They have already got action. If Senator Gavan wants me to list what we have done already I will do so-----

-----in order that he knows. It does not suit his narrative.

The Sinn Féin narrative is to divide and conquer. That is its narrative. My only motivation in politics is to represent people and to be a voice to bring change to improve the quality of life and enhance the lives of people. Families throughout the world are demanding action of their governments and not only here in Ireland. I want to make a point to the oil companies. I ask them to reduce their prices. Our economy is recovering from Covid at one level. We are near full employment. Businesses cannot get people to w…

It does not recognise that the fuel allowance payment-----

Sinn Féin demanded an increase to the minimum wage, yet it does not recognise that it was increased eight times under Fine Gael Governments. That is the narrative it wants to peddle. Let us make it clear that none of us in this House tonight is happy with the way the world is at the moment. All of us recognise the significant challenges ordinary citizens face every day. For Sinn Féin to lecture those of us in government to the effect that we do not understand or care is not fair. It is plainly the politicisation of…

We do understand and care. While I accept that this is a political Chamber, Sinn Féin should come in with solutions. It should not come in with empty rhetoric and accuse us of standing idly by when we fully understand the challenges people face. That is why the remarks of the Leader, in the context of the financial resolution, are ones that I hope the Government will listen to and take on board. They propose an immediate step that could be taken to address the cost of fuel. This motion should not divide the House. …

I will begin by associating myself with the vote of sympathy to the former councillor, the late Noel Collins, who was a friend of mine. Noel was an extraordinary character and a dedicated public representative. I pay tribute to him today. I smile as I recall that he always finished his conversations with me by asking: "And how is your daddy?" That was his final parting comment every time I met him. He was an extraordinary man. I support Senator Craughwell's motion on Georgia and I wish to be associated with the rem…

I support the Minister of State. The section is quite clear. Senator Higgins spoke about exceptionality. If I am reading it right, this would put the onus on the planning authority or the board to consider both the past and present requirements applicable to a development. Our language must be judicious in how we speak about matters of planning. How do we know this is in breach of EU law? Who is to say that? Let us be clear in what we are trying to do here. There is an obligation on developers to fulfil or adhere t…

I thank the Minister of State for being here. Cork is the capital city of the south. The Port of Cork is the second largest natural harbour and a key international gateway for trade. I ask that Cork Port become a designated port for the importation of non-EU fresh produce and that it would receive clearance personnel from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for these products. To illustrate the point I will describe the procedure for importation of non-EU fresh produce. The containers arrive at Cork …

I thank the Minister of State. I support the call and the submission from the Port of Cork for the building of a border control post. I appreciate the Minister of State's response and thank her. A border control post must be established in Cork and in tandem with that is the need for border control personnel from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to be located in Cork. I note the last paragraph of the Minister of State's reply refers to compliance with the European Commission and the issue of healt…

His dad. He was a great councillor in his day and his good wife, Theresa, was a staunch Member of the Lower House. We welcome Liam to the House.

On 14 December 2022, during a Commencement matter debate, I raised the issue of the advanced paramedic motorbike unit for Cork. The Cathaoirleach ruled out of order my raising of this as a Commencement matter on a second occasion because it had already been raised, which I understand, but there needs to be a forum for us as Members of the Seanad to hold the HSE to account for the lack of provision of an advanced paramedic motorbike unit in Cork. We have no question time but we need to ensure, as Oireachtas Members,…

I will be there.

It is with sadness that I stand to join the tributes to our late friend and colleague, Senator Mary Jackman. For those of us who have been involved in politics for a long time, Mary Jackman epitomised all that is good about politics, with her sincerity, her warmth of personality, and her genuine interest in her city, Limerick, her people, her community, and indeed in the Fine Gael Party. She was the champion for many issues, but it was her warmth of personality, her genuine concern and sincerity, and her wonderful …

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I commend Senator Dooley on his very fine contribution and on his commitment. I also commend the Cathaoirleach on his recent visit to Kyiv and Ukraine. It is important that we stand in unison as a House. I hope that other parliaments across Europe will take up the clarion call from the Cathaoirleach. What we saw this week from Europe is not good enough. The Minister of State has shown leadership, as has the Irish Government but other countries are beginning to fray at t…

Hear, hear.

I welcome Ms Cara Darmody and congratulate her on her tremendous endeavour. Like Senator Wilson, I would have hoped that someone like her could have done my intermediate certificate examination for me and I wish her well. She is a very brave young woman who deserves our huge admiration and praise. I join with Senator Wilson in expressing my congratulations to the Georgian people and their ambassador on the anniversary of their independence day and birthday. It is a pity that we could not acknowledge these events he…

I pay tribute to the Cathaoirleach on the success of yesterday when Congressman Richie Neal shared his words with this House. I support the call of Senator Craughwell for the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, to be included in the pay talks. It is extraordinary that we made a decision about PDFORRA but did not include RACO in that reimagining. I hope we can change that and that RACO can be included in those pay talks. Senator Maria Byrne referenced the issue of Ronald McDonald House, which …

Ask the Opposition.

Good man.