Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Kildare South · Sinn Féin · Ireland
“I do not question the Minister of State or the Minister's respect for the SNAs, but the Department needs to show that respect. The trust of the SNAs has been severely damaged following the scandal last February. It may have played a significant role in the ballot outcome, as well as years of being undervalued in the system.”
“I am very aware of and appreciate the work that has gone into this in recent years, but the local bargaining agreement being off the table now is a matter of serious concern and insult to SNAs. That pay increase should have been protected and maintained, irrespective of the ballot outcome on the new plan.”
“There are also concerns around redeployment, such as insecurity of fixed-term contracts following redeployment and the loss of seniority. SNAs receive no additional payment for State examinations, no extra personal vacation, EPV, days for the summer programme and no allowances for working in special schools, DEIS schools or Gaelscoileanna…”
“SNAs are very dedicated members of our school community who work very hard with our most vulnerable children. However, many have legitimate outstanding concerns following the publication of the new circular and the workforce development plan, WDP.”
“Gabhaim buíochas le mo chomrádaí, an Teachta Aengus Ó Snodaigh, as ucht an rúin seo anocht. An artist’s work is more than just a job An artist's work is more than just a job. It is a reflection of their creativity, their skill, and their unique perspective on the world.”
“This is not an abstract issue. Artists in Kildare and elsewhere across the State are already feeling the impact. A local photographer recently told me that she had lost work from organisations that once regularly hired her but now chose Al-generated images instead.”
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“There will be an increase of 100% in the number of cancer diagnoses by 2045 compared to the number in 2015 so investment in infrastructure and new developments must be a priority. We all have a personal story. Tá scéal pearsanta againn go léir sa Teach seo a bhaineann le hailse. Tuigimid ar fad cé chomh dáiríre agus chomh tábhachtach atá an cheist seo. Mar sin, oibrímis le chéile chun cúram ailse den chéad scoth a bhaint amach in Éirinn.”
“I am thankful that she has made a great recovery, having received great care in Tallaght hospital. Áine has highlighted the significant delays to her chemotherapy caused by PET scan waiting times. At the moment, our equipment density is too low and equipment is out-of-date and underutilised. She was told she was lucky to receive chemotherapy when she did because there was just one space left in Tallaght at the time. Another shocking element of Áine's story is that she had to sleep in a ward of six beds with patients with various illnesses. This was extremely dangerous as her immune system was suppressed by medication. In Kildare, we need beds for cancer patients at Naas General Hospital. At the moment, many are forced to travel. Long-term planning is essential.”
“Thirty years ago my mam was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. At that time, she went to her GP with a lump on her neck. She was told it was a cyst. She went back again and was dismissed again. It was only on the third consultation that she was referred for cancer screening. Had the cancer been detected in the first instance, my mam's journey would have looked very different. I commend Professor John Crown, who kept her alive for as long as he did. Fast-forward 30 years and we still have endemic delays. In County Kildare, 951 people are diagnosed with cancer every year. Many of those people face difficulties accessing timely diagnosis and treatment, which negatively impacts their health outcomes. A constituent of mine, Áine, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma last year, just three months before her leaving certificate.”
“I cannot speak about International Women’s Day without mentioning our sisters in Palestine. Tá mná na Palaistíne fós ag maireachtáil faoi bhrúidiúlacht agus forghabháil mídhleathach ag stát cinedhíothach. Palestinian women endure the destruction of their communities, the loss of loved ones and the denial of basic rights, but they resist, they nurture, they fight and they demand justice. Their courage is extraordinary. It is our responsibility to witness their struggle and to support them and act on their behalf. Tá tionchar díreach ag an gcogadh ar mhná agus cailíní. Tá a fhios againn go méadaítear an baol foréigin ghnéasaigh agus inscnebhunaithe le linn coimhlintí. Mar sin, ciallaíonn comhionannas inscne go gcaithfidh muid troid ar son na síochána ar an stáitse idirnáisiúnta. When women are free and equal, society as a whole is stronger.”
“Migrant and Traveller women, as well as women with disabilities and those from the LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans women, face additional barriers and discrimination. True equality must be intersectional. No woman can be left behind. As a State, we must do more. Healthcare is failing women. Conditions like endometriosis remain under-diagnosed, under-treated and under-funded, leaving countless women in pain and struggling to live full lives. Childcare remains unaffordable for far too many families, contributing to gender gaps in economic outcomes. We must see progress from the Government on its promise to introduce a €200 cap on childcare costs. We must guarantee fair pay, safe communities that are free from violence, inclusive services and full representation for women in every decision-making space.”
