Sharon Keogan
Industrial and Commercial Panel · Independent · Ireland
“The future of European border security is being decided right row at the European Commission. It is currently drafting the renewed mandate of Frontex, the EU border police force. As Ireland holds the rotating EU Presidency, the Minister for justice cannot simply pose as a disinterested broker while our European borders are compromised.”
“Holding the EU Presidency gives this Government massive agenda-setting leverage at the Council of Ministers. The Minister must use this chairing power to strip out counterproductive rights promotion provisions. Under the guise of good intentions, these provisions and their enforcers have defanged and undermined Frontex.”
“I thank the Minister, Deputy Calleary, and I appreciate that he will engage with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, on this. We live in the land of technology.”
“The Minister, Deputy Calleary, is welcome to the House. I rise to focus the attention of the House on a vital public service that sits at the very heart of social inclusion on this island, the free travel scheme.”
“Sitting down with Stormont to deliver a single unified rule book for free travel means we lift everyone to the same high standards of dignity and mobility, ensuring that a person's vulnerability is not penalised simply because of the jurisdiction they happen to live in.”
“It will point to the senior pass scheme, where a resident here can apply for a separate concessionary card to travel into the North. Let us be completely honest with ourselves.”
The complete record
Every one of 772 lines we hold for Sharon Keogan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 13 of 16.
“On one hand, there are rising energy demands, not least from data centres that could consume up to 40% and maybe even 70% of our electricity within a decade. On the other, there is a plan to phase out fossil fuels without a reliable replacement. That is not a transition; that is a gamble. We need to ask what happens if the wind does not blow. What happens when the grid is under pressure? People working from home, families trying to stay warm in winter and small businesses already squeezed by costs are the ones who pay the price. In some cases, that price is more than financial; it is about well-being and even survival. The word "nuclear" still makes some people nervous but this is not 1986. Technologies have changed, safe standards have changed and our climate challenge has changed.”
“The Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, is very welcome. I congratulate him on his elevation into this role. I would like to ask the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications a simple question: where does nuclear power fit into Ireland's energy future? I ask this not in the abstract but with real urgency because the Celtic interconnector is due to come online in 2026. It is time we faced reality. Right now, under Irish law, EirGrid is legally barred from using electricity generated by nuclear fission, yet in practice we import it anyway. In 2020, nearly 1% of our electricity came from British nuclear plants. What we have is a legal ban that does not stop nuclear energy; it just stops us from talking honestly about it. We are standing on a tightrope.”
“We all share a responsibility, not just as legislators, but as adults, leaders and people entrusted with the care of our communities. Let us meet that responsibility together with resolve and unity. I commend the Bill to the House and I look forward to working with the Minister of State in the coming years. I am a member of the children's committee, which I hope the Minister of State will come to. We might even start this legislation at that committee.”
“I urge all parties and Independents alike to view this Bill not as an opportunity for point scoring, but as a shared duty and obligation to protect the health and wellbeing of the next generation. There should be no exclusion from the legislative process. I welcome scrutiny, collaboration and amendments where appropriate. I remain open to good ideas from across the floor because at the heart of this Bill is a simple goal, namely, to do the right thing. This is not about politics or headlines. This is about building a society that is safer, healthier and more supportive of our children. It is about learning from international evidence, listening to parents and professionals and acting decisively before more young people's lives are impacted.”
“If we have agreed to this for so long, then we must ask why it is deemed acceptable to sell the same drinks to children and developing teenagers. Dear Members, while debate is welcome and should be facilitated, we must acknowledge that the situation is not improving. Therefore, we should not unduly delay. Today, it is reported by UNICEF that Irish teenagers are among the least happy in the developed world. This legislation is urgent and cannot wait too long. I wish to thank the Minister of State for her presence and I emphasise that I look forward to working constructively with the Government to pass this law. I hope that, in progressing the Bill, we do not allow partisanship to cloud our judgment. This legislation should not become a political football.”
