Results 4,881-4,900 of 5,845 for speaker:Fiona O'Loughlin

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: General Scheme of the Higher Education Authority Bill 2021: Discussion (6 Jul 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: What about bringing a regional and rural voice to the governing bodies? Will Councillor Hoade elaborate on that a little? I am thinking of University College Dublin in particular because so many from rural areas come to Dublin to go to UCD. If we do not have the voices of people representing those areas, it could be a loss. Will Councillor Hoade tell us her views on that?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: General Scheme of the Higher Education Authority Bill 2021: Discussion (6 Jul 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I know my time is up. I believe Councillor Hoade has made a strong case for the retention of councillors on the governing bodies.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Defence Forces (21 Sep 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: As the Minister will be aware, the documentary programme, "Women of Honour", sent shock waves through the military and defence community right around the country, particularly in south Kildare where many members of that community reside. This documentary was a damning account by female operatives, both active duty and retired. These women detailed sexual assault and harassment from their...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Defence Forces (21 Sep 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I would appreciate if the Minister of State could outline what specific support services he mentioned have been put in place. While I welcome the meetings that will take place between those involved in "Women of Honour" and the Secretary General and senior officials, it is important the issue of attempts by senior personnel to quash allegations of misconduct would also be discussed. What...

Seanad: Bullying and Sexual Harassment in Third Level Institutions: Motion (21 Sep 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I formally second the motion before the House this evening. I congratulate Senator Ruane on all her work in this area. I also take note of what Senator Norris said. I acknowledge that the former Senator, Deputy Bacik, was involved in the initiation of this. Obviously, she has moved Houses. I welcome the opportunity Senator Ruane has afforded to us all to speak on such important issues....

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Sep 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: My colleague, Senator Chambers, and I spoke yesterday about "Women of Honour" and the need to take the group's stories seriously and act. This morning I wanted to mention the nine Army rangers who went to Afghanistan to help to bring our citizens home. I congratulate them on the work they did. Two officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs were present. We need to recognise the work...

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by Members of the European Parliament (22 Sep 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: My apologies. We had organised a meeting with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland that I had to leave the Chamber to attend. This is a very good innovation in Seanad business. It is very good to have the opportunity to liaise with our MEPs. It is unfortunate we only have a 50% turnout of the MEPs the people have elected. I listened to the start of the debate with interest. There was...

Seanad: Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) (Stalking) Bill 2021: Second Stage (22 Sep 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I commend my colleague, Senator Cassells, for his words, which were heartfelt and passionate. I welcome this amendment Bill to the house and I appreciate having the opportunity to speak on it. Stalking is more prevalent in Ireland than many of us may believe and it is an insidious and intimidating crime. I commend my colleague, Senator...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Reopening of Schools, Cork Life Centre, School Bullying and the Impact on Mental Health: Discussion. (21 Sep 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: Senator Dolan is in the Chamber-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills: Reopening of Schools, Cork Life Centre, School Bullying and the Impact on Mental Health: Discussion. (21 Sep 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Minister and Minister of State for attending. I apologise that I could not be here earlier. I was taking part in an important debate on bullying and harassment in third level institutions in the Seanad. I commend all of the work that has been done throughout the country to get schools open, which was a significant and important priority for the Minister. There was a level of...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Participation of People with Disabilities in Political, Cultural, Community and Public Life: Discussion (23 Sep 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I will be brief because much of what I wanted to say has been covered in Councillor Bailey's response. I thank her for providing a perspective from three different generations and three different aspects of disability. I completely agree with her in supporting people with transport needs in travelling to important medical and health appointments. It is an area for which we have to look at...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Work Permits (5 Oct 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I am here today to speak for the owners of many small and medium sized businesses, particularly in Kildare. We all acknowledge that they have faced great adversity over the last 18 months and many of them are fighting for the survival of their businesses at present. I must acknowledge that government subsidies have been forthcoming and have stopped the financial bleeding for many...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Work Permits (5 Oct 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Minister of State. I have confidence that he recognises the extent of the problem and I recognise that some measures have been put in place. Any of the companies that I had contact with tried Pathways to Work, but it just did not work for various reasons. They took on people and those people left. We have to recognise the reality of what is there. Maybe we can have a separate...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (5 Oct 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I compliment the Cathaoirleach on his pink tie. Many of us are wearing pink today because it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is important that we commemorate those who sadly died with cancer, celebrate with those who survived and thrived, support those undergoing treatment and, most important, encourage women and men to get checked, including through BreastCheck when they are called...

Seanad: Child and Family Agency (Amendment) Bill 2021: Committee and Remaining Stages (5 Oct 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I would like to thank the Minister and his Department for their work on this Bill. The whole school completion programme and the home school community liaison scheme are essential components of the education system through the work that is done throughout the country on those programmes. A lot of work is done with the whole school community in an integrated way, within all of the community,...

Seanad: Situation in Belarus: Statements (5 Oct 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Minister for being here to listen to our deliberations and to discuss them with us. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the situation in Belarus on the record of the House because as we all acknowledge, the situation in Belarus challenges the democratic fabric that our societies and our Continent are built on. We have to show true solidarity with the Belarusian people in their...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (6 Oct 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader. I compliment the Leader on her leadership and work around the March for Maternity, which is to take place at 1 p.m. today. It is a really important matter that affects so many young mums and dads. We absolutely want to see a position where maternity treatment and care is the same as it was before Covid-19. We have spoken about it...

Seanad: Registration of Wills Bill 2021: Second Stage (6 Oct 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I echo the Cathaoirleach's words in regard to Senator Boyhan's passion and eloquence in terms of the issue at hand. There is no doubting the principle of what he is promoting and proposing. What Senator Boyhan has proposed is in the best interests of the people of Ireland. It is only right that we remember the work of the former Senator, Terry Leyden, in regard to this issue. I appreciate...

Seanad: Dyslexia Awareness Week: Statements (6 Oct 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Minister of State for attending. I listened carefully to what she said. The key elements that stuck out for me were the focus on inclusion, full participation, having no barriers and additional supports. They are all incredibly important in helping young people achieve their full potential and ensuring they are able to go on and have a full life within their own community and...