Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim mo bhuíochas leis an gCeann Comhairle as ucht an deis chun labhairt anseo.

I hope, rather than believe, that this incoming Government will deliver the much-needed change for our citizens and my constituents in Offaly and north Tipperary. The legacy of the failed politics of both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael is evident in our towns, village and communities. They have been ravaged by high unemployment, lack of services and a decimation of existing services. For example, there has been bad flooding on the River Shannon in west Offaly. There were months where homes and businesses destroyed but all we have is report after report and talking shops. Immediate action is what those affected want. The Minister in charge of this area needs to take urgent action against flooding in Shannonbridge, Banagher and Shannon Harbour.

The people of Offaly and north Tipperary in my constituency have been let down by the failed politics of austerity introduced by Fianna Fáil and then replicated by Fine Gael. Just this week, I have been contacted by a number of very distressed constituents.

It is beyond justification that those people are suffering that hardship they are in. That hardship demonstrates the failure of the outgoing Government.

I have been contacted by members of a family who are due to be evicted within the next month on foot of a repossession order by a bank. This family has special needs children but they have been given no supports and have been told that they have to leave their home. The banks were bailed out by the people of this country so why do we not return the compliment now, safeguard our citizens and stand up for our people? That is what we should have been doing all along.

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