“While calls for discussion and further research are always welcome, we wish to emphasise that much of the groundwork has already been laid. We must point out that several other countries have already carried out their own research and found it appropriate to introduce similar bans, such as Lithuania and Latvia, which did so as far back as 2014 and 2016, respectively. Both countries have reported that the ban significantly decreased energy drink consumption among minors. Additionally, Hungary passed its own ban this year and the UK appears set to follow. Likewise, we should reflect on the fact that for nearly 15 years, we have complied with EU law on stimulant drinks whereby we place warning labels on them for pregnant women and people with health conditions.”
“We hope it will not only prevent the negative consequences of the current open season policy, such as the stress felt by teachers and parents dealing with mood swings and poor behaviour in their classrooms and homes, but also the anxiety, insomnia and palpitations experienced by young people themselves. We hope that it will promote the positive outcomes that will result from such a ban. We hope to see young people who feel calm, well rested and full of a healthy energy that comes from a good diet and an active lifestyle. We hope to see young people who are at ease in study, work or play. We hope to see young people who grow up happy and free of anxiety and fatigue. I must address the Government's proposed amendment to delay the Bill for 18 months on the grounds that further discussion and research are needed.”
“I thank Members for their contributions and participation in the debate on this Bill. This is significant legislation, with many provisions that will cover a great deal of ground. The Bill has been several years in the making and, as mentioned, it has involved the input of many others, including experts and civil society organisations. It has been written following a study of similar laws already in place in other EU nations. We also hope it anticipates the evolving nature of the problem, which we hope will not grow into a crisis. Consequently, we hope it will make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and adolescents.”
“Before I conclude, I would like to express my deep and unending gratitude to all who have helped brings this Bill to creation and onto the floor today. This of course includes all those Senators who were good enough to cosign and second the Bill. I also thank those who consulted with me during the early stages of the Bill, especially the teams and representatives from the Irish Heart Foundation, Safefood Ireland, Children's Rights Alliance, Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, and Diabetes Ireland. Of course, no Bill can be allowed to pass without mentioning the wonderful support staff that we have in the Oireachtas. I am referring to the wonderful Library and Research Service, our indispensable drafting service and Bills Office, without whom there would have been no making of this Bill a legal reality.”
“It is about protecting children from aggressive marketing and harmful substances. It is not a radical idea. Countries across the world are acting on this issue. France, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Hungary have all implemented restrictions. In addition, we must consider the fact that businesses in Ireland such as Boots and Aldi are already banning energy drink sales to under-16s by themselves. We would be naive to assume this is purely out of goodwill. These corporations likely see the significant potential legal risk and liabilities in selling energy drinks to minors. We have an obligation as lawmakers and adults to ensure the commercial environment our children grow up in values their health over corporate profits.”
“Sections 13 to 16, inclusive, outline the system of penalties and compliance. Section 13 permits fixed penalties for selling to minors, advertising breaches or failures to display warnings. Section 14 outlines how official documents may be served to individuals and businesses. Section 15 details penalties for breaches including fines and potential custodial sentences. Finally, section 16 allows the courts to require offenders to pay the HSE investigation and enforcement costs. Section 17, expenses, allows the Minister to cover costs associated with implementing this Act. As per section 18, the Short Title and commencement, the Act will come into force within six months of enactment or earlier if the Minister decides. This Bill is not about demonising drink or limiting personal freedom.”
“Energy drinks are targeted towards young people through unconventional new media advertising methods such as promotions by online influencers. Section 8 calls for warning signs on product packaging. Manufacturers must make clear health warnings to inform consumers, especially young people, of potential risks. Section 9 continues to require retailers to display warnings at physical and online points of sale, including websites and social media. Section 10 authorises the HSE to appoint officers to oversee compliance. Section 11 outlines the powers of the authorised officers including inspection of premises, seizure of records and taking of samples with safeguards for private dwellings. Section 12 allows supervised test purchases by minors with full consent and safeguards to ensure retailer compliance.”
