Shane Moynihan
Dublin Mid-West · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Hopefully, we will not need to extend the planning. That is the intention of all. Similarly for Lucan Community College, we need to get the planning right now for phases two and three.”
“Similarly, for Lucan Community College, that is being delivered under phase one through a modular framework and there is now an intention to secure planning for the remaining phase, so that does not delay the delivery of phases two and three of Lucan. I also wish to draw attention to Devine Mercy junior and senior national schools.”
“Thomas's and Scoil Aíne junior and senior national schools in Lucan, they are immediately adjacent to Adamstown, which is one of the rapidly growing areas in the country right now. They are in the same building they were in when the school was opened. That needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. For St.”
“I thank the Minister for her very comprehensive answer. I see first hand the progress that is being made with school buildings across the constituency but there are also buildings that need to be addressed as a matter of urgency. The Minister mentioned Scoil Chrónáin.”
“The schools I intend to address are St. Thomas Junior National School and Scoil Aíne Naofa in Lucan and Divine Mercy junior and senior national schools and St. Kevin's Community College. What is the current status of the Lucan Community College project and Scoil Chrónáin? I ask the Minister to make a statement on the matter.”
“Whatever course of action the Government takes, and I have views on either a total ban or a registration and licensing system, it is clear to me that gardaí will need training in the enforcement and tactical interventions that they will need to undertake to enforce whatever ban or system being put in place, as in taking someone from a sco…”
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“Access to specialist supports, such as reading classes, needed for these sorts of conditions remains quite limited in scope and availability. For example, there are no reading classes or specialist reading schools in my constituency of Dublin Mid-West. There are only a handful of these in Dublin and, indeed, in the country. Families in my constituency have reported to me that the early signs of dyslexia are not always recognised or acted upon in a timely way. There are many reasons for this. One is that there are capacity constraints in the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, which impact on access to psychological assessments. While diagnosis is not necessarily required for the continuum of support framework, we know that standardised test scores are used at school level to inform decisions on additional support.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as ucht a bheith anseo tráthnóna. I start by acknowledging the significant strides made in recent years, especially in the expansion of special classes for children with autism which has improved access to the appropriate supports for so many children. My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, and the Minister, Deputy Naughton, are still working to continue to make sure that provision is rolled out across the country. However, concerns have been raised with me that this progress has not necessarily been reflected in the provision of dyslexia and speech and language needs. Associated with that are needs around dyspraxia and apraxia of speech as well, especially where there is a co-occurrence of autism.”
“It is important for citizens to see that our membership of the European Union gives us access to fantastic things like the Single Market, but also to show that it gives us the regulatory teeth to take on multinational companies that are contravening their responsibilities under the Digital Services Act and threatening the online safety of young people and that they can be dealt with appropriately at that level. I know that is something the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, and the Minister of State, Deputy Niamh Smyth, are actively pursuing with our European colleagues in order to achieve that.”
“Australia has set the template for how we should develop a battery strategy. That is key to securing not only energy security but also the long-term viability of renewable energy being the primary power source for our country, but also countries around the European Union. I draw the attention of the House to the need for us to continue to ensure that the European authorities exercise their responsibilities in a speedy and efficient way with regard to digital enforcement. There was a lot of discussion a few months ago about the importance of online safety and regulations.”
“Turning to the affordability of energy, in March, the Commission announced that it was going to put in place a toolbox of measures to help member states deal with the energy crisis. This morning, there was some talk about reducing electricity taxes across the Union. In terms of the linkage between the Union and its citizens, it is really important that Irish people see the real impact of that toolbox of measures, and that they are made very visible in people's lives. As a Government, we must show the power of the European Union in co-ordinating not only energy affordability but also energy supply. We really need to start stepping up to the plate in regard to the development of a battery strategy, whether a national one here in Ireland or one that is developed at European Union level.”
“Many times in recent months, President Macron has been quoted as saying that Europe needs to develop its own industrial champions. We need to develop our own commercial leaders. We cannot be overly reliant on other countries around the world for our software platforms, logistical support or whatever the case may be. We do need to create an ecosystem that not only supports SMEs but where they provide a product or service in the market that is good, strong and commercially viable, and that we incentivise and promote a scaling approach. While domestic policy can incentivise that, it is something that must be at the heart of the European Single Market policy as well.”
