Sarah O'Reilly
Agricultural Panel · Aontú · Ireland
“I support Senator Harmon in everything she has said. I want to raise the ongoing crisis in assessments of need and the impact this is having on families in Cavan and Monaghan. Earlier this year, I was helping a mother whose young son had been offered a place in an early intervention preschool.”
“In Cavan and Monaghan alone there are 578 overdue assessments. I commend Cara Darmody on continuing to shine a light on this issue. She is absolutely right when she says children are missing the window for early intervention. We all know that the earlier a child gets support, the better the outcome. These early years are precious.”
“Parents should not have to pay out of their own pocket because the State has failed to meet its own legal obligations. Disability teams continue to be short-staffed while many newly qualified therapists and psychologists cannot get the supervised placements and recognised experience they need to practise.”
“She has already had two near misses, as she calls them, that left her badly shaken. She describes Cavan's footpaths as being like a racetrack and says she dreads leaving her home now. That should not be the case. This is not just about an inconvenience.”
“I also welcome the delegation from Canada. They are very welcome. I have three sons living and working in Manitoba, Souris and Brandon. I bring up the issue of e-scooters. Imagine being afraid every time you step outside your own front door. That is a daily occurrence for a visually impaired woman living in Cavan town.”
“People had to take long detours just to get to school. The Department said that inspections carried out in March 26 found around 130 roads needed complete reconstruction, 440 had significant damage and several bridges could no longer be used. I believe those figures cover the entire country. My question is simple.”
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“Families are forced to bring children to overcrowded accident and emergency departments to access basic help. While waiting lists grow, CAMHS staffing is shrinking, down from 831 at the end of 2023 to 811 at the end of 2024. We are losing an average of 12 educational psychologists annually. Our graduate programmes only produce 14 per year. How is the Government planning to increase the availability of mental health services when the staff are simply not there? We discussed increasing budgets. We can have all the money in the world, but if we do not have the staff, services will not be available. The maths does not really add up. We estimate that establishing just 12 additional CAMHS teams would cost around €10 million, a modest investment for a potentially life-saving impact.”
“I call on the Government to seriously examine the Icelandic model, a proven approach that has transformed youth well-being in Iceland. One of the main ideas was the introduction of a wellness card which has a set amount of funding for each child to access extracurricular activities. In Iceland, youth participation doubled after its introduction. The result has been a reduction in substance abuse, smoking, drinking and drug taking. Countries like Finland, which have an incredibly integrated mental health system, focus on the importance of early intervention and preventative healthcare. We need to set young people up for success at an early stage in life. We must also stop turning a blind eye to the crisis in our mental health services. Children are waiting years for CAMHS appointments.”
“The Minister of State is very welcome. A recent UNICEF report paints a poor picture of youth well-being in Ireland. It found that one in three 15-year-olds report low life satisfaction. Our teenagers may be successful in school, but they are struggling in life and that is the sad reality. We pride ourselves on academic results, but we need to do more for their emotional and mental well-being, and we need to do it as early as possible. There has been much focus on mental health awareness and encouraging young people to be vulnerable. However, when they reach out, help may be available but delayed. The Covid pandemic left scars we are still uncovering. Lockdowns, school closures and isolation took their toll and the effects still linger.”
“The Government is talking tough but the numbers do not lie. In reality, the enforcement of deportation orders is weak, inconsistent and lacks transparency. This totally undermines public trust in the integrity of our immigration system. Advantage can be taken of it. Only a week ago, the Minister stated, "If there is not a consequence, it is going to mean that the system is pointless because whether [a person gets asylum] or not, [they] are staying [in the country]". The Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, also denies claims that chartering deportation flights was simply an attempt by the Government to appear stricter on immigration. How can people trust this when we now know there have been more deportation orders quashed than have been actively enforced since the start of this year? We need a debate in this Chamber on that issue.”
