This morning, I wish to raise an important item that was brought to my attention yesterday. In south Tipperary, winter appeared quite rapidly with torrential rain and high gusts of wind causing power outages and everything else associated with it. I thank the relevant agencies, the local authority, the ESB and all those who worked tirelessly to bring power back to homes late last night. However, one issue that was brought to my attention was that a number of elderly vulnerable people had been in contact with concer…

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House this afternoon. Road safety is a key priority for Fianna Fáil. Improving road safety requires the right legislation, effective policies, strong enforcement, close co-operation between agencies and authorities and greater public awareness of our shared responsibility as road users. Over a period of just over two decades there had been a significant drop in deaths on our roads from 472 road deaths in Ireland in 1997 to 137 in 2021. This remarkable transformation w…

I propose Senator Pat Casey.

I welcome guests of Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh and members of the Straide Women's Group. I also welcome guests of former Deputy John Paul Phelan and of Deputy Matt Carthy. We hope they enjoy their visit.

I thank the Minister of State for coming in this afternoon. This is a great opportunity to comment on the all-island strategic rail review, a landmark initiative jointly commissioned by the Department of Transport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The review sets out a bold and strategic vision for the development of our rail system across the island of Ireland over the coming decades. Rail is one of the lowest-carbon-emitting modes of transport for both passengers and freight. I…

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I am delighted, as the spokesperson for Fianna Fáil, to contribute to today’s statements on the national social enterprise policy. The comprehensive policy document sets out five key objectives, supported by 57 targeted actions, each designed to unlock the full potential of social enterprise right across Ireland. The goal is to support and grow social businesses so they can make a difference in our communities, helping people, protecting the environment and boosting the…

Today, we remember our great friend and colleague, Dr. Martin Mansergh, who died at the weekend. It was heartbreaking when the news came in south Tipperary, and so suddenly, but he was doing what he loved best. He leaves behind a legacy defined by intellect, integrity and an unwavering dedication to Ireland. A distinguished scholar, diplomat, politician and peacemaker, he played a pivotal role in shaping Irish political life and advancing the peace process in Northern Ireland. As a trusted adviser to successive tao…

It is a privilege to welcome the Minister of State to debate Second Stage of the Bill. It is landmark legislation made up of nine Parts and 222 sections. It represents the most comprehensive reform of our mental health laws in a generation. This Bill is the product of years of careful work, reflection and collaboration by the Minister of State and her officials in the Department of Health. I commend her on that and on her effort, dedication, commitment and approachable manner. In my role as a councillor, she visite…

I thank the Cathaoirleach and welcome the Minister of State here today to discuss this important issue. I speak on behalf of the board of Cluain Training and Enterprise Centre in Clonmel which is located across from the courthouse in Nelson Street. The Cluain Training and Enterprise Centre provides specialist training supports and employment services for adults with mental health needs, acquired brain injuries or who are on the autism spectrum. Services include rehab training focusing on positive health and social …

I thank the Minister of State for that very positive reply. I look forward to seeing the outcome in the coming weeks and I hope we will be able to give good news to those in this facility. I note that the reply refers to a place of hope, opportunity and real transformation. For those who have issues, it gives them an opportunity to get up in the morning. It gives them a sense of purpose, meaning and belonging in today's society to see the work that they have carried out. Most importantly, it is free of charge. For …

I welcome the Minister to the Chamber and compliment him on the work he has achieved to date. He has hit the ground running. As spokesperson on transport, I look forward to working with him on several issues which he is aware of in Tipperary. As an island nation with a dispersed population and an open economy, good connectivity is essential to foster continued economic growth for communities and our tourism industry. By investing in public transport, we will enhance connectivity across urban and rural areas, giving…

I welcome the postmasters. It was great to meet them earlier. I understand the urgency that is required around the funding. I support everything that has been said by my colleagues. I am from Tipperary South, which has been hit by a number of these closures. We can see the decimation of our villages and communities because the post offices are gone. People do not appreciate them until they hear the rumblings in the camp of what could happen or who is thinking of retiring. We need to put more services into post offi…

Is that agreed? Agreed.

When is it proposed to sit again?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I ask that the Minister for education, Deputy McEntee, come before the Seanad to address the issues of class sizes and the capitation grant. We have heard from Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, and principals are frustrated in numerous schools in my constituency with regard to having an update on this. They need proper investment. They are underfunded and operational costs have increased significantly over the past number of years. It is causing great frustration for so many principals, staff and manageme…

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive report. It is great to hear about the different developments. The 2022 census shows, for the first time, population growth throughout all counties. The number of people in employment has increased across the country. This growth comes with both challenges and opportunities. The Government is committed to balanced regional development. We recognise that the needs and wants of the population can be better fulfilled through more dispersed growth across Ireland. The nationwide…

We will suspend the House as a vote has been called in the Dáil and the Minister of State has to leave. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I thank the Minister of State for joining us. This is an issue in Tipperary South and we all know that we are currently in a housing shortage nationwide. It is something that is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, however, we seem to have a number of challenges that are hindering the progress of housing, such as the reason for this Commencement matter. In Tipperary South, there is a housing developer who has a planning application in for 44 new homes. Forty four new homes in Cahir would substantially reduce th…

I thank the Minister of State. It is great to hear he has had talks with Uisce Éireann in recent weeks. I understand, like any agency, that it has its own challenges and it has a number of concerns. To make progress, however, we have to make changes. Uisce Éireann has to listen to the developers, councils, Ministers and Government about what is going on. If it is not going to listen, we will not be able to change, adapt or amend these issues and concerns people have. I know our councils have a number of land banks.…