“It excludes parental provision to their own children from these prohibitions. We are regulating business, not parenting. Section 4, prohibition of sale to minors, makes it an offence to sell to under-18s with a defence for retailers who verify age with ID, like tobacco and alcohol laws. Sections 5 and 6 ban sales from vending machines accessible to minors and require staff to verify age at self-checkout , with no exceptions, as well as covering online and remote sales, deeming the sale location to be the point of dispatch to ensure Irish-based sellers are accountable. Section 7, restriction on advertising, bans advertising to children, especially near schools and youth venues and on media platforms aimed at minors. This is particularly important as junk food advertised and targeted at minors remains an unaddressed epidemic in our country.”
“Given everything we know about the harmful effects of energy drinks and the alarming scale of the consumption among minors, it is imperative that any sane society and government act quickly, yet these drinks are sold freely to minors without regulation. This Bill seeks to address that legislative gap. I will walk through the Bill section by section. Section 1, interpretation, defines key terms such as "stimulant drink", "sale", "retail business" and "authorised officer" to ensure consistent application of the Bill. Section 2 empowers the Minister for Health to make regulations necessary to implement the Act to adopt new public health data or industry practices. Section 3 outlines three goals: ban sales to under-18s, restrict advertising to minors and require health warnings.”
“In Ireland, the intolerably high level of energy drink consumption among young people has been well documented. The European Food Safety Authority research has found that at least 68% of those aged ten to 18 were regular consumers of energy drinks. Euromonitor International found that, on average, Irish people buy 5.5 l of such drinks per person, making us the seventh highest energy drink consumers on earth. What is alarming is that among young people aged between ten and 18, 12% identified as high chronic consumers, that is, they consumed the equivalent of a can of Red Bull a day. This additional 12% were identified as high acute consumers who consume the equivalent of more than four cans in a single session. That is approximately one in five Irish children and teenagers.”
“In multiple studies in the US and the EU, energy drink consumption has been linked to longer QTc intervals, meaning a higher likelihood of palpitations or fatal irregular heartbeats. What is exceptionally worrying is that while we are debating whether to take action, the trend clearly shows that consumption and consequences are on the rise. A US study that analysed 223 million emergency department visits by young people between 2017 and 2023 revealed that hospital visits for caffeine overdose among teenagers doubled during this time. America's poisons centre likewise found that between 2022 and 2023 there was 24.2% increase in calls related to paediatric exposure to energy drinks. Even more worrying, children aged six to 12 experienced the highest spike cases, which doubled from 11% in 2020 to 20% in 2023.”
“A significant 2020 study, Energy Drinks and Their Adverse Health Effects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, found that among adolescents who use energy drinks, 17.5% experienced palpitations, 19.6% reported chest pains and 12.5% had tachycardia, that is, an elevated heart rate. The same review found 20.9% of the adolescents surveyed reported headaches, 10% had experienced dizziness and 8.1% had tremors. It also reported that 35.4% of adolescents consuming energy drinks reported insomnia or sleep-related issues. I should not have to emphasise how important sleep is for teenagers and healthy development. Last year, there were calls in Ireland from a Mater Hospital cardiologist to ban the sale of energy drinks to minors after two young men suffered cardiac arrest due to overconsumption.”
“Energy drink consumption among adolescents is linked to higher BMI and increased obesity risk. A US study of 1,737 teens found that the consumers of energy drinks had significantly higher BMI. In Ireland, children consuming more thqan 200 ml a day of sugary drinks had an 80% likelihood of being overweight or obese, leading to significant health complications throughout life. There are clear negative impacts on mental health such as seen in the classroom. In one US study, adolescents who consumed energy drinks were found to be 66% more likely to exhibit hyperactive activity and inattention. The Irish Heart Foundation representatives who are here today say teachers have reported to them that the increased consumption of energy drinks affects young people's mood, well-being and behaviour and causes significant problems at school level.”
“While the Government introduced sugar tax legislation to reduce the sale of high sugar drinks, it is apparent that this has not yet had the desired effect. Some 80% of the energy drinks market in Ireland is controlled by three brands. Of these, two have not altered their sugar content, meaning that today many, if not most, energy drinks still contain up to three times a child's daily recommended sugar intake in one serving. In 2019, a Safefood Ireland survey found some brands contained up to 17 tsps of sugar in a single bottle. Another Safefood Ireland survey found that the standard 250 ml energy drink contained the caffeine content of five cans of cola. What is concerning about these figures is that we know from extensive studies that these drinks do damage to young people's health.”
