Teresa Costello
Agricultural Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“For example, in Tallaght, Firhouse and Ballyroan, people are telling me that the road and junction narrowing has led to increased congestion, longer journey times and frustration on the part of motorists, while also making it more difficult for buses, delivery vehicles and larger vehicles to navigate safely.”
“Likewise, long-acting reversible contraception such as implants and intrauterine devices will continue to be provided through appropriately trained medical professionals. These safeguards ensure that patient safety remains at the heart of this new service. The legislation represents good use of public resources.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here today. Over the past few years and during my time as a councillor, there have been many changes to the roads in my area. It led me to ask the Minister to undertake a comprehensive review of the design manual for urban roads and streets, commonly known as DMURS.”
“I am not the first to raise this and I will not be the last but I am constantly receiving reports - one as recently as this morning - about the huge number of dumped nitrous oxide canisters in the community. If there is a car park that does not have a gate on it is left full of these. I have had to clear up car parks with people.”
“While I acknowledge the council's position, many local people's lived experience has been different from what has been said about DMURS. We are seeing queues building up at peak times, greater difficulty accessing side roads and a road network that is becoming less efficient for everyone who depends on it.”
“I looked at one particular junction where cars were constantly overshooting white lines. It was very confusing and difficult for motorists. The proposed removal of village car parking under DMURS creates significant challenges.”
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“Families are facing long waiting lists, high costs and patchy access to public services. We can and must do better for our children. A solid focus on the dental health of our children will help to eliminate costly and painful dental issues later in life. Equally, I support the proposal to introduce mobile dental units for residents in nursing homes and others with limited mobility. No one should be denied basic oral healthcare because of where they live or their ability to travel. This is a practical and compassionate solution to a real gap in services. In the interim, hiring recently retired dentists for school checkups and screenings is a smart and sensible step. Many schools, particularly those outside the major urban centres, are missing out on routine dental checks.”
“This expansion is a necessary response to workforce shortages and will support the next generation of dental professionals. I welcome the renewed commitment to the Smile agus Sláinte national oral health policy. This policy has the potential to transform how we deliver dental care by shifting the focus to prevention, early intervention and access in the community. Implementing this policy fully must be a priority. The national oral health policy also outlines strategic workforce planning actions and these must be fully resourced and supported to ensure adequate capacity across the country. In particular, I welcome the call to expand orthodontic treatment for children and to enhance the dental package for younger patients under the national oral health policy.”
“However, it is now clear this legislation needs modernisation to reflect today's clinical standards, workforce needs and patient expectations. If we are serious about improving access to oral healthcare, we must increase the number of training places in dentistry and dental hygiene courses in Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork. A sustainable workforce is at the core of any functioning healthcare system. The demand for dentists is growing yet capacity to train them remains constrained. Investment in this area is not just necessary; it is urgent. I also welcome the establishment of the new dentistry programmes, including the upcoming bachelor of dental surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2025.”
“I am happy to support this extremely important motion calling on the Government to take strong, proactive steps to reform and modernise dental services in Ireland. I lend my support to the call for the Dentists Act 1985 to be updated. The legislation is now four decades old and no longer reflects the realities of a modern dental profession. We need a framework that supports high standards of care, ensures accountability and gives regulators the tools they need to protect patients and support practitioners. Updating this Act is long overdue. Furthermore, the Dentists Act 1985 established the Dental Council of Ireland, which plays a vital role in regulating the dental profession and protecting the public.”
“Sunday was a really good day, not only for locals, but for people far and wide. With The Pintmen on stage cracking out the ballads, the atmosphere was electric. Any funding the show received was money well spent and it should get more. I therefore thank and acknowledge everyone involved. It was a memorable day. I cannot imagine how this year could be improved upon, but knowing the community as I do, I know this event will only go one way, that is, bigger and better. Next year, I urge everyone to make the trip to pay it a visit because it is a really good day out.”