“New figures have come to light showing that nearly 4,000 deportation orders have been overturned in the past decade. The State is now revoking more deportation orders than it is actually enforcing. The Ministers, Deputies Helen McEntee and Simon Harris, oversaw the highest number of revocations. The Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, has already quashed 127 deportation orders this year alone. This is a complete failure of enforcement and of proper immigration control. Aontú supports a fair and compassionate asylum system. We believe Ireland should offer refuge to those fleeing genuine war, persecution or violence, but the system must be firm and credible. That credibility is being utterly undermined when deportation orders issued after extensive legal processes, including appeals and judicial reviews, are so frequently revoked.”
“Highly caffeinated drinks can also increase a child's risk of experiencing ADHD symptoms, severe stress and poor sleep quality. I was very disappointed to hear on the radio this morning that the Government had opted to shelve this Bill for 18 months to think about it. The Bill is ready and is in the programme for Government, so I want to know what the problem is.”
“The Bill also seeks clear health warnings about any potential health risks caused by excessive consumption to be clearly visible on packaging at points of sale. I see no issue with this. The health and wellbeing of our young people is vital. In presenting this Bill to the Seanad, Ireland follows the example of other European countries like Hungary, Poland and Lithuania, all of which have similar Bills that restrict the sale of high-energy drinks to minors. The Irish Heart Foundation, from whose policy team I welcome Mr. Mark Murphy and Ms Saoirse Morgan, has called for a ban. There is worrying evidence from Newcastle and Teesside universities that links cheap energy drinks to depression, anxiety and suicidal feelings.”
“In my opinion, evidence exists that proves these drinks are not a healthy option for young people. Dr. Aileen McGloin, the director of nutrition for safe food, has stated that in the long-term we are looking at associations with obesity and type 2 diabetes. These are stimulant drinks, which contain high levels of caffeine and sugar that have been linked to adverse health effects, including insomnia, increased anxiety and digestive issues, all which are deeply disturbing. As adults, we all know the effects of consuming too much caffeine, so it stands to reason that young people can be even more impacted. The Bill aims to prohibit the sale of stimulant drinks to young people under the age of 18 as well as restricted advertising to this cohort.”
“The Bill addresses growing public concern about the sale of popular drinks to young people and the health risks associated with them. High energy or stimulant drinks are a multimillion euro industry. These drinks are heavily marketed and promoted to young consumers. I urge Senators to look at the shelves in their local supermarkets because the shelves are laden down with these drinks. At the moment, almost 40 different brands are on sale in this country, which is a sharp contrast with the range available in the past number of years. Obviously, it is an expanding and lucrative market. Young people are attracted to these drinks due to their promise of energy-giving properties and a belief that these drinks will help increase their fitness. These drinks are heavily promoted on platforms like Snapchat and Instagram and by influencers.”
“I welcome this Bill into the Seanad. I was very proud to cosign the Bill. It is a public health Bill that aims to ban the sale of high-energy or stimulant drinks to under-18s. It is a good Bill. The heavy lifting on the energy drinks Bill was done by Independent Senator Sharon Keogan, and I acknowledge the work she has done on this over the past number of years with others. She should be very proud of what she has produced. It is a very thorough Bill. I was happy to cosign it because it is an important Bill, with the best interests of our young people at heart. It is also in the programme for Government. The Bill addresses growing public concern about the sale of popular drinks to young people and the health risks associated with them. It is also in the programme for Government.”
“Without them our native flora, food production and the wildlife that depends on these habitats would be at serious risk. If people go to the Cavan Public Participation Network Facebook page, they will find all the activities that are on during the week. Little steps can happen in different ways. My local parish church, which has land available, decided to do more planting and parishioners made an outdoor classroom beside a lake where they hold little workshops for students close by. Little steps like that are all very encouraging but they need to be funded. If the windscreen of my car over the past couple of weeks is anything to go by, things are improving.”
“In my local forest there is a bat walk. It is a wonderful way to build community and take people out of the digital space we find ourselves in and increasingly more attached to. A number of events taking place in Cavan will appeal to both younger and older generations. They range from more data-based workshops to ones that encourage a deeper understanding of Irish biodiversity. One workshop that stood out was on beekeeping and biodiversity. Thankfully, in recent years we have developed a deeper appreciation for our pollinators and a greater understanding of the vital role they play in sustaining the Irish ecosystem. We need to continue that kind of education. Bees pollinate more than 70% of our wild plants and one third of the food that we eat, from apples to clover.”
