Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise. As previous speakers said, we could be at three different committee meetings. This debate is very important. I am from County Carlow and, like the Chair, represent Carlow-Kilkenny. I see what is on the ground and what is happening with misinformation. It is a huge concern. My biggest concern is that I am in government, as other speakers are, and there is not the will to have all parties working together. I have to be mindful of what I say but that is important, whether somebody is in government or not. I have worked with the Chair previously but I have seen some parties, no matter what information I give out or say, that change it and I know that is not the information I gave.

We are in a crisis. Every Deputy and councillor, no matter what party they are in, need to work together on this. We need not blame each other or say it is this one or that one's fault. We should all stand more united on this. That is what is happening with fake news. That is my biggest concern. When I meet people, I know in my heart and soul that what is being said is not correct. Yet, as politicians, we have to be mindful. From today's meeting, all of us have to be mindful when we are trying to make people welcome to Ireland. That is what we have to do. We have to make sure we do our best to ensure communities get the right information. We do not want anyone feeling they are not welcome or afraid to go outside the door because of what is happening. The onus is on all of us.

I have been in contact with the different Departments. I sometimes find it hard to get information. Other speakers mentioned IPAS. I am finding it so hard to get information. What needs to be done, and I hope some Ministers are listening today, is more communication with all the different bodies and agencies. I was glad to hear Senator Seery Kearney say that a group will be set up. We need to set it up as soon as possible. The one goal out of today is that communities and people should know what is happening in their area, the proper information is given out, and nobody feels threatened because of a situation that is no fault of theirs, which is not right.

I listened to the speakers and they are 100% right on education. There are issues with our services, whether these are delivered through hospitals, doctors or schools. Every Department will have to join together to try to get a plan. We need a plan of action now involving everybody in all the Departments, which I understand is not easy at times. I will go back to what one of the speakers said about violence against women. We are getting a women's refuge in the area of County Carlow where I live. Again, there was some misinformation on that. All the different bodies are working together on that. It is important to make sure that all of us, and it is incumbent on all of us present, to work together. When we do that, we will show everybody.

Ireland is known for its céad míle fáilte. That is what we are. We are a good country. At present, however, if we keep going the way we are with misinformation or fake news, there will be issues, as has been said, that do not need to happen because we are just not getting it right the way we should be.

I again thank all the representatives. It is not easy. I work with many community groups in Carlow. I see the voluntary work that is being done and the goodwill of all the community groups. Well done to them. Everybody is doing their best. Once everybody unites, we can do wonders. All of us can grow and learn from this.