“To set the scene for those not familiar with Bohernabreena, it is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and only a five-minute drive from Tallaght village. The field behind St. Anne's GAA club was transformed from a lush green field into the venue of the classic car show, which featured more than 500 cars and was a dream for all car enthusiasts. It was also the venue for an array of craft stalls and food vendors showcasing our local produce and activities. For the big and small kids, there were carousels, carnival games and GAA challenges. I returned to my youth and picked up a hurl, and I have to say, I have not lost it. There were also competitions. There was so much going on that I am sure I am leaving stuff out. It is an example of what can be achieved when a community works together.”
“I will speak about the Bohernabreena Classic Car Show, which took place in Bohernabreena on Sunday. In only its second year, this event was co-ordinated as though it had the assistance and expertise of an event management company, but that was not the case. It was down to the time and dedication of the committee of local volunteers, including Paul Barnes, Jeff Bibby, Myles Murphy, Brian Tyrell, John Anderson, Declan Webb, Fergus Walsh, Ryan Barnes, Joe McManus and Mick Brett, and the wider community of Bohernabreena who are too many to mention. The event was sponsored by Karl Goodwin Motors and supported by South Dublin County Council and St. Anne's GAA club. What they achieved was nothing short of spectacular, all while raising much-needed funds for the Irish Kidney Association and St. Anne's GAA club.”
“I do not accept it and I will be contacting IBAL about this. It was a lazy inspection because it covered very little of Tallaght. I am not happy with the answer. I would rather see if a little bit of investigation could be carried out as a mark of respect to South Dublin County Council and my community of Tallaght.”
“I thank the Minister of State. If it is receiving funding, its methodology needs to be reviewed and scrutinised. This is the comprehensive litter management plan South Dublin County Council has implemented. I really have no concerns about the standard of work from South Dublin County Council with regard to litter management. I am very proud of the volunteering that is done by our community. What I am concerned about is the misrepresentation of my community. When I asked a colleague on my way down whether he thought Tallaght was dirty because we had been ranked 38th out of 40, he said "Absolutely" because that was the impression being given. I disagree. The report is inaccurate and does not represent Tallaght accurately. I am really annoyed about it because it is giving a wrong impression of Tallaght.”
“I ask IBAL and the Minister of State's Department to reconsider how areas like Tallaght are evaluated, given its size and scale, to ensure broad coverage is achieved. I commend South Dublin County Council, our residents’ associations, Tidy Towns groups and the many volunteers who work hard every single day to keep Tallaght looking so well. They deserve recognition, not discouragement. Tallaght is a proud and vibrant community. Let us ensure it is fairly represented and properly evaluated in all national surveys and reports.”
“As public funds are allocated to IBAL, it is essential that there is appropriate oversight of how it conducts its work, particularly regarding the methodology used in surveys, the consistency and fairness of area selections and the impact such rankings have on community perception and morale. Is there a mechanism to review the methodology IBAL uses? Are there plans to engage with communities before such reports are published to allow them to respond or offer clarification? These rankings do not exist in a vacuum; they are widely reported. They have the power to shape public opinion, investment perception and even community pride. Therefore, accuracy, fairness and transparency are not just important, they are essential. On this occasion, Tallaght deserved better.”
“I noted that, this year, the areas that were inspected where all in extremely close proximity of each other, and inspections did not seem to venture near the Tallaght village or any of our industrial estates, given that this is a business-focused survey. I found this to be odd, and it certainly was not a broad coverage of Tallaght, which leads me to be of the opinion that Tallaght was not accurately inspected. Tallaght is often misunderstood or unfairly characterised. Surveys like this only worsen those misconceptions. We have some of the finest parks, beautiful green spaces and a historic village that our community takes immense pride in. Tallaght receives thousands of volunteer hours and significant investment from South Dublin County Council to ensure it is kept looking so well.”
“This plan focuses on the enforcement of existing litter legislation, maintenance on enhancement of our public realm, and education and awareness to foster lasting behavioural change. This leads me to Irish Business Against Litter, IBAL. From the outset, I wish to be clear that I am in agreement with the ethos behind IBAL, and I acknowledge that the core reason it was set up was its founder's firm belief that all citizens have the right to a clean-living environment, something I not only believe but I actively contribute to by volunteering with various Tidy Town groups across Tallaght. The Minister of State can imagine my surprise when I saw the most recent anti-litter survey rating Tallaght as 38 out of 40 towns. I do not deny that, like all areas, Tallaght does have litter issues, but to be ranked 38 out of 40 led me to do some research.”