“Today we are marking International Women's Day, a day to celebrate women's achievements but also to remind ourselves how far we still have to go. In Ireland, women continue to face inequality in ways both visible and hidden. Women earn less than their male counterparts, carry out the bulk of unpaid care work and remain under-represented in politics and leadership. Violence against women is rampant. Since 1997, 277 women have died violently in this State and of those women, 90% were murdered by men known to them. Furthermore, 35% of women in Ireland have experienced psychological, physical or sexual abuse from an intimate partner. A total of 12,050 incidents of domestic violence are reported to An Garda Síochána every week. We must also recognise that gender inequality is experienced unequally across the population.”
“Anois, táim sa Dáil agus le mo chéad Bhille riamh tá mé ag iarraidh stop a chur leis an ndroch-chleachtas sin agus saoirse a thabhairt do na glúnta amach anseo labhairt ina dteanga féin, teanga náisiúnta na tíre. Mar a dúirt mé féin agus an Teachta Ó Snodaigh, is lá stairiúil é seo. Is é seo an chéad Bhille scríofa i nGaeilge agus táim bródúil go mbeidh m’ainm leis. Is é seo an chéad chéim i dtreo deireadh a chur leis an ndroch-chleachtas.”
“Is mór an onóir dom m’ainm a chur le mo chéad Bhille riamh inniu agus é ar an gcéad Bhille a chuireadh faoi bhráid an Tí trí mheán na Gaeilge. Is Bille thar a bheith tábhachtach é seo domsa ar go leor cúiseanna, ach ar leibhéal pearsanta ba mhaith liom scéal a roinnt leis an Teach a tharla 30 bliain ó shin agus mé ag obair i mo chéad phost. Bhí mé féin agus cara liom ón scoil ag obair sa ghruagaire céanna agus bhíodh an bheirt againn ag úsáid na Gaeilge go rialta agus muid lán le bród. Chuir ár mbainisteoir cosc orainn í a úsáid. Dúirt sí go raibh sé drochbhéasach toisc nach raibh Gaeilge ag an bhfoireann ar fad nó ag na custaiméirí, cé go rabhamar ag labhairt na Gaeilge eadrainn féin. B’shin an scéal a bhí agam agus mé i mo dhéagóir.”
“An féidir leis an Taoiseach a insint dom cad a dhéanfaidh a Rialtas chun srian a chur ar na comhlachtaí atá ag déanamh brabúis agus gnáth-theaghlaigh thíos leis? An ndéanfaidh sé athchinneadh ar ardú i gcánacha carbónacha a d’fhágfadh go mbeidh sé níos daora fós do dhaoine a thithe a théamh an bhliain amach romhainn?”
“Families in south Kildare are already feeling the effects of the illegal war of the US and Israel against Iran in their pockets. Táimid ag feiceáil cheana féin na héifeachtaí boilscithe de bharr chogadh mídhleathach na Stát Aontaithe agus Iosrael in aghaidh na hIaráine. Tá teaghlaigh i gCill Dara ag aireachtáil an bhrú seo ina bpócaí. Cuireadh ar an eolas mé aréir gur mhéadaigh comhlacht amháin atá lonnaithe i gCill Dara Theas a bpraghas ar líonadh ola faoi €200 thar oíche. Níl aon cheist faoi ach gur praghasfheannadh atá anseo. This is price-gouging, pure and simple. Tá teaghlaigh ag streachailt is muid i lár ghéarchéim chostas maireachtála. Is é ardú mar seo an difríocht idir an teach a théamh nó gan é a théamh.”
“Más olc nó maith é, beidh na glúnta ag teacht aníos ag baint úsáid as scáileáin, ach ní shin le rá nach bhfuil aon neart againn ar cén cuma atá orthu. Is féidir linn spásanna ar líne atá sábháilte agus fabhrach ar fhorbairt phearsanta a mhúnlú dár bpáistí. Seasaimid an fód in aghaidh na fathacha teic. Cosnóimid páistí na hÉireann ó dhochar agus ó shaint na gcomhlachtaí. Is iad a dtodhchaí agus a bhfolláine atá idir dhá cheann na meá. Tá mé ag tacú leis an mBille ar an gCéim seo. Beidh Sinn Féin ag cur isteach leasaithe, ach i bprionsabal aontaímid leis.”