“I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." The Minister of State and fellow Senators are very welcome to the House this afternoon. It is with a strong sense of responsibility and urgency that I introduce the Public Health (Restriction on Sale of Stimulant Drinks to Children) Bill 2025. This legislation is born out of concern for the welfare of our children and young people who are increasingly consuming high-caffeine and stimulant-laden energy drinks, products that are not designed for growing bodies or developing minds. While marketed in flashy cans and trendy branding, the contents of these drinks have serious physiological implications. Let us begin by looking at the facts. Many energy drinks are defined by their extremely high sugar content.”
“I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to regulate the sale, advertisement or promotion of the use of stimulant drinks to children, to prohibit the sale of stimulant drinks to persons under 18 years of age; to provide for health warnings on drink labelling to the general public on the effect to a person’s health of the excessive consumption or use of stimulant drink products and to provide for related matters.”
“We will be following other European nations such as Hungary, which banned the sale of such drinks to minors last week, as well as Poland and Lithuania, where similar bans have resulted in major drops in the consumption of stimulant drinks among minors. I hope the House will grant leave to introduce the Bill. I look forward to engaging in a constructive debate on its provisions in due course.”
“Among other things, the Bill sets out to prohibit the sale of stimulant drinks to individuals under 18 years of age, with appropriate penalties for non-compliance. It also seeks to restrict advertising targeted at children, in particular in proximity to schools, youth clubs and other venues frequented by minors. In addition, it seeks to mandate clear health warnings on packaging and at points of sale, informing consumers of potential health risks associated with excessive consumption. This initiative aligns with our commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of our younger population.”
“I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 6 be taken before No. 1. No. 6 relates to seeking leave to introduce the Public Health (Restriction on Sale of Stimulant Drinks to Children) Bill 2025. The latter, which we can refer to as the energy drinks Bill, aims to prohibit the sale of stimulant drinks to young people under the age of 18. The Bill is necessary because it addresses the growing public health concern about the widespread availability and consumption of stimulant drinks, commonly known as energy drinks, among children and adolescents. These beverages, which are often high not only caffeine and sugar but also other stimulants such as taurine, have been linked to adverse health effects, including sleep disturbance, increased anxiety and cardiovascular issues in young people.”
“It is outrageous that a Spanish company on a Government contract is permitted to flout safety rules that Irish citizens are held strictly to, lowering standards and outsourcing jobs across the globe, while more than 100,000 young people leave for Australia. All this appears to be done in pursuit of maximising profits. I call on the Minister for Transport to appear before this Chamber to account for these revelations.”
“Applus+ allows Filipino staff to drive test vehicles in public, illegally, on learner permits without qualified drivers present. In one case, a staffer reportedly failed the driving test numerous times. Some reportedly had no licence in their first months of work. Some drove unaccompanied on learner permits and, even after passing their test, do not display N-plates. The company has been described as operating on a wing and a prayer. Several Filipino testers have allegedly been involved in accidents. This puts Irish customers at serious risk. The extent of this problem is now so great there is no guarantee that an NCT customer will have a fully licensed driver driving their vehicle, which will leave the customer liable to fines and legal action if anything goes wrong.”
“I bring to the attention of the House alarming news regarding the national car test, which was recently shared by a source within the motor industry. In 2021, the then Minister of State, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, and the RSA facilitated Applus+, the private company operating the NCT, in hiring Filipino staff at NCT centres. This was done by lowering the educational requirement from QQI level 6 to level 5 and increasing the number of work permits for non-EEA citizens. The number of Filipino staff has reportedly risen from 44 in 2023 to more than 150. Management has been described as flying regularly to Manila to recruit batches of eight to ten staff. What is fully and truly concerning is the alleged disregard for safety standards. According to the source.”