“From the outset, I wish to be clear that I fully support and commend all Government schemes and funding streams aimed at anti-littering efforts and environmental awareness. These initiatives have a huge impact in local communities. I have seen this first hand in Tallaght where there has been an impressive growth in Tidy Towns groups and community clean-up initiatives, supported by South Dublin County Council. Currently, applications are open for the 2025 anti-litter anti-graffiti awareness grant, which is a good support for individuals, schools and community organisations seeking to raise awareness around littering and graffiti. This is a valuable initiative that complements the proactive work being done on the ground in our area. South Dublin County Council has developed and is implementing a strong litter management plan.”
“I appreciate there is nothing in legislation preventing tenants from keeping pets, so I will have a look into that further. I have noticed on the South Dublin County Council website a huge number of houses and properties available under the choice based letting scheme, which is welcome, but unfortunately, a lot of them referred to a no-pet policy, which made my heart sink a bit. I thank the Minister of State for his response. I appreciate it.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response. I understand the Minister's position on this. I am coming at it from the point of view whereby I have had people bringing the cutest little dogs into my clinic while crying at the thought of having to decide whether they should give up this little dog that has provided them with love and kindness for seven or eight years or take a roof over their head. What really sickened me in the response I got was that it was a management company calling the shots. If it was coming from the AHB directly, I would probably have a bit more respect for the stance. It caught in my throat when the finger was pointed that way. They would be better placed to be more answerable to the AHB on matters such as that.”
“It certainly should not be a management company that is calling the shots on this. Pets are not just mere animals; they are parts of a family who provide companionship, love and support. By reconsidering restrictive pet policies, we can create a more inclusive housing system that recognises the importance of pets in the lives of many tenants.”
“Dogs Trust reported a 112% increase in the number of people needing to give up their dogs due to housing restrictions over the past five years and, in 2024 alone, it received an average of 431 calls and emails daily from individuals facing this dilemma. While there is a need for certain restrictions, it is imperative that we revise and review policies to develop guidelines that balance the needs of tenants with the welfare of the community. There must be fair, clear, concise and consistent rules across local authorities and housing bodies. With that being said, there should be room for reasonable flexibility and exceptions, particularly for responsible pet owners with suitable housing. Above all, we must ensure individuals are not forced to choose between their pets and a home.”
“A pet provides companionship and emotional support and is a valued family member. We saw this during the pandemic as one in five pet owners acquired a pet during the pandemic. Over 85% of pet owners report the positive effect on their mental health and well-being, underscoring the significant role that pets play in emotional support. For those living alone, children with special needs, the elderly and families in general, pets provide comfort, connection and structure. Despite this, only 7% of rental properties listed on Daft allow pets, making it exceedingly difficult for pet owners to find suitable housing.”
“This policy is in place often at the request of a management company in a multi-unit development. Some of the reasons that pets are refused include inadequate space to hold a pet, the possibility of a pet becoming a noise nuisance to neighbours and damage to the property. Exceptions to this can be made in the case of tenants with a disability that requires an assistance or guide dog. I was told that the council will always advise prospective tenants whether pets are permitted in a property to enable applicants to make an informed decision. The issue is not whether tenants are being notified of the no-pet policies; it is that they have to make the decision at all. Owning a pet is a natural part of the life cycle for many people. Over half of Irish households have pets, with 28% owning only a dog and 12% a cat.”
“I am raising this issue today for the first time in this House but it is not my first time to raise it as a public representative. During my time on South Dublin County Council, I highlighted my concerns in regard to this issue. I was prompted to raise the issue as I was contacted many times by people who were deeply torn when they received an offer of housing as it was under the condition that they could not bring their pet. One of my last motions as a councillor proposed that South Dublin County Council engage with AHBs regarding no-pet policies when allocating housing. Pets are an integral part of the family and people should not be faced with the decision to surrender them or refuse an offer. I was advised at the time that the council had previously engaged with approved housing bodies regarding no-pet policies.”
