Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ar dtús báire, is mór an onóir dom labhairt anseo inniu den chéad uair sa Dáil. Gabhaim fíorbhuíochas le muintir Chill Dara Thuaidh as ucht an onóir seo a thabhairt dom. Chomh maith leis sin, gabhaim buíochas le m'fhoireann agus le mo chlann as an tacaíocht a thug siad dom i mo shaol sa pholaitíocht agus ar ndóigh sa toghchán deireanach.

As this is my first time speaking in the Dáil, I am deeply honoured to stand here today as a representative for Kildare North.

My heartfelt thanks go to my family, friends, team and supporters, whose help, support and encouragement made this moment possible. To the people of Kildare North, thank you. I promise to work day and night for our community and our country. I send special thanks to my wife, Aly, for her incredible support. Politics is never a solo journey. I could not have done this without her. I am delighted to share the news that Aly and I welcomed our new son Liam two weeks ago today. Becoming a father only deepens my commitment to building a better future for all our children. I will work tirelessly on behalf of the people of Kildare North to ensure that we receive the services we deserve, from crèches and schools to healthcare, public transport and community services. I am committed to securing a second bridge for Celbridge, resolving the issues at Castletown House, delivering a community centre and swimming pool for Maynooth, revitalising Leixlip town centre and ensuring proper public services and public transport for Naas, Clane, Kilcock, rural Kildare and the entire county.

As we mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I acknowledge the H.E. Larysa Gerasko and members of the Ukrainian community who are here today and reaffirm our steadfast support for the Ukrainian people. Their resilience and courage inspire us all. Ireland stands with Ukraine, and we will continue to support it in pursuing a peaceful and just end to this devastating conflict. I acknowledge the 19,000 Irish hosts of Ukrainian guests and I urge the Minister of State to extend the accommodation recognition payment to March 2026. Stability is crucial for hosts and guests alike. Any changes to this scheme must be phased in gradually with clear alternatives and full consultation with hosts and front-line services such as Helping Irish Hosts. I also put on the record my support for Ukraine's membership of the European Union.

I am here to bring a pragmatic and dynamic voice to this House. Along with my colleagues, I will advocate tirelessly on behalf of the people of Kildare North and this country in the interests of making real progress for our communities.

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