“We have incredible biodiversity in Ireland. This week represents a great opportunity for people not only to enjoy it aesthetically but also to understand the necessity of our biodiversity. On Sunday, Cavan Public Participation Network, along with the Irish Environmental Network, launched National Biodiversity Week in beautiful Belturbet, County Cavan. There was a huge turnout with a wide range of outdoor workshops. Attendees got to enjoy Turbet Island, which is a very unusual island in the middle of a town that hosts a lot of biodiversity. People were able to record the biodiversity in the area on their loop walk. A range of events is happening over the next week in Cavan that will appeal to various age groups. It is great to see children in particular taking great joy in being in forests and out enjoying natural scenery.”
“A previous analysis found that payouts for personal injuries in Ireland are on average 4.4 times higher than in England. If you experience a minor ankle fracture in Ireland, you could expect to receive up to €54,000, while in England, the same injury warrants up to €14,000. The payout for personal injuries in this country is high enough without raising it further. The impact of higher awards will be felt most by ordinary motorists and small businesses. It will also directly impact community, voluntary and sporting groups, many of which are already struggling to keep the doors open. The Government cannot allow this to go ahead without full and considered debate. I ask the Minister for Justice to come to the House for a debate on the matter.”
“I raise today the proposal being considered by the Minister for Justice to increase personal injury awards by almost 17%. We are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. Inflation impacts families, businesses and communities across the country and now the Government thinks it is the right time to raise personal injury awards, a move that will inevitably lead to higher insurance premiums and, no doubt, higher claims. We already know from the Central Bank's own data that motor insurance premiums rose by 9% in the first half of 2024 alone, and that is before any changes to injury awards. In regions like Cavan and Monaghan, we are already paying through the nose for insurance while driving on some of the worst roads in the country which are little more than a patchwork of potholes.”
“That move rightly met with public resistance and served as a warning that we cannot allow convenience to trump inclusivity. We need an educational programme to operate in conjunction with this Bill. People need to be aware of the legislation to ensure the criteria are being met in their own locality. There is not much point in drafting it if the wider public has no knowledge of how it will expand their right to access to cash.”
“Is it the case that continuing reviews could mean the Minister makes an order in years to come that the baseline for cash services is set at 2025 rather than 2022, for example, and that, in such an eventuality, there will not be genuine protection of access to cash as this could, in all probability, decrease the number of ATMs based on declining cash usage? While protecting access to cash is vital, we must also urgently consider the ability to spend it. There is little point in protecting people's ability to withdraw cash from an ATM if when they go to buy groceries or attempt to make appointments, they are told the service is card only. More and more businesses, particularly in urban areas, are moving to cashless models. We have already seen attempts to digitise public bodies and services such as the national car test, NCT.”
“I welcome the Bill and commend the efforts being made to ensure people throughout the country can continue to access physical cash. People choose to use cash for a variety of reasons and we must respect that. For some, especially older people, cash is what they know and trust. For those with irregular incomes, cash provides a tangible way to manage budgets. For victims of domestic violence, having access to and control over cash can be a crucial lifeline to autonomy and safety. I seek clarity on a number of points in the Bill. In Part 2, section 6 provides for a review by the Minister of the access to cash criteria if cash demand decreases by more than 15% in one calendar year compared with the previous year. After such a review, the Minister may amend the criteria.”
“Another shocking proposal involves the denial of compensation for farmers who buy or keep high-risk animals. The Department seems intent on using a stick rather than a carrot when it comes to TB eradication. These proposals will do little to address the increase in reactor rates but will financially cripple farmers. The Minister should ensure that any new proposals are entirely evidence based. The priority needs to be protecting family farm incomes.”