“It is very important that the signal is sent, not only on the back of the Draghi report but also in terms of the actions the Commission is taking with regard to looking at the simplification of regulations across the Union, making it easier to do business, embedding principles like "once-only" in how individual businesses and companies engage with each other across the Union and, as Deputy Dolan said, really harnessing the power of the Single Market to make it a truly seamless experience and to make it really come to life for its citizens. In addition to that - this is an area where we in Ireland need to step up more as well - we need to create an SME ecosystem that is focused on helping SMEs not only start but scale up.”
“I will also discuss energy and the role the European Union can play in securing the affordability and security of our Union's energy supply. The third point is to make sure we keep online safety at the top of our minds, and the importance of the European authorities taking their responsibility very seriously with regard to the Digital Services Act. First, I want to touch on competitiveness. I welcome the conclusion from the Council about the need to drive on with the One Europe, One Market agenda. I welcome the ambition of trying to get that started this year.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht labhairt linn tráthnóna maidir le cad a thit amach ag Comhairle na hEorpa i Mí an Mhárta. Ar an gcéad dul síos, ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an fógra a tugadh ar maidin go bhfuil an Ungáir tar éis a veto a bhaint ar an gcabhair a bhí le tabhairt don Úcráin de bharr cinneadh na comhairle cúpla mí ó shin. It is a very welcome development and it is a testament to the fact that there has been a change of government in Hungary, which has removed the block to assistance being provided to the people of Ukraine. If I can, I want to touch on three points maidir le torthaí Comhairle na hEorpa. They are the ongoing focus, as Deputy Dolan rightly stated, for a laser-sharp approach to competitiveness.”
“Under the programme for Government, we have committed to transferring regulation of the OMCs and the Multi-Unit Developments Act to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Will the Tánaiste provide an update on when that transfer will take place? Are there any plans to review the MUD Act 2011, to create regulations providing for the establishment of a register for OMCs and their directors, to increase accountability and transparency relating to them, to support the residents who live in these areas, to make sure they understand decision-making processes in their developments, to honour the spirit of the legislation and to truly make these companies into owners' management companies?”
“I raise the need for increased oversight and accountability with regard to owners' management companies, OMCs. It is an issue in my constituency where we have larger estates that are delivered on a phased basis. Parts of the developments are occupied while other parts are still under construction. The developer of the estate can retain control of the OMC for extended periods, which is against the spirit in which OMCs are set up. In addition, the current model allows for a voluntary resident director to take on significant legal and fiduciary responsibilities. That can cause difficulties regarding transparency of who sits on the board and in terms of understanding decision-making process.”
“It became one of the first scouting organisations in the world to be awarded the global Safe from Harm standard. This afternoon, will the Tánaiste join me in ensuring that organisations such as Scouting Ireland and the girl guides are supported and engaged with appropriately by the State to ensure they can avail of funds, such as the community centre investment fund that was announced this morning, in recognition of the value of the non-formal education and resilience they provide for young people? We want that to be recognised by the State in its engagement with them.”
“I associate myself with the comments of Deputy Ward. I raised the same matter on the floor last week. I hope we can get a common-sense solution. I pay tribute to uniformed organisations that work with young people in Ireland, including Scouting Ireland and the girl guides across the country. I congratulate the conNÈCKt team from Lucan Girl Guides on their victory at the first Lego league national final this week. They won the best team placard award. This victory and the work of these organisations, as I know from my experience in my constituency in Lucan, Clondalkin, Neilstown and Rathcoole, showcase the best in youth innovation and show the value of the non-formal education, leadership skills and resilience which they provide. I know that Scouting Ireland has been on a journey to ensure it is a safe organisation for young people.”
“I urge her to continue to put that pressure on them and ensure they understand the importance of transparency, truth and of closure, especially. For many of these victims' families who are entering their senior years, they would like some closure and understanding of what has happened to allow them to look with hope to the end of their lives.”
“As the Minister said, the findings of Denton and Kenova demonstrated the real and acute need for full transparency from the British Government, the importance of access to these records and the ongoing impact for victims' families, in particular, of withheld material on truth and recovery. I also draw attention to the fact that in the resolutions from this House, we asked for an independent judicial figure of high repute to address and investigate the documents in question. I urge the Minister to ensure that aspect of the call from this House is also heard to build trust in this overall process and ensure we have confidence in the findings thereof. I thank the Minister for her engagement with the Secretary of State on this matter so far.”