“I again thank the Minister for taking the time to be here to listen. We share the common goal of improving outcomes and experiences for people affected by breast cancer. I reiterate that treatment is good and that breast cancer care in Ireland is not bad, as we can see in the outcomes of the majority of patients. However, the points I have raised today come from a place of care, lived experience and determination because I know we can do better.”
“It became available in Ireland in late 2023 and is under review for inclusion in the drug payment scheme as confirmed in the response to a parliamentary question in March 2025. As of June 2025, it is only available privately at a cost of approximately €70 a month. For women who cannot take HRT, this could be life-changing but, right now, cost is a barrier. I would love to see Veoza made available and affordable for breast cancer survivors as part of the HRT programme. One final issue is waiting times for reconstruction surgery. For some women, this surgery is essential to their recovery. I refer to their emotional recovery rather than their physical recovery. For those who choose it, waiting years is incredibly difficult. It is a deeply personal choice but those who want it should not have to suffer more because of delays.”
“More information and better options for care are necessary in respect of this condition. It is an awful condition for those women who suffer from it and the risk of it occurring never goes away. Another major challenge is menopause. It is a side effect many of us face. For most, HRT is not an option because of the hormone-sensitive cancer. We have moved forward a great deal in this country in recent times with the introduction of menopause clinics and the roll-out of free HRT but, for those of us who have had breast cancer, options and advice are extremely limited. That is why I want to highlight Veoza. It is a non-hormonal medication to manage moderate to severe menopause symptoms. It works by targeting neurokinin 3 receptors in the brain - I have probably pronounced that wrong - rather than through hormones.”
“We often talk about diagnosis and treatment, but not enough about life after cancer, which is where the journey can get hard. When treatment ends, there is an emotional and physical impact, the fear of recurrence and the difficulty of returning to work. Some people cannot go back to work at all, especially those with stage 4 disease, who are on treatment for life. One big issue I keep hearing about is the lack of clear, accessible information on what people are entitled to in terms of medical cards, counselling, follow-up care and wage subsidy benefits. This information should be handed to every patient as standard. Lymphoedema is a condition that can flare up in any cancer patient who has had an axillary clearance of his or her lymph nodes. I am one of them.”
“One of the most regular requests I get, as a breast cancer advocate, is that I should fight to get the age of free breast cancer screening lowered. The women I speak to are realistic about the age they feel it should be lowered to. That is something I believe we will see change, as the evidence is there to prove screening is beneficial from the age of 40. I am aware the age range of 40 to 74 is being examined, which is a good start. As part of my submission, I also referred to the option to advise women of the category of their breast density. We should give women whose breasts are dense that information so they can make informed decisions regarding other effective screening options for their breast type. I attach that comment to my colleague, Senator Blaney.”
“I do not agree that someone with a lump should be sent away on the day of their appointment without a scan. I want to talk about pregnancy and post-partum diagnosis. It is something I am seeing more and more. Young women are being diagnosed during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. It is devastating. A time that should be filled with joy becomes terrifying. We need more awareness that this can happen so women and healthcare professionals are alert to the signs. The Minister knows I have been very vocal about expanding BreastCheck to include women aged 40 and upwards, as the current age range of 50 to 69 is not sufficient. I have made my submission to the NSAC and it is currently being reviewed by HIQA.”
“We also know that early detection saves lives. It is a message we are constantly relaying to people. When I was diagnosed in 2013, I received a triple assessment on the day of my appointment in the clinic. My chemotherapy was organised almost immediately. My cancer was aggressive and at stage 3, so swift action was needed. I wonder if the system has changed and, if so, when and why did it change? I cannot understand the reason for a scan not being part of the first appointment in the breast clinic. It is as if the girls are being retriaged, which is a waste of resources. It is literally bringing someone in to send them away for several months with no answer. I am interested in learning the percentage of girls who attend a breast clinic who require a scan. I imagine very few attending the breast clinic do not need to get a scan.”
