On prevailing side: this member voted with the winning side in 81 of 658 decisive votes (6 abstentions excluded). Read it as a government-or-opposition indicator rather than a measure of influence — the figure is near 100% for members supporting the government of the day and near 0% for those opposing it.
This is the point of the site: contributions keep the party held on the day, not the one held now.
| Party | Recorded as | Contributions | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| SD | Social Democrats | 1,361 | 2020-03-05 – 2026-08-28 |
Membership spells on record: SD 2020-02-08–2024-11-08 · SD 2024-11-29–present
I might later. I just wanted to clarify that at the outset.
That was my point.
I suppose as we know the Minister will not accept any amendments today, I will speak for the record, as it is the only thing we can do. Regarding the amendments to which the Minister just referred, I note that there have been many references to Dr. Maeve O'Rourke's article on thejournal.ie today. I would like to put some of it on the record. Dr. O'Rourke writes that the first amendment is intended "to ensure that the Minister receives a full copy of the commission of investigation's entire archive, including a copy…
Deputy Sherlock has agreed to swap and allow me to speak first. I thank the Regional Independent Group for tabling this motion discussing the significance of post offices, especially in rural areas. It calls on us to recognise their role and support the sustainability of this public service. Rural post offices are vital connections and nodal points in villages, like Goleen, Kealkill and Kilbrittain, which sustain the local shop and other services. Post offices also provide a sense of community. It is a place for me…
I thank the Ceann Comhairle. It is so important during this debate to remember the gravity of it. We are talking about the worst human rights violations imaginable: missing children, enforced disappearance, illegal adoptions, incarceration and so much more horrific systematic institutional abuse. It is so important to remember that this commission was formed in light of the discovery of the remains of 800 babies and young children found in Tuam in unmarked graves and a disused septic tank. This is one of ten Irish …
The Taoiseach was a member of the Bertie Ahern-led Government that brought in a gagging order, further compounding survivors' trauma caused by institutional abuse, and he admitted that that was a mistake. He can choose not to repeat the mistakes of the past today. If we pass the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) Records, and another Matter Bill 2020 in its current form, the only question worth asking is whose interests are being served because the Taoiseach and I know i…
With a gagging order around it.
The Taoiseach said himself that it was a mistake.
Does the Taoiseach think they want these records to be sealed for 30 years?
What about now?
They are not available because they are about to be sealed for 30 years.
That is not the issue.
The Government is rushing the Bill through.
He needs to consider an extension, as proposed by Deputy Pringle.
Not in this way. The Government needs to listen to the lawyers, the experts and the survivors.
Then do not do it.
Listen to the human rights lawyers.
This is not the right thing.
This commission was formed to inquire into the deaths of 600 babies. This is a massive issue.
Ireland has just borrowed almost €20 billion. This budget was a unique opportunity and while it brings badly-needed funding for many areas, which is welcome, it is gutting to see the same old approach being taken. We should learn from past mistakes. We cannot keep investing in private companies; we need to invest in public services and we all know that. We are already hearing commentary on how the next few budgets will be the difficult ones, with hints of future austerity looming. This was the opportunity to avoid …