“I encourage any advocacy groups interested in this to get in contact as they will have my wholehearted support. A court ruling, even in another country, does not mean that this ideology has vanished. A recent report showed that a bath bomb company, whose core audience is girls aged 12 to 18, was including trans ideology pamphlets in its party bags. The pamphlets contained no information about the irreversible effects of puberty blockers or gender reassignment surgery. We do not give under-18s the right to vote or even to drink alcohol yet encourage them to make decisions with irreversible consequences that damage their bodies. To all who have cheered this recent judgment and last year's referendum results I say we are winning the battle but the war is far from over.”
“I second Senator Sarah O'Reilly's remarks yesterday in welcoming the recent UK Supreme Court verdict confirming the biological definition of womanhood and I echo her call for a debate on the matter. After a decade of hysteria it is a relief to many of us to finally see common sense prevail. It is nothing short of a disgrace that it has taken so long and has required measures as extreme as a Supreme Court case for the law to finally acknowledge what a woman is. It is certainly a disgrace that nothing similar has happened here in Ireland. Considering that last year the Irish people reaffirmed their belief in and support for our constitutional recognition of women I say there is no better time to bring such a legal challenge to the courtroom floor.”
“It should be available in Drogheda, Monaghan, Meath, Cavan and all the other counties. Let us commit to providing our young people with the support and opportunities they need to lead positive and productive lives. However, let us also remain stern on serious crime and increase our funding and support for law and order enforcement.”
“They are perfectly aware that they can get away with crime easily. It takes hours, in many cases, for gardaí to respond to calls. I know the Minister of State was previously at the new Department for higher education that was set up during the previous Dáil term. The Department's apprenticeship programme is one way to get children and youths into proper jobs. The young people just want something to do. Very often, if a child or teenager can be given a chance in life and can be shown a better way, they will take it. I was not aware of the Greentown programme until now. I was not aware of it because I believe it is only in Limerick. That should be rolled out in every big city in this country. I had only heard of the Greentown programme today. I looked it up and it is involved with the University of Limerick.”
“We should make a clear distinction between the levels of seriousness of crimes. Please remember that part of the diversion programme involves dropping the charges against the minor in operation. Dismissing charges of graffiti and vandalism is not nearly the same as dismissing charges of rape. What is also worrying is that, for severe crimes such as these, the involvement of the victim is not obligatory in the referral process. This needs to be changed. If we are to talk about prevention, as I have said again and again, we simply cannot continue to neglect An Garda Síochána. The physical presence of our police is the most vital pillar of law enforcement. We can never expect these programmes to compensate for the underfunded, in-demand police force. I said it earlier and will repeat it again: many young offenders are not stupid.”
“Councils must examine the physical layout of their areas, install community lighting and ensure the common spaces do not inadvertently contribute to the formation of gangs engaged in antisocial behaviour. It is also important that we be hard-nosed realists about youth crime. We cannot totally succumb to a naive, feel-good view that all criminals are themselves victims or poverty and bad circumstances. Many juvenile offenders are far from stupid. They are often fully aware that a sorry face and an appeal for a second chance can serve as the perfect get out of jail card. Only last February, an RTÉ investigation revealed that, between 2010 and 2023, 4,289 young people were referred to the diversion programme for sexual offences, including rape, with 795 of them being accepted.”
“I particularly encourage the allocation to focus its resources on organisations such as EPIC and YAP. I believe we should focus on a preventative approach that supports children at risk and in marginalised situations and families. We must also address the influence of organised crime on our youth. Legislation introduced by the Minister for Justice criminalises adults who force or entice children into criminal lifestyles, with penalties of up to five years in prison. This is a step in the right direction, but it could and should go a lot further. Enforcement and community support are key. As I have previously stated, communities need to come together and decide what they want to be.”