“I would like to see the latest ones, as I was told in 2024 that timely access varied by hospital, with the lowest being 29%. That concerns me. Another hospital was 91%, which is almost a perfect level of service. My concern about the diagnostic process for younger women is that when a young woman with a lump gets referred by a GP, depending on the urgency indicated, they could wait between two weeks and three months to see a consultant, only to be examined without a scan, and then sent away and have to wait another three months for imaging. Some women, especially those in their 20s and 30s are waiting six months or more to be properly assessed. That delay could mean the difference between catching cancer early or finding it too late. We know breast cancer in younger women tends to be more aggressive.”
“They are often told by healthcare professionals not to worry, that they are too young. Although this statement may not be said in a harmful manner, when a girl gets a diagnosis, it can leave her feeling very dismissed and not reassured. I must mention delays in diagnostic scanning, especially for younger women. In response to a query I raised, the Minister said that once a referral is received, patients are triaged as urgent or non-urgent. The KPI is ten working days for urgent referrals and 12 weeks for non-urgent referrals. In 2024, national compliance was 76%. Scans for new patients should take place within 12 weeks of the consultant's assessment. Compliance with this was 92%. I did look for recent KPI reports and the most up-to-date ones I could find were from 2010.”
“For those with metastatic breast cancer, survival rates are lower, which is why timely access to diagnostics, equitable care across all regions and ongoing research into advanced breast cancer must remain priorities. Just as I acknowledged the good, I feel a responsibility to speak openly about where things need to improve, because we should always strive for better. I welcome the updated GP referral guidelines for breast cancer from 2023. GPs are often the first step in saving lives. Physical examinations must be made available for younger women to ensure they know how to examine their own breasts correctly, as a form of surveillance, before they are at the age to have free mammograms. I speak for young girls whom I have spoken to who have received a diagnosis before the age of 40.”
“Since the 1990s, breast cancer diagnoses have increased by 120%. I start by recognising the great care people receive during treatment. I was one of those people, and I would not be standing here today without the wonderful team at St. James's Hospital, or my GP, who did not suspect breast cancer but still referred me to the symptomatic breast clinic. That decision saved my life. We have seen real progress in breast cancer survival in Ireland, with five-year survival rates now around 85% compared with 70% two decades ago. For younger women, survival rates can be high when the cancer is caught early, but their cancer tends to be more aggressive, making early detection crucial.”
“I welcome the Minister to the Seanad once again today. I appreciate her time and focus on this matter. I also welcome the four brave ladies who have already been introduced. I acknowledge their journey. They have had a huge input into what I will say here today. I could spend hours talking about breast cancer, as I have lived through it myself. I run one of Ireland's largest online support communities for people affected by breast cancer. Every day, I hear the challenges and fears people face, from the moment they notice something is not right to when in some cases a diagnosis lands on them. Cases of breast cancer are rising, with almost 3,600 women diagnosed in Ireland each year. Some 23% are aged 49 or younger. Just over 37% are aged 50 to 64, and just over 39% are aged 65.”
“Those courses are deigned to be practical, focused and job specific, offering students the skills to enter the workforce directly or move on to higher education. One of the best parts is that PLCs cover a huge range of study areas, from business and electronics engineering to computing, catering, sport and leisure, and even theatre and stage. Importantly, one does not need a leaving certificate to apply for a PLC. People with relevant work experience or a clear passion and ability in a particular area are often accepted. Liam's story is a powerful reminder that talented people should never be lost to the professions they dream of pursuing, especially not because of a traditional school system or an exam. If you or someone you know is wondering if there is another way forward, the answer is "Yes". Liam Nugent's story proves that.”
“Instead, he enrolled in Greenhills Community College where he completed a pre-university science post leaving certificate, PLC, course, earning nine distinctions. From there, he applied through the CAO and secured a place in DCU to study biotechnology. He is now in his third year of that course. Liam’s journey does not stop there, however. His path to becoming a heart surgeon continues with four years of graduate entry medicine, two years of residency and eight years of surgical training at RCSI. Remarkably, his journey will only take two years longer than the traditional route through the leaving certificate. Each year, Irish universities allocate a number of places to students like Liam who come through PLC courses.”