“Níor athraigh. D'aithin na hardáin teicneolaíochta go raibh na halgartaim ag obair díreach mar ba chóir dóibh a bheith chun daoine a choinneáil báite sa fón. Seo cruthúnas dobhréagnaithe gur cuma sa tsioc leo faoinár gcuid páistí. Agus an méid seo ar fad ar eolas againn, is beag iarracht atá déanta srian a chur ar na comhlachtaí seo. Le rófhada, tá na hardáin seo fágtha chun iad féin a rialú. Déanann siad stocaireacht fíochmhar in aghaidh aon iarracht rialacha a chur orthu. Tá sé thar am againn cur i gcoinne na moltaí algartamacha. Anois an t-am ceart chun iad a rialú, mar faoi láthair tá siad agus a n-úinéirí ag déanamh rialú orainne. Tá rannpháirtíocht ar líne mar chuid lárnach de shaol an lae inniu.”
“Tá an timpeallacht dhigiteach lena bhfuil ár gcuid páistí ag idirghníomhú deartha ar bhealach andúileach ionas go gcaitheann úsáideoirí an méid is mó ama ar an ardán. Is tríd am an úsáideora a dhéanann na comhlachtaí teicneolaíochta brabús. Mar sin, déanfaidh siad pé rud chun aird a choinneáil ar an scáileán, beag beann ar an tionchar sláinte. Is fiú a bheith an-soiléir faoi seo. Tá rath-ardáin Meta, X agus Tiktok ag brath ar an díbhinn ar féidir leo a híoc lena gcuid scairshealbhóirí, ní ar fhorbairt an duine atá á n-úsáid. An-mhinic, téann an dá chuspóir sin in aghaidh a chéile. Go deimhin, tá a fhios againn go ndearna Meta féin taighde ar éifeachtaí meabhairshláinte an ardáin i measc déagóirí agus fuair sé amach go gcuireann úsáid leanúnach le himní agus dúlagar san aos óg. Ar athraigh na torthaí seo cur chuige an chomhlachta?”
“Tá plean ag Sinn Féin chun soláthar tithíochta a chinntiú do Ghaeilgeoirí, lena gcuimsítear measúnaithe tionchair teanga ar thograí molta; coinníollacha teanga do thithíocht Gaeltachta; aitheantas do phatrún lonnaíochta na Gaeltachta; agus díolúine ón dleachtstampála a thabhairt do dhíolachán an dara tí i gceantar Gaeltachta má dhíoltar é mar theach teaghlaigh do Ghaeilgeoirí. Teastaíonn úinéireacht a thabhairt do mhuintir na Gaeltachta ar a dtodhchaí trí toghcháin dhaonlathacha a thabhairt ar ais do bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tugadh an gealltanas seo in 2023 ach níl sé curtha i bhfeidhm fós. Iarraim ar an Rialtas, má tá sé dáiríre faoi ghéarchéim tithíochta na Gaeltachta a réiteach, tacú le rún Shinn Féin anocht. Is gá gníomhú air seo.”
“Thuairiscigh The Ditch in 2024 go raibh 100 oiread níos mó lóistín le fáil ar Airbnb i gceantair Ghaeltachta ná mar a bhí ar daft.ie. Tá sé sin scannalach. Seachas polasaí dian a chur i bhfeidhm ionas gur féidir le muintir na Gaeltachta maireachtáil sa Ghaeltacht, tá an Rialtas tar éis maolú a dhéanamh ar na rialacha a bhí beartaithe de bharr brú ó na Healy-Raes. Maidir leis na treoirlínte pleanála, tar éis ceithre bliana de ghealltanais go bhfoilseofaí iad, scrios an tAire an chumhacht a bhí aige ina leith. Níl gníomh ar bith beartaithe go dtí go bhfoilseofar ráiteas pleanála náisiúnta don Ghaeltacht in 2027, in ainneoin na práinne a bhaineann leis an ngéarchéim. Tá an t-uafás céimeanna praiticiúla a d'fhéadfadh an Rialtas a dhéanamh chun Gaeilgeoirí a mhealladh agus a choinneáil sa Ghaeltacht.”