“While the summary report was there, what we have seen from the likes of the publication of Kenova is the importance of disclosure and openness, and the allowance of closure for families where they can see what happened in the case of their loved ones. We will then look forward to understanding our shared history and, more importantly, building that shared future. Will the Minister raise this in her next engagement with the UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and push for full disclosure?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an bhfreagra sin. As she said, the Dublin and Monaghan bombings remain one of the single darkest days of the Troubles. Constituents of mine are members of the families of victims who lost their lives in those bombings. More than 50 years on, those families are still waiting for the truth. As the Minister said, this House has been unanimous in its multiple calls for full disclosure from the British Government. Yet, it is ironic that in the same week we had the discussion and debate on the Omagh bombing inquiry Bill, where we are making our contribution to full co-operation with regard to the discussion and discovery of legacy, the same level of co-operation is not as forthcoming with regard to the findings of Denton.”
“I have raised this question before in the House. It relates to the British Government's response to the State's ongoing request for full disclosure and access to all relevant documentation concerning the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 17 May 1974. We had the summary report of Operation Denton in the past few months but there is still a general frustration, despite the multiple calls by this House for disclosure of all documents relating to those terrible events of 1974. Will the Minister make a statement on the matter?”
“They deserve answers, they deserve honesty and they deserve full co-operation from every public institution on this island. This Bill is a significant, carefully constructed and necessary step towards achieving that goal, honouring a commitment made in the programme for Government and honouring our commitment as a State under the joint framework on addressing Troubles legacy issues. Most importantly, it honours the memory of the 29 people who left their homes on a warm August day in 1998 and never returned. I am proud to support the Bill and commend it to the House.”
“Openness and accountability are not merely standards we should demonstrate ourselves; we should ensure we call for them from our partners as well. I realise there are those who will say this Bill does not go far enough, who wanted extra powers of compulsion and who wanted a parallel inquiry here. I understand where those perspectives come from. This Bill does what is legally possible under our Constitution while still ensuring that substantial assistance - real, meaningful assistance - can be provided to the inquiry as it unfolds. The Government has made clear that it will keep this under constant review and that if additional steps are required either during or after the inquiry, they will be considered. The Omagh families have waited more than a quarter of a century.”
“you cannot with any honesty deny so many people truth and accountability for the terrible crimes committed against their communities". I cannot let this opportunity pass without again drawing attention to the fact that there is still an unmet need for openness and accountability relating to the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, something called for by multiple resolutions in this House. It is deeply regrettable that the full Denton report has not yet been published. Survivors and families have waited far too long. This House has on three occasions sought access for an independent, international judicial figure to all original British files relating to the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, and I repeat that call today.”
“These revelations underline a simple truth: legacy investigations can uncover new and vital information when there is co-operation, when there is courage and when victims' families are represented and respected as partners in the process. Both reports recognised the constructive role played by the Irish State, by our Departments and by An Garda Síochána in assisting cross-Border investigations. This Bill strengthens that tradition of co-operation, a co-operation which has been at the core of Ireland's engagement with the United Kingdom on how we address the issue of legacy. It clearly signals that we will not shy away from difficult truths, including truths that may touch on our own institutions. As An Taoiseach has said, "If you are sincere in wanting to build a real peace ...”
“That is important because it is something that the inquiry specifically asked for. This Bill is about delivering steps towards transparency, towards accountability and towards fulfilling our commitments in good faith. In recent months we have had a lot of discussion on the issue of legacy with the publication of the Kenova report and the summary of the Operation Denton report. They have exposed deeply troubling patterns of collusion, failure to act on intelligence and decisions that cost innocent lives. The Kenova report showed British state collusion across the board. Operation Denton showed collusion with loyalist paramilitaries.”
“Importantly this is not a brand new innovation; it builds on the model used in the Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 2019 but goes significantly further by extending participation to An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and departmental officials; by allowing family members, survivors and their legal representatives to be present during evidence taken before the High Court judge; and by allowing the chairperson of the Omagh bombing inquiry or their counsel to ask clarifying questions directly, thereby maximising the evidential value of every session while also protecting necessary safeguards, Irish national security, the rights of witnesses and the essential interests of the State. Participation by former Ministers is voluntary but the mechanism is now there.”
“By establishing a robust statutory framework to honour our commitment to assist the inquiry to fulfil its terms of reference while also protecting the essential interests of the State and the rights of witnesses involved, this Bill creates a bespoke legal mechanism allowing all evidence to be taken under oath here in Ireland before a High Court judge for transmission to the inquiry.”
