I commend the outstanding work of our embassy staff across the world. I know it has been mentioned by many of my colleagues. These dedicated men and women are the face of Ireland abroad. They work tirelessly to promote our culture, our economy and, of course, our global influence. I recently had the honour of meeting the team at the embassy in London when they celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. I was deeply impressed by their professionalism and commitment. They are absolutely instrumental in strengthening our ties with…

I thank the Minister for being here and congratulate her on her new role. I thank Senator McDowell. I support this Bill. It is crucial legislation, which addresses the most pressing issue regarding what children are suffering. Listening to Senator Clonan and hearing what he has experienced have shocked me. I have heard that there are mild cases. I have also seen that timely intervention across the board is vital, but I hear that timely intervention is certainly not the case. With progressive scoliosis, timely treat…

I extend my gratitude to the Minister of State for joining us for this crucial motion on care, support and enhanced provision of services for older people, which I am totally supportive of. Our ageing population presents challenges and opportunities, as has been outlined by many Members. It is a privilege to contribute to this important discussion. I highlight the extraordinary contribution, which has been mentioned, made by family carers and professional caregivers across our country. Every single day thousands of…

I thank the Minister of State and I congratulate him on his new role. I wish to address an urgent and pressing challenge facing us in Ireland today, which is the housing crisis and the unacceptable level of homelessness. The word "crisis" is often used in the media to address our housing issues, yet the responses we are showing do not resemble or reflect what a crisis it is. What we did when it came to Covid, or when the war in Ukraine broke out, was that we had joined up thinking and they were approached as crises…

I thank the Minister of State. I am excited to hear about some of the interventions he outlined. In 2016, before I was a Member of the House, I spoke to the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness about how, by coming together with a task force, we can make an absolute difference. The figure then was 6,200 people in emergency accommodation. The then Minister said that we hoped to eradicate homelessness by 2020. Unfortunately, the number has nearly tripled since then. I know the Government has taken signifi…

I note it has already been mentioned by Senator Ahearn, but I wish to address the very real concerns facing Irish businesses with the news overnight regarding US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on EU goods. If these tariffs are enacted, it would have severe consequences for Irish exports, Irish jobs and our economy as a whole. The United States is one of our most important trading partners, with Irish companies exporting billions in pharmaceuticals, agrifood products and technology to the US.…

I thank the Minister of State for being here. It is concerning when I hear my colleagues talking about people only being reconnected today and yesterday even though the storm occurred on 21 January. That is concerning, but great thanks must go out to the emergency workers in the ESB, Irish Water and local councils who have been on the ground since the storm hit. Their work embodies the spirit of public service. However, in the wake of Storm Éowyn, we must ask whether we could have done more. I believe we could. Cou…

I thank the Minister of State for coming in for this debate. I acknowledge that we have seen significant improvements in public transport and we want to focus on doing more. As we look to the future, there are several gaps in the public transport system in areas I am familiar with. One of the key areas I will highlight - Senator O'Loughlin will be familiar with it as it is also her area - is the Newbridge area, where the Leap card service does not apply. It is a growing town with a large commuting population, yet r…

I rise today to echo what my colleague, Senator Fiona O’Loughlin said, in calling on the Leader of the House to organise a debate on Ukraine as we mark three years since Russia’s brutal and illegal invasion - three years of war, suffering and absolute displacement of the Ukrainian people, but also extraordinary resilience from the Ukrainian people. From the start - I will echo what Fiona said – Ireland has stood with Ukraine. Our Government has provided humanitarian aid and supported EU sanctions. We have welcomed …

I thank the Minister of State, and the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, for being here and I wish them both well in their new roles. I also extend my gratitude to the Leader of the House for organising this important discussion, which allows us the opportunity to engage on a matter that affects every citizen in Ireland. It is fair to say that the issue of safety in Ireland is changing. Listening to other Senators, our growing population has brought new challenges and, unfortunately, we have seen a serious and worrying…

Hear, hear.

I rise to highlight a grave incident that happened in County Kildare on 7 February. There was an arson attack in the Rathasker Stud in Naas, which burned down two large hay barns, 600 bales of hay and a horse box causing over €150,000 worth of damage. However, the attack also put 18 valuable thoroughbred mares in foal in danger but they were rescued by workers and neighbours who moved them to safety. It was not just an attack on property or on a local business but an attack on rural livelihoods in the neighbourhood…

I offer my own congratulations to the Cathaoirleach. I listened to Senator Bradley speaking about getting used to the Seanad but for me, this is my first day at school. I thank everybody, especially Martin Groves and his team, for making it so easy. It is an absolute privilege to stand here among Senators and I look forward to working with each one of them. I believe we can serve the people of Ireland with dedication and purpose. Before I proceed I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the contribution of the …