“Ba mhaith leo a gclainne a thógáil le Gaeilge ach níl an dara rogha acu ach imeacht agus a gceantair dhúchais a fhágáil mar nach féidir leo teach a thógáil, a cheannach nó fiú a fháil ar cíos. Fiú agus tuiscint ag an Rialtas ar an méid seo agus teachtaireacht shoiléir á tabhairt ag leithéidí Tinteán agus BÁNÚ, tá an Rialtas fós sásta suí siar agus ligean don Gaeltachta dul i léig; mo náire é. Níl plean ná fís ag an Rialtas seo chun dul i ngleic leis na fadhbanna córasacha. Níl aon phráinn le brath ón Rialtas. Teastaíonn athrú ón mbarr anuas. Mar shampla, níl aon socrú go fóill maidir le hionad séarachais nua a thógáil ar an gCeathrú Rua. Go dtí go dtiocfar ar réiteach, tá bac ar thithe nua a thógáil. Tá an fhadhb seo ann leis na blianta agus níl aon dul chun cinn déanta.”
“Má tá an Ghaeilge le teacht slán, caithfear na Gaeltachtaí a chaomhnú. Níl aon Ghaeilge gan na Gaeltachtaí mar is iad tobar agus todhchaí na teanga. Tá an méid seo aitheanta ag saineolaithe le fada an lá ach tá na Gaeltachtaí leochaileach agus tá treochtaí trioblóideacha le tabhairt faoi deara. Thit líon na gcainteoirí laethúla Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht ó 21.4% in 2016 go dtí 19.7% in 2022, agus níl ach tuairim is 15% de theaghlaigh Ghaeltachta ag tógáil a gcuid páistí le Gaeilge. Ag éisteacht leis na figiúirí duairce seo, bheadh tú ag déanamh iontais maidir le cén fáth go bhfuil siad chomh híseal. An é nach bhfuil suim ag muintir na Gaeltachta ina dteanga féin a thuilleadh? Ní hé sin é in aon chor. Tá muintir na Gaeltachta tar éis seasamh suas le roinnt blianta anuas le cur in iúl nach féidir leo áit chónaithe a fháil sa Ghaeltacht.”
“Níl comparáid idir an maoiniú a fhaigheann eagrais Ghaeilge agus eagrais cosúla a fheidhmíonn trí Bhéarla. An t-aon áit inar léirigh an Rialtas uaillmhian ná nuair a leag sé síos sprioc go mbeadh 20% den seirbhís phoiblí inniúil le Gaeilge agus tá ag teip air na céimeanna cuí a thógáil chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar an sprioc sin. Mar sin, agus muid ag ceiliúradh Sheachtain na Gaeilge, impím ar an Rialtas grá a thaispeáint don Ghaeilge agus a mheon a athrú chun a thuiscint gur seoid seachas ualach í an teanga bheo seo atá againne.”
“Tá na mílte páistí ag fáil díolúintí ón nGaeilge chuile bhliain, agus gan an Rialtas fiú sásta a admháil gur fadhb í sin, gan trácht ar phlean a bheith aige chun déileáil leis seo. Chuile bhliain, tá teaghlaigh gur mhaith leo oideachas a fháil trí mheán na Gaeilge dá bpáistí nach bhfuil fáil acu air; an cheart oideachas lán-Ghaeilge a fháil á shéanadh ag an Rialtas de bharr ceall infheistíochta. Níl Gaelcholáiste i ngach chontae sa tír seo faoi láthair. Tá iallach á chur ar dhaltaí gur mhaith leo leanúint lena gcuid oideachas i nGaeilge freastal ar mheánscoil Bhéarla de bharr nach bhfuil Gaelcholáiste ina gceantar. Nuair atá an meánscoil críochnaithe acu, níl an dara rogha ag daoine óga ach iompú ar an mBéarla ag an tríú leibhéal toisc nach bhfuil soláthar dóthanach do chúrsaí i nGaeilge ar fáil.”
