at 23:1. The programme for Government contains a commitment to reduce it to 19:1, which would be more in line with EU averages. We all know the importance of having a low ratio. With the multiplicity of needs that teachers now face in the classroom, having a lower ratio leads to a better learning environment, more individual engagement with pupils and better outcomes overall. Unfortunately, I am aware of a school in my constituency where two senior infants classes will have to merge, increasing the overall class number to 33, which I think we can all agree is not acceptable. I urge the Minister to convey to her colleagues in Cabinet the urgent need to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio. It is something we have to do and we need to press ahead with the commitment in the programme for Government.”
“This is a combined application made up of a number of local sporting groups and we have a very ambitious project in the pipeline, so I will follow up on that with him in due course. I welcome the fact that there is a commitment to open up that fund during the Government's term.”
“I welcome the Minister of State's acknowledgement of the volunteers who help to run these sporting clubs across our country. They are critically important. People give up their time to proved a positive outlet for people of all ages in our communities. I want to add one point on the need to continue to invest in our sports facilities. Housing is our number one priority as a Government and we are rezoning additional land across the country. We will see additional houses built in our towns and villages. It is critically important that we invest in our social infrastructure, such as sporting facilities, to provide outlets and amenities for people. As I mentioned to the Minister of State previously, in my hometown of Carrigaline I have a project in the pipeline for the LSSIF. This is why I am interested in that fund.”
“I welcome the commitment the Minister of State gave and the fact that the community sports facilities fund is likely to open for applications in June. I also asked about the large-scale sports infrastructure fund. If the Minister of State or the Minister could give us some clarification in relation to that, it would be welcome.”
“I very much welcome the Minister of State's commitment in relation to these sports schemes. They are critically important. We are a proud sporting nation, as the Minister of State outlined. It is critical that we continue to invest in sporting facilities. There are many sporting clubs, community groups and national governing bodies waiting for the sports funds to open for applications. I see the importance of sporting clubs in my community. They are the thread that holds the community together. They provide a very positive outlet for people of all ages, particularly young people. It is essential in the world we are living in that we provide this positive outlet. Sport provides immeasurable benefits from a health point of view, both physical and mental health. It is critical, therefore, that we continue to invest in sporting facilities.”
“I want to raise the shocking and deeply concerning announcement by Pfizer yesterday that it is seeking to reduce its workforce in Ringaskiddy by over 100. This represents about 12% of the workforce. Pfizer has been a very good employer in Cork since 1969, when it established the plant. As the Tánaiste will appreciate, it is deeply concerning for staff that this announcement has come forward. Will the Tánaiste ensure the State agencies engage with the company immediately to understand the background to this announcement and also to try to minimise the impact? Will he give assurances to staff that will happen ASAP?”
“I repeat here again today, however, that if the Taoiseach can take that up with his colleagues in Cabinet and in particular with the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, I think it would be the only fair, equitable and consistent approach by Government in parallel with the other supports we have put in place for first-time buyers.”
“I thank the Taoiseach. I welcome his response and I fully accept what he said about the Government supports for first-time buyers. They have been quite significant and the proof of that is in the figures on mortgage drawdown. There are a high number of first-time buyers in that position to draw down a mortgage and that is welcome. The Taoiseach is also correct on the simplifcation of the system in 2010. I would argue that one of the unintended consequences of that was that it imposed a stamp duty charge on first-time buyers. It is only consistent with our other policies that we would look to introduce a relief on that. I also accept that is something that would have to be discussed in a budgetary context.”
“However, as a State, it is urgent that we remove this additional burden in the form of stamp duty. That €4,000 or €5,000 is a hidden cost when someone is purchasing a house. It does not form part of the deposit or the mortgage and it is badly needed by first-time buyers in fitting out a new home and getting themselves established. I would strongly urge the Taoiseach here today to work with Government colleagues to come up with a relief for first-time buyers from stamp duty and to bring this measure forward at the earliest possible time.”
“I believe it would be a fair and equitable approach by the Government and would be consistent with our other policies to support first-time buyers. Additionally, in the case of new homes, the help-to-buy scheme applies to first-time buyers, who can claim back their tax for the previous four years, up to a maximum of €30,000. However, when first-time buyers are purchasing second-hand homes, there is effectively no support in place. Introducing a relief on stamp duty for second-hand homes, as well as new homes, would provide additional relief for first-time buyers. We have to continue to find pathways for first-time buyers to secure home ownership. A lot of good policies have come forward from this Government and the increased focus on affordable housing is certainly very welcome.”
