As this is my maiden contribution on justice, I welcome the opportunity to raise many of the issues that have been raised with me in my capacity as a public representative, first on Wexford County Council and now in this Chamber. I appreciate the opportunity. I will focus my contribution specifically on the question of rural crime. I will support some of the calls that have been made by the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, for a designated rural crime unit in the Garda. Some of the contributions that have been made …

I acknowledge former Deputy and Senator, Hugh Byrne, in our Gallery today. I wish to raise, like he did so many times, an issue relative to his area in New Ross, County Wexford, that is, to invite the Minister for disability to the House to specifically discuss speech and language therapists. At present in New Ross, three speech and language therapist posts are allocated by the HSE and all three are vacant. In particular, children in need of a speech and language therapist in New Ross are not seen by the HSE or are…

I raise the issue of flooding in the town of Enniscorthy. It was flooded in 1924, 1947, 1965, 2000, 2002, 2009, 2014, 2016 and most recently in 2020. Approximately 159 houses and 169 businesses are currently within the flood zone area in Enniscorthy. Since 2014, approximately €51 million has been allocated by the Government to deliver a flood relief scheme in Enniscorthy. To date, however, this has not come to pass. I ask that we invite into this Chamber the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of P…

Congratulations to all who have been elected or nominated to the Chamber. It is a particular honour for me to give what is my maiden speech. I begin by congratulating the Cathaoirleach on his appointment to the role and wish him the very best of luck. From what people have said, I have no doubt he will leave a very strong legacy and I look forward to working with him. I also thank the Clerk, Martin Groves, and his team for the work done during the count. I look forward to working with the Seanad staff and colleague…