“I wish to talk about alternative pathways to achieving your dream career and to highlight a remarkable young man whose story proves that success is not defined by a single exam or one rigid path. Liam Nugent, a young man from Tallaght, has recently appeared on RTÉ and Virgin Media to share his journey. He is an inspiring example of what determination and belief in oneself can achieve. While Liam was in school, he experienced significant challenges, leading to a low attendance rate. Though he studied and learned at home, he ultimately did not sit his leaving certificate. For many, this may have felt like the end of the road, but not for Liam. Liam had a dream to become a heart surgeon. He wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and he refused to let a single missed exam define him or limit that dream.”
“It does not matter where you live, whether an apartment, a house or shared accommodation. All you need is a willingness to connect and a space. Street Feast makes it so easy to bring people together, even providing free DIY party packs. This initiative can play a role in tackling loneliness, promoting inclusion and strengthening community resilience, values that align perfectly with our national goals on social cohesion and community well-being. Whether you are in a city or a rural town, Street Feast offers an invaluable opportunity to make your neighbourhood a better, kinder and more connected place. In Tallaght this weekend, we showed how it is done, with heart, humour and a whole lot of community pride. I encourage any community that has not taken part to give it a try next year.”
“As a public representative, it is genuinely uplifting to step back and witness my community be so united, with neighbours chatting, sharing meals and simply enjoying one another's company. Street Feast is Ireland's national day of street parties and neighbourhood celebrations. Now in its 15th year, it took place across the country on 24 and 25 May, encouraging communities everywhere to gather for food, conversation and connection. Since its launch in 2010, it has continuously grown. Last year alone, over 75,000 people took part. In an age where we are more connected digitally than ever, it is events like these that remind us how important it is to connect in person with the people living right next door to us. That is the mission of Street Feast, to turn strangers into neighbours and neighbours into friends.”
“I had a really positive experience at the weekend attending two Street Feasts in Tallaght. On Saturday, the community of Bancroft came together for what I think was its fourth annual Street Feast. I have watched this event grow year after year from a small gathering four years ago into something we jokingly compared to Electric Picnic. The weather may have been wild but no one was deterred and spirits were high. On Sunday, after our weekly litter pick, Tallaght Village Tidy Towns and Tallaght Community Council hosted another Street Feast, this time right in the main street in Tallaght. Again, the atmosphere was fantastic, with good food, great music, lively conversations and children running around forging the next generation of friendships.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her reply. I welcome the recruitment of 34 new staff because time is of the essence when it comes to getting the necessary medication to people. As I said, time is something patients with certain rare illnesses do not have. I fully welcome the 34 new staff and I will be keeping a close eye on the progression and real life impact the additional staff will have in terms of a reduction in timelines.”
“The Mazars review identified what patients of the industry already know, namely, that the reimbursement process in Ireland lacks transparency. Months can pass with no communication, visibility on timelines or clarity on the next steps. To address this, have the following reforms been considered: transparent indicative timelines for each stage of the reimbursement process, from rapid review to final HSE decision; structured accountability to ensure compliance with the 180-day statutory timeline; and clinician-led horizon scanning to prioritise high-impact new therapies and expedite submissions? Timely access to medications is not a luxury. It is a necessity.”
“Disease progression leads to higher treatment costs, increased hospitalisations and avoidable suffering. Delayed access reduces health gains and can lead to lost quality-adjusted life years. It places a greater burden on the healthcare systems, requiring more long-term care and more intensive interventions, and ultimately, it creates an economic and emotional burden on patients and their families. The numbers tell the story. For orphan treatments, Ireland made nine medicines available in an average of 597 days, compared with 401 days in Scotland and a weighted European average of 403 days. This puts our system behind those of our European peers. Just 20% of all orphan drugs approved by the EMA are available in Ireland, as opposed to other countries such as the UK, which has access to more than 60% of all medicines approved by the EMA.”