“The new Government policy of enhancing engagement with young people includes expanding the network of Garda youth diversion projects to provide greater early intervention, family support and engagement with younger children. The granted Oberstown 2023 budget shows that it cost the Irish taxpayer up to €2,500 per child per day. There is no doubt that preventative programmes will not only be more effective and humane but they will also be cheaper. Moreover, initiatives like the bail supervision scheme and restorative justice practices have shown promise in addressing the root causes of crime and reducing recidivism. This Government programme offers therapeutic supports and, often, conversations between victims and perpetrators, and it encourages young people not to reoffend.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the House to talk about a topic that is very important to us. The diversion of young people from the path of criminal activity is not just a matter of crime statistics; it is about the future of our children and the health of our communities. Recent reports have highlighted the challenges we face, for instance, the overcrowding in Oberstown children's detention campus, which has capacity for 46 juveniles but often exceeds that limit. This has led to some youths being released due to lack of space. It is a symptom of a deeper problem, the lack of early intervention and support for at-risk youth.”
“These measures are necessary to guarantee that cash remains a viable option for all, particularly the elderly, those on fixed incomes and residents in rural areas. Critics may argue that these regulations impose additional costs on banks and deter new entrants into the Irish market. However, the cost of inaction is far greater. We must prioritise the financial inclusion and security of our citizens over the convenience of financial institutions. In conclusion, this Bill is a necessary step to ensure the resilience of our economy and the well-being of our citizens. In brief, colleagues, for when the lights go out, we need to ensure that our citizens have a stash of cash to hand.”
“Power outages, cyberattacks or technical failures can disrupt these systems, leaving consumers and businesses stranded. Small and medium-sized enterprises, the backbone of our economy, are particularly at risk. Many small businesses rely on cash transactions for daily operations. The Small Firms Association reported that over 80% of small businesses have experienced rising costs, with 35% stating that they could not trade beyond six months without additional funding. Ensuring access to cash is vital for their survival, especially during unforeseen disruptions. This Bill aims to maintain cash access at December 2022 levels, ensuring that 99% of the population is within 10 km of a cash service point. It also introduces penalties for banks and ATM providers that fail to meet these requirements.”
“Even here in Ireland, we saw the recent consequences of Storm Éowyn, when many Irish citizens were left without electricity and other essentials for weeks. This showed that we are vulnerable and that a similar situation could develop here at any time. These examples serve as a stark warning. Our over-reliance on digital payment systems leaves us vulnerable. It would of course be best if our Government were better prepared to deal with disasters and ensured that we would be resilient in the face of cyberattacks and power outages. Since that is so evidently not the case, it is important that we do the next best thing. In Ireland, the trend towards a cashless society has been accelerating, with 69% of business reporting a decrease in cash usage over the past year. While cashless transactions offer convenience, they are not infallible.”
“The Minister of State is very welcome and I wish him every good luck in his new portfolio. I rise today in support of the Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Bill 2024. This legislation is not merely timely; it is essential for safeguarding our economy, our communities and our national resilience. Recent events have underscored the fragility of our digital infrastructure. On 28 April, a massive power outage swept across Spain and Portugal, plunging millions into darkness. Electronic payment systems failed, ATMs went offline and businesses were unable to process card transactions. Consumers scrambled for cash to purchase basic necessities, highlighting the critical role of physical currency in times of crisis.”
“These steps are not about restricting freedom but, rather, ensuring that our investment in education yields returns for our own communities. The current shortage is not just a statistic. It is a daily reality for schools forced to split classes, for children with special needs left without support and for principals overwhelmed by the impossible task of staffing their schools. I call on this Chamber to hold a debate on this issue, and I call on the Minister for Education to appear before us to join this discussion and answer questions. We cannot continue to ignore this crisis. It is time for decisive action to ensure that every child in Ireland has access to the quality education they deserve.”
“These are professionals whose education was funded by Irish taxpayers yet no substantial effort has been made to bring them home. A paltry €2,000 incentive is not enough when housing costs and living expenses in Ireland remain prohibitive. We must do more and I propose the following measures. First, reduce career breaks to one year. I suggest we limit career breaks to a maximum of one year to ensure that our trained teachers remain within the Irish education system. Second, incentivise returning teachers. We must offer substantial financial incentives and support packages to Irish teachers abroad to encourage their return. Third, there should be a mandatory service period. Newly qualified teachers should be required to serve a minimum of three years in the Irish education system before seeking employment abroad.”
