Results 4,941-4,960 of 5,845 for speaker:Fiona O'Loughlin

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Nov 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: It is an important day because it celebrates the positive values that men bring to their families, to their communities, to the world and, in this case, to the Seanad and the Dáil. The day has gone from strength to strength. As we hear a lot about International Women's Day, it is important that we celebrate International Men's Day. The day is important to me because it is also my dear...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: School Enrolments (18 Nov 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I am, of course, happy to share my time. The very first Commencement matter I raised in this House was on this exact issue. Here we are a year and a half later and the situation is only getting worse. I am speaking on behalf of tens, if not hundreds, of families who are at a complete loss due to their children not being offered any secondary school place...

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by An Taoiseach (18 Nov 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I have no doubt that the Taoiseach has been in this Chamber many times as a Minister, but this is the first time he has been here as Taoiseach. We are deeply honoured to have him here and this side of the House is incredibly proud to have him as Taoiseach. Tomorrow is International Men's Day, which I spoke about earlier today on the Order of Business. The theme this year is true equality...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Nov 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I support the Order of Business and congratulate Christy Kelly on behalf of the Fianna Fáil team in the Seanad. He is a true legend. Not many people have a 40-year career in the Oireachtas. The best of good health and happiness to Christy, Paula and family. I also wish to congratulate a wonderful Kildare man, Christy Moore, a pure legend, on receiving a lifetime achievement award...

Seanad: Children in Care and Children Leaving Care: Statements (23 Nov 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte. After listening to the Minister's earlier statement, I wish to highlight two matters. I am glad he put an emphasis on the uniqueness of every child. Every child going into the care system is unique, and is unique when he or she leaves. That must be celebrated and supported. The Minister also acknowledged that children in care have...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Aligning Disability Services with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Discussion (Resumed) (18 Nov 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I am conscious that I may have to leave before the end of the responses because I have the first Commencement matter in the House. I will listen back to the responses. I thank the four witnesses. It was very humbling to listen to details of their experiences, which is essentially what we want to do. We want to try to identify the many challenges they have in terms of living their daily...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (30 Nov 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: The Fianna Fáil Party would like to be associated with the sympathies and regrets about the esteemed former Senator. We accept the Order of Business as outlined. This is disability week. It is important that we recognise and acknowledge that. One way we can do that is by wearing purple. My own county, Kildare, has a number of events this week. Significant buildings around the county...

Seanad: Horticultural Peat (Temporary Measures) Bill 2021: Second Stage (30 Nov 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I wish to share time with Senator Malcolm Byrne.

Seanad: Horticultural Peat (Temporary Measures) Bill 2021: Second Stage (30 Nov 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: The Minister of State is very welcome to the Chamber. He may remember this time last year I raised in a Commencement debate a matter related to horticultural peat, which he addressed. It is a matter of sadness that a year later we are having essentially the same debate. There is at least a heightened sense of urgency and willingness to do something about the issue, more or less because of...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Hospice Services (1 Dec 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: It is lovely to be greeted by the Acting Chairperson's smile when we stand up to speak. I welcome the Minister of State. I know how passionate and compassionate she is regarding services for older people. In this instance, we are talking about a specific service that is sad but needed. Dame Cicely Saunders, who founded the hospice movement, said, "You matter because you are you, and you...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Hospice Services (1 Dec 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Minister of State for her response. I am pleased to see this issue is progressing. I point out that the HSE's palliative care service three-year development framework she mentioned, including the development of the 15-bed inpatient unit, was for 2017 to 2019. It is already two years out of date. I would have thought we would have proceeded with it. However, it is really good...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (1 Dec 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Deputy Leader. I join with Lucy Kennedy and Auntie Bessie in wishing all aunties around the country a very happy aunties' day. I have the privilege of being auntie to 17 nieces and nephews. Aunties play a very important role in our lives, and thanks to Auntie Bessie for heralding that. I want to raise a number of issues. On Garda numbers...

Seanad: Covid-19 and the New Measures (Enterprise, Trade and Employment): Statements (7 Dec 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: The Tánaiste is welcome to the House to speak about this important subject that has an impact on many whom we represent around the country. Despite what a colleague said earlier, there has been absolutely no lack of leadership in relation to the Government. Many difficult decisions had to be made and will continue to be made. The emphasis from the Government and Government parties at...

Seanad: Maternity-Paternity Leave for County and City Councillors: Motion (7 Dec 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I move: That Seanad Éireann calls for action in the area of maternity/paternity leave for county and city councillors. I thank the Seanad Office, the Cathaoirleach's office and my colleagues on the administrative panel for supporting this motion and co-signing it. I appreciate the help and support of all members of the administrative panel, Senators Wilson, Ahearn, Conway, Moynihan...

Seanad: Maternity-Paternity Leave for County and City Councillors: Motion (7 Dec 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I thank the Minister of State for being here to listen to all of the contributions. I thank my fellow Senators for their very pertinent thoughts and suggestions. There is no doubt that the role of the councillor is very much valued in this Chamber. It is very much valued also in the communities where councillors serve. It is nearly fashionable to slate public representatives, but when it...

Seanad: Maternity-Paternity Leave for County and City Councillors: Motion (7 Dec 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Dec 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I second the Order of Business as proposed by Senator Chambers. I wish to bring up a few issues today. Under the Order of Business last week, I brought up the lack of gardaí on the streets of Newbridge. Making our streets safe and secure is a huge issue around the country. When comparing three towns within the midlands; I mentioned that Portlaoise and Tullamore have 160 and 73...

Seanad: Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Bill 2021: Second Stage (8 Dec 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: I welcome the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to the Chamber. I wish to advise him that he has ten minutes to address the House.

Seanad: Antarctic Treaty: Motion (8 Dec 2021)

Fiona O'Loughlin: The Minister is very welcome to the Seanad. Our party certainly welcomes and supports this debate. I compliment my Kildare colleague, Senator Martin, and the Green Party on tabling this motion. It is very important that it is supported in the interests of maintaining international peace and security and promoting international co-operation for the benefit of mankind as a whole. The three...