“Teastaíonn tacaíocht structúrach. Faoi láthair, níl ach spadántacht le brath ón Rialtas seo i leith ár gcéad teanga náisiúnta. Tá an Rialtas ina chodladh fad is atá deis millteanach os ár gcomhair. Ní raibh an leibhéal céanna dea-thola riamh i stair an Stáit i measc an phobail. Caithfidh an Rialtas an deis a thapú. Tá fadhbanna móra ar ghá dul i ngleic leo. Mar shampla, maidin inniu sa choiste Gaeilge chuala muid ó dhaoine óga atá ag iarraidh a gcuid saolta a chaitheamh i nGaeilge ach nach bhfuil in ann rochtain a fháil ar sheirbhísí bunúsacha ón Stáit trí mheán na Gaeilge. Tá géarchéim tithíochta againn sa Ghaeltacht agus gan aon phlean ag an Rialtas chun soláthar tithíochta a chinntiú do Ghaeilgeoirí dúchasacha.”
“Seoladh pobalbhreith nua an tseachtain seo ina léiríodh dearcadh dearfach i leith na Gaeilge, go háirithe i measc an aosa óig. Deir 74% dóibh siúd idir 25 agus 34 gur mhaith leo feabhas a chur ar a gcuid Gaeilge. Tá dúil ann don Ghaeilge i measc an phobail. Tá gluaiseacht láidir againn ag obair chun ár gcultúr Gaelach a chur chun cinn, a bhfianaise sin i líon na ndaoine a d’fhreastail ar an agóid ar son cearta teanga an samhradh seo caite. Cinnte, níl ach fás tagtha ar an ngluaiseacht sin ó toghadh Catherine Connolly mar Uachtarán na tíre. Tá aitheantas le thabhairt freisin do leithéidí Kneecap agus na cailíní ó An Chéad Ghlúin Eile, agus an tionchar atá acu i dtaobh ár dteanga a chur chun cinn. Is údar dóchais é seo ar fad ach ag deireadh an lae ní féidir linn a bheith ag brath ar chosmhuintir na tíre amháin chun an Ghaeilge a shlánú.”
“Why conduct reviews if absolutely nothing comes from their recommendations? That question must be asked. These challenges do not exist in isolation. Lack of SNAs, oversized classes, redesignation of mild general learning disability, MGLD, schools and the shortage of special classes and school places are all interconnected. They require proper sustained investment. It should be noted that no parent seeks an SNA support for their child if they do not need it. A new departure means ramping up investment in education, which is something that will surely yield a dividend.”
“SNAs have told me of SENO classroom visits where there was no engagement with the child and no meaningful consultation with the SNA. This is not a child-centred approach. It is bureaucratic box-ticking. This anecdote also speaks to the question of respect for SNAs and the expertise they hold as professionals accompanying children throughout their school journeys. In recent weeks, we have had an outpouring of public support for SNAs. People recognise their value. The real test will be in contract negotiations on full-time hours, pensions, the 72 additional hours, redeployment and formal recognition as public servants. The Government says it recognises their value but words are not enough. Many of the concerns I mentioned were raised in the EPSEN review authored by the Minister's own Department.”
“It should have happened a long time ago, certainly before any NCSE review letters went out to schools. The Department's review of the EPSEN Act, published last summer, stated that the workforce development plan would be delivered by September 2025. Its first pillar explicitly recognises the evolving role of the SNA. Had that role been properly expanded and recognised in policy last September, we might not be in this mess today. Instead, a State-wide review was initiated using criteria the Government itself had already tactically acknowledged were outdated. This is a serious oversight. It raises serious questions about accountability and the persistent buck-passing between the Department and the NCSE. We also need a candid discussion of how reviews are carried out.”
“Yesterday, the Taoiseach appeared incredulous, even dismissive, at the suggestion from my party leader, Deputy Mary Lou McDonald, that we need a new departure in special education. He might not be so shocked if he actually listened to those on the ground, the parents fighting for their children, the SNAs working well beyond their contracts and the schools trying to hold the system together. The central issue here is not the redeployment scheme, no matter how often Ministers repeat it. The real issue is that the criteria determining who qualifies for support are outdated and no longer reflect the evolving needs of children in our classrooms. I welcome the Minister's confirmation that no further reviews will be undertaken until the workforce development plan and updated circular are published, but this is only the first step.”
“That starts with showing SNAs and vulnerable children the respect they deserve. That means embracing a genuinely child-centred approach. No amount of shiny policy documents or talk of inclusion can convince us that the Government's approach is child-centred until every child has the support they need to succeed in school to the best of their ability. No child should be left behind. There should be no more rationing when it comes to children's education not when we are giving tax breaks to the wealthy.”