“The current Omagh bombing inquiry, established by the British Government in 2024, is explicitly tasked with determining whether the bombing could reasonably have been prevented by British state authorities. I have on many occasions discussed in this House the importance of the need to address the legacy of the enormous impact of Troubles-related violence and the legitimate needs and expectations of victims' families and survivors who have long searched for truth and accountability. We have a responsibility, whether it be moral, political or legal, to ensure that no delays arise from the Irish side with regard to what we can do to facilitate and support the inquiry into the Omagh bombing. This Bill gives us the mechanism to do just that.”
“The Bill augments the suite of measures already implemented, including the memorandum of understanding which the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, signed with the chairperson of Omagh bombing inquiry last April on the disclosure of Irish State materials and the data protection regulations signed by the Minister last month to enable the disclosure of sensitive personal data to the inquiry. Despite multiple investigations over the years, no one has been held fully accountable for the Omagh bombing. There have been legitimate questions during this time, questions around intelligence handling, cross-Border co-operation and whether more could have been done to prevent this atrocity. As these questions persist, closure evades the families of those who lost their lives.”
“She reminded us that our duty is not only to remember victims but also to ensure that their memory guides us to a future where such horrors can never happen again. She also drew attention to the fact that we needed to be mature and open, and embrace the shared histories that brought us to where we are today. Those words remain as true now as they were then. Part of that need for maturity, openness and embracing those shared histories is bringing this Bill to the Dáil and I commend the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan and the Minister of State, Deputy Collins, on that.”
“The Omagh bombing on 15 August 1998 stands out as the single worst atrocity of the Troubles with 29 people murdered, hundreds injured, families absolutely shattered and a community traumatised. The horrific irony of this is that it happened four months after the Good Friday Agreement was signed, at a moment when hope was finally emerging across the island. I still remember where I was when I learned of the awful atrocity that had been committed. When I watched the news, we had a visitor from overseas staying with us. She turned to me and said, "I thought all this violence had ended." A horror and sadness filled the entire country when we saw what happened in Omagh. The then President, Mary McAleese, captured that pain but also the determination and hope emerging across the island when she spoke in Drogheda later in 1998.”
“Is mór agam an deis seo a thapú labhairt ar an mBille seo, Bille a bhfuil fáilte ann dó. Tá a fhios agam go gcuirfidh clanna na n-íobartach fáilte roimhe. Cabhróidh sé leis an bhfiosrúchán a bheidh ar siúl. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Bill 2026. I strongly support this Bill, which is an essential step in honouring our commitment as the Fianna Fáil Party in the programme for Government to fully facilitate and support the Omagh bombing inquiry. It is also an important signal of our commitment to the victims, families and survivors, people who have endured unimaginable loss and have waited too long for truth, transparency and accountability.”
“While I welcome the Department is willing to look at practical options, the better option here is for it to get the extension that has planning approval put in place, not to find ourselves going back to the well in possibly less than two years' time when people and families start moving into Clonburris. I urge the Department to reconsider this decision and to work with the school authorities, the patrons and the boards of management to reinstate what was there and to make practical arrangements for growth that we know is going to happen in those populations in the future.”
“When it comes to the question of the practicalities of moving between the schools, I have to ask the Department in all seriousness how it will manage a situation where it has two classes from one school being educated in another. How are they going to manage that in terms of health and safety? While they are on the same site, they are two different buildings. More importantly, they are two different schools. In particular, Gaelscoil na Camóige has waited a long time to have its permanent building. Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin has an identity in its own right.”
“This is the opportunity for us to get this right and to get the school buildings in place now rather than limiting the growth of Gaelscoil na Camóige in the future in order to ensure that Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin has the space it needs to continue to thrive and, importantly, to champion and to ensure that the facility and the option exists for parents who want to send their children to a Gaelscoil to either receive mainstream education or special education, that they can do so trí mheán na Gaeilge and that there will not be an artificial cap put on the growth of either of those in this instance. We know that the patron has previously indicated concerns around special educational provision in that general area.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as ucht an fhreagra sin. Tuigim nach féidir leis an Aire oideachais a bheith anseo tráthnóna. With the greatest respect, the general point is being missed here. I am not talking about enrolment pressures. I am talking about the fact that South Dublin County Council has been told to rezone land on the basis of increased baseline population growth. We are then told in the same answer that the D22 school planning area is not necessarily taking account of the foreseen population growth that will be in this area. We know we will be coming back here again looking for possibly modular buildings on a school site with two buildings that have planning permission for the extensions that they were asked to consider last July.”