“Right now, however, those families in Ireland are receiving a substandard level of care compared with their counterparts in the UK, where Duvyzat is already available. The European Medicines Agency, EMA, is expected to make a decision on marketing approval by June or July, yet unless our reimbursement scheme significantly accelerates, there is a real and urgent risk that Irish children will continue to suffer and deteriorate while waiting for access. I have seen at first hand the desperation and devastation the unavailability of Duvyzat has caused to little Archie Ennis and his family in Tallaght. I know that when the medicine is approved by the EMA, his family will be watching the clock on it becoming available in Ireland, as will I. This is not solely a procedural issue. The impact of delays is significant.”
“Under the 2021 Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association framework agreement, the HSE further committed to implementing reimbursement decisions within 45 days of approval. However, real-world experience shows a different picture. The corporate pharmaceutical unit, CPU, and the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, NCPE, play crucial roles in evaluating cost-effectiveness but this process can take up to a year, which is far too long when lives or quality of life are at stake. Families are waiting and in some cases, such as with Duvyzat, the wait is deeply painful. Duvyzat is a promising treatment that can slow the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare and devastating condition. It offers not just a treatment but a glimmer of hope, a chance at a better quality of life for patients and their families.”
“We committed to investing in breakthrough treatments, especially for cancer and other major diseases, to improve patient outcomes and to reduce the burdens that delay places on lives and the healthcare system. The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association published a position paper in February and I have read its findings. Under the health Act 2013, the HSE is legally obligated to make decisions on new medical reimbursements within 180 days, exclusive of clock stops. A clock stop, as we know, is when the HSE formally requests additional information, but when delays occur without formal written requests due to internal bottlenecks or other inefficiencies, those are not clock stops under the law. They are simply delays and patients pay the price.”
“A clear commitment is made in the programme for Government, on page 90, to be specific, to ensure patients in Ireland have access to innovative medicines and treatments as swiftly and effectively as possible. Several steps were promised. We pledged to increased clinical trials and to better support clinicians, researchers and healthcare staff in these efforts. We committed to reviewing the drugs reimbursement process and implementing the Mazars review recommendations so that the entire approval pipeline would be properly resourced. We promised to explore early access schemes, particularly for rare diseases, and to strengthen co-ordination with European partners like the Benelux agreement to enhance our negotiating power and speed of access.”
“I saw young people filled with ambition, families overflowing with pride and mentors who pour their hearts into helping others rise. I saw excellence, not struggle; I saw hope not hardship. It is a shining example of what happens when a community comes together to invest in its young people. It is where potential is recognised, nurtured and celebrated.”
“Citywise is not just about academic success, it fosters a powerful sense of community spirit, connecting generations, bridging cultures and showing what is possible when we believe in our young people. Recently, I have visited Citywise on two occasions. The first was when I took part in a careers evening and I walked away knowing the future was bright. Who knows, I may have found a few future politicians. I also had the privilege of attending its annual award ceremony. I want to share what I witnessed. All too often Tallaght makes headlines for the wrong reasons. It is often described as a disadvantaged community, a label that overlooks its strength, resilience and potential. What I saw at Citywise that night was the complete opposite. I saw a community that is rich: rich in love, rich in encouragement and rich in determination.”
“It compliments the vital work of local schools by offering fun and engaging activities for young people from third class all the way to third level. Relationships are built early, often starting with children as young as eight. In many cases, these children grow into mentors, staff members and leaders, like some of their current staff. Through academic support, study groups, mentorship and career guidance, it is helping to nurture young people's aspirations and give them the tools to turn their dreams into a reality. The results speak volumes. A total of 95% of participants go on to third level education. That is an incredible achievement, especially considering the barriers they may face.”
“I wish to speak about Citywise Education, an organisation in Tallaght that has become a cornerstone of positive change in our community. Citywise is more than just a youth centre; it is a place where ambition is nurtured, potential realised and futures are shaped. Since its founding, Citywise has provided a safe, inspiring and supportive environment for young people in Tallaght, operating from the Durkan Centre for the past 20 years. Its impact is seen not only in educational support through after-school programmes, STEM initiatives and mentorship, but also in the strong sense of belonging and confidence it builds in the youth. Citywise encourages young people to dream bigger, work harder and believe in themselves. Each week it provides out-of-school and after-school programmes to more than 500 young people.”