“As a government, we have put forward significant supports for first-time buyers, such as the help-to-buy scheme, the local authority home loan, the first home scheme and others. It is totally inconsistent with those policies that we, as a government, on the other hand, impose a cost on first-time buyers in the form of stamp duty. It is estimated that approximately €60 million was collected in 2024 in stamp duty from first-time buyers. That is a very high figure, and it further highlights the burden that is placed on first-time buyers through stamp duty. I am strongly arguing here today that we should reintroduce a relief for first-time buyers on stamp duty up to a certain value of property. That relief was in place before, until 2010.”
“We all understand in this House the enormous challenges faced by first-time buyers in securing home ownership. House prices are high, with the median price now at €390,000. With increasing costs in everyday life, it is becoming increasingly difficult for first-time buyers to afford to purchase a property. In this context, I find it deeply unfair and inconceivable that the State imposes an additional cost on first-time buyers in the form of stamp duty. Stamp duty applies to first-time buyers when they purchase a new or second-hand home at a rate of 1%. If we take the purchase price of a house of €450,000, the stamp duty cost for first-time buyers is approximately €4,500. I am surprised that this topic does not generate more discussion and debate.”
“Family members of survivors and survivors are with us here today in the Public Gallery. I acknowledge them making the journey from Cork to listen to the debate, which is so important. It is a large site. As a Deputy said earlier, it should be a site of conscience. It should be a site that is protected and preserved in respect of those who experienced Bessborough and in respect of their family members. We have a duty as public representatives to work together and collectively to try to find a way forward here that meets those needs better. I ask that the Government does this. We need to err on the side of caution and that is what I ask to happen.”
“I may come in for some criticism on this given my role but I absolutely stand over it. There are exceptions to everything and this is one of them given the very dark past that occurred in Bessborough. I ask that the Government does everything to find a different way forward here. It is possible to find an alternative way forward. As public representatives, we all know the reality when there is a planning permission and it is appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála. If that is allowed to follow through on its course, there will be a decision. There is a window there for the Government to consider what it can do on this. I acknowledge that the options are limited but there is scope to examine this. I thank the Minister for being here and for listening to us today.”
“As someone who served on the council for many years I know that councillors have a lot of powers in the development plan over the zoning of land and designating and categorising of land. I genuinely do not understand how the Bessborough site was not protected in various city development plans over the years. That was a mistake and that was unfortunate but that is where we are now. As we know, there is planning permission in place. As housing spokesperson for my party, I speak week in and week out on the need for housing supply and on the housing crisis, and how that is impacting on our citizens in an acute way. We need housing but there are limits and exceptions to that. This situation is an exception to that. I have no difficulty in saying, as a housing spokesperson, that this site should not be developed.”
“I acknowledge that the commission of investigation undertook work on the Bessborough site. It also concluded that it is likely there are further burial sites relating to Bessborough. The fact that the commission said it has found no evidence as to where these may be located should not in any way be used as a reason to suggest the Bessborough site can be developed. We absolutely need to err on the side of caution on this. The 923 figure is stark in terms of our past as a country. With regard to the role of Cork City Council, a unanimous motion, as I understand it, has been passed regarding the compulsory purchase order, CPO, of the site. I do not understand how the council has not been more proactive over the years on the site.”
“At the outset, I thank the Minister and Government for facilitating these statements today. They are absolutely necessary. As we all know, Bessborough represents a very long dark chapter in our past. It extended from 1922 to 1998. It was a very recent chapter. It is not that long ago since Bessborough closed its doors. Some of the history of what went on in Bessborough is known and some is unknown but certainly there were horrors in relation to it. Some of that is documented but much of it is not. As we have outlined here today, 9,768 women and girls went through Bessborough, and 8,938 children also experienced it. That is over 18,000 human beings, as Deputy Gould referred to earlier. A total of 923 children died in Bessborough. We know that only a very tiny number of those are accounted for. These facts are stark and very significant.”
“I welcome confirmation of an intervention to address rising fuel costs. This is critical for diesel, petrol and home heating oil in particular. Our motorists, businesses, householders and hauliers need support and need intervention. I know it is being finalised at present and the Tánaiste cannot reveal the details today. I ask that it be brought in place as early as possible next week after the Cabinet meeting. As we know, the country has battled inflation in recent years and we have managed to get it under control, down to 2.2% last year, which is very welcome. As we know, fuel costs ultimately affect everyday items in a shopping basket and we have to ensure that does not happen. That is why it is critical that these supports are brought to bear as soon as possible.”