I raise an issue that has affected my local community. Sadly, a young gentleman was out for a run with his wife and had a cardiac arrest. In every area we have defibrillators which are there to give a sense of security to the people who know that they are there. Unfortunately, on this occasion, there was a defibrillator that was out of date when it was called for. The pads were out of date. These defibrillators are installed all over Ireland. I urge people in their localities to have a look at the dates and the pad…

I congratulate our colleague, Senator Kyne. I speak today on the great damage done to forestry throughout Ireland by the storm. We have now come to a crisis situation where many of these forests will have to be removed and harvested. Unfortunately, every forest needs a licence. In the years gone by, we have seen that it takes up to two and half years to get a licence to remove a forest. I hope and ask that this House would seek that the Minister with responsibility would fast-track these licences and that the fores…

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election. It is not my first time to speak in this Chamber as I was invited here by the Cathaoirleach when I was with the AILG to represent the council and the local elected members. I thank my family, my friends and my supporters for the last 11 years. I thank Longford County Council and all the staff within that council for making it possible for me to be here today. I thank all of the elected members - the councillors - for an easy campaign and for their courtesy when I vi…