“Oideachtas speisialta na Gaeilge is equally important. In an area such as Cluain Dolcáin that has a líonra Gaeilge status, it is important that it is treasured and honoured in the buildings that are put in place. Planning approval has been secured for the SEN extensions. That will lapse within four years if we do not take action in respect of it immediately. I am asking that the decision that has been made be reconsidered and that we save the money that we are going to have to spend in a few years' time when we have to construct the extra buildings in order to make the additional provision that we know is coming down the track and that South Dublin County Council has been told to take into account in terms of revising its zoning projections for the population growth in the area in the future.”
“We know that new estates such as Seven Mills and all the others being built inside the Clonburris strategic development zone will have new families moving into them whose children will require access to education. I hope many them avail of the opportunity to achieve oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge. I am concerned that this is a short-sighted decision that is limiting the possible expansion of Gaelscoil na Camóige and that is not taking account of demographic trends. I accept the Department's bona fides with regard to the overall need for education falling nationally but in the rapidly growing areas adjacent to Clonburris, namely Clondalkin, Lucan and Adamstown, that is not the case. It is quite the reverse. We are going to have a greater demand for school places. Oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge is very important.”
“Clondalkin is right beside a new strategic development zone in Clonburris and it is in one of the fastest-growing constituencies in the State, Dublin Mid-West. There is a very clear and apparent need for schools and, more important, there is a clear and apparent demand for Gaelscoileanna agis oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge. This needs to be acknowledged. In addition, we also know that there is a need to rapidly address the provision of special educational places in all schools in the greater Clondalkin area. There is provision required for special educational needs, SEN, classrooms. With both of those matters in mind, we know that Gaelscoil na Camóige will reach full capacity in a number of years.”
“However, at planning stage, following a request from the Department, both schools agreed to include extensions for two additional classrooms that would facilitate special education classrooms. The Minister of State and I know that this is a priority for the Government in terms of delivering those spaces. The schools were then informed earlier this year that those special education classrooms would not proceed on the basis of budget issues but what is surprising to me is that they were told that projected demographic trends would be the issue underpinning the reason for not requiring those additional rooms. The alternative that was put to those schools was that Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin could use some of the empty classrooms in Gaelscoil na Camóige, thus necessitating travel between the two schools.”
“I am an alumnus of Coláiste Chilliain, which will also be on the same campus. Gaelscoil na Camóige has had a long journey to finally arrive at its permanent building, which is being constructed at this moment, while Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin is full and needs the new space and needs the space that is part of the school building project. The reason I am here today is because a decision has been taken by the Department in the past few months that will adversely affect not only the growth of those schools but also the identity of those schools as well. I am standing here in the Dáil today to ask for a revision of that decision or at least consideration of what it will mean for both schools. It was agreed that both these schools would be 16-classroom buildings and that was the initial project that was agreed on.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach as ucht an deis labhairt ar an gceist thábhachtach agus phráinneach seo a bhaineann ní hamháin le Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin ach le Gaelscoil na Camóige i mo Dháilcheantar. Tá an t-ádh dearg ar Chluain Dolcáin go bhfuil dhá Ghaelscoil den scoth againn, ach turas fada a bhí ann do Ghaelscoil na Camóige foirgneamh buan a bhaint amach, foirgneamh atá anois á thógáil. Tá Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin lán go béal agus an foirgneamh nua sin ag teastáil. Today, I am speaking on behalf of Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin about an issue that not only affects it but also affects Gaelscoil na Camóige in my constituency. We are lucky in Clondalkin to have two excellent Gaelscoilleanna in Gaelscoil na Camóige and Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin.”
“We are not done with this yet; there is still progress to be made here. The most important thing for any of us who are parents to children is that we get a clear understanding of what has happened in the past, and that some of the unacceptable failures that transpired are avoided again in the future. Compassion, communication and transparency must be at the heart of our approach going forward and the awful mistakes and tragedies that have happened here must be avoided again in the future. That should be our wish and desire for anyone who accesses our healthcare system, but especially for children.”
