I thank the Minister of State for her response. I mentioned in my opening remarks that I wondered if the geopolitical area was the reason for the difficulties we were seeing with foreign visitors coming to Ireland. With President Trump and President Putin's antics, the war in Ukraine and other disturbances and wars and atrocities around the world, is that playing a role in the American market particularly? I was in Savannah a few weeks ago and the level of interest in Ireland, albeit over the St. Patrick's Day week…

If we look across the country, it is clear that when it comes to diverting young people from criminal activity the presence of community gardaí delivers huge results. I have seen it across my home county of Wexford where community gardaí working assiduously on the ground are making a real difference in their communities. Investment in community gardaí is a no-brainer when it comes diverting young people from criminal activity. I wish to highlight the example of Ferndale, an area in my hometown of Wexford. Even thou…

You threw him out of your party.

You threw him out of your party.

This question was originally submitted to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and then transferred to the Department of the Minister, Deputy Calleary. I submitted the question to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the basis of the 4,300 social enterprises that are making a significant contribution to the Irish economy. In 2021, it was €2.34 billion, with 57% of this in urban areas and 43% in rural areas. Social enterprises record a significant employment contribution, accounting for…

I welcome the Minister's commitment to social enterprise. He is correct to suggest the LDCN had a number of consultations throughout the county, and continues to do so. However, there is a belief among LEADER companies in particular that a more specific targeted support for social enterprise in more disadvantaged areas may be necessary. They say one of the biggest challenges facing them as social enterprises is the balance between meeting the social need - be that in the context of those employed in the enterprise …

I welcome the Minister's comments. I think he hit the nail on the head: often people who have very good ideas do not have the necessary business acumen or are afraid to put themselves forward and present a business plan. Wexford Local Development has three fabulous in-house social enterprises in Kafé Konnect, EPIC and the Little Jobs Service. Kafé Konnect is a terrific example of how people who have been left on the margins can be immersed into the area of helping themselves, working among themselves. Under the ste…

The latest CSO figures on crime make for sombre reading. Burglaries increased by 10% last year, while thefts and assaults were at their highest level in five years. The illegal importation of drugs, destined to cripple communities and individuals throughout this country, increased by a remarkable 83% in the past 12 months, just short of double the previous year. In 2024, we saw 27 burglaries every single day, a 10% increase on 2023. Weapons and explosive offences went up by 11% and shootings increased by 40%. We ar…

I am pleased to support this motion. I thank Deputy Coppinger for bringing it forward. I welcome our guests in the Public Gallery. I want to speak about the importance of women having access to refuge places. As a member of the voluntary board of management and a director of Wexford Women's Refuge, I have seen at first hand the benefit of having in a locality a refuge in which skilled and compassionate staff are available to guide victims through the difficulties involved and to advise them on some of the obstacles…

Last year, the announcement of a new 97-bed unit at Wexford General Hospital was warmly greeted by the people of County Wexford. As we can imagine, the hospital is a vital component to the county and a 97-bed unit would be a substantial addition. It is badly needed and badly wanted, given the huge increase in population in Wexford over recent years. However, in response to a parliamentary question I asked, it has now emerged that the actual number of new beds that will be in Wexford General Hospital following this …

I am sharing time with Deputy Ahern. I am delighted to contribute to this important debate, which is one that my county colleague, Deputy Malcolm Byrne, has been seeking for some time. I am delighted to be a part of the discussion on a topic that is reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace. As we navigate this transformative era, it is crucial that we harness the power of AI not just for profit but for the greater good of our businesses, economy and society as a whole. We in the Labour Party recognise the poten…

I join Members in wishing the Minister and Minister of State well in their new portfolios. We have a chronic situation with regard to special education in Ireland. The lack of places means missed milestone after missed milestone. This is a fundamental human rights issue that has affected countless children and their families. The affected children are plagued by insufficient resources and investment and a huge lack of trained professionals. The children's carers and parents are trying to navigate more than one syst…

This motion brings together many of the key elements of what we believe can form the basis of a response to the greatest social crisis this country has faced since the foundation of the State. While we have come a long way since this State was founded, the housing crisis shrouds everything we do. It is a stain on all our political characters and on those of the many who have graced this Chamber before us. The figure that 15,000 of our citizens are in emergency accommodation is a source of shame created by this Gove…

I am glad to speak in support of the motion. As members of Dáil Éireann, we stand here this evening not just as a voice for our businesses, farmers and communities, but as advocates for the great resilience and spirit that define our nation. It is essential that we learn lessons. In recent years, we have witnessed the devastating impact of severe weather events, such as floods, storms and snowstorms that have wreaked havoc on our agricultural community, local enterprises and community in general. In recent weeks, a…

At the outset, I thank my family, the people of Wexford, my friends and supporters and the Labour Party for affording me this opportunity to stand in this historic Chamber. I congratulate and wish well the Taoiseach and his Cabinet. If I could single out one of the Jameses, James Browne, my fellow-county man, on his elevation to Cabinet; he is the first Fianna Fáil senior Cabinet Minister in 60 years from Wexford. The re-election of President Trump in America is likely to present some challenges, to the say the lea…

-----a replacement company to offer employment to these highly skilled workers.