“SNAs described managing children's intense distress all while celebrating their little milestones - for example, a dyslexic child picking up a book independently and a child feeling empowered to start walking or to speak in class. One mother spoke of her son currently without the right support in school who returns home overwhelmed and frustrated due to having to mask his needs all day in school. We were all fighting back the tears at this meeting. An apology is owed to the affected families. One woman made a powerful point that some children tuned into this conversation may have internalised the idea that they were somehow the problem. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is the system that has failed these beautiful children. Confidence and trust are shattered. An awful lot of work has to be done now to repair.”
“Caithfear ról na gcúntóirí riachtanas speisialta a leathnú. Níor chóir go ndéanfaí athbhreithniú ar aon leithdháileadh cúntóirí riachtanas speisialta go dtí go n-aithnítear riachtanais iomlána na bpáistí ionas gur féidir le páistí le dúshláin chumarsáide, mhothúchánacha agus iompair rochtain a bheith acu ar an tacaíocht atá de dhíth. Tá na critéir atá ann faoi láthair as dáta agus níl siad ag coinneáil leis an méid atá ag tarlú sna scoileanna. At Sinn Féin's public meeting last night attended by over 1,000 people, we heard directly from SNAs, parents, principals and disabled individuals who themselves have successfully navigated the education system with their SNA. Many spoke of feeling devalued by the Government's recent actions.”
“The Government has finally woken up and seen sense on the SNA issue after what has been a policy failure of epic proportions. However, the question remains, why did it take two weeks to realise that stripping essential supports from some of the most vulnerable children in the State virtually overnight was wrong? This should have never of happened in the first place. Make no mistake if it was not for the ferocious determination of SNAs and families who dug their heels in and refused to accept these cuts, this out of touch Government would have ploughed on. Maith sibh ar fad. Cé go bhfuil cinneadh an Rialtais ciorruithe cúntóirí riachtanas speisialta a chur ar ceal tar éis an bhuairt i measc an phobal scoile a mhaolú, ní dheachaigh sé i ngleic go fóill leis na bunfhadhbanna atá againn.”
“In keeping with the gravity of this offence, our amending legislation provides for increased maximum penalties upon conviction. Sinn Féin is bringing forward this legislation because the Government has failed to act in a timely manner. We have to act now to protect the women and children of Ireland. We need a step change from Government when it comes to online safety and supporting this legislation would be a strong first step in that direction.”
“Another part of the response has to be banning the creation of deepfake intimate images. As it stands, there is an ambiguity in Coco's Law regarding the generation of sexualised AI imagery. The amending Bill before us tonight addresses this gap and would ensure that victims have recourse to the criminal justice system. To date, they have been left to suffer the consequences in silence. The consequences of this despicable offence should not be underestimated. We are talking here about people's lives being destroyed. We must not downplay cyber violence because it takes place in a digital environment and behind a supposed veil of anonymity. Our approach must be unequivocal and agile, reflecting the changing technological situation and our understanding of the harm caused.”
“Gabhaim buíochas le mo chomrádaithe, na Teachtaí Devine agus Carthy, as ucht an Bille seo a chur os ár gcomhair. Cuirim fáilte roimh na cuairteoirí atá sa Ghailearaí. The Grok scandal has been the stuff of nightmares, showing us what a dystopian, misogynistic hellscape the Internet can be, its owners conniving villains willing to sit back and even relish the most degrading acts against women and children. Our do-nothing Government sat on its hands and watched it all unfold while continuing to pander to the tech overlords. Intimate image abuse is widespread. It disproportionately affects women and needs to be removed, root and branch. Part of that means that our Government needs to finally grow up and stand up to the platforms that are facilitating these egregious harms once and for all.”
“It was not nurses, teachers, people in their 20s and 30s who have never moved out of the family home, families who would like to support their children moving away for college, the elderly receiving the State pension or low-income families receiving HAP, who will no longer be able to afford their top-up payments. These changes come at the behest of big institutional investors and vulture funds to increase their profits. What renters need now is hope, not hikes. Sinn Féin stands with renters and for affordability.”