“I rise to address a crisis that is eroding the very foundation of our education system, a crisis that this Government continues to ignore at the peril of our children’s futures. As schools reopened this year, more than 2,700 teaching posts remained unfilled across the country, with special schools and DEIS band 1 schools bearing the brunt of this shortage. In Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare, more than half of schools reported unfilled positions. This forced principals to redeploy special education teachers to mainstream classes, thereby depriving our most vulnerable children of the support they desperately need. This is not just a staffing issue. It is a failure of planning, a failure of policy and a failure of political will. Meanwhile, over 4,600 Irish teachers are working abroad, many of were lured by better pay and living conditions.”
“Politicians and elites are prone to delusions but, luckily, the Irish people are not. You can keep ignoring them but their numbers will only keep growing.”
“However, our ruling parties still seem intent on ignoring it, hoping it goes away. RTÉ has followed this approach on perhaps the only area in which it seems to have a good relationship with its Government funders at the moment. When RTÉ did pay attention it focused on the counterprotest which was organised by the taxpayer-funded NGOs that tell Irish taxpayers that any problems they may have with mass, uncontrolled migration are imagined. The Opposition parties have not proved much better. In fact, many of them threw in their lot with the vastly outnumbered counterprotestors. They waved banners saying "We have a housing crisis, not an immigration crisis". It is simply delusional to think the immigration crisis can be separated from the housing crisis, the law-and-order crisis, the healthcare crisis and so many other crises.”
“I want to be associated with the expressions of sympathy for Pope Francis. I welcome the one minute of silent prayer at the end of this session. Outside this Chamber there is a rising issue that is dominating Irish society. Inside this Chamber we hear nothing about it. Out there, in the bars, in the taxis and on the streets, it is all people are talking about. Yet, in here, on the benches of the Seanad and the Dáil, we hear absolutely nothing. The issue is, of course, immigration. I speak of the gigantic national rally that took place last Saturday, when up to 20,000 people marched through Dublin to oppose the Government's suicidal open-borders policy. Despite the numbers, we have still heard nothing about it. I have previously warned that if we in these Houses do not address immigration, others will.”
“We are now completely at odds with EU policy and the principles of the Single Market. The Assembly of European Wine Regions has publicly called for EU opposition to Ireland's labelling law. In short, we are shouting into the void while our European partners look on in disbelief and disapproval. In addition to this, we face an imminent trade war with the US, to whom we export more than €1 billion worth of alcohol. We just fought to have the EU exclude liquor from its retaliatory tariffs, yet we plan to undo that work with these labels, which the US market does not want and will not accept. I call on this House to act. We need to support Irish producers, use common sense and scrap this damaging, costly and ineffective labelling policy before the damage becomes permanent.”
“I call for the immediate reversal of the Government's decision to impose a new stand-alone labelling requirement on alcohol bottles sold in Ireland. Every Member supports the responsible consumption of alcohol and wants to reduce alcohol harm but this policy will do nothing to achieve that goal. It is a misguided solo run that puts Irish jobs and producers and our international reputation at risk, all for no proven public health gain. The first point is simple: the labels will not work. That is not just my opinion; it is backed by decades of research. Numerous peer review studies show health warning labels on alcohol have, at best, marginal impact on drinking behaviour. Consumers are already well aware alcohol should be consumed in moderation. Ireland has taken this step alone.”
“I wish the Minister well and want to see this delivered in his time. The €53 million will not go very far but I hope the Government is committed to giving the Minister many more millions to deliver that.”
“I thank the Minister. Basically, he is saying that lands at Thornton Hall will not be used for international protection accommodation and that he has revoked the order on that. Did he know a contract was signed this time last year with the provider on that site for the provision of accommodation for international protection applicants? I do not know how long the contract was signed for. I think it was two years the Department of integration signed it for. Was the Minister aware of that? Is the taxpayer still paying for that? That will be great news for the residents of the area but it is the prison I am here for today. I want to see the prison built at that site. A lot of investment has gone into it. Not only do I demand it, but the public demands it. We have a revolving door system and we do not have enough prison spaces.”