“I appreciate the Minister is trying to move quickly on this but it should not be implemented so quickly that farmers barely have a chance to critique or question the new proposals. One farmer at the stakeholder meeting asked whether farmers were there to dot the i's and cross the t's or whether there was genuine engagement. Unfortunately, some farming organisations that made submissions were not invited to the forum. All stakeholders should have been invited. The reality is that the Department is telling farmers that they will have to restrict their herds further, while also suggesting that they have special marked sales for high-risk animals. This is a total contradiction. There will still be movement. The only difference is that farmers will be getting a much lower rate for their beast.”
“I wish to raise an issue that I raised last week, just as my colleague Senator Paraic Brady has. After 70 years of failed policy, the Minister for agriculture is going to rush through ill-thought-out proposals made at the TB stakeholder forum. The IFA recently published a report revealing that TB compliance is costing Irish farmers €150 million annually. The Minister cannot talk about new proposals for TB eradication and leave farmers footing the bill without evidence that they will work. If the Department is planning on bringing in additional mandatory testing for herds, it needs to fully cover the cost of it. Farmers are incredibly worried about suggestions of increased restrictions and blacklisting of herds.”
“I recognise the fact that Paul Brady - "The Gunner" - from our county is competing in the world handball final this Saturday. He is also a cousin of Senator Keogan. I wish him well. He is a fantastic representative for sport, to still be at the top of his game at the age of 46.”
“This increase is happening at the same time as more money is being poured into the TB eradication programme. In the first half of 2024, total expenditure on the programme was €40.8 million, an increase of 23% on the previous year. Why are we spending more and more money on a programme that is not working? Farmers on the ground know it is not working and have been telling the Department of agriculture and the Minister this for years. We need a reduction in the number of badgers if we are to tackle the TB crisis in any substantial way. At the extraordinary meeting to be held today, I hope the Minister will acknowledge this rather than simply spending more money on a broken system or putting the financial burden back on farmers.”
“Yes, I second the amendment. I raise the issue of TB and, more specifically, the range of proposals put forward by the Department of agriculture at the TB forum in April. I have been speaking to farmers who are really concerned about the proposals. These measures include clamping down on sales from high-risk herds and reduced compensation for farmers who lose cows. This is putting all of the cost back on farmers who are trying to farm while the disease is running rampant. The TB vaccination programme is not working. The Department needs to throw its hands up and acknowledge the flaws in the current system. It needs to stop putting the responsibility back on farmers. Between 2023 and 2024, 5,906 herds were restricted, which is a 20% increase on the previous year.”
“The reason is that students may feel they are taking a practical course, but when they get into it, it is very heavy technically and academically. I also wanted to raise the issue of the SUSI grant, which was raised by Senator Nelson Murray, and housing for students.”
“I look forward to seeing the full publication of the national survey of apprenticeships for 2024-2025, as the summary that was released at the end of April makes no mention of pay and conditions. I will speak off the cuff about myself. In 2022, I did a professional cookery course. From my experience, the course started with 20 students and by the time we were finishing, seven people were left in the class. Because it was professional cookery, many students felt it was something hands-on they could do which was not overly academic, but when we got into the course, it was overly academic for those students and, even though they were supported, it became too much for many. Completion rates need to be looked at. From what I have witnessed, there is a high non-completion rate.”
“The programme for Government highlights the need to increase uptake of apprenticeships, but it does not focus on the issue of pay or the significant challenges faced by those who choose to pursue an apprenticeship at a later stage of life. Last year, the Department stated the vast majority of craft apprenticeship rates exceed the minimum wage by year 3 of their programme. This is welcome but, unfortunately, people cannot get by on such a low rate of pay for the first two years. Many of these people have to pay rent and support themselves. Many mature students are also providing for children. People are dropping out of training due to years of delays and poor pay. The failure to reach our apprenticeship targets is directly connected to our ability to reach our housing targets.”
“When discussing further education, we need to keep a strong emphasis on apprenticeships. There has been a sentiment of snobbery at times when it comes to pursuing craft or trade apprenticeships, and many young people have been pushed towards pursuing third level degrees, even when the programme of study does not suit their own passions. I welcome this motion's attempt to prioritise further education and the importance placed specifically on apprenticeship programmes. However, the motion leaves out a number of issues that constituents raised with me regarding their apprenticeships. Research conducted by Connect Trade Union found that 90% of those surveyed said their employer had paid them below the minimum wage during a stage of their apprenticeship.”