“Rents are going to be out of control within a matter of months. This basically amounts to deregulating the rental sector and offers perverse incentives for landlords to create shorter tenancies. It is estimated that under the new regime, yearly rent will cost over €3,500 more in Kildare by the end of the decade. While the Government talks about creating sustainable and secure conditions for renters with this Bill, it will do exactly the opposite. One would have to wonder who the Government had in mind coming up with these new rules.”
“Is é bun agus barr an scéil leis an mBille seo ná go gcuirfidh sé drochbhail ar chíosaithe trí chostas tithíochta a ardú, costas atá cheana féin i bhfad ró-ard. The bottom line with this Bill is that rents can be reset to market rate between tenancies, which means we will see already sky-high rents go up and up from March. We are already seeing the effects. Eviction notices have already gone up in anticipation of the new rules. In my constituency, I have been working with an 81-year-old man in Athy who has been renting in the same building for over 20 years at a rate that is now well below market rent. Now, all of a sudden, the landlord is moving in a family member. Under the new legislation, rents can be hiked up to market price every six years or if a tenant leaves voluntarily.”
“An urgent safety audit was completed last December but it remains unpublished. Can this situation be addressed before a life is lost? Will the audit be published and will an end be put to yet more waste of public money?”
“Last summer I attended a demonstration protesting a pilot cycle lane between Timolin and Moone in south Kildare, a project known locally as the road to nowhere. Delivered by TII and the council under the national cycle network plan, over €2 million has been spent installing concrete islands and hard kerbs. Instead of improving safety and access, locals describe the road as an obstacle course and a death trap. Crucially, members of local cycling clubs have told me that they will not use the lane. Since the summer there have reportedly been 80 incidents on this stretch, including two serious ones where cyclists were hospitalised. Many vehicles have been damaged too. There was no meaningful consultation before this pilot began. No funding has yet been allocated for maintenance.”
“At the moment, there are 11 courses open to learners in the Twenty-six Counties but there is none available across the Border. I have spoken with my colleague in the Six Counties, Caoimhe Archibald, and she is enthusiastic about this project, and I am sure she would be interested in collaborating with the Minister's Department on this issue. Dundalk IT and Strandmillis University College fall under the same governance structure, which should facilitate this. I encourage the Minister to consider extending PATH 4 funding to support this initiative through DkIT.”
“I believe the goal in this sector in the medium term, alongside mainstreaming courses for students with intellectual disabilities in our colleges and third level institutions, must consider a national centre to co-ordinate those courses and ensure standards across them. We should be looking at introducing a separate stream of funding to pilot a programme for neurodivergent learners, learners with complex needs and learners with rare diseases based on the same model. As all-Ireland education has come up already in this debate, it relates to the potential to expand this model to the North. I see the real potential here to export a world-class model and make a 32-county initiative of this. Strandmillis University College has produced a feasibility study and there is plenty of scope and interest.”
“I look forward to reading the review of PATH 4 when it comes out and I hope to see funding for the programme mainstreamed in the next few years. However, in the meantime, there is a lot of uncertainty. Phase 2 funding is coming to an end this year and, as it stands, planning for the academic year 2026-2027 is at a standstill. Students do not know if enrolments will continue. Staff do not know if they will have jobs in September. Some colleges will not have an entire cohort through the programme by the time funding is due to expire.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht an cheist seo a fhreagairt. I thank the Minister for outlining the work being carried out by himself and his officials. I will specifically turn to PATH 4 funding. I wholeheartedly support the advancements made in relation to universal design the Minister has been speaking about for learning in phase 1 and the course offerings provided for people with intellectual disabilities in 11 HEIs across the State under phase 2. I have had engagement with Trinity College, in particular, and I have been learning about the immense benefits of its programme in terms of empowerment, agency and work readiness. The programme for people with intellectual disability is state of the art. It is a world leader in the design of inclusive education and is ambitious in what it envisages for its students.”
“The disabled community are telling us loud and clear that they cannot wait. People are experiencing acute hardship now. This will continue if we do not take action. The community has no faith left in this Government after the callous hand dealt out to them in October. It is not too late to make this right. I call on the Government to support this motion and introduce a €400 emergency payment. This is not a luxury; it is a necessity.”