“It is important that we as politicians make sure that we are comfortable with analysing the data underlying those statistics, that we get under the bonnet of why exactly trends are happening and whether we are seeing the progress that we need to see, that we ensure the accountability that is necessary for the systems that are supposed to be delivering this care for children to ensure that those systems are delivering the progress and that we are fully across and fully understand what is going on in our hospitals. Since the Government was elected, that is something that the Minister has been leading from the front on in understanding what is going on with regard to the data, why are the numbers saying what they are saying and how do we ensure that we continue to bring down that overall waiting time.”
“It seems that value of basic, clear, transparent communication was not always there with regard to some of the families in this instances and that is something that needs to be top of mind, and especially as we look towards the inquiry. I welcome that progress has been made towards establishing that inquiry but it is important that communication and that transparency be key to it. A lot of statistics are used in the discussion of this issue.”
“It makes sense and I hope it deals with the fundamental cultural issue that seems to have been at the core of a lot of what has happened. Anther aspect of this is the basic tenet of communication. I welcome the approach that has been taken with regard to the inquiry and involving and communicating with parents about the inquiry. Every one of us who has had a medical intervention or a medical consultation values our relationship with the clinician we are dealing with. What we value about it is their ability to communicate to us in a timely, transparent and fair way about what sort of procedure we might have to undergo and what the prognosis is for our condition.”
“I am also conscious that when I speak I have been lucky in the fact that no one close to me has been afflicted with scoliosis or has had to be at the centre of a lot of the stories there and I am mindful that when I speak there are people listening or watching who have been through that experience. I want to be mindful of that in the words that I choose and the sentiments that I convey. One element that has been most striking and shocking to me in following the story has been the culture that seemed to exist among certain aspects of CHI with regard to the treatment of children. It is often said that culture eats strategy for breakfast but in terms of the efforts that are being made, I still have serious questions over that culture that existed in CHI. The integration of CHI into the HSE is a welcome move.”
“Is mór agam an deis seo labhairt ar cheist na scolóis agus an gortú agus dochar atá tar éis bheith déanta do pháistí a bhí ag fanacht ar obráid. As a topic, like for any parent or anyone who has loved ones as children in this House, it is an incredibly tough subject to talk about. It is something that we have spoken about quite a bit since the general election. It is something that should be top of mind and focus, but also something that we show that there is progress being made on not only in making sure that every child has access to timely and appropriate care, but that we understand fully what happened in the past and make sure that never happens again.”
“I cannot overemphasise the role in urban cohesion that post offices play, especially in my constituency of Dublin Mid-West but also across the Dublin area. In many cases, postmasters will know their customers by name and will be able to look after their particular needs. They give people that social outlet and human connection in a world that seems increasingly online. To people without digital skills, that can be terrifying. The post office is a safe harbour for them to go to. It should be like a commercial organisation but with a social conscience and social aim at its heart.”
“It is important that we recognise the pivotal role that postmasters play and that is why I welcome the commitment to ensure €50 million per year goes into the post office network to ensure it is well-funded. It is also important for us to recognise that people still have an attachment to the postal service. In Denmark, the national postal service has suspended the delivery of letters. In my area of Dublin Mid-West, where we have experienced a slower delivery time for services and post in recent weeks, it has become apparent that many people still rely on the postal service. It underlines the importance of having that facility there. As Deputy O'Connor said, the fact that we now have a world where online scams are even more prevalent, having human interaction, a physical presence and a place that people can go to is very important.”
“It may be the only human interaction that many of them will experience in a week. In a world where pressure is coming on for the delivery of services to be digital first, it is important that we recognise the social good that comes from human interaction and a place that people can go to. It is not only the place where they get their pension payment for the week or do any business they need to do; it is a place to meet people. We have heard horrific stories where the postmaster raised the alarm because someone did not turn up to receive a payment and that was how it was found out that they were in difficulty or something more sinister had happened.”
“Is mór agam an deis seo labhairt ar oifigí an phoist timpeall na tíre agus an tábhacht a bhaineann leo. I wish Deputy Cleere's father every good wish in his retirement in the month ahead. It is very important that we note the central role that post offices play. In particular, as the Deputy and other colleagues have said, I also acknowledge the important role that postmasters play. I and my Dublin colleagues in the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party have been engaging extensively with postmasters in Dublin in particular over the past year to ensure their voices are heard. We know there is an importance to post offices in rural parts of the country. However, in Dublin and other urban areas especially, where there are large numbers of people who are retired and receiving a pension, the post office is of great importance.”