“There is no point in our standing up and delivering grand speeches on the importance of workers' rights when there are people working hard only a few rooms over trying to get by on €12,000 per year. Will the Government reform this system and employ them publicly?”
“The broadcasting staff are hired by a private contractor that receives €7.5 million over a period of five years to roster staff. All the cameras and other equipment belong to the Oireachtas. Not only are people being subjected to unfair work conditions, but it is costing the Oireachtas, and therefore the taxpayer, more money to employ these workers through a private contract than it would to employ them directly. It is very frustrating to see that the Oireachtas has money to waste on bike sheds, security huts and touchscreen landlines while the people working here are left to scrape by on low-hour contracts. Many people in these positions have to work additional jobs or claim unemployment benefits just to get by. We have a duty of care to ensure that all workers are treated fairly.”
“I want to raise an issue that is happening under our noses. There are many cogs in the machine that make the Houses of the Oireachtas run smoothly and, unfortunately, some of the people who play a key role in here are being treated incredibly unfairly. Cleaners, sound technicians and broadcasting staff are privately contracted, which means that when the Seanad and the Dáil are not sitting, these individuals have no work and are not paid. Committee technicians have been left unpaid since 8 November, the date the general election was called. Our broadcasting staff are crucial for the very fabric of democracy. In fact, the ability to have the proceedings here broadcast means that every single person across the country can access the discussions, debates and legislating that happens in Leinster House.”
“We knew that this would put immense financial pressure on people and that an alternative approach should have been taken. The constant rises in excise tax and tolls see the Government committing highway robbery at the expense of its own citizens, particularly workers. These constant increases in taxes are not reflected in the state of our roads or, for that matter, in any of the other public services. People who are travelling to work from Cavan - plasterers, plumbers, electricians, teachers and nurses - end up paying approximately €2,000 a year on tolls. They do not have any option to avoid this payment, or any steps they can take to reduce the financial hardship. One of the best ways we can support workers is to make their commute more cost-effective by reducing the cost of fuel and investing in the road network.”
“I wish the Deputy Leader a happy May Day, but it is also International Workers' Day. I want to highlight the ongoing penalisation of workers who have to commute to and from work every day. Thousands of people commute from Cavan to Dublin and during this commute they pass six tolls on a return journey. The Government took in €4 billion in fuel tax last year, €1.2 billion of which was carbon tax. Carbon tax adds 17 cent onto every litre of petrol and diesel. These carbon taxes will keep increasing. The Government is cashing in on the hardship of those who are simply trying to go to work, make a living and provide for themselves and their families. Amazingly, Aontú was the only party in the Dáil to vote against the climate action Bill which paved the way for carbon tax under the previous Government.”
“The truth is that biological sex is real and it matters. Protecting women's spaces is not about exclusion or hatred; it is about upholding justice, fairness and common sense for 50% of the population. Here in Ireland it is time we took heed of this judgement. We must recognise the failures of the Gender Recognition Act 2015, which allows for legal change of gender based solely on self-declaration, without any medical or biological basis. This law has undermined the meaning of womanhood, created confusion in law and society and put the safety and dignity of women at risk. Ireland must now act. We should follow the lead of the UK Supreme Court and move to repeal the Gender Recognition Act. We must restore legal clarity, protect women's sex-based rights and ensure that truth and not ideology shapes our laws.”
“I welcome the recent ruling of the UK Supreme Court which upholds the fundamental common sense truth that biological sex matters and that women are entitled to protections based on their sex. This ruling is a victory for fairness, dignity and the hard-won rights of women. It is a clear recognition that women have a right to feel safe, to access spaces designed for them and to have their unique needs acknowledged and respected. For too long we have seen attempts to erase the very meaning of the word "woman". These attempts have real and dangerous consequences, particularly for vulnerable women in spaces such as refuges, prisons, sports and healthcare. Women's sex-based rights are not negotiable; they are essential for women's safety, dignity and equality. Aontú has been consistent in saying that rights must be based on truth.”