“That €1,400 was precious to households that were already more likely to be fighting poverty before their household income was slashed by this Government in September. Dozens of constituents of mine across Kildare South have been in touch with me sharing their stories. Clare, in Kildare town, is having to choose between heating her home and charging her medical devices. Paul has ended his own physio to fund his son through college and Anne, in Rathangan, is missing routine appointments which she used to attend by taxi so she can afford her weekly shopping. The Government responded to calls for an emergency winter payment by saying it will take care of them next year, basically telling disabled households to put up and shut up and demonstrating how this Government is completely out of touch with how poverty affects people.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis na Daonlathaithe Sóisialta as an rún ríthábhachtach seo a chur os ár gcomhair ar maidin. It is only a couple of months since Sinn Féin brought a similar motion before the Dáil and it speaks volumes that we are back again so soon. It speaks to the tireless work of disability advocates and the dire conditions and desperation people with disabilities are living with. There is no two ways about it; people with disabilities were the biggest losers in budget 2026. Our most vulnerable lost €1,400 of their income while big developers won to the tune of many millions of euro. This is indefensible. Once again, people with disabilities were the sacrificial lambs and the last to benefit from our ballooning national wealth.”
“I was due to meet the students last week and they had another unexpected school closure due to issues with their water. It is happening very frequently. The level of disruption is unacceptable. I have written to the Tánaiste's party colleagues the previous Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the current Minister, Deputy Naughton. I have submitted parliamentary questions. I do not know what else we can do. We need an immediate intervention. Will the Tánaiste please intervene to deliver this new school building as a matter of urgency?”
“Curragh Community College in my constituency of Kildare South is in a state of utter disrepair. The school community was promised a new school building nearly a decade ago and they are still waiting. There are several problems with mould and leaks. The ceilings are falling in and the conditions are absolutely hazardous. A number of classrooms have already closed; therefore, students are on a rotation between attending on site and home learning. For students sitting State exams, it is completely unfair. Students cannot be expected to learn, nor should teachers and staff be expected to work in such conditions. I commend the students who contacted me directly and their parents. The students are staging a walk-out next Tuesday in protest. It should not have had to come to this.”
“There is no justification for that. The evidence is clear: removing access to monitored dosage systems will worsen medication adherence, increase hospital admissions and deepen health inequality. Community pharmacists are uniquely placed to prevent that harm, but they cannot continue to provide this service at a loss. Healthcare should be based on clinical need, not ability to pay. This House should stand with the most vulnerable and not abandon them.”
“They are a core patient safety service relied on by older people, people with disabilities and those managing complex or multiple medications. The decision now to target the pharmacies exposes how out of touch this Government is. Constituents contacted my office shocked and afraid about what the new year will bring. One man wrote to me. Michael and his wife are both pensioners. Each of them takes seven tablets a day for conditions, including blood pressure issues, mental health needs and recovery from a recent heart attack. Their pharmacist has now told them that they will face an extra €50 per month. This is money that they simply do not have. At the most expensive time of the year in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, patients now find themselves having to pay for a safety-critical service regardless of income.”
“Tugann scannal na spuaicphacaí léargas soiléir ar mheon an Rialtais reatha. Is Rialtas é nach bhfuil clú aige céard atá ag tarlú i saol an ghnáthdhuine agus atá sásta an costas a bhaineann le seirbhísí bunúsacha sláinte a bhrú ar dhaoine nach bhfuil in acmhainn íoc astu. Nuair a fhaigheann an Rialtas an deis, déanann sé iarracht an t-ualach a chur ar an ngnáthdhuine go ciúin, i ngan fhios d’éinne, agus gan aon mheas ar an tionchar daonna. Ní ghlacfaimid leis sin. Beart daonna a bhí i gcóras na spuaicphacaí in am na flúirse, ach is cinneadh cruálach agus iomlán mífhéaráilte atá i gceist anois. Caithfidh an Rialtas athbhreithniú práinneach a dhéanamh ar an gcomhaontú cogasaíochta pobail agus aisíocaíocht a thabhairt bunaithe ar riachtanais, ní ar ábaltacht íocaíochta. These monitored dosage systems are not a luxury.”
“Disabled children and their families are being treated with utter disregard. This has to change. Ní chuirfidh muid i Sinn Féin suas leis seo. Tá an rún atá os ár gcomhair soiléir. Teastaíonn infheistíocht radacach agus plean uaillmhianach chun fórsa saothair dhóthanaigh a sholáthar ar bhonn práinneach. Cuirimis an scéal seo i gceart. Tá sé de dhíth ar na gasúir atá ag fanacht.”