I welcome the Minister of State. I will highlight a couple of things, the first of which is that rural Ireland is always treated disproportionately when it comes to infrastructure. We tend to have more forestry where the trees will fall. County Limerick was not that badly affected - it sounds awful to say it - because in certain parts, we got our power back within five days. I know it was much worse up the country. However, we have to remember that this storm came off the back of a previous storm that caused people…

I am sharing time with Senator Tully. I welcome the Minister of State. I raise an issue of importance to the people of Limerick and Cork and all who travel between them, namely, the urgent need to address the dangers of the N20. For far too long, this road has been a death trap. It is one of the most dangerous routes in the country, with an appalling record of serious injuries and fatalities. Between 2016 and 2022, at least 26 people lost their lives on the N20 and hundreds or more were seriously injured. A collisi…

I welcome the Minister of State. Being from County Limerick, I am sure he will agree with me it is a place of strong communities and hard-working families with a proud heritage, but too many people, whether in towns or rural areas, do not feel safe. Our gardaí are stretched beyond capacity. The reduction in Garda numbers, station closures and the lack of visible community policing are failing the people of County Limerick. Nor is this only about policing. Tackling crime means addressing its root causes, namely, pov…

I raise an issue today that not only affects County Limerick but every town, village and county in this country, and that is the pay disparity between section 39 workers and HSE workers, which is putting a massive rift between them. It can be very disheartening for those in the sector working on section 39 contracts when they are working beside someone on better pay, better conditions, better holidays and better service. SIPTU has balloted for strike action at the end of this month. This not only affects the worker…

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his appointment. It is with great and immense pride and deep responsibility that I stand here to make my maiden speech in Seanad Éireann. I am honoured to have been elected to the agriculture panel. The sector is the backbone of our country. It sustains our rural communities, drives local economies and shapes our national identity. I am also profoundly aware of the historic nature of my election. I am the first Sinn Féin Oireachtas Member for County Limerick in history. This is b…