“Like everybody else, I want to mention ash dieback. I have been a county councillor for nine years. It is especially urgent along roadsides. Also, there are instances of antisocial behaviour in forests owned by Coillte. It is a big problem in a lot of the small amenity parks. We might consider park wardens or something along those lines.”
“I want to raise the issue of reckless and sometimes dangerous planting by Coillte, in some cases on important historical landmarks and monuments. Coillte is in the business of making money, of course. It is not in the business of managing facilities or amenities. I feel that for some sites, such as Killykeen, County Cavan, in Cavan Burren Park and Dún a Rí, which are amenity parks, Coillte cannot manage them effectively and that they should be signed over to the National Parks and Wildlife Service or even to some county councils. I hear the bell. Is that all I get?”
“Before Christmas, sawlog was fetching approximately €100 per cubic metre but now prices have dropped to approximately €50 or €60. This is a direct result of supply and demand. There is suddenly a massive increase of timber available and nowhere near enough market capacity to absorb it. This has taken away the freedom for forestry owners to choose when to harvest, picking a time when prices are fair and returns justify the years of work and patience. That option has now been taken away. They are being forced to sell into a collapsing market because of a freak weather event and a lack of timely Government intervention. They are also losing out on their yearly supplement. What kind of compensation package can the Minister of State achieve for these farmers, to include the loss of earnings for the years until maturity?”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the Chamber. I have been hearing good reports back from my colleagues on Cavan County Council. I hope he means to go on as he has started. In January, Storm Éowyn left behind a trail of destruction that was unprecedented in scale. Half of this devastation was on private land, meaning thousands of farmers, rural families and small landholders saw decades of investment wiped out in a matter hours. These people are now facing immense financial strain and a great deal of uncertainty, some having invested in planting their land as a future investment or a private pension. One forestry owner, who is a constituent of mine, recently shared that his timber was five years off maturity when Storm Éowyn hit and the impact on the market has been devastating.”
“For the second year in a row, neither he or the Minister for Justice will attend the GRA conference. How on earth can the public have any confidence in Drew Harris if front-line gardaí have expressed no confidence in him? An Garda Síochána is in total crisis and we need to address this as soon as possible.”
“The fact that he had three bench warrants already issued to him, however, is deeply concerning. Garda numbers are falling countrywide and the Cavan-Monaghan and Louth Garda division is no different. The level of crime is rising. Burglaries and other serious incidents of crime are increasing. Criminals are taking advantage of closed Garda stations and reduced Garda numbers. Our jails are bursting at the seams. People who have been convicted for crimes are doing little to no time or are being let out after a very short time. Since 2011, at least 140 Garda stations have been closed across the country. This is truly shocking in the face of an ever-increasing population and is leading to further demand on already overstretched resources. Garda morale is at an all-time low. They have no confidence in the Garda Commissioner.”
“I call on the Minister for Justice to come before Members to answer questions on the crisis in An Garda Síochána with recruitment and retention. I highlight an incident in Carrickmacross as an example of what is happening around the country. I have received many calls and emails from worried constituents relating to an increase in crime, which has been an issue for a long time. This is coupled with a low visual presence of the Garda in the area and fear for safety due to recent frightening incidents in the Cavan-Monaghan-Louth Garda division. People understandably are nervous and are appalled that shocking incidents are now happening in broad daylight. On Sunday, a man wielding a knife on the main street and acting in a threatening manner caused major worry and upset. Thankfully, this individual has been charged with that offence.”
“Some have reported putting off essential medical appointments because they have no support in place for their children. I have a solution for that. A tax credit could be introduced for teachers and SNAs who work in summer school programmes. At present, many educators avoid the work because it can push them into a higher tax bracket, effectively cancelling out the benefit of taking part. If we want to expand summer support for children with autism, we must ensure we have staff to deliver it.”
“Sweeney, has worked with some of these families in the past and has raised the issue with Aontú. These families are heartbroken, frustrated and exhausted from the never-ending battles to uphold this constitutional right for their loved ones. Their children deserve a place in that school. They deserve to be seen, supported and given the chance to learn and thrive without chaos. Another issue I would like to raise is summer support for children with autism for single parents. The current schemes are utterly unworkable. The Government continues to point to the summer programme as a solution but many schools do not participate in it. This leaves families in limbo for most of the summer. Parents are left stressed, isolated and without the respite and resources they need.”
“Last week on World Autism Awareness Day, families, parents and children stood together to demand access to education. Children with autism throughout the country are being locked out of a system that claims to be inclusive. The right to education is not conditional and should not depend on where you live or how loudly you shout. Nowhere is this clearer than in County Donegal, where children with autism are being failed. Nine families received notification that they were unsuccessful in getting a place for their children in Little Angels School in Letterkenny next September. How can this happen? Where was the forward planning and future-proofing in the new build? It is a shameful reflection of the disconnect between policy and reality on the ground. My colleague, Mary T.”
“We cannot discredit and disregard the international structures that have governed global peace and security for decades and conclude that Ireland should suddenly abandon legislative commitments to them. There is zero public appetite to erode our neutrality. By aligning ourselves with one military bloc or another, including the EU, we are compromising the position of the Irish people. I encourage everyone to attend the protest this evening. We need a cross-party approach to this. We cannot allow the Government to attack our neutrality at a time when there is an increasing appetite for warmongering throughout Europe.”
“While many would acknowledge flaws within the UN system, it is a total affront to the long-standing mechanisms of peacekeeping to act as though our sovereignty is being eroded. Was our sovereignty under threat when Micheál Martin, now Taoiseach, stood in the Dáil Chamber in 2013 and stated that the triple lock is "at the core of our neutrality"? In fact, he commented on the idea of Russia and China vetoing our peacekeeping missions as "nothing more than an out-of-touch ideological obsession on the part of Fine Gael". Ruth Ní Bhriain wrote an excellent paper that I recommend Government members read because it would dispel the confusion and misinformation they are propagating. She correctly wrote that it is an incredible stretch to frame UN procedures as a threat to Irish sovereignty.”
“At 6 o'clock this evening, Aontú will hold a protest outside the Dáil to call on the Government to keep the triple lock. Roger Cole is a long-standing advocate for peace and is the founder and chairman of the Peace and Neutrality Alliance. He will be the guest speaker tonight. At a time when there is violent conflict across the Middle East, an ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and atrocities being carried out in Gaza, it seems that now more than ever we should be trying to foster peace and de-escalation. The Government is campaigning to remove the triple lock on the basis that it dilutes our autonomy when it comes to deploying Irish troops on peacekeeping missions.”
“People will always make mistakes but they are more likely to make mistakes when the accident and emergency departments are overcrowded, understaffed and under immense pressure. The sooner sepsis is detected, the faster an individual can be treated and the less impact it will have on their life. Hannah, Sinéad and Catríona have raised the need for hospitals to have a diagnostic machine that would detect bacteria, and the type and the level of it within the blood, within 45 minutes. Blood cultures can normally take 48 to 72 hours to come back and that is too long. We need to continue to raise awareness of sepsis but awareness alone will not solve the problem. We need targeted investment in emergency departments, increased staff and those diagnostic machines, which could detect sepsis much faster.”
“After spending three days in accident and emergency, lying across plastic chairs with her head on her mother's lap, Sophie was discharged from hospital without any results. The next day, the family received a phone call from the doctor to say Sophie was seriously ill and the hospital was sending an ambulance for her. Hannah did not want to wait a minute longer for her daughter to get treatment and immediately drove her to the hospital. Our healthcare system is failing to implement safe and appropriate measures for people who are sick and vulnerable. The only reason Sophie even had blood cultures collected was that a family friend who worked as a paramedic told Hannah to demand them when he saw them in the hospital. What would the outcome have been if she had not had that information or fought for Sophie to get help?”